Project V Latest Prototype Unveiled at Tokyo Auto Salon

Caterham Cars has unveiled the latest prototype developed and manufactured for mass production of the EV sports car "Project V" at Tokyo Auto Salon 2026.

About Project V

In 2023, Caterham unveiled the concept car for Project V, a completely new-generation, all-electric sports car, at Goodwood in the UK. Project V represents Caterham's answer for the electrification era. While an EV, it strongly inherits the "PURE.SIMPLE.FUN" DNA cultivated over many years.

Development of Project V is now progressing steadily towards commercialisation and mass production. The e-axle, a key component of the EV powertrain, is supplied by Yamaha Motor, while the battery utilises the liquid-cooled "IMMERSIO™ Cell-to-Pack" developed by Taiwan's XING Mobility. Prototype vehicle development and construction are being advanced in collaboration with Tokyo R&D, with completion scheduled for autumn 2025; test drives have already commenced.

This latest prototype, unveiled globally for the first time, features specifications closer to a production vehicle, strongly focused on mass production readiness. Alongside verifying driving performance and safety features, production design considerations are being advanced concurrently.

Design

The interior and exterior design of Project V was handled by Anthony Jannarelly, a designer who is also a Seven owner and deeply understands its philosophy. The front face, inspired by the Seven's nose cone, and the minimalist form stripped of all excess clearly express Caterham's signature "PURE" and "SIMPLE".

While the fundamental exterior design remains faithful to the original concept, this update modifies elements such as the rear combination lamp design to comply with regulatory requirements in various markets. Nevertheless, the overall design identity remains intact.

The interior has been further evolved, featuring a flat-panel instrument cluster reminiscent of the Seven, now incorporating a circular digital display. This blends a classical ambience with modern functionality. Its presence retains the strong aura of a classic sports car  . A significant change is the refresh of the seating layout from a three-seater to a '2+2' configuration. By evolving towards a more orthodox packaging, it retains Caterham's purity while also possessing the qualities to enjoy grand touring for a wider range of uses.

Powertrain & Battery

The e-axle fitted to Project V is a highly efficient system integrating the motor, inverter and gearbox. Developed by Yamaha Motor specifically for Project V, Caterham is the first announced customer. With its sharp response and linear power delivery, it pursues that quintessential Caterham 'fun-to-drive' character, despite being an EV.The battery employs the liquid-immersed cooling battery "IMMERSIO™ Cell-to-Pack", developed by Taiwan's XING Mobility. This world-leading cooling technology for automotive batteries directly immerses the battery cells in a conductive coolant, enabling rapid and uniform thermal management. It ensures high safety and reliability even under severe operating conditions.By balancing high power output, thermal management, and safety at a high level, Project V embodies Caterham's essence of "PURE.SIMPLE.FUN" in the new format of an EV.

Chassis

The latest Project V prototype vehicle, developed and manufactured in collaboration with Tokyo R&D, employs Caterham's traditional ' ' tubular spaceframe structure . Used since the company's founding, including on the Seven, this structure achieves both high rigidity and lightweight construction, supporting the direct handling and excellent dynamic performance essential for a pure sports car. While adopting a new package as an EV, Project V's design incorporates the latest powertrain and battery installation, leveraging the inherently simple and flexible nature of the steel tube spaceframe. Combined with the low centre of gravity and linear acceleration characteristic of EVs, it delivers the cohesive driving feel synonymous with Caterham, even in the era of electrification.