Is the Caterham Project V the first of a new breed of lightweight EV sports cars? I think so..

The 140mph Caterham Project V is their first EV sports car. I chat to the team who created it to find out why they've built it and why they think it's going to be fun to drive.
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[@thetechietoffee]

This thing is achingly beautiful. Absolutely nailed the styling.

[@mikeroz6549]

Absolutely agree. It's stunningly beautiful.

[@David-xh9cw]

Yeah I agree, it's stunning.

[@nickp1989]

Looks too Jaguar from the front sadly. Rest is beautiful.

[@darrenmullally766]

It’s perfect

[@MyMW3Channel]

​@nickp1989 It does resemble the C-x75.

[@plumdog]

This car is almost exactly the EV I was hoping manufacturers would create, a nice light coupe with modest range, good styling, minimalist decluttered interior. Awesome proportions, styling and weight distribution. I think Caterham have hit this one out of the park, it's nice to see a design that doesn't go overboard with weird futuristic looks. Price is obviously going to be the main blocker for most people due to all the carbon and weight reduction involved which is obviously difficult to avoid in order to compensate for the battery weight. Props to Caterham for leading the pack and demonstrating what's possible. This design shows that hope is not lost for small sporty coupes in the shift towards an electrified future.

[@kennelson997]

What petrol head is going to spend 80k on an electric sports car with limited range that makes no noise? It should be phev with the engine from a GR Yaris (Lightest 3 cylinder engine in the world), 260bhp and remove that silly battery that compromises the driving position. Now you’ve got a car with 400bhp+, unlimited range, improved driving position and a great noise!

[@purwantiallan5089]

And hopefully not ruining the sound.

[@peakproofuk]

I think we need to move past 'noise' as a barometer of fun. evs are the future and caterham are showing how even driving enthusiasts can get onboard.@@kennelson997

[@edrcozonoking]

This has to be left to the smaller manufacturers. Why would the large OEMs design and manufacture a car that will sell a couple hundred?

[@rupertorgan7749]

The first electric car I would like to own. Stunning design and electric power suddenly starts to make sense from a packaging point of view in such a small car.

[@Jason_Quinn]

Yep, beautiful, pedigreed, innovative, and beautiful! That 2+1 layout is pretty slick.

[@len333p]

I agree, I actually thought for the first time that I might like one of those. Love the concept.

[@markp44288]

It's still electric. Would be sexier, more fun, and more worth your money with a gas engine.

[@purwantiallan5089]

​@@Jason_Quinnpretty neat also on paper.

[@Neojhun]

@@markp44288 LOL Nope. This is going to be the wilder competitor to Alpine A110. It has a Petrol Engine, but more tamer.

[@micksand4704]

That’s one of the most beautiful cars I’ve seen in the last 20-30 years! Love to see it as a finnished product on the road! 👍

[@ewanstewart8011]

Fantastic design, beautiful colour and hope it sells like nothing Caterham has produced before 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@paulelverstone8677]

I've said it before on other channels: this thing is a masterpiece! Not ridiculously priced, not ridiculously heavy, not ridiculously powerful. Just the sweet spot that we all look for, only electric. Styling also in the sweet spot. I'm seeing a little Alpine in it, some Emira but also something else, something JDM about the rear three quarter? - can't put my finger on it. But Caterham getting Janarelly onboard is a stroke of genius too, as I believe his other designs also echo Caterham philosophy. I'm really excited to see this into production...

[@dancarter482]

Yeah, it has _just enough_ ~ Jag, Aston, Ferrari, Alpha, Alpine etc. from all of their best eras - rolled into one. _PERFECT!_

[@tomweller1318]

Finally a car company with the right idea. I’m sure it’s going to be great.

[@Aiello_]

i loved the talk with the CEO, in a world with so many out of touch suits it is refreshing to see a CEO that understands the brand and their products so well, electric is a big challenge because of the perception people have about these powertrains and this being their first "proper" car makes it even more difficult but i think they're doing an outstanding job by being honest and passionate about the past and future of the brand

[@jameswalsh9407]

I'm a big fan of the design! A lot of cues from the Jaguar CX-75 and front quarter reminds of the 991.2 GT3RS.

[@Unspoken_T187]

That’s exactly what I was thinking the front is basically a CX

[@mrdainase]

The front is very CX-75, which s a bit odd considering that is the weakest bit of the Jag.

[@Dhovakim]

Yeah, the rear I'm not as big a fan of

[@PazLeBon]

@@Dhovakim to me looks like the back of an american v8 camaro or something

[@shadowj5639]

Absolutely gorgeous car, can't wait to see it on the road.

[@jonfrank2566]

I wish them luck. They're a small company and, for them, the development costs will be large. The risk is that a larger company doesn't also come into the market at the same time...

[@davidnorton5887]

It seems they’re owned by a large japanese company with plenty of money

[@truantray]

Tesla is never away from the Roadster, and unlikely Lotus will get their act together on an EV in the next 5 years. Anything that smells of an EV sports car is an overweight dragster. Overall EV demand is dropping like a rock because of really myopic poor investment in charging infrastructure.

[@nickb3968]

Just in time for the EV bubble burst!

[@ehtikhet]

@@truantray and absurd energy costs…

[@johnfrench7452]

Only real enthusiasts come up with jaw-dropping designs. Accountants try but even Mazda can't really get there.

[@DickDawsonTheShills]

About time someone in electric cars thinks of more than mostly useless 0-60 times.

[@PazLeBon]

except in most cities lives thats exactly whats important

[@TheAslakVind]

Harry always gets us in at the most exclusive events, and they really respect him. What a beautiful car.

[@julianthompson9824]

Absolutely fantastic car - as a life long 7 enthusiast and owner, and now also an Elise and A110 owner too I will absolutely be buying one of these!

[@nickipedley5]

Good luck to Caterham - I hope all comes to fruition and does really well.

[@michaelsummerell8618]

I see so many design influences from other manufacturers here: Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Lotus, Jaguar and Alpine - but somehow it still retains a beautifully well proportioned look of it's own. I wouldn't necessarily associate that look with Caterham, but it's great to see the brand venturing into something new with such a fantastic looking car.

[@BennettIsAmazing]

I totally agree with all your design cues - but I have to say there is just enough Caterham about that front end - the mouth - to fit in with my own personal interpretation of 'brand style' that makes it fit with what I perceive Caterham to look like. Caterham evolved. I really really like it.

[@ChristianRThomas]

Yet it doesn't ape any of those cars. And I'd say it's a more cohesive design than most of those manufacturers you mention have managed in the last 30 years.

[@dancarter482]

@@ChristianRThomas The Achilles Heal being the p£ice! 80grand would get a nice classic car that not only _looks_ a bit like that but has a heart and a soul you can thrash and tinker with!!

[@Steve-rv1ql]

Great video, good to see a manufacturer focusing on the driver experience and weight, not just straight line performance. Cost is the real issue, yet to see an affordable EV that I’d actually stand a chance of buying.

[@purwantiallan5089]

Yep. And also not destroying the beauty of the cars.

[@AmbiAnts589]

Absolutely gorgeous looking car. Not gonna lie though I'm a little sad it won't have a V6 lump sat in the middle. I'm a big fan of the retro futuristic design though.

[@Polygonblasting]

I wouldn't even be mad with say a Yaris Gr 3 pot lump

[@Neojhun]

Eww yuck, you chose the worst possible engine that theoretically could fit in this small car. A Turbo 3cyl is an interesting choice, but still anemic compared to Pure Electric.

[@procatprocat9647]

​@Neojhun why is a v6 the worst possible choice for this car in your humble opinion? What's the best choice?

[@michealofloinn2539]

It’s the simplicity for me. All EVs should be built simple and as light as possible. 🇮🇪 thanks again Harry.

[@BennettIsAmazing]

Absolutely beautiful. Never owned a Caterham but have always respected them and what they stand for. Really hope it works out.

[@johnfrench7452]

Excellent answer from the designer when challenged about the black wheels. It's about the silhouette. It is. Wheels are not part of the design, they are add-ons.

[@MrKenn93]

First EV I could ever see myself lusting after or even owning. Registered my interest with Caterham. Now just need them to be built!

[@user-mo8df6eb2z]

Lovely to see Caterham showing other bigger manufacturers how to approach an electric sports car 😊

[@4literv6]

See the 2008 tesla roadster.

[@Thecrazyvaclav]

Excellent video as always, asking the right questions and genuinely inquisitive about what’s going on, it’s looks a gorgeous car and the interior is classy without going mad over the top, hopefully it’ll sell in the numbers they want/need to keep Caterham going

[@Anonymous-pm7jf]

I did not read the title before watching and neither did I read any comments. With that said I was surprised this is an electric vehicle. This car looks stunning.

[@bruncebanani8854]

I like their approach, I hope it's going to work out well! Lightness and efficiency is what I want to see in future cars. Unfortunatelly, everyone seems to be obsessed with size and acceleration currently.

[@petervandoren2984]

I absolutely love the design and the premise. Let's hope they can deliver what you saw here. Can't wait for your chance to review it Harry.

[@AndrewBarker-nm8dm]

Sometimes your enthusiasm for the automotive design industry is reinvigorated by designers who really understand why we are so passionate about cars. This is really a fine piece of work!

[@tmh44]

I'm enamored with this car, it speaks to everything I like in a sports car--light, balanced power, relatively simple cockpit, great styling...the fact that it's an EV is icing on the cake. Would love for this to go into production and (fingers crossed) make it to the US somehow. Thanks for the coverage, Harry!

[@user-xm6dj9nt1d]

A stunning concept - I so hope this makes it in to production and is a roaring (ok silent) success. It's so important we keep the Lotus / Caterham motoring philosophy alive and well in my view. Thank you for sharing this, Harry.

[@AngelInTheDesert]

Harry for the professionalism of the content. Throttle House for the entertainment. Automotive KZbin subs covered.

[@cafe405]

Plus - Matt A for builds and Alex K for shitboxes.

[@pistonburner6448]

Savagegeese for the ultimate unbiased, honest reviews including technical stuff. For German speakers there's the "Bloch Erklärt" stuff (from the otherwise corrupt and compromised Auto Motor und Sport) which busts lots of myths. -Hagerty now has Henry Catchpole who doesn't go in-depth but is still one of the best car reviewers. -Audrain Museum Netowrk has lots of great content, including lectures on history and technical stuff. -Big Car is a channel from a guy who makes great car model and brand history videos. -Cleetus McFarland has great stuff about building 'Murican muscle, drag racing (fascinating for Europeans), and above all: all kinds of fun shenanigans. -DK Engineering TV doesn't post videos often, but they're a big-money top level super-expensive car dealer/consultancy with access to the most amazing machines.

[@Berenvacht]

M539 for the hands on work

[@pistonburner6448]

For motorcyclists, or even just people interested in them and high-quality content there's: -Fortnine (Some of the best content no matter what category, period.) -Revzilla (Extremely varied great content, but especially their long-length CTXP videos are of note, which they hide in their video catalog...you have to search for them) -44 Teeth (Fun on bikes with some funny guys)

[@pistonburner6448]

@@Berenvacht I thought about including that to my list!

[@spotty_cat26]

Absolutely beautiful car, well done Carterham. True to the original concept of adding lightness. Zero emissions to keep the greens happy and looks like will be great fun on track. I can see one of these in Harry's garage in the future.

[@superseven7947]

I think Zero Emissions are a big fantasy given the amount of energy it takes to produce EV's will the electricity used to charge it be 100% renewable?? I very much doubt it.

[@worldofrandometry6912]

Greens happy?

[@williamtynan6484]

What a truly amazing and beautiful concept car, let’s hope it lives to see the road under those 20” wheels! Thanks to Harry for keeping us updated

[@BobTheBlue]

It’s impressive…. really interesting The first electric car I’ve actually wanted!🤔

[@ChristianRThomas]

Yup, me too. Actually the first new car I've wanted in the last 20 odd years - or is that 30? 😅

[@diwe9984]

A beautiful little car and I want it in exactly the same paint - beautiful!

[@cobbyclan3466]

Fabulous car, stylish and simple. Unpretentious CEO, great interview.

[@LOTUSELISE340R]

Naturally, the best and most informative video on this car comes courtesy of Harry. Well done and cheers to Caterham for such a fantastic product. Really hope this does the numbers for them!

[@markwalton8644]

Can you Imagine this Car with a mid-engined, 280bhp Duratec onThrottle Bodies at 8000 rpm. Batteries will never replace the Character of a Highly Strung 4 cylinder😢 This coupled with Harry's Fuel would have the Best of Both Worlds😊

[@davidgrover2665]

Loving the Caterham Project V 😍 - and you always do the best videos on new cars & get the best details from the Designers because of your knowledge & ask the things we all want to know!

[@sparky4878]

I know some say the first Tesla Roadster had numbers like this car years ago, blah blah blah. But this has one big advantage. It’s not a Tesla. It’s a Caterham.

[@4literv6]

Well it's true. 😀 and that sexy little 2008 roadster was built on a stretched widened lotus Elise chassis so it handled well! 👍🏻

[@markcady6882]

Super looking car, like the element of fun over 0-60, I hope they get this made….

[@LoudModeOn]

Didn't expect Caterham to be the brand that would make me want to buy electric but here we are!

[@samueldowney2806]

Love this so much. The most exciting new vehicle concept in the world imo. I love the interior and dash, the nicest I've seen in a modern car, ever probably. I can't afford one, but I want one! Also love how both Anthony and Bob are so refreshingly free of corporate speak or BS, just straight talking, and making sense. This is very exciting for the future of Caterham.

[@sterlingsilver320]

Love the way this car looks and I hope this project goes well for them. It’s nice to see Jannarelly getting the funding behind his designs that they deserve. His Design-1 was gorgeous and this only looks like an evolution of that.

[@obfuscator]

Love seeing actual designers, engineers and folks running the companies have casual but passionate conversations like this, thanks Harry.

[@Stephen.C.]

Brave decision on that rear bumper. Love the rest of it.

[@garethmcrae668]

Designer on the rear bumper:"I don't know, there's something about it." Let me help you- it's jarring and a bit shit. Lot's of great angles but in 2023 why appear to have plonked a bumper on it?

[@Cornish15]

I love the way they’ve used the battery location to replicate a 7 driving position 👌

[@martinsolihull86]

Bob came across really well, very well thought out. He’s right in what he was saying about the future of automotive is powered by electricity but depends on where it comes from. Harry, bless him I could imagine him walking away going great car but would be even better with a combustion engine.

[@poff9345]

Very exciting. I saw this in the flesh at the PistonHeads 25th Anniversary meet and I agree it looks better in the flesh. Wider and more muscular. Superb looking thing. For me the biggest hope is that it will manage the same level of driving connection and road trip comfort as an Alpine A110

[@simontompson]

Great move to focus on the driving experience. That's the one thing that so many others seem to forget about.

[@anthonywaller4911]

Will be interesting to see how much fun it is to drive. I've recently imported a Honda S660 from Japan. Not quick, but due to its light weight, crisp handling, and fantastically mechanical noise just behind your head, puts a smile on my face every drive. Sustainable fuel anyone?

[@theblackhand6485]

Great philosophy, great attitude, great design, great car. All at the right time. And it gives the buyer that small town feeling that you buy a car from Caterham. Not from a dealer like with Ferrari and other big shots. Caterham will be growing faster then they will imagine.

[@phils2180]

I'm not remotely interested in EV's but power train aside, this is certainly a new direction for Caterham. The 7 range is a very niche vehicle, a 4 wheeled motorcycle if you like but here we have a much more everyday useable offering. It's certainly a looker, I find it vaguely reminiscent of the Marcos 3 litre from the early 70's from some angles. 👍

[@anthonywebb4068]

Easily the best EV project atm. A case of Caterham showing all the big manufacturers of sports EV's the way to do it. I still wouldnt buy one because its electric but I totally applaud caterham for this.

[@luke_3_113]

Absolutely beautiful car (from most angles) - yet more great stuff from Harry's channel

[@danlowe42]

"If you look at the big heavy sportscars" - Shows a picture of the Lotus Evija - Ouch! This Caterham looks stunning.

[@grahamariss2111]

Concept is spot on, simplicity and lightness.

[@ColinCarFan]

Wonderful styling and excellent, integrated engineering. A relief to see a concept that does not look like a distorted insect.

[@ChristianRThomas]

That is an extraordinarily beautiful piece of design. It's so nice to see something that isn't just another showy but lifeless rehash coming off the RCA design course production line. And something that isn't garish and tasteless. Anthony really has nailed so many aspects of car design here; the stance, proportions, front/rear balance, the wheel arch to windscreen height with the gentle mid-line fold, the wheel arch to bonnet relationship, the haunches to rear quarterlight coming inwards to meet the rear and those gorgeous little darts on the boot lid. The rear is absolutely superb with the faceting, shape and great braking lights. Even the sloped up rear bumper works really well. It really is a masterpiece of penmanship and artistry; a point proven by the fact that it manages not to ape any other car. I think it beats both of the new Gordon Murray cars, and they are already at the top of new car design. I'm not entirely convinced by the Caterham nose but I understand why it's there (though I would de-emphasise it). Dare I say it's what the Emira should have been? Let's hope nothing changes between this and production.

[@marklewis35]

That is a fantastic looking machine!!

[@jurgstreuli7746]

Thank you for showing this fantastic piece of geniality.

[@markblundell9461]

What beautiful lines and balance. Very nice!

[@jamesellsworth9673]

I LIKE the discussion of how a car like this is designed.

[@jolark2259]

Looks great inside and outside. Well done👍 Look forward to getting a drive.

[@RickCT2000]

Stunning looking car

[@sayeager5559]

What a stunningly beautiful thing. edit: And analog gauges !

[@theninethrees8044]

Couldn’t tell it’s electric. I do see some design language from the Alpine A110 in the rear and the sloping roof line, Jaguar XJ220 Headlights. This should be interesting, definitely a Retro futuristic

[@mushtiar_Engineer]

Sleek and stylish - this car turns heads wherever it goes!"

[@rodrigoantunes8502]

there are many years that i didnt saw such an amaziing, awsome beautiful car like this... please make it!!!

[@snakerb]

Absolutely beautiful! I know it’s a concept, but it looks like it’s ready for the road as is.

[@RufusT9]

Nice one Caterham and I reckon Harry's interviewing & presentation style has come on leaps and bounds recently

[@bttawfiq]

Aside from the beautiful car and the as usual fantastic coverage by Harry, I find both of their voices so relaxing!

[@stevemawer848]

My tautology alert did kick in when Bob kept saying "ICE engine" - doesn't he know the 'E' is "engine". I bet he says "PIN number", too! 🙂

[@tavs]

What an absolute beauty! I really hope they can build it.

[@ColinHarvey78]

Fascinating video, beautiful car by Caterham - I was always a fan of the 21. And they’re thinking cleverly about what the essence of a Caterham is and how it will apply in the future. Wish them very well - and I would certainly consider having one of those things parked on my drive!

[@thegarageluthier]

Now this is an EV I would buy, Caterham have designed something absolutely stunning.

[@justinforrest1613]

Styling is 10 out of 10. I was worried that hypercars were the design direction of the future but a few cottage industry companies responded with impecable back to basics designs

[@ChristianRThomas]

Yup. It's reminding us what tasteful looks like.

[@johannes.f.r.]

They are ticking all the right boxes and making all the right noises.

[@B2gboi]

Praying they bring this to America, this is the most beautiful car since the e46 m3 and the previous gen vantage.

[@nastybun]

Super keen to see how this goes, love the philosophy behind it, I hope they can pull it off!

[@ChrisJones-yh2os]

Adding this in case Caterham looks (and I already commented on its beauty in another video), but the light weight, simple focus is really compelling. I drive mainly twisty roads in southern Missouri, northern Arkansas, and occasionally a trip to the tail of the dragon area. I think driving this in those twisties could be really fun. The minimalist interior is just right. I currently own a Porsche Boxster GTS4.0. But I think you have nailed it with this concept. It’s really intriguing. Sounds like it will be a few years for the US, but I’ll keep my eyes out. Also, let me just say again, that car is beautiful. It’s just drop dead gorgeous. Ps just registered my interest on your website.

[@Punisher9419]

I really like the design, I can see Aston Martin, Mustang, F-Type in the design. Really nice. Can even see some XKR in there as well.

[@bw1376]

I can see a lot of styling from the doomed Caterham 21 - the previous car that tried to take the brand in a different direction but failed!

[@Punisher9419]

@@bw1376 Everyone is trying to move upmarket these days so I think it will be pretty difficult for Caterham. £80k is a hell of a lot of money. Honestly I don't know where any of these people get their money from to buy these cars, I just hope they depreciate so I could maybe by one in 10-20 years time although it's an EV so I'm not all that interested in it. Stick a V6 in there or something and I'm game though. Good thing they will keep the 7 in production, I think that will keep being their bread and butter for the time being. But even those aren't cheap these days even second hand. Everything these days is just expensive and out of reach for the common man.

[@bw1376]

@@Punisher9419 MG's electric sports car, the Cyberster is starting from £50k. And that's thrown together in China by a company that already mass manufacturs EVs. All cars have become too expensive thanks to electrification, profiteering and over regulation.

[@Punisher9419]

@@bw1376 I don't have a problem with some safety features but I think these days it has been taken too far with the crap like lane assist. If you need help to stay in you're lane then you shouldn't be driving.

[@mwinner101]

And I would add a modernized Opel GT from the side profile.

[@christopherschmidt3335]

i love the design - especially the lid/crease around the trunk. Reminds me of the "Phoenix" in GTA Vice City.

[@billcarpenter5271]

Harry: Juat imagine this car with Wheels & Tires ! It would look spectacular indeed.

[@TUS1973]

Stunning design, well done.

[@tobyholt4682]

Wow…that’s a beautiful looking car. Jannarely has nailed it!

[@marktaylor4821]

This is absolutely gorgeous. The interior is perfect too. I sat in it at Goodwood and it was just a lovely place to be. I'm very much in the camp of being very doubtful about the mass push to EV with all the negative environmental issues it brings. However, I would love one of these and I say that as a 7 owner.

[@shartpocalypse]

Fantastic stuff Caterham, glad we are seeing more beautiful cars and less brutish ones.

[@CaravanCircusBand]

Stunning car! Wish great success to such a smart and beautiful design!

[@Keno_33]

CEO seems very capable and knowledgeable. I’m sure he’ll lead Caterham into a good future

[@Dung_Beetle1617]

Really excited about this. It looks gorgeous.

[@samueldowney2806]

"The 911 is Porsche's Caterham 7." Hahaha! Greatest quote ever!

[@charbelh.boutros4971]

Lovely looking car, looking forward to seeing it on the road. Would also look great with a fixed pano roof.

[@jayb2617]

looks like a lotus and a jag mix, but without the noise of an ICE not for me

[@jimmyh6601]

Don't buy one then!

[@marinedrive5484]

A grown-up Caterham, now there's a thing. I like the Elan concept of thinking that's gone into Project V - lightweight, small, and nimble. A heavy battery pack in order to achieve rapid acceleration which you will most likely hardly ever use, at the expense of handling seems counter-intuitive for a sports car, so well done Caterham for staying true to your ethos.

[@taxpayer1040]

Another great video on the cutting edge of development (whether your with it or not!).

[@ajay-xjs]

WOW! What a truly stunning car, absolutely beautiful.

[@johnmclaughlin2845]

Beautiful car definitely will be looking at it when it comes out good luck the manufacturer 👌

[@GrandpaTig]

Gorgeous looking sports car with hints of Jag F-Type and Aston! Hope Caterham have much success going forward...

[@peakproofuk]

Looks great. So glad he explained that cars with range extenders and hydrogen cars are still EVs! More people need to explain this. We're really talking about different ways of storing energy. I can't see how anything can compete with batteries LONG TERM, currently they're quite heavy and yet Caterham are showing even today's tech is pretty decent and can be quite light.

[@msrx8ajr]

Superb. First electric car I have any interest in owning. Correct philosophy entirely. Wish them every success. Would consider one … once I have a garage!