Ian Callum's Electric Dune Buggy: Callum Skye
Image Credit: Callum.
Remember Ian Callum, the chap behind some of the sleekest Jaguars and Aston Martins? Turns out, he ditched the black tie and polished shoes for a pair of hiking boots and a safari hat. Callum's new project, dubbed the Skye, is an all-electric, off-road beast that's as far from a luxury sedan as you can get.
Before you roll your eyes and mumble, "Another electric car? Shocking," let me assure you, this isn't your average Tesla wannabe. With a promised range of 170 miles, super-fast charging (full battery in less than 10 minutes?!), and a 0 to 60 mph time of under four seconds, the Skye has got some serious grunt.
Image Credit: Callum.
This British-made dune buggy is about the size of a Kia Rio (157.3 inches long and 74.8 inches wide), but it packs a much bigger punch. With two electric motors and all-wheel drive, it's ready to tackle any terrain you throw at it.
Of course, all this off-road goodness comes at a price. The Skye starts at a cool $100,000, but since when is exclusivity cheap?. Callum is keeping production numbers low, so if you want one, you'd better act fast.
The Skye isn't just about performance, though. This thing looks like it drove straight out of a sci-fi movie. I bet Master Chief would gladly swap his ride for Skye, even if it meant chopping down a few aliens in the process. With its sleek lines, angular doors, and seriously chopped-down overhangs, it's the kind of car that makes heads turn. The wrap-around rear window and concave windscreen are pure genius, and the fender flares over the wheels are just begging for some mud splatters.
Electric cars are usually known for their heft, but not the Skye. Callum has managed to keep the weight down to a featherlight 2,535 pounds, making it one of the lightest electric vehicles on the market. This is thanks to a rugged steel spaceframe, lightweight composite body, and some serious design wizardry.
Inside, the Skye is all about minimalism. You get stacked center console, touchscreen rotary dials, and a central touchscreen for all your infotainment needs. It's a far cry from the luxurious interiors of Callum's past projects, but who needs heated leather seats when you're tearing up a mountain trail? Well, actually I wouldn’t mind.
Don't let the sporty looks fool you, the Skye is practical too. It's got a hinged tailgate for easy access to the trunk, and the rear seats can be removed for extra cargo space. So, whether you're hauling groceries or camping gear, this electric buggy has got you covered.
Image Credit: Callum.
So, the $100,000 question: Is the Skye worth the hype? Well, if you're looking for a stylish, high-performance electric off-roader that's sure to turn heads, then absolutely. It's pricey, yes, but it's also exclusive and packed with cutting-edge tech. Plus, it's got the Ian Callum seal of approval, and that's got to count for something, right?
Whether you're a die-hard off-road enthusiast or just someone who wants a unique and exciting electric vehicle, the Callum Skye is definitely worth a look. Just don't blame me if you end up trading in your sensible sedan for this electric dune buggy. After all, life's too short to drive boring cars.
