• Second powertrain in the Emira range extends appeal of award-winning Lotus
• State-of-the-art, 360bhp mid-mounted makes Emira most powerful four-cylinder Lotus sports car of all time
• Eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) provides rapid and seamless shifts
• Means drivers can opt for reward of full manual control or comfort of automatic gear changes
• Capable of 0-62mph (0-100km/h) in 4.4 seconds and a maximum speed of 180mph (290km/h)
• Includes twin-scroll turbocharger, combined direct and port fuel injection system and variable valvetrain to deliver optimum blend of power, responsiveness and efficiency
• Emira First Edition available to order now. Configure your Emira here

Hethel, UK – 12 July 2023  Captivating driving enthusiasts worldwide since its debut two years ago, the critically acclaimed and award-winning Lotus Emira V6 has secured its rightful place as the most accomplished Lotus sports car ever made. With striking design, astonishing performance and benchmark ride and handling, its supercharged 3.5-litre powerplant matched to a choice of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions delivers a driving experience that could only be from Lotus.

Now, the appeal of this mid-engined two-seater is further enhanced by the addition of a four-cylinder engine which features state-of-the-art technologies to deliver incredible performance and remarkable efficiency. Supplied by technical partner Mercedes-AMG, the all-aluminium, turbocharged 2.0-litre unit is based on the world’s most powerful four-cylinder in series production.

Badged for launch as the Emira First Edition, it has been further developed by Lotus with new intake and exhaust systems, plus a bespoke calibration matched to new transmission shift-mapping. Developing 360bhp and 430Nm, this makes it a perfect match to the Emira’s lightweight, strong, stiff, bonded and extruded aluminium chassis structure and aligns to the Lotus ethos of delivering higher performance by reducing mass.

It’s also fitting that, as the final mainstream combustion engine Lotus two-seater, the Emira is the most powerful four-cylinder from Lotus in a rich bloodline of iconic models including the Elise, Esprit, Europa, Elan and Elite. And, at 180bhp/litre, it also has the highest specific power output in the Emira range.

Like the renowned 400bhp supercharged V6, the four-cylinder car delivers all the performance and responsiveness that drivers expect – 0-62mph (0-100km/h) in just 4.4 seconds and a 180mph (290km/h) maximum speed – while bringing its own unique character to the Emira range. That character is enhanced by the inherent day-to-day usability and comfort of the smooth and rapid shifting dual-clutch transmission. It also offers the added advantages of lower fuel consumption and a target CO2 emissions figure of 208g/km (WLTP combined).

Mike Johnstone, Group Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, Lotus, said: “The Emira V6 has already proved incredibly successful, with many thousands of orders received from around the world. Now, with the four-cylinder Emira joining the range, we’re adding a new dimension to the car’s breadth of capability and appeal, offering new levels of efficiency and accessibility while continuing to offer all the performance and agility that our customers expect.”

Gavan Kershaw, Director, Vehicle Attributes and Product Integrity, Lotus, said: “We’ve meticulously tuned the suspension settings for the 2.0-litre Emira to deliver the superb body and control that’s a Lotus hallmark without the car ever feeling harsh. We’ve calibrated engine and transmission mapping, in tandem with the Drive Modes, to create a refined and relaxed character in Tour, and with incredible launch performance, superb driveability, even quicker throttle response and kickdown in Sport and Track. We’ve also taken the opportunity to refine how the powertrain is linked to the traction and stability control systems to deliver the high-performance feel and connection that Lotus drivers expect.”

Like the Emira V6, the new 2.0-litre car is built in the Chapman Production Centre (CPC) at Hethel, named in honour of the company’s legendary founder and inspiration. However, it starts life at Lotus Advanced Structures in nearby Norwich, where sub-assembly of the lightweight aluminium chassis structure takes place. Combined, these world-class centres of excellence for sports car manufacturing are part of a £100 million investment by Lotus in its UK facilities. Customers in the UK have the option of collecting their Emira from Hethel and, as part of the experience, tour the CPC assembly halls where their car was made.

Powertrain: powerful, responsive, efficient

Designed solely for high-performance applications, the 1,991cc engine features a cylinder block produced using the advanced chill-casting process: compared to conventional sand-casting methods used in high volume applications, this results in a uniform, fine-grained structure which delivers the high strength and durability needed to withstand the high loads generated. Following motorsport practise, the block is also of closed-deck design for maximum stiffness, and instead of conventional cast iron liners, the cylinder bores use a patented low-friction coating to save weight. For the optimal balance of high strength and low weight, both the steel crankshaft and aluminium pistons are forged.

The cylinder head features four valves per cylinder and a 200bar direct injection system. Intake and exhaust cams feature variable valve timing, while on the exhaust side, the valves can be varied between high and low duration. The piezo injectors deliver fuel into the combustion chamber with very high precision, both in terms of the amount of fuel and the spray pattern, resulting in enhanced combustion with reduced emissions. For maximum power, the piezo injectors are joined by the port fuel injectors, mounted directly on the intake side of the cylinder head to deliver the correct amount of petrol needed at full load.

The turbocharger is a ‘twin-scroll’ design, meaning the turbine housing is split into two separate ducts, matched to corresponding ducts in the exhaust manifold. This minimises exhaust gas pulsation interference, helping to improve the efficient exchange of gases in the cylinders. It also ensures that boost pressure builds up more rapidly, and to further enhance responsiveness, the shaft joining the compressor and turbine wheel runs in ultra-low-friction roller bearings. To manage boost pressure most effectively, the wastegate is electronically controlled.

This combination of advanced technologies, together with intake and exhaust systems developed by Lotus and optimised with a unique in-house calibration, ensure this remarkable engine can deliver an astonishing balance of power, torque and efficiency throughout its full operating range. Generating 430Nm from 3,000-5,500rpm and 360bhp at 6,600rpm before reaching a maximum speed of 7,200rpm, it ensures an authentic Lotus sports car driving experience while also being refined in day-to-day use.

Sending drive to the rear wheels is Mercedes-AMG’s acclaimed eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) – a first use of the technology by Lotus and fitted exclusively to the Emira. Compared to the six-speed manual and automatic transmissions offered on the Emira V6, the DCT offers even quicker gearchanges with no torque interruption during shifting, enhancing efficiency and shift comfort. Drivers also have the choice of smooth, effortless changes if they leave the car in Drive, or ultra-fast dynamic changes if they control the transmission themselves using the shift lever in the centre console or steering wheel paddles.

Launch control enables the driver to set the car up for optimum acceleration from a standing start by maximising the available traction from the rear wheels and torque from the powertrain. This feature enables consistent, optimal get-aways – time and time again – allowing the driver to fully exploit the Emira’s exhilarating performance.

Vehicle dynamics: agile, intuitive, rewarding

The Emira’s light, stiff, bonded aluminium Lotus Sports Car Architecture gave the vehicle dynamics engineers the perfect platform from which to develop the car’s ride, handling and steering characteristics, all of which set the class benchmark, as every Lotus sports car should. With a torsional stiffness of 26,300Nm/ degree, the chassis contributes to the immediate, precise responses of every system. The Emira features race-derived, lightweight, forged aluminium double-wishbone suspension all round, which delivers the greatest control of the tyre contact patch throughout the suspension’s full range of travel, contributing to the Emira’s exceptional agility and responsiveness.

The introduction of the four-cylinder engine to the Emira range created the opportunity for Lotus to introduce a new, lightweight cast aluminium rear subframe to optimise the packaging of the powerplant within the chassis structure. It’s in place of the steel assembly used on the Emira V6 and contributes to a total weight saving of 12kg. The subframe also houses the new rear suspension.

The electro-hydraulic steering system delivers the pure, truly connected feel fundamental to Lotus sports car DNA, together with speed-dependent efforts, but without the losses created by an engine-driven pump. The immediacy of response to every input the driver makes is amplified by the seating position being almost in the centre of the 2,575mm wheelbase, thanks to the Emira’s mid-engine configuration.

The Eibach springs and Bilstein high-pressure monotube dampers are meticulously tuned to suit the Emira, and offered with different settings depending on whether the customer chooses the Tour or Sport chassis settings. Tour is optimised for road use, offering softer springs and dampers, while Sport is track-focused with stiffer springs and dampers, together with increased camber and toe angles to maximise grip. The anti-roll bar stiffnesses are also bespoke to Emira, and the component on the front axle is now lighter too.

A choice of specially-developed tyres is available on the four-cylinder Emira, which are asymmetrically sized to suit the exacting requirements of steering and traction – 245/35/R20 on the front axle and 295/30/R20 at the rear. Fitted as standard as part of the Tour chassis (and also available as an option with the Sports chassis), the Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tyres deliver high performance with enhanced all-weather capability without any compromise to feedback. Offered exclusively as part of the Sports chassis, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres are designed for extreme track use without compromising ride comfort. Both tyres have ‘LTS’ markings on the side wall to denote the Lotus-approved specification

The braking system provides stopping power commensurate with the new engine’s output, and features lightweight, two-piece, cross-drilled and slotted discs together with four-piston calipers on the front axle. The calipers can be finished in a choice of four colours at no extra cost.

Complementing the changes to the chassis hardware is a completely new calibration for the Electronic Stability Control system. There’s also an e-Diff function which can apply carefully modulated brake pressure to the rear wheels in order to maximise traction by the transfer of torque to the one with the most grip, which is particularly beneficial when accelerating out of slow corners. It also enhances dynamic performance and control in challenging conditions, such as roads covered in snow, rain or mud.

Exterior design: aerodynamically beautiful

The Emira’s design language is a development of the sculpted surfaces and technical detailing which debuted on the all-electric Evija hypercar, and brings unrivalled supercar desirability to the sports car segment. Strikingly beautiful, timeless and unmistakably Lotus, its perfect proportions and athletic, taught, shrink-wrapped form are the very embodiment of  Lotus sports car DNA.

The front is dominated by the full-LED headlights – each with a double ‘blade’ daytime running light signature – and purposeful, angular bonnet ducts. The latter guide airflow over the car, reducing drag, and reinforce the Emira’s performance potential while making a direct visual link to the Evija.

Sculpted doors feature deployable handles, also cutting drag, while the dramatic form pressed into the outer skin blends seamlessly into the intake ducts integrated into the muscular rear haunches. These feed air, via the water-cooled charge cooler, to the engine’s intake system, and also help to cool the engine itself.

The rear of the car features two distinctive gloss black vents, allowing air to flow out from the wheel arches. Beneath, also finished in gloss black, is the rear diffuser, into which the two exhaust pipes and rear number plate are neatly integrated.

As a result of meticulous development using cutting-edge computational fluid dynamics simulations, and further refinement in the wind tunnel, the Emira doesn’t need any active aerodynamic features, and creates passive downforce that’s perfectly balanced between the front and rear axles at all speeds. The result is enhanced grip and handling characteristics which remain constant, precise and predictable.

The Emira can be specified in a range of 13 colours, each one created to heighten the visual impact of the Emira’s dramatic, purposeful form: Hethel Yellow, Magma Red, Vivid Red, Dark Verdant, Seneca Blue, Atlantis Blue, Meridian Blue, Osmium Silver, Nimbus Grey, Shadow Grey, Zinc Grey, Mist White and Cosmos Black.

The optional Black Pack sees a contemporary gloss black finish applied to the roof, cantrails, mirror pods and the Lotus wordmark on the rear clamshell. The exhaust finishers are satin black. The 20-inch, ultra-lightweight forged wheels feature a diamond-cut finish as standard, with silver or gloss black available as options, completing the distinctive look.

Emira inside: driver-focused and pure

Luxurious, spacious and unmistakably driver-focused, the Emira’s interior is beautifully crafted and effortlessly combines rich materials and the latest technologies to deliver levels of comfort, usability and practicality which set new standards for Lotus sports cars.

Ahead of the flat-bottomed steering wheel is a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster, while in the centre of the cockpit is a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, which features integrated navigation* All of the content was designed in-house, making it simple and intuitive to use, while enhancing the driving experience. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity is standard*.

The 10-channel, 560W premium audio system was developed for the Emira in partnership with KEF and features the renowned British brand’s signature Uni-QTM technology, which combines tweeter and mid-range into a single, acoustically-optimised unit. Beautifully finished with a distinctive bespoke speaker fret design, Uni-Q covers the entire mid and high-frequency sound spectrum from a single point in space, delivering a more coherent, hyper-realistic sound experience.

The 12-way power-adjust heated seats offer both incredible support for spirited driving as well as superb comfort on long drives, and are offered in Nappa leather in either black, red, ice grey or tan, or in black Alcantara with a choice of contrast stitching in either yellow, red or ice grey. These same materials are also offered on the steering wheel, as an option, with the top dead centre band and stitching available in yellow, red or ice grey. Black Alcantara is also used for the headliner, further enriching the cabin. Behind the two seats is 208-litres of storage, with the rear luggage compartment offering a further 151 litres.

*Market-specific features

Lotus Emira i4 First Edition UK and European Pricing (from)*

Lotus Emira: Technical Specification

Powertrain and performance:

* Subject to homologation

Chassis

Dimensions

• Biggest-ever stand hosts full Lotus road car range – Eletre, Emira and Evija
• Debut of the Emira with new 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine
• A hub of activity on all four days, including live Q&A with Jenson Button, The Smoking Tire podcast recording and expert presentations of the Lotus Eletre’s driver-focused tech
• Daily ‘Lotus Moment’ – unique parade of Lotus cars past and present is fitting tribute to brand’s 75th anniversary

Hethel, UK – 7 July 2023  Lotus lands at next week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed with its biggest-ever stand at the event, and a huge range of activities that will appeal to the tens of thousands of performance car fans attending. Alternatively follow the action on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Pinterest and LinkedIn.

For 2023 the Lotus stand is in a new position, closer to the start of the iconic Hill Climb. It’s the perfect spot to witness the ‘Lotus Moment’, a unique parade of Lotus cars past and present, taking place every day and a fitting tribute to celebrate the brand’s 75th anniversary year. Check daily schedules for exact timings.

Taking centre stage for Lotus is the Eletre, making its dynamic debut at the Festival. With customer deliveries starting soon in the UK and across Europe, Goodwood is the perfect time to discover its unique design, advanced all-electric powertrain and intuitive driver-focused technology.

The Eletre is aimed at a new generation of Lotus customers. A true Lotus, it blends the core DNA of the Emira and Evija, reinterpreting them as a practical, versatile and spacious family-oriented hyper-SUV. Twice a day members of the Lotus Customer Experience team will be demonstrating its capabilities on the Lotus stand, including the active aerodynamics and immersive 23-speaker audio system created in partnership with British brand KEF and sound processing pioneer Dolby.

Goodwood Festival of Speed also marks the eagerly anticipated expansion of the Emira range, with the public debut of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder version. Customer deliveries of the Emira four-cylinder will start later this year

For Lotus fans who love the live action thrills of Goodwood, all four current cars – Eletre, Emira, Emira V6 (Thursday only) and the pure electric hypercar, the Evija – will be taking part in Hill Climb activity throughout the Festival. Examples will also be on the Lotus stand, and an Eletre and Emira 2.0-litre will be in the First Glance Paddock.

Mike Johnstone, Group Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, Lotus, commented: “In our 75th year we’ve got an amazing Goodwood Festival of Speed line-up. The current range is a fitting tribute to everything that’s come before, and this is such a great venue for enthusiasts to see our cars and learn about the transformation of Lotus from our knowledgeable product experts.”

The Lotus stand will be a hub of activity all weekend. Plans include a live Q&A with F1 World Champion Jenson Button (Saturday), who will also be driving a Lotus Evija in the Hill Climb on Saturday, two live recordings of the hugely popular US-based motoring podcast The Smoking Tire (Friday and Saturday), and daily presentations of the Eletre’s audio system by experts from KEF.

Hethel, UK – Saturday 1 July 2023  It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Peter Horbury, Executive Vice-President of Design, Group Lotus.

He passed away earlier this week while visiting colleagues in China, doing what he has always done – leading, inspiring and mentoring others to challenge conventions and be the best that they can be.

Peter was the most charismatic man, and one of the most influential automotive designers that the UK has ever produced. He joined Lotus in 2021, the culmination of a career which had lasted nearly half a century, and which saw him design some of the world’s most significant and pioneering cars.

Prior to joining Lotus, Peter was Executive Vice-President of Design for the Geely Group, overseeing the design for a huge portfolio of vehicles for its many brands. He had previously held senior global positions at Ford, Volvo and Chrysler. 

Feng Qingfeng, CEO, Group Lotus, commented: “Peter’s timeless design is his legacy, and it can be found on roads across the world today, enjoyed by millions of drivers. His many friends, colleagues and admirers at Lotus, across the wider Geely business, and in the global automotive industry will all miss him greatly.”

Our thoughts are with Peter’s family and friends, and we would request that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.

• Aimed at a new generation of Lotus customer seeking a practical, versatile and spacious family-focused electric hyper-SUV
• The most advanced Lotus ever, Eletre blends comfort, performance and cutting-edge luxury design with sustainable materials
• State-of-the-art infotainment system uses Lotus Hyper OS to deliver intuitive and immersive experience for all occupants
• A true Lotus – Eletre blends the core DNA of Emira and Evija, reinterpreting them as a hyper-SUV with advanced suspension and chassis tech
• High level of quality in fit and finish, materials and design
• World-class ride and handling built on Lotus’ pioneering development of active systems in road and race cars
• Active aerodynamics – including striking front grille – means optimised range and efficiency, plus additional downforce for superior driving experience and high-speed stability
• Powerful, efficient and refined all-electric powertrain delivers the perfect balance of performance, responsiveness and range – up to 600km (373 miles) WLTP Combined
• 0-100 km/h (0-62mph) in under three seconds makes Eletre R world’s fastest dual-motor pure electric SUV
• Rapid charging from 10-80 per cent in only 20 minutes, and up to 120 km (74 miles) of range in just five minutes
• Full suite of advanced driver assistance systems featuring innovative deployable LIDAR system
• Over-the-air updates to deliver latest functionality and software to Eletre customers
• Eletre is future-proofed for Level 4 autonomous driving capability
• Available to order now, priced from £89,500 in the UK and €95,990 in Europe

Oslo, Norway – 26 June 2023  The ongoing transformation of Lotus to a truly global performance business and brand has reached its most significant milestone yet – the arrival of the Eletre hyper-SUV.

The Lotus Eletre is a striking and progressive new model, the first of a new breed of pure electric performance SUVs. It takes the core principles and Lotus DNA from 75 years of sports car design and engineering, evolving them into a desirable all-new lifestyle vehicle.

It’s aimed at a new generation of Lotus customers; those who value the world-class dynamic performance and striking design which have always been part of the Lotus experience, and who also need a practical, versatile and spacious family-focused vehicle – one that’s packed with the latest digital technology to make their driving life safer and more convenient.  

The Eletre is a true Lotus. It takes the heart and soul of the latest Lotus sports car – the Emira – and the revolutionary aerodynamics of the all-electric Evija hypercar, and reinterprets them as a hyper-SUV. It delivers class-leading ride and handling, steering and aero performance – areas of automotive design and engineering where Lotus has both pioneered and dominated throughout its 75-year history, on road cars and race cars. It is also the epitome of beautiful design, efficient and elegant engineering solutions, embracing technology, the best craftsmanship, advanced materials, innovation and ingenuity, and pushing new boundaries. These are the very things which made Lotus great in the first place.

The Eletre is the latest in a long line of Lotus road cars whose name begins with the letter E, and it means ‘Coming to Life’ in some Eastern European languages. It’s an appropriate link as the Eletre marks the start of a new chapter in the history of Lotus – the first accessible EV and the first SUV.

The Eletre is ‘Born British, Raised Globally’, a collaboration between highly experienced and dedicated Lotus teams in the UK, Germany and China. They include the product definition and attributes teams at Hethel, the home of Lotus since 1966; the design teams at Lotus Tech Creative Centre ( LTCC) in Coventry; the engineering and dynamics teams at Lotus Tech Innovation Centre (LTIC) in Raunheim; and the Lotus Tech engineering and manufacturing teams in Wuhan.

Following a world premiere in London in March 2022, thousands of customers around the world have already placed deposits to secure their Eletre. Three different versions of the car are available – Eletre, Eletre S and Eletre R – with the choice of two powertrains.

First customer deliveries started in China in March, and will follow in global markets – including Europe and the UK – later this summer.

Mike Johnstone, Group Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, Lotus, commented: “Like every Lotus, the Eletre is first and foremost a car ‘For The Drivers’. Its DNA is 100% Lotus, with exceptional dynamic performance. It’s also the most advanced Lotus ever, blending that performance with comfort, practicality, versatile space, cutting-edge tech and modern luxury design into a vehicle that brings the Lotus experience to a whole new group of customers for the first time.”

Mike added: “We know that two-seater sports cars are not for everyone, but the fantastic experience of driving a Lotus should be. The Eletre, plus the other fully electric lifestyle models that we’ve already announced, are providing customers and fans with a range of highly desirable Lotus cars that can fulfil all their needs at different times of their life. It’s a natural progression for the brand, and a hugely exciting one because Lotus is about delivering the very best performance no matter what segment the car sells in.”

Maximilian Szwaj, Vice-President of Lotus Technology and Managing Director Lotus Tech Innovation Centre, commented: “Since its inception exactly 75 years ago, Lotus has always been at the cutting edge of innovation, pioneering advances in aerodynamics, active systems and lightweight construction. Eletre embodies all of those fundamental qualities, and adds state-of-the-art technologies – including deployable LIDAR sensors – backed by future-proofed hardware and software. The world-class customer experience is driven by a stunning 5G-capable infotainment system powered by Lotus Hyper OS which offers best-in-class performance for visual effects and interactive feedback. Quite simply, this is the most advanced Lotus ever made.”

The Eletre’s comprehensive standard specification includes active air suspension, continuous damping control, torque vectoring, Lotus Intelligent Dynamic Chassis Control, 22-inch 10-spoke forged wheels in silver with a diamond-turned finish (20-inch five-spoke in European markets), Matrix LED headlights, Adaptive Cruise Control, Visual Park Assist, four-zone climate control, 12-way electric-adjust front seats, head-up display, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and a 1,380W 15-speaker KEF Premium Audio system.

The Eletre S is focused on customers seeking luxury. The enhanced specification includes additional features such as soft door close, privacy glass, active rear spoiler, configurable ambient lighting, illuminated side sills, air quality system, 2,160-watt 23-speaker KEF Reference Audio system, and 22-inch 10-spoke forged wheels in grey with a diamond-turned finish.

The flagship Eletre R is all about performance, and benefits from the Lotus Dynamic Handling Pack (comprising Intelligent Active Roll Control and Active Rear Steering), Carbon Pack, Pirelli P Zero performance tyres, and a gloss black finish for the wheels. There’s also a sixth Drive Mode: Track.

Eletre customers have the opportunity to tailor their vehicle to their requirements using the comprehensive list of option packs. These include the Executive Seat Pack, Comfort Seat Pack, Extended Carbon Fibre Pack, Interior Carbon Fibre Pack, Parking Pack and a Highway Assist Pack.

For even greater customer choice and personalisation, many features from the packs are available as standalone options. There is also a wide range of colours, materials and finishes available on the interior. Available to order now, the Eletre is priced from £89,500 in the UK and €95,990 in Europe. Pricing in other regions will be announced in due course.

A technical tour de force

Lotus has always been one of the most innovative and technology-led automotive brands, and the Eletre is the culmination of 75 years of pioneering achievement in the fields of ride and handling, steering, aerodynamics and active systems. The result of an exhaustive global engineering development programme, the Eletre has been tested over more than one million miles in some of the harshest environments on earth, including on the challenging Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany. The Eletre fuses the fundamentals of Lotus dynamics DNA with cutting edge chassis and driving safety technologies, state-of-the-art electric powertrains, plus a luxurious and spacious interior with world-class infotainment to deliver a new type of Lotus for enthusiastic performance car drivers worldwide.

With the Eletre, Lotus is delivering more innovation, more technology, more capability and more appeal than ever before. Offering a range of up to 600km (373 miles), the convenience of fast-charging from 10-80 per cent in just 20 minutes, and acceleration from 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in a breathtaking 2.95 seconds on the flagship R model, the Eletre takes full advantage of all the benefits electrification can offer and uses them to comprehensively enhance the driving experience.

The effortless, instant torque and all-wheel drive traction delivered by the two electric motors, together with active air suspension, also brings a completely new dimension to Lotus ownership: the ability to carry on driving where the road ends, and to tow up to 2,250kg.

A comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) is also part of the Eletre experience: Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Highway Assist (HWA); Collision Mitigation Support Front (CMSF); Traffic Sign Information (TSI); Door Open Warning (DOW); Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA); Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA); Lane Change Assist (LCA); Life Detection and Care (LDC); Lane Keep Aid with Lane Departure Warning / Prevention (LKA+); Parking Emergency Brake (PEB); Collision Mitigation Support Rear (CMSR); and Emergency Rescue Call (E-Call). Each is designed to make every journey safer and more relaxing.

There’s also a 29-inch head-up display with semi-augmented reality that can overlay contextual graphics onto the view ahead to help the driver keep their eyes on the road. A remote parking function in the smartphone app enables the Eletre owner to manoeuvre the car into a tight parking space while outside the vehicle, making it possible to fit into spaces which would otherwise be unsuitable. The suite of state-of-the-art sensors is also future-proofed to deliver further advances in automated driving capability via over-the-air (OTA) updates.

Eletre customers in Europe benefit from a five-year / 150,000km vehicle warranty with an eight-year / 200,000km battery warranty. In the UK, customers receive a five-year / 100,000-mile vehicle warranty with an eight-year / 150,000-mile battery warranty. All customers get five years of pan-European roadside assistance.

Chassis Technology and Vehicle Dynamics: A new benchmark in the SUV segment

Every Lotus has to deliver the ideal balance of agility, handling and comfort: this is fundamental to the brand’s DNA and to the unrivalled driver appeal each model offers. Through a combination of its light, stiff platform, sophisticated suspension systems and intelligent all-wheel drive, the Eletre engineering team had the ideal starting point for vehicle dynamics development. Adding even further capability are technologies such as active anti-roll control, torque vectoring by braking, and active rear-wheel steering. Networking all of these advanced technologies together so that they interact seamlessly as one, the result is an SUV that steers, corners and rides like only a Lotus can.

The Eletre features sophisticated multi-link suspension systems front and rear, with components made from lightweight aluminium. The design of each enables effective decoupling of lateral and longitudinal loads, delivering superb ride quality together with outstanding responsiveness without one attribute compromising the other.

The innovative dual-chamber air springs, fitted as standard across the Eletre range, enable independent control of ride height and stiffness. In addition to comfort and refinement, the active air suspension also provides speed-dependent lowering of the car by up to 25mm to reduce drag and therefore improve range. It can also increase ride height by between 15mm and 25mm to enhance off-highway capability.

The electronically-controlled damping system – CDC – continuously measures the loads coming into the suspension at a rate of 1,000 times per second, and adapts the damping rate 500 times per second, for improved body control without any harshness. It means the Eletre ‘breathes’ with the road, as every Lotus should.

The Eletre is the first Lotus to use electromechanical power steering. The system has been meticulously tuned to deliver the pure, truly connected feel, feedback and intuitive response to the driver’s inputs that’s a hallmark of every Lotus and for which Eletre also sets the class benchmark. And, at only 2.5 turns lock-to-lock, the steering is sports-car quick as well. With the rack-mounted motor only consuming power on-demand, the system offers greater energy efficiency than those relying on hydraulics to provide the assistance.

The active rear-wheel-steering system makes the Eletre even more agile and is another Lotus first. The technology is offered, together with Intelligent Active Roll Control (IARC), as part of the Lotus Dynamic Handling Pack that’s fitted as standard to the Eletre R and optional on Eletre and Eletre S. Actuators mounted on the rear subframe connected to the toe control arm can rotate the rear suspension knuckle by up to 3.5º. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the fronts, effectively reducing the wheelbase and therefore reducing the turning circle by up to 0.8 metres to enhance manoeuvrability. At high speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the fronts, improving stability.

IARC is a third-generation 48-volt system featuring powerful and fast-acting electromechanical actuators. Taking their input from the body displacement sensors, their required output torque is calculated in only two milliseconds, delivering precision control of the required roll stiffness, resulting in even more neutral cornering and improved composure. When driving on smooth, flat roads, IARC effectively decouples the anti-roll bars, benefiting ride comfort.

Managing the interaction of all of these systems is Lotus’ incredible new 6D Integrated Chassis Control (ICC) system. ICC seamlessly integrates the response of each component – together with the all-wheel drive system’s torque distribution and the active aerodynamics – to perfectly balance control and comfort in every driving scenario by continuously analysing the vehicle’s behaviour across multiple dimensions: vertical, lateral and longitudinal motion, plus pitch, roll and yaw. This technology, developed in-house by Lotus, significantly expands the Eletre’s dynamic capability and delivers an even more rewarding, engaging driving experience for the customer.

Drivers can also tailor the Eletre’s character to their individual taste by selecting one of the different Drive Modes, either through the central touchscreen or using the shift paddles behind the steering wheel. Each Mode subtly alters the vehicle’s settings to deliver a range of different benefits:

Tour Mode is the default mode, and balances driving comfort and energy consumption

Range Mode reduces the energy consumption of systems such as climate control, optimises front and rear torque distribution and offers a more progressive accelerator pedal response to increase range

Sport Mode sharpens the powertrain and chassis response, enhancing drivability and handling

Off-Road Mode can be used to enhance traction on low-friction surfaces to remove the risk of wheelspin

Individual Mode allows the driver to choose specific settings for powertrain, suspension and steering

Track Mode (Eletre R only) reduces ride height and powertrain response compared to Sport Mode, and also raises the threshold for the electronic stability control system’s intervention, giving the driver more influence over the vehicle’s cornering behaviour, making it ideal for spirited driving on a circuit

Comprehensive development work on the tyres and brakes has also taken place. Working in partnership with Pirelli, Lotus has engineered a range of high-performance 22 and 23-inch P Zero and ultra-high performance 22-inch P Zero Corsa tyres specifically for the Eletre. Each delivers an ideal balance of wet and dry grip, especially under the high loads resulting from the instant torque from the electric motors.

The braking system developed for the Eletre stands out for its six-piston front calipers and two-piece Brembo discs, comprising steel rotors and aluminium mounting bells. Joined together by a special casting process, these discs offer weight savings compared to conventional one-piece cast discs, and improved thermal management at high temperatures for improved braking performance – characteristics proven during the demanding testing programme at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife.

A carbon ceramic braking system is available as an option on the Eletre R (and Eletre S in European markets). This features AP Racing’s 10-piston ‘Radi-Cal’ calipers on the front axle: the highly optimised, asymmetric form of the forged aluminium components means they are the same weight as the six-piston calipers but offer 60 per cent more pressure area for even higher performance. They clamp Brembo’s carbon ceramic discs, which are less than half the weight of the six-piston system’s discs, and can operate at extreme temperatures exceeding 1,000ºC, offering outstanding fade resistance. They also offer a service life which is typically double that of steel discs. Calipers are available in a choice of six colours, depending on the spec chosen.

Bespoke, multi-material EV architecture: light, stiff, strong

Ensuring that the Eletre would deliver the benchmark ride, handling and agility expected of a Lotus, it was developed from day one on the all-new Electric Premium Architecture (EPA). This highly flexible, modular platform is bespoke to Lotus, and will be at the core of a range of new premium lifestyle performance EVs which will be developed over the next few years.

Engineered to maximise the benefits of electrification, including packaging the battery between the axles and beneath the floor to lower the centre of gravity and maximise cabin space, EPA features an intelligent mix of advanced materials to deliver the high torsional stiffness and light weight that are fundamental to Lotus dynamics DNA. This approach delivers an overall weight saving of 10 per cent on the complete body structure.

Aluminium high-pressure die-castings feature in key components such as the damper mounting points – the two front castings alone save 6kg compared to steel parts – together with aluminium extrusions and for the sills and stampings for the body panels. The three-piece bonnet assembly is 8kg lighter because of its aluminium construction, while the frameless aluminium doors save a further 6kg.

In all, advanced aluminium alloys account for 43 per cent of the platform itself, and 50.7 per cent of the complete body structure. They are combined with high and ultra-high strength steels, together with hot-formed steels to reinforce the A and B-pillars and enhance crash protection. A lightweight composite is used to form part of the rear floor. A total of 16 different advanced joining technologies are used throughout, including structural adhesives, self-piercing rivets, flow-drilled screws, spot welding and laser welding.

Together with the state-of-the-art suspension systems, this light, stiff body structure is key to the Eletre’s exceptional balance of dynamic capability, comfort and refinement, whether on road, track or off-road. It is also engineered to meet or exceed the requirements of the world’s most stringent legislative and consumer safety regulations.

Dual-motor all-electric powertrain: power, performance and efficiency

Befitting its status as a hyper-SUV, Eletre’s propulsion system technology delivers the searing performance expected of a truly rewarding, engaging, driver-focused machine, together with the energy efficiency essential for long range and day-to-day usability.

Packaged beneath the vehicle floor is a state-of-the-art, 800-volt, 112kWh Lithium-ion battery pack. Compared to conventional 400-volt systems, the 800-volt architecture reduces the operating current by half for the same power output. The benefits for the customer are threefold: less weight because smaller diameter cables can be used in the wiring harnesses; enhanced power efficiency and improved thermal management as less heat is generated; and much faster charging.

The configuration of the battery pack is innovative too. Instead of being packaged first within a number of separate modules, the prismatic cells are arranged directly within the battery’s structural casing. This has the advantages of reducing weight, and improving packaging as more cells can be housed within a given volume. The result is enhanced energy density – more than 175Wh/kg – which translates into longer range for the driver.

The battery pack’s sophisticated thermal management system and battery control module deliver the ideal operating conditions crucial to both range and durability. Precise control of heating and cooling ensures uniform heat distribution across all of the cells and ensures optimal temperatures under extremes such as high-power charging at up to 350kW, driving in sub-zero conditions or sustained high-speed cruising.

Integrating light and compact electric motors into the front and rear axles provides incredible performance and also makes Eletre the first all-wheel drive Lotus road car – a significant milestone in the brand’s evolution. The permanent magnet, synchronous motors are housed together with the transmissions and inverters inside a single, cast housing for optimum packaging efficiency. All models feature a single-speed transmission on the front axle. While the same is true for the rear axle of the Eletre and Eletre S, the Eletre R features a two-speed design: first gear has a ratio of 13.65:1, and second gear is 7.16:1. For the customer, this creates the ideal balance of superb launch performance and acceleration, together with enhanced efficiency – and therefore range – at high speeds.

Shifts are automatic, and utilise friction plate clutches for smoothness. Weighing only 156kg, the Eletre R’s rear drive unit is some 14kg lighter than comparable two-speed designs. The inverters feature state-of-the-art silicon carbide material to deliver the highest possible energy efficiency.

These highly advanced electric drive units deliver astonishing and exploitable new levels of performance to the SUV segment, together with remarkable efficiency.  With 603hp and 710Nm of instant torque, the Eletre and Eletre S can accelerate from 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in only 4.5 seconds and go on to a maximum speed of 258km/h (160mph). Both can achieve a WLTP Combined range of up to 600km (373 miles)⁴. With an incredible 905hp and 985Nm, the Eletre R covers the benchmark sprint in just 2.95 seconds and can reach 265km/h (165mph). WLTP Combine range is 490km (304 miles).

The electric drive units also greatly enhance real-world range. Unlike a combustion engine vehicle which converts kinetic energy to heat during braking, the Eletre can recuperate a significant proportion of this because the motors act as generators during deceleration, with the energy then recharging the battery. The driver can select from two levels of regenerative braking using the two tactile paddles on the steering wheel, their intricate shapes enabled by using a metal injection moulding manufacturing process. To ensure drivers receive consistent, progressive pedal feel under all conditions, friction braking and regenerative braking are seamlessly blended together.

Another attribute that the Eletre’s effortless torque and outstanding all-wheel drive traction underpin – and one which adds another dimension to its performance – is towing capacity. Selected models are rated at 2,250kg (with braked trailer) and cars with 22-inch wheels be specified with the optional deployable electric tow bar which shows neatly away when not in use. An additional 90kg can be carried on the roof bars, which, together with 688-litre rear (five-seat version) and 46-litre front luggage compartments, gives the Eletre the versatility and practicality to match its luxury and performance.

Charging: fast, simple, convenient

To enhance the ownership experience and make driving the Eletre even more enjoyable, it offers charging to match its range and performance. All models feature a 22kW on-board AC charger as standard: customers with a 22kW wallbox at home will be able to fully replenish the battery from 0-100 per cent in less than six hours – ideal for overnight charging.

Customers can also fully control how much to charge using the Lotus smartphone app. The app enables them to set the pre-conditioning function: while the vehicle is plugged-in, it uses mains electricity to heat or cool the battery to the ideal operating temperature, and brings the cabin temperature to the customer’s desired setting. This is far more efficient than drawing power directly from the battery and, as well as enhancing occupant comfort, pre-conditioning also enhances range, particularly in winter conditions when you need it the most.

When using the rapidly-growing network of public charging stations worldwide, Eletre customers benefit from the convenience of rapid 350kW DC charging. Perfect for topping-up the battery on long journeys when stopping for a break, just 20 minutes is enough to recharge from 10-80 per cent, and more than 120km (74 miles) of range can be added in only five minutes. Finding charging stations along the route is easy, thanks to the intelligent navigation system which not only highlights where they are, but also if they’re available or not.

Form and function: active aerodynamics

Eletre’s dramatic, cab-forward design evolves the iconic design language of the mid-engine Lotus sports car into a hyper-SUV. The ‘carved by air’ design ethos as seen in the Evija hypercar and Emira sports car is much more than skin deep, and seamlessly integrates a raft of active aerodynamic technologies which together enhance efficiency, performance and dynamics, and contribute to a drag coefficient of just 0.26.

One of the most significant features is the active front grille. An integral part of the Emira and Evija-inspired front end design, this comprises a row of seven individual apertures, each one featuring six triangular petals. These petals smoothly open and close on demand to meet the Eletre’s requirements for cooling airflow to the powertrain’s e-motors and radiators, and to the brakes.

Crucially, in colder markets, they can stay closed to retain heat. Unique to the Eletre R, if the driver selects Track Mode, the grille is always fully open, helping to ensure the vehicle can deliver sustained, high-performance driving and braking.

The Electric Reverse Mirror Displays (ERMD)¹, which use high-definition cameras to stream the view behind the vehicle to six-inch displays in the front doors, have a much smaller frontal area than traditional rear view mirrors. As well as enhanced vision, the ERMD technology can reduce the wind resistance coefficient by up to 1.5 per cent, further improving aero performance and useable range.

Delivering the same benefit is the deployable, state-of-the-art LIDAR sensor mounted at the top of the windscreen and front wheel arches. These remain hidden when not in use by the Eletre’s comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems..

Another innovation is the Eletre’s active rear spoiler, packaged neatly into the tailgate. Working in combination with the distinctive split floating roof spoiler above, it automatically adjusts between three positions, depending on vehicle speed, acceleration, braking and Drive Mode setting.

When deployed at an angle of 18º, the spoiler can reduce the drag coefficient by up to 1.8%, while also increasing downforce by up to 60kg; moving to 32º increases the drag coefficient slightly, by 1.8%, but more than doubles downforce to 112.5kg.  Fully deployed to 34º delivers maximum deceleration to assist maximum braking effort.

Eletre inside: the digital cockpit

The Eletre has an interior like no Lotus before it. The luxurious, spacious cabin effortlessly fuses a performance-orientated, technical design with world-class infotainment and connectivity and a curated selection of the very finest materials and finishes which convey luxury, exclusivity and precision craftsmanship – with an equal focus on sustainability.

The Eletre’s intelligent ‘Digital Cockpit’ uses cutting-edge technology to enhance the driving experience by combining beautifully rendered graphics, super-fast responses and intuitive operation. Lotus Hyper OS – an all-new operating system making its debut in Eletre – provides a seamless interactive experience that offers best-in-class performance and interactive feedback, putting the user – driver or passenger – in complete control.

The specification includes dual Qualcomm 8155 Snapdragon chips for exceptional processing power, together with 12GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Use of ‘Unreal Engine’ technology from the world of computer gaming enables real-time 3D animations and experiences. The best possible connectivity is ensured by 5G compatibility. Software-over-the-air capability ensures the Eletre’s Digital Cockpit is always up to date, and continuously improves over time as new functionality becomes available.

Another innovation is a virtual personal assistant so that customers can interact with the vehicle just by speaking: simply say “Hi Lotus, I’m cold”, for example, and the cabin temperature is adjusted accordingly, enabling drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road.

The central touchscreen is a slimline, deployable, 15.1-inch HD OLED design that’s only 10mm thick. Able to display beautifully crisp, clear images using over 16 million colours, it offers exceptional clarity and a truly immersive experience for the driver. Navigation functionality, developed with HERE Technologies (for European markets), includes EV Routing, EV Range Assistant and Predictive Routing. Beneath the touchscreen in the centre console is a wireless device charger to complement wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto2.

The front seat passenger has a high-definition touchscreen of their own, enabling them to control media playback and see information corresponding to voice control commands or receive prompts such as fasten seatbelt. In the rear, passengers can control climate control settings, seat adjustments, ambient lighting and media playback through a further HD touchscreen – an eight-inch or nine-inch deployable display for five-seat or four-seat configurations respectively.

The 12.6-inch HD OLED instrument cluster behind the steering wheel is paired with a 29-inch head-up display (HUD) with augmented reality to help the driver keep their eyes on the road. By projecting graphics which help to convey key information such as navigation or advanced driver assistance system alerts over corresponding objects up ahead, the HUD can make it quicker and easier for the driver to understand what’s happening around them, reducing distraction and enhancing safety.

Ensuring that every occupant can enjoy an unrivalled music experience, the Eletre offers two audio systems developed with KEF. KEF Premium is a 1,380-watt, 15-speaker, surround sound system, while KEF Reference is a 2,160-watt 23-speaker system featuring 3D surround sound and space-saving Uni-Core™ technology, and the Eletre is the first vehicle to offer it. To enhance depth, precision and clarity, both systems are combined with Dolby Atmos, and the pairing of this technology together with KEF Audio is another first.

A smartphone app developed for the Eletre enables customers to interact with the vehicle wherever they are. As well as using the app to control charging and pre-conditioning, it allows them to change climate control settings, purify the cabin air, remotely lock or unlock the vehicle, or just check information such as available range. Drivers can even use the app to remotely park the vehicle, for example, in tight spaces: they can watch their Eletre manoeuvre itself into parallel, perpendicular or diagonal spaces which would otherwise be too small if the occupants had to open the doors to get out.

Digital technology has even been applied to the panoramic glass roof³: it offers 10 different settings for the amount of light transmitted into the cabin. And, compared to conventional designs which use a separate sunblind, it offers better heat insulation, helping to reduce the energy consumption of the climate control system. 

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: safety, future-proofed

The Eletre is equipped with a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), all designed to enhance safety and make journeys more relaxing. To deliver this, a full complement of state-of-the-art sensors are used: 34 in total, including the four deployable LIDAR, six radar, seven 8MP HD cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors. All together, they give the vehicle a true 360º view of the world around it.

To manage real-time processing of this wealth of data are two NVIDIA Orin-X chips, which provide a computing power capability of 500 TOPS – a phenomenal 500 trillion operations per second – and provide a fail-safe system architecture for enhanced functional safety. This level of technology, together with software and feature updates over-the-air, ensures that the Eletre not only provides the very latest ADAS functionality but is also able to deliver Level 4 autonomous driving capability as market regulations allow.

Eletre customers will be able to benefit from Highway Assist, which is designed to make long distance motorway driving more comfortable. Available from 30-150km/h, this builds on the Adaptive Cruise Control system’s management of speed and distance to vehicles in front by also automatically keeping the vehicle centred in its lane – even in bends.

Tiredness and driver distraction are among the main causes of road accidents, so Lotus has developed a Driver Monitoring System (DMS) which can help and support the driver if it determines that they’re not focused on the road ahead. Inside the cabin, near-infrared light is sent out which is reflected by the driver’s eyes and picked up by a camera: this determines, through filtering and complex calculations, where the driver is looking. Combined with other inputs such as the rate and duration of every blink, how the mouth is closed or open, and the way in which the vehicle is being driven, DMS can determine if there is a risk of them falling asleep or not paying attention to the road ahead. If these scenarios occur, visual and audible warnings are triggered, encouraging the driver to stop and take a break.

Another innovation is Life Detection and Care – a system designed to protect children or pets inadvertently left inside a locked vehicle. Should this occur, CPD will initiate three levels of warning: within 10 seconds of the vehicle being locked, the Eletre’s horn will sound and the lights will flash, and a notification will be sent to the driver. If the driver doesn’t act, the signals from the horn and lights will continue for five minutes. If no action is taken after five minutes and the temperature inside the cabin exceeds 35ºC, an emergency call will be made to the authorities to alert them to the potential risk, the windows will be lowered and a new notification will be sent to the driver.

Exterior design: daring and dramatic

Embracing the creative freedom which comes from the absence of a petrol engine, the Eletre’s dramatic form interprets 75 years of Lotus sports car design DNA into a stunning new theme befitting the brand’s first all-electric hyper-SUV. It is characterised by a cab-forward stance, long wheelbase and very short overhangs front and rear. Overall, there’s a visual lightness to the vehicle, creating the impression of a high-riding sports car rather than an SUV.

A signature element of the design is its ‘porosity’ – the aerodynamic principle of air flowing through the vehicle as well as under, over and around it. Porosity was at the heart of the Lotus Evija’s design, is integral to the Emira, and has provided clear inspiration for the Eletre. It is most obvious where air is channelled under the leading edge of the vehicle, emerging through two exit vents in the bonnet.

There are other examples of porosity ahead of and behind the front wheel arches, behind the rear wheels, and even at the top of the D-pillar. For the driver, the benefits are clear: the reductions in aerodynamic drag that they deliver improve both performance and range.

At the front of the Eletre, the very sharp and crisp leading edge reveals a clear lineage with the Emira and Evija. It draws a distinct line across the very striking and contemporary design treatment below. There are further echoes of Evija in the layering of the surfaces, the creation of space and the optimised, streamlined performance.

Just above the leading edge are the super-slim, technical light clusters which house the Daytime Running Lights and scrolling directional indicators. The full LED headlights, which use Matrix technology to permit constant high beam use without dazzling the vehicle in front, or oncoming traffic, are housed below, recessed and partially hidden. The headlights also feature an industry-first High Beam Spot Module with an incorporated active cornering light to increase visibility on dark, twisty roads. The module is light, compact and simple – a true Lotus story, combining two features in one design.  Lower down is the Eletre’s active front grille, a further example of the vehicle’s porosity.

Overall there is a unique sense of flow and a kinetic quality to the Eletre’s front end, the purity of which is enhanced by the deployable LIDAR sensor mounted at the top of the windscreen, which remains in its lowered position when not in use. The bold leading edge of the bonnet continues round into the front fenders, wheel arches and, ultimately, the length of the vehicle as a feature line. The taut and muscular lines are dominant above it, with the aerodynamic elements below.

In profile, the muscular haunches dominate. The air outlet immediately behind the front wheels defines the sculpted shape of the doors, which also feature deployable technology for the handles, allowing the surfacing to flow smoothly along the bodyside.

The aggressive rake of the windscreen – a sports car-like 27º – is clearly visible in profile, with the roofline tapering away dramatically at the rear, leading to a unique floating D-pillar that features an innovative ‘air blade’ which aids drag reduction. Another example of porosity, it’s an aerodynamic performance enhancement taken directly from the front bumper of the Emira.

At the rear, the full-width ribbon light strip picks up the feature line from the profile. Situated just above the Lotus wordmark, it is red when the vehicle is moving and includes a scrolling directional indicator at each end, where it curves gently into the air outlets from the wheel arches – another design cue which echoes both the Emira and Evija. The light can appear in four colours, playing a role in the car’s theatrical unlocking sequence and also indicating the battery’s charge status. The unique cantilevered carbon fibre ‘floating’ split roof spoiler is a motorsport-inspired design feature that evokes race car winglets. The central section is removed to reduce weight – a very Lotus concept – and allows the LIDAR sensor to be integrated at the top of the glass.

Interior design: luxurious, spacious

The Eletre takes Lotus interiors to an unprecedented new level. The performance-oriented and technical design is visually lightweight, using ultra-premium materials to deliver an exceptional customer experience, whether in the standard five-seat configuration or the optional four-seat layout. Above, a fixed panoramic roof² floods the interior with natural light, adding to the bright and spacious feeling inside.

The driver-focused cockpit and high centre console are inspired by the Lotus Emira and Evija, creating a cossetted feeling. The layering of materials and textures creates a truly premium feel, augmented by a triangular theme – seen externally on the car’s active front grille – and replicated in multiple locations around the cabin.

The Lotus philosophy of lightweighting – removing material wherever it’s not needed – is clearly illustrated in the instrument panel. The floating wing’s central section has been taken out, echoing the design of the rear spoiler.

There is a wealth of practical storage space in the Eletre’s cabin. The centre console includes a storage tray with wireless phone charging functionality, as well as twin cupholders which remain flush to the surface until they’re needed. The beautifully sculpted door design includes storage which can accommodate a one litre bottle. Occupants in the rear also have a wireless charging mat, and when the middle seat of the standard three-seat configuration isn’t being used, it can be lowered down to become an armrest, also with two deployable cupholders.

Sustainability is also a key theme of the interior. A Lotus innovation which makes its debut in the Eletre is the Re-Fibre. A premium textile made from waste fabric from the fashion industry, this material has the softness of cotton, the lustre of silk and the smoothness of hemp, offering a new vision of sustainable luxury. Enhancing comfort, it also offers better air permeability than pure cotton. Offering a weight saving compared to leather, it also reduces consumption of raw materials and reduces CO2.

Customers can also choose Ultrafabric polyurethane seats. This material offers a technical finish and is half the weight of leather, which is perfectly aligned to the Lotus ethos of lightweighting. There’s also Alcantara: this microfibre material has been carbon neutral since 2009, and the material offered in the Eletre has been offset to zero carbon footprint. Carpets are made from Econyl – a material made from 100% post-consumer waste which is also fully recyclable.

Lotus Eletre: a milestone car for a milestone moment

With the Emira confirmed as the final combustion engine Lotus sports car, the Eletre’s significance as the first all-electric Lotus hyper-SUV is made all the more significant: it is a key milestone in the brand’s dramatic transformation as it embraces a bold new electrified era. Lotus has always used technical innovation, advanced aerodynamics and lightweighting to create vehicles which set the class benchmark for performance, ride and handling. The Eletre proudly continues this tradition, but with a step-change in versatility and usability, ensuring that the Lotus brand appeals to driving enthusiasts around the world like never before.

1 - Eletre is fitted with standard mirrors in markets where local regulations do not allow ERMD
2 - Not available in China
3 - Panoramic glass roof is optional in markets outside China
4 – With 20-inch wheel

Lotus Eletre: Technical Specification

Powertrain and performance:

* Using 20-inch wheel, available as a no-cost option in the UK

Chassis

Dimensions (mm):

Lotus Eletre: Pricing (from)

• Deliveries to start summer 2023 across the world
• First GT4 customers will receive significantly enhanced spec and performance
• Cars will feature more power and an optimised aero package
• Emira GT4 will be on display at Snetterton round of British GT Championship on 17-18 June

Hethel, UK – 13 June 2023  The Lotus Emira GT4 is in production and now ready for delivery to its first customers, with a significantly enhanced spec and performance.

First examples of the eagerly anticipated new Lotus race car will be shipped to owners over the summer, with orders from the UK, Europe, China, Australia and the USA.

The Emira GT4 has been homologated for competition in global GT4 classes and, thanks to a comprehensive options list, is also eligible for other non-homologated and specialist race series around the world.

After extensive development work by the Lotus team in collaboration with world-renowned motorsport partner RML Group, the car has been upgraded from the version that was unveiled at a VIP event at Hethel, Norfolk, last year. Improvements include:

-      Increased power – up more than 10% to 455 bhp

-      All-new six-speed paddleshift sequential racing gearbox and control system

-      Optimised aerodynamics to suit both tight/twisty and fast/flowing circuits

-      Enhancements to the braking system, springs, damping and cooling packs

Gavan Kershaw, Director of Vehicle Attributes, Lotus, and a former British GT Championship winner has been heavily involved in the development of the Emira GT4 from day one. He commented: “The Emira road car was such an excellent starting point for a GT4, and we’ve now further refined and tuned the package with the team at RML to create what we believe is a highly competitive and performance-oriented race car. We know our customers are keen to get behind the wheel and we’re looking forward to seeing their results.”

For anyone wanting to see the car and find out more, it will be on display at the Snetterton round of the British GT Championship on 17-18 June.

The Emira GT4 is the culmination of 75 years of innovation on the road and track, and marks the start of an exciting new era in performance GT racing for Lotus. Motorsport has always been part of the Lotus story. This year is the 75th anniversary of the first Lotus, the Mk I, which was a trials car built by founder Colin Chapman in 1948.

Lotus has been synonymous with worldwide racing success ever since, and the company has pioneered many of the technical innovations which make racing the thrilling sport it is today. Lotus’ impressive roll-call of honours includes seven Formula 1 Constructors' titles, six Drivers' Championships and victory in the legendary Indianapolis 500.

Most recently Lotus has been racing with the Evora GT4, which won prestigious races and championships in categories such as British GT, Dubai 24hrs, Barcelona 24hrs, European GT, Sepang 12hrs and the Pirelli World Challenge.

All Emira GT4 customer cars are being hand-built by the RML team at a dedicated new production facility at Wellingborough, UK. There is no limit on the number which can be produced. The Lotus Emira GT4 is priced at £179,000 plus taxes and delivery. For more information contact Russell Gibbons at the Lotus motorsport department on rgibbons@lotuscars.com

Lotus Emira GT4: technical specification and performance data 

 ^{*Subject to Balance of Performance}

• Official signing ceremony with new retail partner Kolon Mobility Group has taken place in Seoul
• Stunning new Lotus Brand Centre will open in upmarket Gangnam district later this year
• Eletre hyper-SUV and Emira sports car launched locally with first customer deliveries next year
• Further Lotus expansion in Asia-Pacific markets confirmed

Hethel, UK – 30 May 2023  Lotus has relaunched in South Korea and signed an exciting new partnership with highly respected luxury and premium automotive retailer Kolon Mobility Group (KMG).

Following an official ceremony in Seoul attended by the senior leadership teams of both organisations, KMG has become the official importer and sole distributor of Lotus in South Korea.

The first visible expression of the collaboration is a stunning new Lotus Brand Centre in Seoul. With construction scheduled to start shortly, it will open in Q4 2023 in the world-renowned high-fashion district of Gangnam, home to many modern luxury stores and boutique hotels. The stunning building will showcase Lotus’ expanding performance car range in a premium state-of-the-art setting over three lower floors.

KMG is launching its business with two thrilling Lotus models – the Emira and Eletre. The Emira is the last mainstream ICE sports car from Lotus and the best of breed. It challenges conventional performance car attributes and thinking by blending exotic supercar looks, everyday usability, enhanced comfort and class-leading Lotus performance and driving dynamics.

The all-new and all-electric Lotus Eletre is a progressive and striking hyper-SUV. It takes the core principles of the brand’s DNA from 75 years of sports car design and engineering, evolving them into a desirable all-new lifestyle car for the next generation of Lotus customers.

The Brand Centre in Seoul will be complemented by an official ‘one-stop shop’ Lotus Service Centre, to be established in Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si. It will also open to customers in Q4 2023.

Architects’ images of both locations reveal how the focus will be around providing a world-class customer experience for current and future Lotus owners from the moment they walk in.

Mike Johnstone, Group Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, Lotus, was in Seoul for the official partnership signing. He commented: “We’re delighted to be relaunching in South Korea, and doing so with such a renowned and respected partner as Kolon Mobility Group. With premium Lotus performance cars such as the Eletre, Emira and others on the horizon, we are looking forward to engaging with a new audience and new customers in South Korea.”

Lotus has previously been present in the market with a different retail partner. New partner KMG is well-known as an official retailer for other luxury and premium automotive brands, a portfolio which is further enhanced with the addition of Lotus.

Lee Kyu-ho, CEO, KMG, said: “We are delighted to be the new partner for Lotus in South Korea. It is an iconic brand which is undergoing an amazing global transformation, and we are looking forward to welcoming customers and fans into our wonderful new Brand Centre. In collaborating with Lotus, we continue to dedicate every effort to present a wide range of mobility experiences to our customers.”

The first Lotus cars will arrive in Q1 2024 and Q3 2024 for Emira and Eletre customers respectively. However, brand / product digital marketing starts immediately as the local market website goes live. An e-Commerce capability is planned for launch at a later date.

South Korea is a key conquest market for Lotus in the region. Mike Johnstone commented: “Lotus has a long-established and loyal group of customers and fans in Asia-Pacific markets. We are relaunching the brand in South Korea with a new product line-up and strategy, and are confident it will become one of the largest markets in Asia for Lotus, outside of China, as the business continues its global expansion.”

Lotus already has strong relationships with long-term partners in many other local markets. In those where it does not, particularly Vietnam and Indonesia, development work is progressing rapidly.

Dan Balmer, Regional Director for APAC, Middle East and Africa, Lotus, said: “We are developing both current and new partners, and exciting opportunities in other new markets, to scale up for the arrival of the Eletre and the new models beyond.”

He added: “Since the launch of Eletre, we have received strong interest from all markets in the region, and we’re already working with those local partners in finalising the launch plans for them. We will confirm those plans in due course.”

• Running through the centre of Lotus’ Norfolk sports car HQ, new road officially named in honour of Lotus co-founder
• Chapman family planted a Maidenhair tree in celebration of Hazel, who passed away in December 2021
• Children of nearby Wreningham VC Primary School took part and planted more trees

Hethel, UK – 24 May 2023  The memory of Hazel Chapman, who with her husband Colin Chapman established Lotus in 1948, has been celebrated with the dedication of ‘Hazel Chapman Way’, a new road which runs through the heart of Lotus’ sports cars HQ in Hethel, Norfolk.

The event was led by Matt Windle, Group Vice-President and Managing Director of Lotus Cars, and Hazel and Colin’s grandchildren. It included the ceremonial unveiling of a road sign and the planting of a Maidenhair Tree (Gingko biloba), chosen as a particular favourite of Hazel’s.

It was followed by the planting of 10 trees in an area of land adjacent to the famous Hethel test track which, in time, will become a small woodland. The work was carried out by children from the nearby Wreningham VC Primary School. Earlier they had participated in a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) challenge run by the Lotus Learning Academy, where they designed, built and ran their own model cars.

STEAM activities to inspire the next generation, and a commitment to improving the local area through the planting of trees, are initiatives aligned to Driving Change, the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Charter which Lotus published last year.

Hazel Chapman Way runs alongside the all-new Lotus Retail Centre and staff restaurant, recently completed as part of the ongoing transformation of the Hethel site. The road is flanked by a number of trees including maples, poplars, willows and cherries, planted to follow the site’s horticultural and landscaping plan conceived nearly 60 years ago by Hazel Chapman herself.

On display for the distinguished guests to view was the current range of new Lotus performance cars – the Emira, the last Lotus petrol-powered sports car and the best of breed; the Evija, the world’s first all-electric British hypercar; and the Eletre, the world’s first all-electric hyper-SUV.

By contrast, with them was the original Lotus Mk 3 from 1951 – the second oldest Lotus car in existence, which was built by Colin and Hazel Chapman and raced competitively by them in the early 1950s.

Matt Windle commented: “Lotus is indebted to Hazel Chapman and we are delighted to help celebrate her life and legacy in this small way. The Hethel site is such a wonderful place to work, surrounded by fields in the heart of south Norfolk. Today we’ve added to that natural landscape with the planting of new trees that will further enhance our environment.”

Clive Chapman, Director of Classic Team Lotus and son of Colin and Hazel Chapman, added: “We are very grateful to Lotus for this dedication of Hazel Chapman Way, at the heart of the Hethel site, which is so appropriate. Our family is delighted to see how the Lotus legacy that Colin and Hazel Chapman started 75 years ago is also being nurtured and cared for by its shareholders. On behalf of all my family, we thank Lotus very much for this lovely honour being bestowed on Hazel today.”

The dedication of Hazel Chapman Way coincided with the birthdays of Colin Chapman (19 May) and of Hazel Chapman (21 May).

• Emira was voted ‘New Car of the Year’ by both motor retail managers and AM judging panel
• AM Awards from Automotive Management Online,  recognise and celebrate motor retail excellence, market-leading vehicles and business leadership
• Award received on behalf of Lotus by Geoff Dowding, Executive Director, Commercial Operations Lotus Cars

Hethel, UK – 12 May 2023  Lotus Emira, the last Lotus petrol-powered sports car collected another accolade by being named as ‘New Car of the Year’ at the annual AM Awards 2023, held in London this week.

To win The New Car of the Year Award, the Lotus Emira was voted for by both motor retail managers and the AM judging panel:

“Clearly the Emira is being seen as a fantastic start of a new chapter for Lotus and its dealers. It is the most accomplished Lotus road car yet, balancing a high level of driver engagement with the practicality of an everyday sportscar, and our audience – including dealers with rival brands - is now certainly very excited about the Lotus brand’s future. Emira will certainly attract new customers to Lotus and this will give the carmaker great foundations for growth,” said Tim Rose, editor, AM Online.

Receiving the award on behalf of Lotus, Geoff Dowding, Executive Director, Commercial Operations Lotus Cars said, “The Emira has won a number of accolades around the world, but this award from AM is particularly special as it was voted for by the well-informed AM judging panel and a discerning automotive industry, including retailers, dealers and senior management. Not only is the Emira is a brilliant sports car and the best in breed but also this award reinforces the confidence and excitement that the industry has for Lotus as it rapidly moves towards the EV future with the Lotus Evija and Lotus Eletre.”

Powered by either a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine or a 2.0-litre turbocharged ‘i4’ through a manual, automatic or Dual Clutch Transmission, the Lotus Emira accelerates to 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 180mph.

The Emira is manufactured at Lotus’ global HQ for sports car and hypercar operations in Hethel, Norfolk. Subassembly manufacturing for the lightweight and high tech aluminium chassis is at Lotus Advanced Structures in Norwich.

The Lotus Emira is one of three high tech performance cars built by Lotus, along with the Eletre, the world’s first all-electric hyper-SUV and the Evija, the world’s first all-electric British hypercar.

• Emira praised for high level of interior quality, dynamic performance and value for money
• Judges drawn from across the automotive media landscape
• Emira now goes forward for the overall UK Car of the Year title

Hethel, UK – 28 February 2023  The Lotus Emira has been named Best Performance Car at the ‘UK Car of the Year’ awards 2023.

Now into its sixth year, the UKCOTY is wholly independent and designed to advise UK customers about the best new cars on the market. It is judged by almost 30 professional journalists who cover the whole automotive industry, including some of the most respected names from national newspapers, magazines, TV and online.

Comments from the judges included:

-      “It’s great to have Lotus back producing cars that put a big smile on your face – and with a huge step-up in interior quality.” – Paul Barker, Carwow 

-      “As Lotus’ last-ever petrol car, the Emira two-seater sports car had to visually ‘go out with a bang’. Inside, the Emira’s cabin is one of its most well-appointed and comfortable ever to wear a Lotus badge. All in all, big bang achieved.” – Guy Bird, freelance journalist

-      “What a return to form! Rapid yet enjoyable at lower speeds,  a ride/handling balance that defies belief and exotica looks despite being cheaper than its Italian rivals.” – Keith Jones, CAR magazine and Parkers Car Guide

Russell Carr, Director of Design, Lotus Cars, led the Emira design team and said: “It is a great honour for the whole team at Lotus to receive this award for the Emira, and from such respected and knowledgeable judges.”

He added: “This award is also an appreciation and acknowledgement for all at Lotus Cars, from the engineering and development teams, those in manufacturing and quality and in sales and marketing, who have worked to take this now multi-award-winning sports car from concept to production and record sales.”

The Emira now goes forward for the overall UK Car of the Year title, to be announced next month.

Powered by either a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine through a manual, automatic or Dual Clutch Transmission, the Emira delivers breath-taking performance and class-leading ride and handling. It is a junior supercar with everyday usability, beautifully balanced with excellent steering weight. Delivering a shift in practicality, comfort, functionality and technology, it is a true Lotus – nimble, mid-engined, exotic looking and competitively priced. It is the most accomplished Lotus road car ever to come out of the Hethel factory gates.

• Lotus-developed track bike will be used by Great Britain Cycling Team athletes in summer 2024
• Core Lotus values at the heart of project – pioneering spirit, optimised aerodynamics, advanced lightweight materials and world-class manufacturing
• Builds on hugely successful Lotus-developed bike from Tokyo 2020
• Watch the announcement film on YouTube

Hethel, UK – 27 February 2023  Lotus and British Cycling have confirmed they will continue their hugely successful collaboration in the world of elite track cycling, and are developing the bike that home-nation athletes will use at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

It will be based on the innovative Hope / Lotus track bike created for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. A global audience of billions of sports fans watched riders from the Great Britain Cycling Team (GBCT) win seven medals at the Games on the bike. The haul – which included three gold medals – put Great Britain at the top of the Games’ track cycling medal table.

Lotus and British Cycling have released a short film to celebrate the announcement they are continuing to work together on a track bike for the Paris Olympic Games, which start on 26 July 2024. Development work – which is overseen by Lotus Engineering, the consultancy division of the business – is already well-advanced, though remains confidential until closer to the Games.

As with the Tokyo bike, its successor will focus on the core values of all Lotus products, including a pioneering spirit, optimised aerodynamics, high performance, advanced lightweight materials and world-class manufacturing.

Matt Windle, Group Vice-President and Managing Director, Lotus Cars, said: “We are thrilled to be continuing this unique and successful partnership with British Cycling. Being involved in the development of such a high-performance machine, and having GBCT athletes win so many medals riding it on a global sporting stage like the Olympics, is fantastic as we transform the Lotus brand.”

Lotus is transforming from a UK sports car company to a global performance business and brand. The journey is guided by Vision80, a comprehensive strategy which defines what Lotus will be in 2028, when it celebrates its 80th anniversary.

Stephen Park CBE, Great Britain Cycling Team Performance Director, said: “Over the last Olympic cycle we have developed a fantastic relationship with Lotus, combining their expertise with our in-house team, constantly striving to find the most innovative solutions to give our track riders the best possible chance when the get to the start line.

He added: “Having brought back seven track medals from Tokyo, we are excited to see what we can go on to achieve together as we work towards further refining our bike, which is just one part of the world-class support we are able to offer our riders as we set our sights on Paris 2024.”

The new film features a number of GBCT athletes and coaches explaining why they #lovemybike. It is part of British Cycling’s ongoing #cyclinglove campaign to celebrate all the things to enjoy about life on two wheels.

Featured riders include Joe Truman, GBCT men’s podium sprinter, who said: “When I first saw the bike, I knew it was something special. Since I’ve been riding it, it has helped me win a silver medal at both the 2022 Commonwealth Games and 2023 UEC European Championships, and is now helping me qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games.”

Jess Roberts, GBCT women’s podium endurance rider, added: “I love my bike because it makes me feel strong and empowered. Every training session it gives me a little extra boost that I get to ride such a special bike. I’m chasing my dreams on a bike that rides like a dream.”

Lotus has a highly successful history in cycling through its Lotus Engineering division. In the Nineties, Lotus was instrumental in the design and development of LotusSport bikes, including for cycling legend Chris Boardman at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. Riding the iconic Lotus Type 108, he won gold in the Men’s Pursuit and followed it up in the 1994 Tour de France – riding the Type 110 – winning the Prologue time trial to take the famous yellow jersey.

• New all-electric Lotus Hyper-SUV – Eletre – wins prestigious award from world’s leading fashion and lifestyle publication
• GQ’s judges cited Eletre’s power, range and styling among attributes which set it apart
• Advanced ‘digital cockpit’ cabin and Lotus Hyper OS usher in new era of in-car experience
• Available in Eletre, Eletre S and Eletre R variants, flagship Eletre R is world’s fastest dual-motor electric SUV

Hethel, UK – 21 February 2023  The all-new Lotus Eletre hyper-SUV has claimed victory in GQ magazine’s Car Of The Year awards, winning the prestigious ‘SUV Of The Year’ title. Selected annually by GQ’s panel of design, lifestyle and automotive experts, the awards honour vehicles from a diverse range of categories which are ‘inspiring, interesting, have automotive integrity and get the pulse racing.’

As both the first SUV and the first production EV in Lotus’ 75-year history, the Eletre marks the start of an exciting and electrified new chapter for the business and brand. Its newcomer status proved no hindrance in a crowded field of contenders, with the Eletre seeing off stiff competition from many of the world’s well-established SUV manufacturers.

In summarising the Eletre’s winning traits, the GQ judges concluded: "The premium electric SUV sector is filling up faster than you can say ‘recession-proof’ with all the automotive big beasts vying for attention, but none have grabbed our attention like Lotus.”

Ben Payne, Chief Creative Officer, Lotus, said: “From the very first discussions about what the Eletre should be, our vision was to deliver a unique and highly desirable car that would demonstrate to the world what the EV future of Lotus would stand for. As an SUV, it will bring a completely new audience to the brand – a lifestyle customer. To be recognised for that by GQ, a globally renowned lifestyle publication, is a great honour.”

The all-new, all-electric SUV is set to hit roads later this year, with thousands of customers around the world having already placed their deposits to secure a car. Three different versions are available – Eletre, Eletre S and Eletre R – with a choice of two powertrains.

Eletre and Eletre S both feature a 603hp (450kw) single-speed unit producing 710Nm of torque to deliver a 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds and a maximum range of 373 miles. The flagship Eletre R comes equipped with a 905hp (675kw) dual-speed set-up boasting 985Nm for 0-62mph in just 2.95 seconds, making it the world’s fastest pure electric dual-motor SUV. Maximum range for this performance-oriented variant is 304 miles, while the 112kWh battery found in all versions can be charged (10%-80%) in just 20 minutes using a rapid charger.

Inside, the Eletre’s premium cabin sets a new standard of desirability for Lotus interiors. The Eletre comes with 12-way electrically adjustable front seats, four-zone automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless phone charging and much more. Its advanced ‘digital cockpit’ features server-level computing power, enabling a billion-colour OLED touchscreen to display the cutting-edge Lotus Hyper OS for next-generation real-time 3D content.

Immersion is further enhanced by a 15-speaker KEF Premium Audio system. Customers can upgrade to KEF Reference, a 2,160-watt 23-speaker system with Uni-Q and 3D surround sound technology. KEF Reference also features Uni-Core, a pioneering new approach to speaker and subwoofer design, and the Eletre marks its debut in the automotive world.

The Eletre also comes with renowned immersive audio experience Dolby Atmos, a new way to enjoy music that takes listening to new heights through unparalleled depth, precision and clarity. Together, Dolby Atmos and the Eletre’s KEF speaker system combine to elevate music listening to new levels. Driver and passengers will feel like they’re sitting in the middle of the recording studio alongside the artist. The Eletre is the world’s first car to combine Dolby Atmos and KEF Audio.

In the UK the Eletre is priced from £89,500, with a standard spec including five drive modes, active air suspension, torque vectoring, matrix LED headlights, active front grille and 10-spoke 22-inch forged wheels.

• Mike Johnstone appointed Group Lotus’ Vice-President, Commercial 
• Mike will lead Group Lotus’ global commercial operations, reporting to CEO Mr Feng Qingfeng

Hethel, UK – 11 January 2023  Group Lotus has appointed Mike Johnstone as Vice-President, Commercial, to lead the company’s global commercial operations.

Mike’s appointment marks the beginning of a new era in the transformation of the Lotus brand, as the company continues the rapid expansion of its model range, grows its international footprint and aims to reach 100,000+ sales by 2028 when the company marks its 80^th year.

Bringing together the existing Sales, Aftersales, Brand and PR functions into a newly formed global commercial division under Mike’s leadership, his team will be responsible for all product lines across all territories.

Mike joins Group Lotus from Volvo Cars where he most recently led the global marketing team in Gothenburg, Sweden. Prior to Volvo Cars, Mike held various sales and marketing roles at major brands including Harley-Davidson and Kawasaki Motors.

Working closely with the Group’s other Vice-Presidents, including Matt Windle (Group VP and Managing Director, Lotus Cars), Mike will report directly to Mr Feng Qingfeng, Group CEO, under the Group Lotus umbrella and according to the company principle of ‘Born British, Raised Globally’. 

Mike’s appointment is effective immediately and he will be based in London.

• Online booking for next year’s Hethel track day experiences now available at https://experience.lotuscars.com
• Revamped structure means four courses instead of three, creating extra customer choice
• Option to include Hethel factory and Classic Team Lotus tours
• Prices start at just £199
• Hethel factory tours available to book through same link

Hethel, UK – 1 December 2022  Just in time for Christmas, one of the UK’s best-known track experience days – the Lotus Driving Academy (LDA) – has announced its diary for the first half of 2023. The chance to drive the thrilling Emira sports car on the iconic Lotus test track is the perfect festive gift for any petrolhead.

LDA sessions run on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday two weeks out of every four, using the iconic 2.2-mile circuit at Hethel, the home of Lotus since 1966. The booking platform is now live at https://experience.lotuscars.com and tours of the Hethel factory are available through the same link.

New for 2023 is a revamped structure, with the LDA now offering four distinct courses rather than three. All courses begin with a comprehensive safety briefing from the expert Academy instructors. Offering something for everyone, the four courses are as follows:

A Taste of Lotus – guests have a five-minute circuit familiarisation with an Academy instructor before sliding behind the Emira’s steering wheel themselves. They’re guided from the passenger seat by the instructor for 2 x 10-minute sessions on the full Hethel test track. This course is aimed at those who want to experience or gift the chance to drive a Lotus Emira in a truly iconic location.

Dynamic Emira – new for 2023, this half-day experience allows guests to compare both the Touring and Sports suspension set-ups of the Emira in a back-to-back comparison. The course includes 4 x 10-minute sessions on the south test track, with the instructor assisting guests to identify the vehicle characteristics previously discussed. Time between driving sessions is filled with a visit to the Chapman Production Centre, where the Emira is built, for a tour of the sub-assembly area to see how the car’s suspension is put together.

Introduction to Sports Cars – a full-day programme, guests will have 2 x 20 minutes of driving with a Academy instructor, understanding basic sports car control and the Emira’s different drive modes. That’s followed by a guided Hethel site tour, which includes access to the Chapman Production Centre where the Emira is built. Guests will also see other parts of the Lotus facility which have benefited from a £100million upgrade as part of the transformation of Lotus into a global performance car brand. The day is completed with a tour of Classic Team Lotus, just across the road from the main Lotus site, to see its unique collection of historic Lotus race cars.

Tailor-Made Advanced – with a 3-to-1 ratio of guests to instructors, this tailored course will help drivers achieve their personal goals through the use of skills training including slalom, oversteer and understeer activities. The course runs over a full day, allowing guests time to learn, practise and master their new skills. 

The LDA is delivered by Lotus Advanced Performance, the bespoke vehicle and experiential division of the business launched earlier this year. Stewart Croucher, Manager, Motorsport and Drive Programmes, Lotus, said: “Relaunching the Lotus Driving Academy earlier this year has been a great success with hundreds of happy customers thrilled to experience the amazing dynamics of the Emira sports car.”

He added: “Opening up the 2023 diary gives us the chance to restructure what we offer, adding one extra package for even greater choice. There is something for everyone, whether you’ve never driven a sports car before or you’re an experienced racer looking to improve your lap times. And we can now include the Hethel factory and Classic Team Lotus tours as the icing on the cake of a great day out.”

LDA prices are £199 for A Taste of Lotus; £450 for Dynamic Emira; £699 for Introduction to Sports Cars: and £960 for Tailor-Made Advanced. Book now at https://experience.lotuscars.com

This is just the start for the LDA. The Hethel courses are the first step of a three-year growth plan that will see the current USA Lotus experience centres – in Utah, Georgia and Arizona – become full LDA operations. The existing LDA in Italy, in Pavia, just south of Milan, will also relaunch with an Emira fleet. In addition, two all-new LDA teams will open in all-new locations. More details will follow closer to launch.

• First buyers now visiting Hethel – the home of Lotus since 1966 – to collect their Emira
• Experience includes Factory Tour, car reveal and comprehensive handover workshop
• Many UK Emira customers already selecting Factory Collection during online ‘check-out’ process
• UK Lotus Centres now have demonstrators and are booking depositor test drives

Hethel, UK – 30 November 2022  Customer collections of the Lotus Emira from the Hethel factory where it’s built have now begun. The first recipient, Shaan Kodituwakku, travelled from his home in Edinburgh to pick up his V6 First Edition finished in stunning Hethel Yellow.

Factory Collection is an option for all Emira customers in the UK, and can be specified during the online ‘check-out’ process which completes their purchase through the Lotus Drive platform. It includes a fascinating tour of the Chapman Production Centre – the new assembly halls created as part of a £100m overhaul of Lotus’ UK facilities, and the home of the Emira. The walkaround delivers unparalleled access to the manufacture and hands-on assembly of the car, offering a true ‘up close and personal’ factory floor experience. 

The tour is followed by the reveal of the customer’s new vehicle, plus a comprehensive handover workshop where the Emira’s numerous features and technologies are fully demonstrated. The finishing touch is the presentation of a framed image of their Emira as a souvenir of the day.

Shaan commented: “Factory Collection seemed like by far the best option to choose but I never for a second thought I would be the first to do it. When I arrived at Hethel I was greeted by a super-friendly security guard who knew my name, knew I was picking up an Emira and congratulated me! That was such a great feeling and worth the 4am start to fly down from Edinburgh.”

He added: “At the ‘moment of reveal’ of the car I was so excited, and it looked better than the photos and videos have shown and I was blown away. It and Lotus have exceeded my expectations. Overall, this is one very happy customer.”

Shaan was also impressed with the online check-out via Lotus Drive, calling it a seamless and easy process to follow. “It was clear what each stage was, what was required of me, and what the options were,” he explained.

Scott Walker, Head of Hethel Retail Operations, said: “Hethel has been the home of Lotus since 1966 and is unquestionably a ‘must-visit’ destination for many of our Emira customers. Factory Collection is already proving incredibly popular, and it’s thrilling for the team to be able to share this wonderful moment with people who are so genuinely excited to be visiting our spiritual home.”

He added: “Some guests have been to Hethel before, others are new to the Lotus brand and so have never been, but all leave hugely impressed with the site, the passion of the people, and the transition of Lotus from a UK sports car company to a global performance car business and brand.”

As well as Factory Collection, Emira customers can have their car delivered to their home or a convenient Lotus Centre.

Emira demonstrator drives are now available through Lotus Centres across the UK. Whilst demand has been extremely high, everybody wishing to experience an Emira will get the opportunity.

• Dynamics one of four key pillars for Lotus Engineering
• Iconic cars including Lotus Cortina, Lotus Sunbeam and Lotus Carlton / Omega all benefited from consultancy’s expertise
• Decades of knowledge and innovation integrated into Lotus cars – including Eletre Hyper-SUV – and available to clients
• Latest in a series of releases profiling work of Lotus Engineering

Hethel, UK – 6 December 2022  Almost all of the dynamics work that Lotus Engineering, the consultancy division of Lotus, has undertaken for clients has been and will always be confidential. However, there have been notable exceptions; the Lotus Cortina, Lotus Sunbeam and Lotus Carlton / Omega were three high-performance cars that were developed, engineered and manufactured in partnership with Ford, Talbot and GM respectively.

All were successful for both the client and for Lotus; commercially, for brand and reputation-building and, in two out of three cases, in the world of motorsport. The Cortina won multiple touring car championships while the Sunbeam took the manufacturers’ title in the 1981 World Rally Championship.

In the late 1990s the Vauxhall Astra proudly advertised the association, with ‘Handling by Lotus’ displayed across UK billboards. The 2015 Hyundai Genesis was another premium car that acknowledged Hethel’s input, with the lead vehicle dynamics engineer from Lotus even joining in the media launch activities in the USA. A few cars have even carried a ‘Handling by Lotus’ badge, with the cult Proton Satria GTI and the Isuzu Piazza the two best-known for this.

In 1992 another Lotus Engineering dynamics project was given a public launch. Structure, Isolation and Dynamics Research – better known as SID – was an amalgamation of two engineering groups, bringing together their expertise to reinvent ride and handling development. A composite monocoque with Lotus Esprit bodywork (the Structure) sat on a unique backbone chassis supporting a 300bhp turbocharged V6 MG Metro 6R4 powertrain (through various tuneable elements, the Isolation), it was a technical tour de force – a rolling test bed for Lotus-developed active suspension, active ride, four-wheel steering and four-wheel drive (the Dynamics).

Clever algorithms meant it could showcase each of its technologies one at a time or all together, and SID included a digital controller which meant every suspension parameter could be modified at the touch of the laptop keyboard, even while on the move. That in itself was an achievement, for the first time enabling the data to be captured and downloaded for further analysis.

Importantly, it allowed the SID team to plot dynamic inputs against driver experience – what was it that created ‘that special feeling’ in the person behind the wheel? – which was crucial to improving dynamic understanding for clients of the Lotus Engineering consultancy, but also Lotus itself.

Today, this is part of the many decades of learning which have influenced what Lotus knows about active and passive systems. The five-link suspension at the rear of the Eletre Hyper-SUV launched earlier this year is a great example of that progression. Featuring multi-chamber air suspension with continuous damping control, a 48v anti-roll system, torque vectoring and an active rear axle (depending on model) with a selection of drive modes, it integrates dynamic excellence into a completely new class of Lotus vehicle.

Gavan Kershaw, Director of Vehicle Attributes, has been at Lotus for 34 years and is responsible for ensuring every new Lotus car the right dynamic personality. He explained: “At Lotus we’ll never use electronics as a sticking plaster for a poor architecture or chassis, but we can make a vehicle like the Eletre feel as nimble as the Elise because we understand technologies such as rear-wheel steering, active roll control and active damping.”

The Lotus dynamics team knows the difference between a car that handles well, one that doesn’t, and all the nuances in between. This experience, and working in tandem with the client to meeting its requirements, means Lotus Engineering can offer the full package of dynamics services, all the while ensuring that the product requirements are cascaded into technical targets that can be managed and tracked throughout the delivery programme.

Mark Stringer, Commercial Director for Lotus Engineering, leads strategic planning and delivery of external Lotus Engineering projects, and has brought a fresh focus on to offering advanced technologies and services to clients. “We’re hugely proud of our reputation for cars with exceptional handling, and SID is an excellent example of how our innovative approach across multiple disciplines delivers ingenious solutions.”

He added: “Our services in dynamics can support clients looking to utilise our broad experience in both the traditional automotive industry, and the wider field of intelligent mobility to deliver innovative solutions into their market sector. As the world moves into the all-electric era, and with the prospect of fully autonomous vehicles getting ever closer, there is no reason why companies should compromise on dynamics. Striking the right balance between comfort, safety and an exceptional experience for the driver or other occupants is where Lotus Engineering continues to position itself.”

Lotus Engineering provides comprehensive consultancy services to many of the world's OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. It is internationally recognised for its long-standing contribution to ground-breaking engineering and innovative vehicle development. The four core pillars of its expertise and its commercial offering are Platforms, Control Systems, Dynamics and Technical Services. The latter includes intelligent design, product concept development, attribute development, advanced engineering and even whole-vehicle manufacturing.

• Control systems one of four key pillars of Lotus Engineering
• Lotus-developed engine control unit (ECU) debuted on legendary Esprit V8 engine
• 26 years of Lotus ECU development means sixth-generation unit is part of Emira tech spec
• Flexibility of controller generates demand from Lotus Engineering consultancy clients for ICE and EV use
• Proven tech with certification authorities enhances its appeal for low-volume hypercar programmes

Hethel, UK – 10 November 2022  Welcome to the second part in a series from Lotus Engineering, the consultancy division of performance car manufacturer Lotus. With regular updates over the coming months, the team will explain its portfolio of capabilities and key priorities as the automotive world moves to an all-electric future. It will also share how yesterday’s successes – some you might not be aware of – are inspiring the projects of today and tomorrow.

Lotus Engineering provides comprehensive consultancy services to many of the world's OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. It is internationally recognised for its long-standing contribution to ground-breaking engineering and innovative vehicle development.

The four core pillars of its expertise and its commercial offering are Platforms, Control Systems, Dynamics and Technical Services. The latter includes intelligent design, product concept development, attribute development, advanced engineering and even whole-vehicle manufacturing.

Lotus Engineering: The Innovators #1 explained the commercialisation of Platforms, and #2 looks at Control Systems.

In 1996 Lotus launched the Esprit V8 with an all-new and Lotus-developed engine, a V8 twin-turbocharged unit, designated 918, which produced in road-legal form 350 hp and 400 Nm. It was lightweight – just 220 kg with all ancillaries – and occupied less space when mid-mounted in the Esprit than the four-cylinder 2.2-litre engine that preceded it.

At the heart of this high-tech engine was a Lotus innovation; the development of its own engine management system which controlled fuel, ignition and emissions, and performed the required diagnostics. A true pioneer, it was one of the first engines in the world to be designed from the outset to comply with on-board diagnostics legislation in force at the time.

Five years later, and this Lotus know-how with engine control unit (ECU) design and software engineering ensured that the original Elise had a second generation – the Series 2, on sale from 2001. It came with a new and game-changing electronic box of tricks hidden in the engine bay, so innocuous that most owners never noticed it. At the time, the Lotus team couldn’t find the ECU they needed for the S2 from external suppliers, so continued the in-house development of the one from the Esprit. And it was further development of this controller, linked to the replacement of the Rover K-series engine with a Toyota unit, which helped the Elise meet US Federal requirements so it could be sold in North America for the first time, from 2005.

Andy Green is today Chief Engineer for Propulsions Systems within Lotus Engineering, but at the time was part of the Lotus Powertrain Group which worked on both the Esprit 918 engine and the Elise Series 2. “Because we designed and developed these ECUs they did exactly what we needed them to. They were perfectly suited for a low-volume application and also allowed us to develop our own software to control and calibrate them.”

Fast-forward to 2022 and the Lotus ECU is now in its sixth generation. It has been in continuous development ever since the Esprit, is part of the tech spec of the Lotus Emira and is still in demand from today’s Lotus Engineering clients.

Andy explained: “The great appeal for them is that it’s got all the on-board diagnostics and monitoring software, meaning it’s a proven ICE technology with the certification authorities and is compliant with the ISO 26262 functional safety standard. As an example, the Lotus ECU has been a critical feature on the supply of upgraded powertrains for the Toyota Yaris GRMN programme and enhanced the project’s speed-to-market.”

While the genesis of the Lotus ECU came via the Esprit, and its spiritual successor is part of the Emira, both ICE cars, the controller is flexible enough to be used in electric vehicles. Andy explained: “We know, and our clients know, that the future is electric, and the Lotus ECU has already been proven in numerous demonstration programmes for hybrid and pure electric vehicles that we’ve worked on.”

He added: “Clients recognise that the Lotus ECU is globally compliant, but they also appreciate the flexibility of the Lotus Engineering team in creating custom control systems in line with their specifications and requirements. It’s made the Lotus ECU a great fit for a number of production-spec hypercars, where the client requires a high technical complexity but only a small number of units.”

High-profile clients who have used the Lotus ECU include LTI for its hydrogen fuel cell taxi concept of 2012, Rolls-Royce for the 101EX grand tourer coupe prototype, and the XJ Limo Green and C-X75 concepts from Jaguar.

Lotus has been at the forefront of control systems for more than 40 years, as innovators in active suspension systems, active noise cancellation and augmentation, and active valve control.

• Two race legends drive Evija on the iconic Hethel test track
• “The next level of performance for hypercars” – Emerson
• “I am amazed by the agility of it” – Jenson

Hethel, UK – 2 November 2022  Two of the most famous names in Formula 1 have been behind the wheel of the stunning Lotus Evija all-electric hypercar during one amazing week at Hethel.

Emerson Fittipaldi is the Lotus legend whose racing success in the Type 72 exactly 50 years ago has inspired development of the Lotus Evija Fittialdi. He was at the home of Lotus for the car’s world premiere, driving it round the famous 2.2-mile test track. And just a few days earlier, Jenson Button – F1 World Champion in 2009 and an Evija customer – was involved in shakedown testing ahead of its public debut.

Their exploits on the circuit, which has played to host to so many other world-famous racing drivers over the years, are captured in a new documentary film from Lotus. It’s been created as part of the launch of the Lotus Evija Fittipaldi, marking the 50th anniversary of Emerson’s World Championship in 1972.

Initially the Brazilian took to the test track in chassis 72/5, the car he drove multiple times during the 1972 season as he claimed the F1 Drivers’ title for himself and the Constructors’ title for Team Lotus. Emerson said: “It’s a very special day for me to be back at Lotus to commemorate 50 years since my first World Championship. My Lotus 72 is one of the most iconic cars in the history of Formula 1, and the most important car from my life.”

Later Emerson swapped into the Evija Fittipaldi. Showcasing the world-famous black and gold Lotus colour scheme – also 50 years old in 2022 – the hand-painted exterior and numerous other unique design features have been created to commemorate the successful 1972 season. They include a hand-tinted plan view of the Type 72 etched into the exposed carbon fibre roof, and Emerson’s signature hand-stitched into the dashboard.

Perhaps the most emotive detail of all is the rotary dial on the floating central instrument panel. It has been hand-crafted from recycled original Type 72 aluminium, ensuring a genuine piece of the iconic F1 racer is part of each Evija Fittipaldi.

After completing numerous laps of the Hethel test track, the 75-year-old racer commented: “The Evija Fittipaldi is going to be as iconic as the Lotus Type 72. It’s beautiful handling, incredible power, the next level of performance for hypercars and different from all the other cars I’ve tested. It is a beautiful piece of art. Look at the outside, look at the technology – to have my name on the car is an honour for me.”

Earlier in the week Jenson Button had also been at Hethel, finalising the specification of the Evija that he’s buying. He also lapped the test track in the Evija Fittipaldi car as part of the shakedown process ahead of the car’s launch event.

Quickly getting up to speed Jenson took full advantage of the chance to explore Evija’s performance. He was also seen unleashing the power in several standing starts. As he jumped out of the driver's seat of the world's most powerful production car, Jenson commented: “It sounds like a jet engine! You think of an EV as quiet but it’s not. The torque is astronomical. It’s amazing, it puts a big smile on your face. It feels like a spaceship, the drivability and direction in the steering certainly lets you know you are driving a Lotus; I am amazed by the agility of it. It is a Lotus of the future and I can’t wait to drive my own Evija.”

Despite its incredible power and performance, the driver remains at the centre of the Lotus Evija experience, just as it was for the Emerson Fittipaldi and the Type 72. The technical specification and performance figures of the Lotus Evija Fittipaldi are truly astonishing; more than 2,000 PS makes it the most powerful series production car in the world, creating more than 1,700Nm of torque. The 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is completed in under three seconds, and 0-186 mph (0-300 km/h) takes less than nine seconds from a standing start.

Another highlight of the Hethel celebration was the first time in history that all eight surviving examples of the Lotus Type 72 were brought together in one place. The owners had travelled from all over the world with their cars to be part of the event.

Lotus has announced the appointment of Ben Payne as Chief Creative Officer (CCO) for Lotus Technology.

Ben has most recently been Managing Director and Head of Studio at Lotus Tech Creative Centre (LTCC) in Coventry, UK. He remains in charge of the LTCC team, which is leading the design of an all-new and all-electric range of lifestyle cars, the first of which is the Lotus Eletre Hyper-SUV.

Ben’s new role as CCO expands his remit to cover all creative aspects of the Lotus lifestyle vehicles and co-ordinating the design output of visual assets for the Lotus brand. The LTCC team works in close collaboration with the sports car design team at Hethel, which is led by Design Director, Russell Carr. Both teams report to Vice-President of Design, Peter Horbury.

Ben commented: “This new role will help the LTCC team build the influence of design within the wider business, which is important as we continue to focus on creativity and consistency for the brand. This will be invaluable as Lotus continues to evolve. Although this is personal recognition, what it really reflects is the creativity and spirit of the entire team at LTCC. I thank them all sincerely for the continued support, and I look forward to realising the full potential of the team we are building.”

Peter Horbury added: “The design team at Lotus is enjoying a period of great success, with our latest three products – Evija, Emira and Eletre all becoming award winners. The recent worldwide acclaim for the Lotus Eletre Hyper-SUV, reinvigorated just this week with the announcement of pricing and specs, is testament to the hard work of the recently established LTCC team which Ben leads. His new role will continue to drive forward the global growth of all elements of the iconic Lotus brand.”

Ben joined Geely Design UK in 2018 – the facility was renamed LTCC in January 2022 – and has a strong background as a consultant in automotive design. Working on an international level, he has extensive technical knowledge and production car experience, spanning a number of major manufacturers and ranging from volume production to bespoke one-off models.

• Three versions of all-new and all-electric lifestyle model from Lotus – Eletre, Eletre S and Eletre R
• Priced from £89,500 (from €95,990 in Europe), choice of two EV powertrains – 450 kW / 603 hp or 675 kW / 905 hp
• Global news broadcast includes multiple product announcements based on three key pillars – Life, Tech and Speed
• Lotus Hyper OS – Eletre debuts new operating system for driver and passengers, including new partnerships with ECARX and HERE Technologies
• Lotus announces immersive audio experience Dolby Atmos as part of Eletre’s audio system
• Eletre R is world’s fastest dual-motor pure electric SUV
• Nürburgring testing shows car is meeting performance targets
• Lotus working on advanced tech to support autonomous driving round iconic German circuit
• “Watch this space” – is Evija EV hypercar on the way to the Nürburgring too?

Hethel, UK – 25 October 2022  Lotus has unveiled the prices and specifications for one of the most eagerly anticipated models in its history – the award-winning Eletre Hyper-SUV. The news was delivered during Lotus Eletre: Unleash the Future, a global broadcast watched by tens of thousands of customers and fans around the world.

The Eletre is the all-new and all-electric lifestyle model from Lotus, as it continues its transformation from a UK sports car company to a global performance car business and brand.

It is the first of a new breed of pure electric SUVs. It takes the core principles and Lotus DNA from almost 75 years of sports car design and engineering, evolving them into a desirable all-new lifestyle car for the next generation of Lotus customers.

The company’s famed expertise in the fields of ride and handling, steering and optimised aerodynamics, have been carefully and respectfully evolved. The Eletre takes the soul of the latest Lotus sports car – the Emira – and the revolutionary aero performance of the all-electric Evija hypercar, and reinterprets them as a Hyper-SUV.

With a world premiere in London in March this year, the Eletre is ‘Born British, Raised Globally’, a collaboration between highly experienced and dedicated Lotus teams in the UK, Germany and China. They include the product definition and attributes teams at Hethel, the home of Lotus since 1966; the design teams at Lotus Tech Creative Centre (LTCC) in Coventry; the engineering teams at Lotus Tech Innovation Centre (LTIC) in Raunheim; and the Lotus Tech engineering and manufacturing teams in Wuhan.

Matt Windle, Group Vice-President and Managing Director, Lotus Cars, commented: “Confirmation of the pricing and specs of the Lotus Eletre is a key moment in the transformation of Lotus through our Vision80 strategy. We know from media and customer feedback that they’re hugely excited by the arrival of this car – indeed, the Eletre has already won awards as 2023’s ‘most excited to see’ new model. Customer deliveries start during the first half of next year.”

He added: “The launch of the Eletre is the natural next step for Lotus. Two-seater sports cars are not for everyone, and we want to offer a Lotus for every stage of your life. The Eletre is the start of that.”

Already thousands of customers around the world have placed deposits to secure their Eletre. Three different versions of the car are available – Eletre, Eletre S and Eletre R – with the choice of two powertrains. Eletre and Eletre S feature the 450 kW / 603 hp single-speed version, with a maximum range of 600 km (373 miles). The Eletre R comes with the flagship 675 kW / 905 hp dual-speed system and a maximum range of 490 km (304 miles). Torque figures are 710 and 985 Nm respectively, delivering a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) performance of either 4.5 or 2.95 seconds. The 112 kWh battery for both versions has a charging time (10%-80%) of just 20 minutes using a rapid charger.

As part of the Unleash the Future global news broadcast, key Lotus personnel explained the company is embarking on an ambitious future based on three key pillars – Life, Tech and Speed. They also previewed how the world’s first Hyper-SUV, the Eletre, measures up against the original Lotus EV hypercar, the Evija.

As part of the Tech story, Lotus announced more details of its advanced ‘digital cockpit’ cabin on the Eletre, including the name of the Operating System – Lotus Hyper OS. Lotus is using ‘Unreal Engine’ technology from the gaming industry, allowing the Lotus User Experience / User Interface (UX/UI) team to create next-generation real-time 3D content and experiences. The Eletre boasts state-of-the-art processing power which includes two Qualcomm 8155 System-On-Chips.

Lotus Hyper OS provides a seamless interactive experience that offers best-in-class performance in terms of visual effects and interactive feedback, putting the user – driver or passenger – in complete control.

A next-generation Digital Head Unit from global mobility tech company ECARX will debut on the Eletre. It reconfigures the user’s in-car experience by providing fully customisable displays, hosted on an advanced Driver Information Module (DIM), and ultra-slim floating one-billion-colour OLED touchscreen for more realistic graphics and a more futuristic visual effect.

The platform includes ECARX’s first dual-chip system to enable server-level computing power for rapid processing and smooth rendering. The resulting immersive multi-screen user experience can be continuously improved during the lifetime of the car via future Over-The-Air (OTA) updates.

Lotus has also revealed it is partnering with HERE Technologies to deliver integrated navigation services for the Eletre. The service includes EV Routing, EV Range Assistant and Predictive Routing, and can be updated via OTA updates.

Lotus also announced a new collaboration with Dolby, creator of the renowned immersive audio experience Dolby Atmos. Dolby Atmos is a new way to enjoy music that takes listening to new heights through unparalleled depth, precision and clarity. Together, Dolby Atmos and the Eletre’s KEF speaker system combine to elevate music listening to new levels. Driver and passengers will feel like they’re sitting in the middle of the recording studio alongside the artist. The Eletre is the world’s first car to combine Dolby Atmos and KEF Audio.

In the UK the Eletre is priced from £89,500 (from €95,990 in Europe). The standard spec includes five drive modes, active air suspension, torque vectoring, matrix LED headlights, active front grille and 22-inch 10-spoke forged wheels.

The premium cabin takes Lotus interiors to an all-new level of desirability. As standard the Eletre comes with wireless smartphone charging, 12-way electrically adjustable front seats, four-zone automatic climate control and many other features. The ‘intelligent cockpit’ infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay / Android Auto and a 1,380-watt, 15-speaker KEF Premium Audio, is operated via a centrally mounted 15.1-inch full High-Definition OLED centre screen. All versions of the Eletre feature five seats as standard, with a four-seat version available as part of the Executive Seat Pack.

Also standard is the deployable LIDAR technology, a world-first in a production car which supports end-to-end autonomous driving (AD) technology. Integrated OTA software update capability ensures the system will be fully ready when individual market regulations allow for the more advanced levels of AD.

In the UK the Eletre rides on 22-inch wheels as standard, though 20-inch and 23-inch are available. There are five different wheel designs and six colours of brake caliper. At launch there are six exterior colours to choose from – Natron Red, Galloway Green, Stellar Black, Kaimu Grey, Blossom Grey and Solar Yellow. More will follow later.

Six unique interiors are available, all offering premium high-grade materials and detail choices. Sustainability has been at the heart of the development. For example, the Eletre is available with a state-of-the-art alternative to leather that is environmentally friendly, odour-free, and lasts longer than genuine leather. In addition, a new man-made fibre has been used in the carpets and boot liner. It is 100% recycled and 100% recyclable, and there is no waste in the production process.

The Eletre S costs £104,500 (from €120,990 in Europe). The enhanced specification includes numerous additional features such as privacy glass, active rear spoiler, configurable ambient lighting, illuminated side sills, soft door close, auto-dimming side mirrors and an air quality system. It also includes a 2,160-watt, 23-speaker KEF Reference Audio.

The flagship version is the Eletre R and is the world’s fastest dual-motor pure electric SUV. It has a top speed of 165 mph (265 km/h) and can accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 2.95 seconds.

During the Unleash the Future broadcast Lotus revealed how the car has been testing on the Nürburgring, which is just two hours’ drive from LTIC. Maximilian Szwaj, Vice-President of Lotus Technology and Managing Director, LTIC, explained: “The Nürburgring circuit is very challenging, and we are proving with our tests there and our simulations that we will achieve the performance targets we have set for the Eletre.”

He also revealed that Lotus is working on advanced technology which will ultimately allow customers to drive the Nürburgring circuit autonomously. It means they can experience the thrilling driving performance and dynamic capability of a Lotus from the driving seat supported by AD technology.

The experiences from the Nürburgring have been implemented into the Eletre with Track Mode, which is exclusive to the Eletre R and part of its standard specification. Compared with other versions, it provides a lowered ride height, and more performance-oriented settings for the dampers and anti-roll control. It delivers a higher level of dynamic performance at longitudinal and lateral limits for the most ambitious drivers. Track mode also includes a fully open active grille and a launch control with instant access to the car’s full power.

As part of Unleash the Future, Gavan Kershaw, Director, Product Definition and Attributes, Lotus, spent a day on the test track at Dudenhofen, also close to LTIC. Gavan commented: “The Eletre is truly a global car with involvement from the best engineers around the world. The Dudenhofen test track is tight, twisty and undulating – like the perfect English B-road – and the Eletre is so enjoyable to drive, exactly like a Lotus should be. The Eletre is a true Lotus.”

The standard specification of the Eletre R also includes Lotus Dynamic Handling Pack, Carbon Fibre Pack, gloss black wheels, stainless steel sports pedals, black badging and high-performance tyres. The Eletre R is priced £120,000 (from €150,990 in Europe).

All Eletre customers have further opportunities to customise and personalise their car to their requirements using option packs. Those available at launch include the Lotus Dynamic Handling Pack, Ceramic Brake Pack, Executive Seat Pack, Comfort Seat Pack, Carbon Fibre Pack, Extended Carbon Fibre Pack and Interior Carbon Fibre Pack. Many options from the packs are also available individually. Two Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Packs are also available – the Parking Pack and a Highway Assist Pack.

In the UK the Lotus Eletre will come with a five-year / 100,000-mile vehicle warranty, plus five years of pan-European roadside assistance.

Pricing in eight key European markets is detailed in the table below, with launches in other countries in the region to follow. Plans for the arrival of the Eletre in North America, Middle East, Asia Pacific and other regions are well-advanced and roll-out will begin from 2024. Prices and specs for those will be revealed nearer the time.

During the Unleash the Future broadcast, Matt Windle revealed it isn’t just the Eletre which has been to the Nürburgring. The all-electric Evija hypercar has also been lapping the track, albeit via an advanced vehicle simulator. He commented: “Our simulations are showing us that the Evija is very quick. That’s exactly what they should show because the car is ultra-powerful, lightweight for an EV and it’s got incredible downforce. In terms of taking the car itself to the circuit, all I can say at the moment is watch this space.”

Lotus Eletre: UK and European Pricing

Lotus Eletre: Technical Specification 

Power and performance:

* Using 20-inch wheel, available as a no-cost option in the UK

Dimensions (mm):

Hethel, UK – 18 October 2022  The Lotus Eletre is the first of a new breed of pure electric SUVs. It takes the core principles and Lotus DNA from almost 75 years of sports car design and engineering, evolving them into a desirable all-new lifestyle car for the next generation of Lotus customers.

On Tuesday 25 October 2022 – exactly a week from today – a global broadcast from Lotus will reveal further details of its design, technology and dynamic performance. It will include full details on the range, prices and specifications for key markets around the world.

To find out more, join the global broadcast at www.lotuscars.com at 1300 hrs (UK), 1400 hrs (Europe) and 2000 hrs (China). Please click here to sign up for email reminder for the global broadcast.

• Lotus wins national award, voted for by The Sunday Times, Driving.co.uk and Times LUXX
• The Emira “marks a quantum leap for the brand in terms of technology, comfort and refinement”
• Award collected at London ceremony by Lotus Head of Brand Marketing, Nigel Bromley

(Hethel, UK – 17 October 2022) – A year after Lotus was honoured as ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ at the News UK Motor Awards 2021, the Lotus Emira has brought another award back to Hethel, having been named ‘Sports Car of the Year’ at the prestigious News UK Motor Awards

The award was received on behalf of Lotus by Nigel Bromley, Head of Brand Marketing, from David Green, Motoring Editor for The Times LUXX magazine and John Pienaar, Times Radio presenter and political journalist at an exclusive ceremony in London.

In the citation from the judges, who included a number of highly respected motoring writers and commentators, the Lotus Emira was praised as “not just brilliant to drive but also marks a new chapter in the manufacturer’s history as its final petrol car. And while Lotus has a fine history of making true drivers’ cars, the Emira marks a quantum leap for the brand in terms of technology, comfort and refinement.”

Nigel Bromley said, “It was a privilege to represent US LOT and receive this award on behalf of Lotus at such a prestigious event where the very best of the automotive industry is honoured. This award recognises not just the Lotus Emira but also everyone who has worked so hard to create this very special car.”

On behalf of the judges, Will Dron, editor of Driving.co.uk, said: "Lotus’ last ever petrol car would be significant in its own right but there was added pressure in that it replaces the brilliant Elise, Exige and Evora. Amazingly, the team at Hethel have made the Emira just as fun to drive while also addressing what appeared to be afterthoughts on the old models, namely comfort, convenience, refinement and technology. What we've got here is a proper rival for the Porsche Cayman, with all the attributes a modern sportscar buyer demands.”

The Lotus Emira is the all-new mid-engined premium sports car that perfectly embodies the ongoing transformation of the Lotus business and brand. It features all the hallmarks that the automotive world has come to expect from a Lotus – striking design, thrilling dynamic performance delivering best-in-class ride and handling, outstanding aerodynamics and an unrivalled driving experience.

Powered by either a 2.0-litre turbocharged ‘i4’ or a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine through a manual, automatic or Dual Clutch Transmission, the Lotus Emira accelerates to 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 180mph.

• Limited-edition Evija celebrates 50 years since race legend Emerson Fittipaldi and Team Lotus won F1 Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships
• New version of pure electric hypercar commemorates iconic five decades of black and gold colour scheme of Lotus Type 72 race car
• Emotive design details include rotary dial crafted from recycled original Type 72 aluminium, plus Fittipaldi signature hand-stitched on dashboard
• World premiere event at Hethel, UK, with Emerson Fittipaldi as guest of honour
• Eight cars now in build, all sold with first customer deliveries early in 2023
• Latest project from Lotus Advanced Performance
• Test driven by Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button

Hethel, UK – 14 October 2022  The world’s most powerful production car – the stunning Lotus Evija hypercar – now delivers even more exclusivity and desirability. Inspired by the past to enhance the future, Lotus has unveiled the Evija Fittipaldi, a tribute to one of the greatest car-and-driver pairings that Formula 1 has ever seen.

That driver is, of course, Emerson Fittipaldi, the young Brazilian racer who joined Lotus and became a legend, cementing his place in F1 history in 1972. Behind the wheel of the now-iconic Lotus Type 72 and winning five of that season’s 11 races, Fittipaldi secured the Drivers’ Championship for himself and the Constructors’ Championship for Team Lotus.

Exactly 50 years on, the Lotus Evija Fittipaldi is a fitting celebration of that partnership. Just eight examples of the all-electric two-seater are being hand-built at Hethel in Norfolk, UK – the global HQ of Lotus sports car design and manufacturing – and all are sold. Customer deliveries will begin early next year. It is the latest project from Lotus Advanced Performance, the bespoke design and experiential division of the business launched earlier this year.

Showcasing the world-famous black and gold colour scheme – also 50 years old in 2022 – the hand-painted exterior and numerous other unique design features have been created to commemorate this amazing collaboration. They include a hand-tinted plan view of the Type 72 etched into the exposed carbon fibre roof, and Fittipaldi’s signature hand-stitched into the dashboard.

And perhaps the most emotive detail of all is the rotary dial on the floating central instrument panel. It has been hand-crafted from recycled original Type 72 aluminium, ensuring a genuine piece of the iconic F1 racer is part of each Evija Fittipaldi.

Such a special car deserved a special world premiere; customers, their families and other VIP guests have taken part in an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experience day at Hethel to celebrate the launch of the new car and the iconic Type 72.

Guest of honour was Emerson Fittipaldi himself, who said: “It’s fantastic to be back at Hethel for such a special occasion. I’ve really enjoyed being a part of this project and it’s been a wonderful experience revealing the car to some of the new owners. Having the opportunity to drive both the Evija Fittipaldi and my championship-winning Type 72 Formula 1 car on the test track at Hethel has been an incredible experience.”

Other highlights of the day included the first time in history that all eight surviving examples of the Type 72 – hence the number of Evija cars being built – were brought together in one place and run on the Hethel test track.

Simon Lane, Director, Lotus Advanced Performance, commented: “The word ‘legend’ is often overused, but this project has brought together the Lotus Evija hypercar, Emerson Fittipaldi, the Type 72 race car and our brand’s celebrated Formula 1 heritage. No argument, that is four legitimate legends, all collaborating to deliver a truly unique hypercar and a world premiere that was a real ‘pinch yourself’ moment.”

He added: “Production of the Evija has commenced at Hethel, and these eight cars are a very special celebration of this important moment in our history.”

The bespoke specification of the Lotus Evija Fittipaldi starts with its unique paint finish, which includes its designation written on the body work in gold lettering to the side of the rear window. Complementing it are black and gold ‘Type 72’ wheels complete with anodized centre lock surrounds – red on the left side of the car and green on the right – as well as black and gold brake calipers.

Decals that celebrate the Type 72’s race victories from the 1972 season are presented on the active rear wing, while a number 8 has been applied to the B-pillar. Fittipaldi raced with that number on his car during the 1972 season, including for his win at the British Grand Prix. A carbon and gold Lotus nose badge completes the exterior styling.

Inside, the theme of luxury and bespoke design continues. Black leather interior with gold contrast stitching can be found throughout the cabin, along with exclusive roof liner stitching, plus gold finishes to the air vent surrounds, centre rotary dial, start/stop button and pedals.

The car has been developed with the generous support of Classic Team Lotus, the historic motorsport business run today by the family of Lotus founder Colin Chapman to maintain and operate Lotus F1 cars. Also based in Hethel just across the road from Lotus, it hosted the gala dinner at the launch event.

Clive Chapman, Managing Director, commented: “Emerson Fittipaldi and my father enjoyed a very special relationship, and their spectacular success was a brilliant team effort by the dedicated designers and mechanics at Team Lotus. One of motorsport’s most admired drivers, it is always emotional whenever Emerson is reunited with the Lotus Type 72, which he describes as the greatest car he ever raced.”

He added: “Bringing together the Lotus Evija, the Lotus Type 72, the black and gold livery and Emerson Fittipaldi, all in celebration of his World Championship victory 50 years on – need I say more?”

Despite its incredible power and performance, the driver remains at the centre of the Lotus Evija experience, just as it was for the Emerson Fittipaldi and the Type 72. The technical specification and performance figures of the Lotus Evija Fittipaldi are truly astonishing; more than 2,000 PS makes it the most powerful series production car in the world, creating more than 1,700Nm of torque. The 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is completed in under three seconds, and 0-186 mph (0-300 km/h) takes nine seconds from a standing start. The limited maximum speed is 217 mph (350 km/h). The full technical specification is detailed in the table below.

From one world champion to another, earlier in the week Jenson Button visited Lotus to test drive the Evija and Emerson’s Type 72 on the famous Hethel test track. It was the first time Jenson had seen the Evija in production and took one out on track to give it a shake down before the launch of Evija Fittipaldi. Quickly getting up to speed Jenson drove the car around the 2.2-mile test track, testing the car’s ride, handling and performance. He was also seen unleashing the power in several standing starts. Full of praise when he jumped out of the driver's seat of the world's most powerful production car.

Jenson commented: “It sounds like a jet engine! You think of an EV as quiet but it’s not. The torque is astronomical. It’s amazing, it puts a big smile on your face. It feels like a spaceship, the drivability and direction in the steering certainly lets you know you are driving a Lotus; I am amazed by the agility of it. Itt is a Lotus of the future and I can’t wait to drive my own Evija.”

Jenson also got the chance to turn back the clock and drive Emerson’s 1972 Lotus Type 72. The car that helped Emerson clinch his first driver’s championship. Jenson Button added: “It’s lovely to get into a bit of racing history. There isn’t a lot of space, but everything is in the right position. It was easy to heel and toe. It’s a real privilege to drive such a special car.”

A stunning piece of contemporary automotive design – the work of a team led by Lotus Design Director Russell Carr – the Evija features a dramatic Venturi tunnel through each rear quarter, giving it a truly breath-taking presence. This ‘porosity’ means optimised airflow, with air channelled not just over, under and around the Evija but through it, maximising downforce while minimising drag. Its front splitter aids grip while channelling cooling air to the battery pack, E-motors and brakes, and active aero features such as a Formula 1-style DRS (Drag Reduction System) bestow the Evija with cutting-edge performance. With driving dynamics overseen by the team of Gavan Kershaw, the world-renowned Vehicle Attributes Director for Lotus, the Evija is a car like no other.

The first Lotus road car to feature a one-piece carbon fibre monocoque chassis, the cabin – from the fully adjustable race-style seats to the multi-function steering wheel – is the very pinnacle of motorsport-inspired road car design and technology.

Just as the Lotus Evija is defining a new era of pure electric performance, so the Lotus Type 72 remains the most successful racing car not just of its day, but in F1 history. In 2019 Autosport magazine named it the greatest ever F1 car. A revelation both on the drawing board and on the track, the Type 72 was the first racing car to incorporate aerodynamics as part of its initial design. The integrated rear wing and front splitter were designed specifically to allow the car to slice through the air while also creating vital downforce.

The Type 72’s air intake was relocated above the driver’s head, ensuring undisturbed and clean air could be sucked straight into the engine, while its radiators were placed in the sidepods of the car rather than the nose. This not only increased cooling efficiency but improved weight distribution – and therefore performance – in the process.

The same approach was also taken for the brakes, mounting them inboard rather than on each wheel to aid cooling as the tops of the discs protruded through the bodywork. The Type 72 was the first of what became the traditional “wedge on wheels” designs that soon inspired every other competitor on the grid.

Lotus Evija Fittipaldi technical specification

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• Two famous businesses and brands help put Norfolk on the world map
• £100m invested by Lotus in its facilities in the region
• Lotus partnership with Canaries shows value of ‘Act Local, Achieve Global’

Hethel, UK – 06 October 2022  Lotus has reaffirmed its partnership with Norwich City Football Club to help drive global awareness of both businesses and brands. It has also revealed that more than £100 million has been invested by Lotus in its facilities in Hethel and in Norwich, Norfolk.

At a VIP reception at the Carrow Road stadium, Mr Qingfeng Feng, CEO of Group Lotus, was joined by Matt Windle, Group Vice-President and Managing Director of Lotus Cars, in a tour of the ground, hosted by Sam Jeffery, Commercial Director at Norwich City FC.

It was followed by discussions about how to continue maximising the global impact of the two great Norfolk brands, which has reached hundreds of millions of people via match-day TV coverage over the last two seasons of partnership.

Earlier in the day, Mr Feng was also given a tour of the Lotus Training Centre at Colney, where he was presented with a signed match shirt by Head Coach Dean Smith, and star players Tim Krul and Teemu Pukki.

Mr Feng commented: “English football is widely watched and respected around the world and our partnership with Norwich City Football Club is a perfect example how we can work together to raise the awareness of both our organisations for our mutual benefit. With the Lotus name on the Canaries shirts every Saturday, there are many Lotus fans globally who have become Norwich supporters and there are those who have been introduced to Lotus through our football links. It’s all down to the power of the partnership.”

He added: “I would like to thank all of the team at Lotus for their fantastic achievements over the last five years which are demonstrated by the Lotus Vision80 strategy, which is to plan. If you think the introduction of the new range of cars from Lotus – the Evija hypercar, the Eletre hyper-SUV and the Emira sports car – is exciting, just wait until you see the next three cars coming, all of which are in development and will hit the roads within the next four years.”

Sam Jeffery said: “I know I speak on behalf of us all at Norwich City when I say how privileged we felt to host Mr Feng at both our Lotus Training Centre and Carrow Road. This partnership is one that unlocks huge benefits – from knowledge-sharing on best practice and innovation through to global brand recognition and credibility – but one of the absolutely key pillars is that, like Lotus, Norwich City constantly strives to support our proud Norfolk community. We’re so proud to partner with Lotus, and long may this relationship continue to thrive.”

Matt Windle added: “Lotus has come a very long way in the last five years, through both the hard work of our people in Norfolk and from the invaluable support of our shareholders. We are a global brand with our roots firmly in Norfolk, which provides benefits to both the UK and our local community, and at all levels from regional investment to promoting and endorsing Norfolk as a great centre for business and industry. Our reaffirmed partnership with the Canaries ticks all the boxes for us to ‘Act Local, Achieve Global’ and we are all very excited about the future with the club and its achievements both on and off the pitch.”

Joining the reception at Carrow Road were Richard Bacon, MP for South Norfolk and representatives from Norfolk County Council, South Norfolk Council, the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership and the Eastern Powerhouse.

Commenting at the reception, Richard Bacon MP for South Norfolk said, “Geely’s investment in Lotus is on a very impressive scale and shows the nature of its long-term commitment to building the Lotus brand globally. The partnership between Geely and Lotus has already produced significant results in terms of more jobs in Norfolk, yet it is the long-term vision for the business which is the most exciting.  One senses that Lotus is on the cusp of something remarkable and long-deserved – and that it will become a much more important global brand in the years ahead. This vision of long-term partnership is based on strong relationships and it does a great deal to promote the prosperity and peace which we all want to see”.

John Fuller, Leader of South Norfolk District Council, said, “I'm proud to have brought all levels of local and national government together so that regulatory steps can be aligned with Lotus' ambition so their exciting plans can be realised. Lotus and its global reputation has put Norfolk, and East Anglia as a whole, on the map as centre for creativity and high technology which will encourage other like-minded businesses to invest in the region for the benefit of the whole of the UK”

Lotus has four facilities in Norfolk, its global headquarters for sports car design, engineering and production at Hethel; its sub-assembly facility, Lotus Advanced Structures, and the new Lotus Learning Academy both at Hurricane Way, Norwich; and the Lotus Aftersales operation in Longwater, Norwich.

Each facility has benefitted from the multimillion investment, and Lotus has more than doubled its staff numbers since 2017.

Lotus has recruited new colleagues across all areas of the business including skilled manufacturing operatives, engineers and technicians. In vehicle assembly and production operations specifically, 300 new staff have joined the company. Through the new Lotus Learning Academy, all recruits have been trained in the high-quality manufacturing operations they need to begin their career at Lotus.

• New online retail platform for current and legacy cars dating back to 1981
• Latest Lotus merchandise plus some heritage items also available via parts.lotuscars.com
• UK customers can either collect, or choose direct delivery, from retail agent
• Official parts manuals also available to help owners keep their Lotus performing to specification

Hethel, UK – 1 September 2022  Lotus estimates that up to 70% of its cars are still on the road worldwide, all cherished by their owners and many used regularly. To maintain this enviable record and to encourage more owners to keep their cars running, Lotus has unveiled a new online retail platform.

The e-commerce site has thousands of parts, accessories and consumables available to buy, from 1981 and the era of the Esprit and Excel, to the more recent Elise, Exige and Evora. All components are either original from period or manufactured to OEM specifications.

To ensure that the right part is selected, a comprehensive search tool is located on the landing page, including the Lotus model, year, driveline and trim level. Further assistance can be found via the official Lotus parts manuals, also available for purchase on the platform.

In addition, the site includes the full range of contemporary Lotus lifestyle merchandise, clothing and accessories. Legacy items, such as period keyrings and car covers for older Lotus cars, are also available. Aimed initially at UK customers, they can either collect from, or choose direct delivery from, their local retailer agent.

Chris Hinks, Director, Aftersales, Lotus, said: “A Lotus car is designed, developed and built to be driven in a spirited way, and so it’s vital that we support owners in keeping their cars performing as our engineers intended. Moving our entire parts and accessories business to this new and fully searchable online portal is improving our service to them.”

He continued: “Some Lotus owners have their own workshop facilities and take pleasure maintaining their cars themselves, others rely on authorised retailers and repairers. We always encourage our customers to keep their cars maintained to specification for the full ‘signed-off’ experience, and parts.lotuscars.com will significantly improve our already outstanding levels of service, making that easier than ever.”