Lotus will adapt to the times and expand its portfolio with SUVs as part of its development. In addition, it will not be produced in Norfolk’s home country, but in Wuhan, China.
–
Lotus is typically known as a manufacturer of light-footed sports cars that adapt to the former’s motto founder Colin Chapman. He has argued for years that with higher power you are fast on straights, while with low weight everywhere. But even Lotus, who has been struggling with financial turmoil for years, has to adapt to the times and offer cars that do not correspond so much to a light-footed character. An SUV will also arrive after the electric car.
The SUV with Lotus features has been speculated for years, and now it is finally getting concrete outlines. Developed only under the internal designation Type 132 and is to be completely unveiled next year. Lotus is already attracted to the premiere of its first production SUV with its first trailer.
However, the published video does not show much from the new car. Only the view of the radiator grille, which will include the active fins, is noticeable. Lotus says the solution will be an “authentic air management system” that serves two purposes – it helps cool the car as well as the aerodynamics of the front.
–
–
–
Lotus has previously confirmed that the Type 132 will be an E-segment SUV. It will therefore be a model the size of a Maserati Levante or a Lamborghini Urus. Unlike them, however, the car will be electrically powered. Lotus intends to introduce only electric cars in the future.
A purely electric SUV is not exactly a concept we would primarily associate with a light sports car manufacturer. But Lotus emphasizes that the car is developed according to its traditional values. Therefore, even such a car should offer great driving characteristics and be light within its segment. In any case, the power should be around 750 horsepower, and the range should reach 580 km.
In any case, the main reason for the arrival of the SUV is the effort to increase the brand’s sales and thus ensure sufficient funding for long-term development. The SUV will be ranked among the so-called lifestyle products that Lotus will manufacture in China due to its primary market. A new plant in the infamous Wuhan is being built thanks to a Chinese carmaker Geely, who is the current owner of Lotus.
Type 132 being prepared for 2022 is part of the brand’s plans to develop the offer. A year later, it was to be followed by a “four-door coupe” of the upper middle class (Type 133) and in 2025 a D-segment SUV (Type 134). The expansion will then be completed in 2026 with the arrival of the sports car (Type 135), which was created in collaboration with Alpine. The French brand will build the electric successor of today’s A110 on its basis.
– .
