Lotus Is Reportedly Developing a 1,000-HP V-8 Hybrid Supercar for 2028
Key takeaways
- Could we be witnessing the spiritual rebirth of the Lotus Esprit?
- Lotus’ now legendary mantra of “simplify, then add lightness” is rather antithetical when it comes to the concept of electrification—much more so the lightness part of the equation.
- Now, as part of its Focus 2030 initiative, the new-generation Lotus team has announced its most ambitious project yet—a built-from-the-ground-up, hybrid V-8-powered model pushing 1,000 hp, known as the Type 135.
Why this matters: an automotive development that could shape industry direction or buying decisions.
Could we be witnessing the spiritual rebirth of the Lotus Esprit?
Lotus’ now legendary mantra of “simplify, then add lightness” is rather antithetical when it comes to the concept of electrification—much more so the lightness part of the equation. And although the modern era stewards of the brand are very much in tune with infusing what it calls the Lotus DNA (lightweight, aerodynamics, obsessive engineering, and driver engagement) into every model it produces, weight is hard to pull out of an EV. The all-electric version of its Eletre super SUV, for example, while pushing 900 horsepower, also pushes around 5,900 pounds.
Now, as part of its Focus 2030 initiative, the new-generation Lotus team has announced its most ambitious project yet—a built-from-the-ground-up, hybrid V-8-powered model pushing 1,000 hp, known as the Type 135. Like the Eletre, we don’t expect it to be adding much lightness given the powertrain, but we are hoping that it will be something special seeing as it’s being billed as the first-ever Lotus supercar.