Already a subscriber?The badge might be familiar, but the format isn’t. It’s a big, powerful electric sedan from a car maker famed for its eccentric, ultra-lightweight two-door sports cars. And there’s more to come. Lotus is in the process of a transformation; fortunately, though, it won’t leave sports cars entirely behind.
That will be enough to fling the large and heavy Emeya to 100km/h in 2.8 seconds, and on to a top speed of more than 250km/h. On the practical side, the company says the fast-charging electrical system can add 150 kilometres of range in just five minutes. This is in opposition to the guiding maxim of company founder Colin Chapman, to “simplify and add lightness”. To Chapman, every kilogram saved was a bit more speed gained, and even post-Chapman models stuck to that script. The long-running Elise roadster , in all its forms stayed under 900 kilograms.
He would say that, wouldn’t he? But most overseas reviewers have come away very impressed with the Eletre’s road manners, and its fit and finish. The electric onslaught will continue: the company promises that a second, smaller SUV and a new sports car will join the Eletre and Emeya by the end of 2026.Gibbs says these extra models will also come to Australia.
After a series of false starts, the remaking of Lotus began soon after Chinese maker Geely purchased the brand in 2017. Geely owns Volvo and Polestar, and has significant holdings in Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin. By 1958, his cars were racing in Formula One, and through the 1960s and 1970s, Lotus would introduce a series of brilliant innovations that completely changed F1.