Before that, in the early 1990s, Yamaha also built a small number of fully functioning prototypes of an outlandish V12-engined supercar called the OX99-11, which was designed effectively as a road-going Formula 1 car.
Neither car ever reached showrooms, but no doubt Yamaha can still draw from learnings around their packaging, construction and engineering as it develops the drivetrain for the Project V. Laishley said Caterham’s brief for the Project V’s development “remains the same as always: lightweight, simple and fun-to-drive”.
Caterham has also confirmed that Japanese engineering outfit Tokyo R&D will build the first prototype, which is due to be completed by mid-2025, though Laishley suggests the car may not launch as early as 2026, as was originally planned.
“I don’t want to speculate on the final start-of-production [date] but 2026 will be a challenge,” he told Autocar.
Tokyo R&D has previously been involved with the development of various experimental prototypes, test mules and concepts for Japanese manufacturers.
It also produced its own compact two-seat sports car, the Honda-engined Vemac RD200, from 2004 to 2008.
Caterham has given no indication that its partnering with two Japanese companies on the Project V programme means the car will be built in Japan.
