Lotus hits reverse: 1000hp hybrid V8 supercar coming as British sports car icon backs away from EV commitment
Lotus has spectacularly reversed its plan to go all-electric by confirming an all-new hybrid V8 supercar will enter production in 2028, potentially reviving the iconic Lotus Esprit nameplate.
Originally committed to becoming an EV-only brand by 2028, Lotus Cars has now dramatically shifted course following slowing global EV demand and lukewarm buyer interest in battery-electric supercars.
Instead, the Geely-owned British brand has confirmed it is developing a new 1000hp V8 hybrid powertrain in partnership with Renault-Geely powertrain specialist Horse.
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Codenamed Type 135, the new supercar is expected to be built alongside the Lotus Emira at Lotus’ Hethel production facility in Norfolk, UK.
The new model had originally been conceived as an all-electric replacement for the Emira, previewed by the radical Theory 1 concept revealed in 2024 (pictured top). However, engineers are now reportedly reworking the platform to package a combustion engine, transmission, electric motors and battery pack for the hybrid system.
While full technical details are yet to be confirmed, reports suggest the hybrid system will avoid plug-in capability in a bid to minimise weight, differentiating it from rivals such as Ferrari’s upcoming electrified supercars.
It is also unclear whether the production car will retain the dramatic centre-seat cabin layout showcased by the Theory 1 concept, which featured a McLaren F1-style three-seat configuration.
Lotus is reportedly sharing development costs for the new V8 hybrid with another Geely-owned brand, with the powertrain tipped to also underpin a rugged luxury SUV positioned against vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Land Rover Defender OCTA.
The new hybrid flagship will join Lotus’ existing EV line-up that includes the Lotus Eletre SUV, Lotus Emeya sedan and Lotus Evija hypercar.
Lotus is targeting annual global sales of around 30,000 vehicles as it works to improve profitability and broaden its line-up beyond niche sports cars.
