Lotus will power its Type 135 supercar with a hybrid V8 powertrain producing over 986 horsepower, with the internal combustion side coming from a new engine developed by powertrain supplier Horse.
The engine is called the Horse W40, a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that produces more than 670 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque on its own. It weighs 441 pounds and uses a "hot-V" configuration, which places both turbos inside the engine's V to reduce turbo lag.
Horse engineered the W40 specifically for hybrid applications. The company pairs it with an 8-speed dual-clutch hybrid transmission called the Horse 8LDCT, which can handle up to 774 lb-ft of torque. The transmission completes shifts in under 20 milliseconds and includes a silicon carbide control system and variable-displacement mechanical pump.
Horse Powertrain is a joint venture between Renault and Geely, Lotus' Chinese parent company. The W40 is Horse's first V8 engine.
Lotus says the Type 135 will be manufactured in Europe, revealed in 2028, and begin deliveries the same year.