Lotus scraps its all-electric successor to the Emira and pivots to a hybrid V-8 supercar. The Type 135, arriving in 2028, will pack nearly 1,000 horsepower through a combination of internal combustion and electric motors.
The shift reflects broader hesitation in the supercar segment. Pure electric powertrains struggle with weight, thermal management, and range concerns at high performance levels. Lotus, now owned by Geely-Volvo, faces the same calculus as Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche. Hybrid systems offer a middle path: raw power output rivals electrics while preserving combustion efficiency and driver feedback.
The Type 135 targets the £300,000 plus bracket, competing directly against McLaren's hybrids and future Ferrari models. Lotus needs a flagship to anchor its performance brand after discontinuing the Evora. The Emira, a lighter sports car priced around £80,000, proved successful but lacks the prestige and margins of a true supercar.
Nearly 1,000 horsepower positions the Type 135 aggressively. For context, the Ferrari SF90 Stradale produces 986 hp, and the McLaren 765LT generates 765 hp. Lotus engineers will need to solve packaging challenges inherent to hybrid architectures. Battery weight, motor integration, and thermal systems add complexity that contradicts Lotus's traditional lightweight philosophy.
The 2028 timeline gives Geely's engineers roughly four years for development and validation. That window is tight for a hypercar-class vehicle but realistic for a manufacturer with Volvo's platform and powertrain resources behind it.
This move also signals confidence that hybrid performance cars will remain viable through the 2030s. While regulators push electrification, wealthy buyers still c