Lotus is going all electric since the recently launched Emira is the brand’s last model to be solely powered by fossil fuels
The Type 135 will share elements with an upcoming Alpine electric sports car
This model is expected to have a power output of up to 872 horsepower in dual motor configuration
Lotus is working fast on becoming an EV-only brand. Indeed, the recently launched Emira will be the last vehicle from the British manufacturer to be powered only by fossil fuels.
As of now, the company s working on 4 new models, which are its first SUV (Type 132), a four-door coupe (Type 133), a small crossover (Type 134) and a sports car, the Type 135.
These Type names are only codes and the models will most likely receive a name before their launch, which is expected for 2026 in the case of the Type 135.
Despite arriving only in 4 years, this model has already been teased by the automaker in an image that shows the lines of its profile.
From what can be seen, this sports car could adopt a slightly retro look, inspired by the Esprit of the 1970s, especially its angular roofline composed of a flat roof and raked windows front and back.
Under this body will be a very modern platform however, which is designed to accommodate different variations of the electric powertrain.
Two power levels are expected by way of a choice between a single motor or a dual motor version, meaning that all-wheel drive will also be optional. The base model with a single motor on the rear axle should have an output of 469 horsepower and the top-of-the-range dual motor could have up to 872 horsepower.
The batteries could also offer a choice since the E-Sports platform on which the Type 135 will be built is being developed to make use of 66.4 kWh or 99.6 kWh battery packs, which should give this sports car a range that sits between 300 to 450 miles (483 to 724 kilometers).
In order to stay true to the brand’s philosophy which promotes lightness and weight distribution, the batteries will be specially developed by Britishvolt and they will be placed behind the seats, close to where the engine would have been in a combustion powered vehicle. The entire structure is also said to be 37% lighter than the Emira’s.
Lotus is not the only company to be working with this platform however, since Alpine, the Renault-owned sports car brand, will also release their version of this model in a similar timeframe.
