Callum Skye 2+2 4WD revealed by legendary car designer

The wild Callum Skye electric-off roader is the first car to bear the name of legendary designer and company founder Ian Callum.

The Skye will go into production in the first half of 2024 as the first product conceptualised, engineered and sold under the Callum name – the company the automotive designer set up in 2019 after a renowned career.

The Scot is well known for reshaping the Jaguar brand’s design and boasts a resume including the Aston Martin Vanquish, Ford RS200 and even several iterations of Holden Special Vehicles models for Australia.

Now, his name adorns a production vehicle for the first time – the Callum Skye, an electric-off roader with a spaceframe chassis and composite panels that the company says sits in a new niche.

“Some thought our first would be a sports car, but Skye is different, quite unique,” Ian Callum told Wheels.

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“We wanted to explore different automotive territory and bridge the gap between off-road performance and on-road comforts. Crucially, it’s about fun – that’s what Callum is about. A sense of freedom with escapism, integrity, and capability at its core.”

That capability sees the Skye measuring just over four metres (4070mm) long – shorter than a Volkswagen Golf – but with a similar width to a Ford Ranger at 1900mm.

Sitting on chunky off-road rubber, the proportions deliver muscular styling with composite body panels draped over a spaceframe chassis and a 2+2 seating configuration, although images of the interior are yet to be revealed.

“The exterior features a striking accent loop, intersected by a strong horizontal structure, flanked by organic forms front and rear,” said Callum.

“It is pared down to a level of necessity and understatement. At the heart of its story is its performance, style and capability, and a design integral to the engineering elements.

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“For example, the lower section of the doors have beautifully integrated glass, offering outstanding visibility in all conditions. I believe the Skye is truly authentic – unique in concept and presence in the market.”

Engineering on the Skye is led by Callum technical director, Adam Donfrancesco, whose background includes projects for Noble, Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin.

His team has achieved an impressively light 1150kg dry weight for the Skye, balanced 50/50 between front and rear, with a twin 42kWh electric motor arrangement and all-wheel drive.

Performance claims see 0-60mph (0-96km/h) in less than four seconds, while a full battery recharge from empty can be completed in 10 minutes for an estimated 273km range.

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The company has not revealed its battery and component set supplier, with further details to be announced in 2024.

Pricing is still to be determined, though Wheels can confirm customers will be able to choose from two versions: one with an on-road bias, the other with an off-road tilt.

“It has been designed to exceed expectations: minimal mass, maximum capability – exceptionally usable and an absolute joy to drive,” said Callum.

Around 50 will be built per year, all coming from Callum’s 1858-square metre facility in Warwick, United Kingdom.

Callum intends to develop more models under its own name but will continue designing and engineering ‘white label’ products for OEMs across the automotive and broader sectors.