In a recent interview with Automotive News Europe, Lotus CEO Phil Popham talked about the automaker’s future plans.
Two things stood out in our eyes from this interview. The next Lotus won’t be electric, and Popham didn’t expressly rule out a Lotus SUV. How weird would that be?
When asked what new products Lotus was currently developing, Popham talked about an all-new sports car that will be unveiled before the end of 2019. Moreover, Lotus’ CEO confirmed it wouldn’t be an electric car and will be aimed at a larger audience than a traditional Lotus sports car. In terms of pricing, it will be in the same range as the current Lotus Evora which starts at around $150,000 in Canada.
Lotus will then focus its attention on a new platform which will be used to build a range of other models. Once that’s done, we will likely see some kind of electrified Lotus. Popham also confirmed that Lotus will continue to use third-party engines like the current Toyota powertrains the British automaker modifies.
And then Popham was asked about a possible Lotus SUV and things got interesting. Lotus’ CEO first reminded ANE that Lotus was a sports car brand and that their focus was always on building drivers’ cars. But then…
“We believe the brand has the potential to go beyond just sports cars. We will move into other segments over the course of time. We have a great opportunity to work within the Geely group with its engineering capabilities. We can walk into the group and look on the shelves and pay to use some of the resources and technology there”.
That’s not a yes, but it’s certainly not a firm “no” on the Lotus SUV topic. We get that Lamborghini did it… but Lotus? That would certainly be a sight.
Source: Automotive News Europe
[…] Lotus has a lot of work ahead of it this year. The British automaker is planning a new performance car and is also working on a platform that will serve as the basis for future upcoming vehicles as well. […]