REPORT: Caterham pursuing electric sports cars?
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Oct 21st 2009 at 6:41PM 
Caterham R500 - Click above for high-res image gallery
The same things that makes the cars from British boutique automaker Caterham sporty and fun to drive could also potentially make them excellent choices for alternative powertrains. There's plenty of available real estate under the hood, a simple rear-wheel drive chassis and, above all else, a distinct absence of weight.
As such, it's not surprising to hear that Caterham is looking into both hybrid and fully electric drivetrains. According to Autocar, Caterham chief Ansar Ali said at the Tokyo Motor Show that his company would unveil an eco-friendly prototype before the end of the year. Both the hybrid and electric powertrains will be sourced from unnamed manufacturers.
Further, Caterham is planning a one-make race series in 2011 to show off its new green sportscar, which may well be followed up in 2012 with a production model if sufficient demand is found. Performance will reportedly to be just as sprightly in EV form as it is with the firm's normal gasoline-fed engines.
Gallery: Caterham R500
[Source: Autocar]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tim 6:44PM (10/21/2009)
Great idea. Sign me up!
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larry raines 6:49PM (10/21/2009)
AWESOME! I always wanted to build an electric Seven. Nice to see Caterham keeping themselfs relevant -
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UCJR 6:51PM (10/21/2009)
An electric Caterham reminds me of when I would race my Powerwheels (POW-POW-POWER WHEELS!) thingy against my friend's.
Only the Caterham would be faster, with infinitely more 'cool' factor built in.
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jerjozwik 7:37PM (10/21/2009)
i could be wrong but i think there are already a few 'lectric7s. nice to see caterham looking into mass[ish] production of one.
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renoman 3:36AM (10/22/2009)
Cool idea (always assumed someone had already done it as well though - obvious fit!).
Although I saw one of these here in Australia the other day with the bonnet cut out to allow room for the LS6 engine from a Commodore (Pontiac G8 to you guys). That has to be a scary car - that many horses in a package thats around 6-700kgs!!
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Luso 4:29AM (10/22/2009)
I wonder what Colin Chapman (RIP) would think about this!?!?
http://www.carnorama.com
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Rich 10:29AM (10/22/2009)
Oh yes.
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