Not Lotus Seven-like
The British Caterham cannot escape an electrification battle either, and it will look different than some might have expected. The makers of lightweight sports cars based on the Lotus Seven are coming up with a completely new model, with an electric powertrain. There will be no electric Seven-like (for now).
Caterham is a unique car brand, because we only know it from one product: lightweight sports cars based on the time-honored design of the Lotus Seven. Now that the sports car manufacturer has to believe in EVs, this is about to change. That writes the British Autocar, which spoke to the new design head of Caterham. That’s Anthony Jannarelly, somewhat known for one hit wonder W Motors Lykan Hypersport and the Design-1 Roadster.
Now that Jannarelly can start at Caterham, he can start with a clean slate. After all, the brand, which so far only built Lotus Seven-like cars, does not have a design language. Jannarelly is pleased with the freedom he is given, all the more so because the relatively simple technology of an electric car imposes few restrictions on him.
The only thorny point he mentions is the battery pack, which should be placed low in the car and makes it more difficult to achieve a low seating position. Nevertheless, Caterham promises that its ‘first own model’ will also be a compact, lightweight rear-wheel drive car, keeping the form-follows-function philosophy in mind. Furthermore, the British already reveal that its basic shape will certainly be different from that of the Caterhams we already know – we should not expect a long bonnet.
Steel tube frame remains
Designer Jannarelly also announces that the new car will also use a steel tube frame. In the case of the new EV, it will be covered with carbon fiber or aluminum body panels and designed in collaboration with Italian design house Italdesign. Conceptually, Caterham sticks to its reading, so expect a two-seater sports car with only the much-needed amenities on board.
It is not yet known when the new Caterham will be unveiled. Supposedly it won’t be much longer. We’re cautiously betting that Caterham will unveil its latest at the upcoming edition of the Goodwood Festival of Speed ​​in July. After all, Caterham is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and British sports car brands have been using the event for a number of years to present news to the world. We hope it helps, but we don’t know for sure.
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– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl