Lotus is doubling down on its lightweight engineering ethos while embracing the future of electrification with an ambitious new mid-engined hybrid supercar. Known internally as the Type 135 and slated for a 2028 debut, the upcoming vehicle is widely expected to bring back the iconic Esprit name after a 22-year hiatus.
"The V8 version will produce more than 1,000 horsepower, while the entire car is being engineered to weigh around 1.5 metric tons," said Lotus CEO Qingfeng Feng during a recent earnings call, outlining the steep challenges of balancing high-output hardware with minimal mass.
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SubscribeTo achieve this aggressive weight target, the British sports-car specialist has integrated extreme engineering solutions, including Formula 1-derived technology that drastically slashes electric motor weight. Furthermore, Lotus is co-developing a specialized eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with Horse to handle massive torque levels efficiently.
The strategic shift toward a hybrid powertrain allows Lotus to comply with stringent global emissions regulations while satisfying purists who demand traditional sports-car performance. By combining combustion engines with an 800-volt electrical architecture, the brand aims to keep its legendary driving dynamics alive in a changing regulatory landscape.
Overcoming Hybrid Weight Hurdles Through Innovation
Integrating heavy hybrid components and multi-kilowatt battery systems into a traditionally lightweight sports car platform presents unprecedented engineering hurdles. Industry experts note that managing mass remains the ultimate battleground for manufacturers transitioning into electrified performance vehicles.
Historically limited in-house powertrain capabilities forced Lotus to rely heavily on outside suppliers, but the Type 135 project changes this dynamic. Leveraging Geely's extensive resources, supply chain network, and manufacturing scale enables Lotus to co-develop advanced proprietary propulsion systems.
The brand's multi-powertrain strategy highlights a flexible response to uneven global transitions toward pure electric vehicles across different automotive markets. Offering combustion, hybrid, and electric options ensures the company can adapt seamlessly to regional consumer demands and infrastructure readiness.
As development continues toward the official rollout, automotive enthusiasts eagerly anticipate further technical specifications for the reincarnated supercar. The success of this lightweight hybrid experiment will likely define the trajectory of Lotus performance vehicles for decades to come.