For decades, the name Lotus has stood for small and particularly light sports cars in the car world. The carmaker is now opening a whole new chapter in its model history.
The Chinese multi-brand group Geely has big plans for its subsidiary Lotus, acquired in 2017. The realignment of the traditional British brand has already been heralded by the two sports cars Evija and Emira. This is now followed by the Eletre, an SUV with a battery-electric drive that is more than five meters long. Lotus is breaking new ground in several respects, as it is the first five-door and at the same time the first SUV that the British will build in series. The Eletre was presented with a two-engine all-wheel drive with 441 kW/600 hp. It should allow a sprint from a standing start to 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds, and the top speed is 260 km/h. Lotus itself therefore also calls the Eletre a Hyper-SUV. A 100-kWh battery embedded in an 800-volt architecture is on board to ensure a range of a good 600 kilometers. Thanks to fast charging technology, it should be possible to refuel for 400 kilometers in 20 minutes at a 350 kW charging station.Carbon and lots of bytesThe aluminum body is supplemented with various carbon parts. The chassis with a five-link rear axle has electronically controlled dampers and air suspension. 23-inch wheels, ceramic brakes, self-levelling, rear-wheel steering and an active stabilizer can be ordered for a surcharge. Digital exterior mirrors are also optional. Finally, the Eletre offers several lidar sensors that will enable automated driving functions. It is still unclear when and to what extent the new Lotus will use them. The on-board electronics can be adapted to future usage scenarios with over-the-air updates. The displays in the cockpit of the Eletre are based on a combination of a mini display behind the steering wheel, a head-up display and a 15.1-inch touchscreen in the center console. The rear can be equipped with either a classic bench seat for up to three people or alternatively with two individual seats with sporty contours. As a four-seater, the e-SUV offers a wide rear center console with storage compartment, cup holders and a 9-inch touchscreen. Thanks to a length of 5.10 meters and a wheelbase of a good three meters, the space available should be more than sufficient. The British have not yet given a price. But in view of the performance, range and equipment, a six-digit level seems likely. Production in Wuhan, China, is scheduled to start at the end of the year and the first copies will go to customers in Europe in early 2023. (SPX)
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