Lotus, the iconic British sports car manufacturer owned by China's Geely, is set to revive its V8 supercar lineage with the launch of the Type 135 in 2028... The new model will feature a hybrid powertrain powered by a V8 engine supplied by Renault-Geely's Horse Powertrain division. The supercar will be manufactured at Lotus' UK plant in Hethel and will not have a plug-in hybrid option to keep the weight down.

The $60 million gamble on hybrid V8s

Lotus aims to achieve a 60 per cent plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and 40 per cent battery electric vehicle (BEV) volume mix in the short term, with the 'X-Hybrid' model taking center stage. The Type 135 is part of this strategy to move towards profitability and save the company from decline. According to the report, Lotus is investing heavily in the development of the Type 135, with a focus on performance and design.

Giorgetto Giugiaro's design legacy

The Type 135 will be designed by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro, known for his work on iconic cars like the Lotus Esprit of 1972. The new model is expected to pay homage to the Esprit, combining classic design elements with modern technology. Giugiaro's involvement is seen as a key factor in the success of the Type 135, as his designs have a timeless appeal.

What's under the hood?

The Type 135's hybrid powertrain will use a new V8 engine supplied by Renault-Geely's Horse Powertrain division. The engine is expected to deliver impressive performance while maintaining fuel efficiency. The decision to go with a hybrid-only powertrain, rather than a plug-in hybrid, is aimed at reducing weight and improving handling.. According to the report, the Type 135 will be a true driver's car, with a focus on performance and driving dynamics.

Who is the target market?

Lotus is targeting a niche market of enthusiasts who appreciate high-performance sports cars with a focus on driving dynamics. the Type 135 is expected to appeal to buyers who want a modern interpretation of classic Lotus design and performance. the company is also looking to attract new customers who are interested in hybrid technology but still want the thrill of a V8 engine. According to the report,Lotus is confident that the Type 135 will be a success, despite the challenges of the current market.