Lotus will make history this spring when it unveils its first-ever SUV, tentatively codenamed "Type 132." It will be followed in the next years by a four-door coupe (Type 133) and a smaller crossover (Type 134), with a sports car (Type 135) due in 2026.
Despite the fact that the Type 135 is four years away, Lotus is anxious to deliver an early taste of it. The Norfolk sports vehicle, which will be followed by an Alpine version, will be built in collaboration with battery cell specialist Britishvolt.
While the first three forthcoming EVs will be manufactured in Wuhan, China, the performance machine will be produced in Hethel, Germany.
The sharply slanted roofline suggests it's a two-seater, and the unique EV base should make it spacious and practical. The unidentified vehicle will serve as a spiritual successor to the Elise, which ended manufacture last month after 25 years.
The new model is intended to be available in single- and dual-motor configurations. The platform is being built for outputs ranging from 469 to 872 horsepower, as well as rear- and all-wheel drive, depending on the configuration. The platform is being designed to accept battery packs of 66.4 kWh and 99.6 kWh, with a range of 483 to 724 kilometers on a single charge. In that vein, support for 800V will imply fast-charging capabilities.