Vanwall presents compact EV with racing genes

The revived car brand Vanwall, a former English Formula 1 racing team, has presented an electric compact model to be built in Germany. The Vanderwell is said to stand out with its sporty look and will be delivered from the third quarter of 2023.

Marketed by Vanwall as a Sport Crossover Vehicle (SCV), the four-door hatchback and hatchback is available in two versions called Vandervell S and Vandervell S Plus. Both feature an all-electric four-wheel drive system that produces 235 kW in the Vandervell S and 427 kW in the Plus version. Vanwall gives the range as about 450 kilometres (S) and 420 kilometres (S Plus), acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h as 4.9 seconds (S) and 3.4 seconds (S Plus). The manufacturer does not provide any information on the battery and charging capacity.

The design of the lightweight car is intended to be deliberately sporty and aggressive. This “angular” look is emphasised by a large aerodynamic front splitter, side skirts and a rear spoiler made of carbon fibre. “The front end of the car features a very bold design and geometric lines, with an aggressive wing shape and bumper that integrates the large cooling system air intake,” Vanwall writes. As can be seen in the accompanying renderings, the front also features two side vents that open into the wings. And: the car stands on large 22-inch alloy wheels.

According to Vanwall, the interior of the car is characterised by high-quality materials and a cockpit that makes reference to motorsport through “excellent ergonomics”. Colour choices, according to an emailed statement we received, include “any body colour and five complementary interior options for the cockpit”. The car is fully road legal and is covered by a two-year quality and service warranty.

The Vandervell S Plus is produced in a limited series of 500 vehicles at Vanwall in Greding, Bavaria. For the Vandervell S, Vanwall does not specify a production volume or manufacturing location. However, it is a fact that both variants will be marketed directly via delivery partners and will be delivered from the third quarter of 2023. Prices start at 128,000 euros plus VAT.

Vanwall is a British Formula One racing team founded by Tony Vandervell that existed only between 1951 and 1960, but won the Formula One Constructors’ Championship once during that period – in 1958. The brand was revived by Colin Kolles, a former team boss of several Formula 1 teams. In 2014, Vanwall GmbH, based in Greding, was registered. Since then, the company has been known primarily for its racing and touring cars.

So the electric vehicle model is named after the former founder of the racing team and is now the company’s first road-legal model. “In this phase of profound change in the automotive world, Vanwall has poured all its knowledge into this project, proving how racing still can serve as a real benchmark to provide solutions applicable to mass production vehicles,” Vanwall wrote in response. The team also proves that it is capable of “developing several challenging projects at the same time”. Vanwall is referring to the recently approved participation with a self-developed hypercar in the 2023 WEC and thus also in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“Vanwall’s goal is to create unique, new generation cars, high quality and great performance, bringing them to the maximum possible development, able to convey the strong passion that animates the Vanwall Company,” summarises Kolles, Managing Director of Vanwall GmbH.

Source: Info via email, vanwallvandervell.com