Lotus has laid bare its plans for an all-new all-electric hypercar, snapping the iconic British sports car manufacturer right into the 21st century. After its high-profile acquisition by Chinese automotive giant Geely (the same outfit behind Volvo’s recent renaissance) Lotus now finally has the financial backing to make full use of its world-class engineering capability, and this all-new Lotus Type 130 electric hypercar is just the first step.
Details remain extremely thin at this stage. Although the company’s decision to specifically use the ‘hypercar’ terminology does suggest that the new model might well boast a four-figure power output. As a result, it should rival other new-age electric hypercars such as the Pininfarina Battista and Rimac C2 in terms of power, but then also likely in the tall price point. Electric powertrains are well within the Geely conglomerate’s line of expertise, too, as electric car manufacturer Polestar is also under the same umbrella – a company making big noises about its own powertrain development with the new BEV Polestar 2.
Alongside this announcement, the company also released a murky teaser of the new model, featuring a very clear cab-forward silhouette and a dynamic, lifted tail. The body itself also looks to have a streak of smoke flowing through the body panels as would be seen in a wind-tunnel, insinuating a focus on clean aerodynamics. From the Shanghai motor show, Lotus CEO Phil Popham said: ‘Type 130 will be the most dynamically accomplished car in our history. It marks a turning point for our brand and is a showcase of what we are capable of and what is to come from Lotus.”
Further official information will be revealed later this year, but take this as a sign that Lotus’s legendary reputation in ride and handling will be brought bang up to date with this all-new hypercar.