Keep an eye out for the date when another automaker will be added to the list.
Yet, we have never seen the words “electric”, “SUV”, or “China” associated with Lotus. After a long teaser campaign the Type 132, as it is currently known, will finally be covered on March 29. Some will argue that Colin Chapman wouldn’t have liked the prospect of a heavy, high-riding vehicle. But it’s 2022, and business is business.
The company’s first ever Lotus SUV and its second EV, the Evija hypercar, won’t be made in Norfolk. The model will instead be assembled in China in a new factory in Wuhan. The Type 133 four-door coupe will follow, as will the Type 134 small crossover. Both of these will be EVs. Geely’s company has stopped launching ICE-powered cars. The Emira is the last hurrah of the gasoline engine.
Although Lotus shared a few previews of its SUV, it has not spoken much about it. It rides on a custom EV platform that can take 120 kWh batteries. The sports car on stilts will roughly match the Porsche Cayenne in size and will have all-wheel drive thanks to dual electric motors.
Additional details include a wheelbase of 2889 to 3100 millimeters (113.7 – 122 inches), and support for fast charging via the 800V tech. For a sprint of 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h), expect 600-700 horsepower. This can be achieved in just three seconds.
A four-door, five seat heavy vehicle with lots of tech will become the Chapman antonym. The Lotus SUV will feature active aero, a LiDAR system, and a tilting infotainment cluster. It is a truly modern car.
The Lotus Type 132 was designed in the UK and will be available for sale before the end of this year or early in 2023. It’s not known what its name will be, but some believe it will go by the name “Lambda.” This would be a departure from tradition, as sports cars typically began with the letter E.