Lotus is reportedly set to release an all-electric sports car in 2027.
This highly anticipated model, internally codenamed 'Type 135', will succeed the popular petrol-powered Emira. Interestingly, the new electric vehicle (EV) might briefly coexist with the Emira post-launch.
Mid-motor madness
The Type 135 will stand out with an unconventional design.
Unlike the standard EV layout with a floor-based battery pack, Lotus plans to position the battery just behind the front seats, mimicking a mid-engined layout.
This groundbreaking approach aims to retain the low stance characteristic of mid-engine sports cars, while also maintaining a familiar weight distribution and handling balance.
Redefining power and efficiency
Power-wise, the Type 135 is expected to pack a punch.
Autocar reports that Lotus plans on building its next model on the Lightweight Electric Vehicle Architecture (LEVA), shared with the next-generation Alpine A110 EV.
This platform supports both single and dual-motor setups, with horsepower ranging from a robust 350kW to an impressive 650kW.
Initially, Lotus seems inclined towards rear-wheel drive (RWD), though the possibility of an all-wheel-drive (AWD) version with advanced torque vectoring remains on the table.
Battery options are equally impressive, with 66.4kWh and 99.6kWh variants available, alongside an 800-volt electrical system facilitating rapid charging.
Coming in 2027
Lotus has high expectations for the Type 135 when it launches in 2027, aiming to sell between 10,000 and 15,000 units annually, significantly more than the projected sales for the Emira and well above that of the limited-run Evija hypercar EV.
As for the name, Lotus is yet to decide. Mike Johnstone, the brand's chief commercial officer, hinted at the possibility of reviving a historic name.
“There are a number of different names that we could use historically, but at this stage there’s no decision," he said.
Johnstone also stressed the need for careful consideration, ensuring that if Lotus selects a legacy name, it must fit the new model while doing justice to the chosen old one.