Lotus revealed the Idea 1 idea this week, signalling the design path for future fashions, together with a possible electrical sports activities automobile successor to the Emira.
Drawing inspiration from Lotus’ wealthy historical past, the Idea 1 blends components from the enduring Kind 72 Components 1 automobile, the long-running Esprit sports activities automobile, and the Eleven endurance racer. A central driving place paying homage to the McLaren F1 provides a contact of legend, whereas dihedral doorways with a singular rearward opening mechanism create a dramatic entrance.
Inside, minimalist design reigns supreme, reflecting Lotus founder Colin Chapman’s light-weight philosophy. Padded sections built-in into the automobile’s central carbon tub change conventional seats, with headrest sections doubling as speaker housings.
Lotus hasn’t revealed the ultimate weight however targets a sub-3,500-pound determine regardless of the electrical drivetrain. This setup encompasses a 70 kWh battery, dual-motor all-wheel-drive, and a peak output of 986 horsepower (735 kW). Whereas not fairly matching the Evija hypercar’s energy, the Idea 1 boasts spectacular efficiency with a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time of below 2.5 seconds, a 200 mph (322 km/h) high pace, and a 250-mile (402 km) vary.
Superior expertise contains energetic aerodynamics, retractable cameras and sensors for a self-driving system, and Pirelli P Zero Elect tyres. These tyres, designed particularly for electrical autos, prioritize excessive effectivity and noise discount. A singular function within the cabin is the “reactive textile” – a floor with on-demand buttons that seem solely when wanted.
Manufacturing plans for the Idea 1 stay unconfirmed, however components are prone to affect future Lotus fashions just like the Emira’s electrical successor. This new sports activities automobile, codenamed Kind 135, is at present anticipated in 2027, although delays are a risk.