The British Lotus, famous for its light-footed purist sports cars and the message of founder Colin Chapman, “simplify and add lightness” shows a large SUV on electricity.
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It is the first in a series of electric cars designed for everyday driving. Such a direction was prescribed by Lotus’s current owner, the Chinese Geely.
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Eletre runs on a separate Lotus electric platform. The company says the various versions have power starting at 447 kilowatts, 600 horsepower, with the engine on both axles. Acceleration to 100 kilometers per hour takes less than 3 seconds and the maximum speed is 260 km / h. The carmaker has not yet announced the weight of the SUV.
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However, the carmaker states that the capacity of the battery is over 100 kilowatt hours, which allows an estimated range according to the stricter WLTP protocol of around 600 kilometers. Eletre charges up to 350 kilowatts, which allows you to reach 400 kilometers in 20 minutes.
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The SUV runs on air suspension with active ground clearance adjustment. There is also rear axle steering and active stabilizers.
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At the front, Eletre takes over general design elements from the brand’s sports cars. In line with the current trend, it has split headlights. The radiator grille has active aerodynamics with connecting triangular parts that open when motors, batteries and brakes require cooling.
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The novelty has four lidar sensors to support assistance systems. There are two on the roof – one above the windshield and one above the rear window. In addition, there is a device near the front fender on each side of the body. In countries where this is allowed, the vehicle uses cameras as side mirrors.
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Lotus claims the car is capable of fully autonomous driving and supports wireless updates for future system improvements.
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The interior is made of a thin strap, which is less than 30 millimeters high in front of the driver, rather than the traditional instrument panel. There is a corresponding section on the passenger side that displays various information, such as a selection of music or nearby points of interest. In the middle is a 15.1-inch landscape screen. A standard augmented reality head-up display is also standard.
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Lotus will build the novelty in a new factory in Wuhan, China. Deliveries will begin in 2023. The first of these will go to China and Europe at an as yet undisclosed price.
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