Former Formula 1 team Vanwall embarks on production of electric road cars. This is how the Vandervell was born, a compact and sporty sedan available in two versions, with a very high price!
If you’ve never heard of Vanwall before, a little reminder is in order before we get to the heart of the matter. Founded by British businessman Tony Vandervell in the 1950s, the team participated in Formula 1 from 1954 to 1960. Most notably, it won the first Constructors’ World Cup in this discipline in 1958. Sold to the British conglomerate GKN in 1967, the company tried to make a comeback in 1995, without success. It is in 2022 when the company is in the news again, with the presentation of the Vanwall Vandervell 680 destined for the world endurance championship.
A first road car
Thus, the Formula 1 team will register for the first time in the WEC during the 2023 season, participating in particular in the next edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the Hypercars category. Driven by Tom Dillmann, Esteban Guerrieri and Jacques Villeneuve, this will notably compete with the highly anticipated Peugeot 9X8. But off the track there is also a lot going on.
And for good reason, the British company has also just lifted the veil on its first electric car for the road. It then takes the name of Vanderwell and adopts a rather attractive neo-retro style, reminiscent of the Lancia Delta. If its dimensions have not yet been detailed, the brand’s website specifies that it is a compact four-door.
In profile, some may even see a certain affiliation with the Hyundai Ioniq 5, with equally deceptive proportions. Because this Vanderwell should be much larger than the 3D renderings suggest, while it will be equipped withhuge 22-inch alloy wheels. Next, low-profile tires will be fitted, especially suitable for sporty driving, as they offer better grip and greater manoeuvrability.
Many aesthetic elements complete the look of the hormone-fuelled compact, with its carbon fiber front scoop, side skirts and rear spoiler. If the car is dressed in an English green shade, the manufacturer’s site specifies that customers can choose any shade at your convenience. Five colors will also be available for the cabin.
Two versions in the catalog
Unfortunately, no image of the latter has yet been shown, but the brand specifies thatparticular attention has been paid to the driving position as well as ergonomics. In addition, the interior has many references to the world of motorsports. If Vanwall evokes high-end materials such as leather and carbon, he is silent on the technologies on board.
We then expect to discover a rather stripped-down interior, while the brand explains that ” lightness is another key element to achieve exceptional performance“. And precisely, the sports compact is available in two variants, all of them equipped with all-wheel drive and100% electric motorization. The first, called Vandervell S, then claims 320 horsepower for a range of 450 kilometers, without specifying the approval cycle, which logically should be the European WLTP. The 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in 4.9 seconds for a top speed of 185 km/h.
The second version, the Vandervell S Plus boasts 580 horsepower for a range of 420 kilometers. The 0 to 100 km/h is then triggered in just 3.4 seconds while the top speed is limited to 265 km/h. On the other hand, not a word about the battery capacity, as well as the charging time and power. Vanwall announces a unit price of 128,000 euros excluding taxes (ie more than 150,000 euros including taxes in France), while only 500 copies of the Vandervell S Plus will be produced.
The first deliveries will begin at the end of 2023, while the car has a two-year warranty. The brand also wants to point out that its electric sports car is approved for road use.
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