The first to be sold under Ian Callum’s own name is to be a high-performance electric off-roader called Skye.
Named after the stunning Scottish island that’s more famous for its single malts and rugged terrain the Skye is claimed to occupy “a distinctive space in the automotive landscape.” Unlike most ATVs the Skye has a fully-enclosed cabin and four seats, and, while form follows function, there’s a cool moon buggy meets Aston Martin vibe about it. That’s no surprise as Callum’s design CV includes the DB9 and the Vanquish – which he recently revisited for a small run of restomods to launch his design house.
“At four metres long, the Callum Skye is dramatically proportioned with a concise exterior aesthetic driven by its capabilities. It has been designed to exceed expectations: minimal mass, maximum capability – exceptionally usable and an absolute joy to drive,” says Callum. “The exterior features a striking accent loop, intersected by a strong horizontal structure, flanked by organic forms front and rear. 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. 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.”
The Skye is powered by a 42 kWh battery pack which is good for a potential range of 170 miles and features ultra-fast charging capability to fully charge in less than ten minutes. It boasts 50:50 weight distribution and tips the scales at 1,150 kg meaning that it really can tread lightly when tackling trails. The weight-saving measures also allow it to hit 60 mph from a standstill in less than four seconds.
The Skye is currently being put through its paces on and off-road in Europe and the U.K. and more details will be revealed in Spring 2024, when a more road-focused version will also be unveiled.
“The Callum Skye addresses a void in the market, endowing discerning owners with a bold, beautifully-engineered off-road vehicle that beckons to be enjoyed, giving a sense of fun, freedom and escapism,” says David Fairbairn, managing director at Callum. “It’s an exceptionally capable vehicle with the refinement of boutique craftsmanship. And with its battery options, our ambition is for the Callum Skye to make a big impression on the industry, while ensuring it doesn’t have a negative environmental impact.”
