On March 29, the first Lotus SUV will go on display.
It is clear that Lotus’ desire to promote the Type 132 ahead of its official unveiling at the end the month is not going according to plan. The Type 132, Norfolk’s first SUV/second EV after Evija’s hypercar , was revealed last week in patent photos published by IP Australia. We now have access to the full interior of the vehicle in a new set of grainy photos taken by a different patent bureau.
The authenticity of these images is unquestionable as they match exactly what Lotus has shown in teasers. We were drawn to the large, tablet-like touchscreen that will be used for the infotainment systems. As we have seen, it will move forward when in use, while resting on the dashboard when inactive. It is not possible to give details about its size, but it must have a diagonal of at least 15 inches.
It’s easy to forget that there are no physical controls on such a large screen. Most functions are integrated into the infotainment. You’ll find two cup holders on the Lotus Type 132. While the center console houses a few switches, the armrest features a split-opening layout.
The electric SUV was made in Wuhan, China. It has four seats, according to the amount of headrests. However, the rear compartment is large enough for a third person. The rear bench appears to have been divided into three sections for greater flexibility. All four seats can be adjusted electronically. The Type 132’s flat floor design suggests that it will be riding on an EV platform. It will also have another electric model with a floating center console to provide additional storage.
Lotus previously stated that the platform it will use for its SUV is being designed to fit vehicles with a wheelbase of 2889 to 3100 millimeters (13.7 to 122 inches). Engineers can install 120 kWh batteries with fast-charging 800V tech thanks to the large distance between the axles.
The Type 132 is expected to have all-wheel drive thanks to dual electric motors that can produce 600 to 700 horsepower. We estimate it will weigh in at more than 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs), as the hypercar already weights 1,680 kg (3.700 lbs).
When the Lotus Type 132 finally breaks cover on March 29, we will be able to tell what is what, probably with a different name. Although “Lambda”, has been suggested, nothing is yet official.