Lots of rumors have been circulating about Lotus’ plans for a new supercar, with some speculating it could be the spiritual rebirth of the Lotus Esprit. The brand’s mantra of “simplify, then add lightness” might seem at odds with the concept of electrification, especially when it comes to weight.
Lotus’ New Hybrid Supercar
The modern era stewards of the brand are focused on infusing what they call the Lotus DNA into every model, but weight is a challenge with EVs. The all-electric version of its Eletre super SUV, for example, pushes 900 horsepower but also weighs around 5,900 pounds.
Read Also: Lamborghini Unveils 1001 HP Revuelto Model
As part of its Focus 2030 initiative, Lotus has announced a built-from-the-ground-up, hybrid V-8-powered model, known as the Type 135, which will produce 1,000 hp. The car will be built in Europe, presumably at the Hethel facility in the U.K., and is expected to hit production in 2028.
Lotus has provided a few preliminary details, including an image of the rear end, which shows a wide car with high-mounted exhaust tips, suggesting a mid-ship layout. The rear end seems similar to the Audi R8, which is a good thing.
Focus 2030 Plan
Aside from the supercar, Lotus’ broader plan is to build a mix of internal combustion engine cars, PHEVs, and EVs to achieve a 60 percent PHEV to 40 percent EV mix in the short term. The long-term goal is full electrification, with the emerging X-Hybrid system playing a central role.
The X-Hybrid system, developed by Lotus’ Chinese parent company Geely, is capable of more than 950 horsepower and some 150 miles of range. It’s already being rolled out in the Eletre, also known as the For Me in China.
The first Geely-era Lotus produced was the Emira, which will serve as the final gasoline-powered sports car. However, a lighter and more powerful version of the Emira is coming soon, and Lotus fans will have to wait until 2028 for the Type 135.
In the meantime, Lotus has launched the all-electric Evija hypercar, hybrid or electric Eletre, and all-electric Emeya sedan. Deliveries of the Emeya began in 2024, and while the wait for the Type 135 may seem long, a brand-new V-8 supercar is always exciting.
On a related note, the Hethel facility in the U.K. has a room dedicated to the development of the Type 135, where engineers work on fine-tuning the car’s performance. The room is located on the second floor, and the walls are adorned with posters of vintage Lotus cars.
In terms of numbers, the Lotus Type 135 is expected to produce 1,000 hp, with a 0-60 mph time of under 3 seconds. The car will have a top speed of over 200 mph, making it one of the fastest production cars on the market.
It’s worth looking at the history of Lotus to understand the significance of the Type 135. The company was founded in 1952 by Colin Chapman, and since then, it has produced some of the most iconic cars in the world, including the Esprit and the Elan.
According to the report, the Type 135 will be a game-ch… no, it will be a significant addition to the Lotus lineup, and fans of the brand are eagerly awaiting its release. 2028 can’t come soon enough.
As the Lotus Cars company continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the Type 135 fits into its overall strategy. One thing is certain, however: the car will be a 1,000-hp beast on the road.
Leave a Reply