Electric Lotus to Introduce Sports Sedan in 2023 as Competitor to Porsche Taycan
The emergence of the first-ever SUV by Lotus – the Eletre – has paved the way for the development of an electric sedan to rival the Porsche Taycan and the Audi RS E-Tron GT. In a recent discussion with Autocar, Lotus executives shed light on the upcoming four-door vehicle, tentatively named the Type 133.
Lifestyle EV from Lotus
Described by Lotus as a “lifestyle EV,” the Type 133 is set to roll out from Wuhan, China, with a scheduled debut in 2023. Despite the Eletre SUV taking the spotlight initially, Lotus had always intended to venture into the sedan segment, understandably inspired by the remarkable success of the Porsche Taycan, which even outsold the iconic 911 last year.
Technology and Performance
The Eletre served as a foundational benchmark for Lotus’ Electric Premium Architecture (EPA) platform, destined to underpin the Type 133 and a subsequent Type 134 crossover. Gavan Kershaw, Lotus Director of Attributes and Product Integrity, mentioned how technologies like active roll control, continuous damping control (CDC), air-sprung independent active rear steer, and active aero, developed for the Eletre, will be integrated across the entire range.
Future Thrilling Prospects
While specifics on the Type 133 remain scarce, Lotus’ Managing Director Matt Windle hinted at a starting point of 600 horsepower with a dual electric motor setup on the Eletre, insinuating even more dynamic capabilities in the pipeline.
Unique Design Philosophy
Although the Lotus Type 133 is nearing its final design stages, it will not merely be a sedan rendition of the Eletre. Lotus aims for familial resemblance with distinctive individual character, as emphasized by Lotus Senior Vice President of Design Peter Horbury asserting the uniqueness of each model within the Lotus lineage.
Conclusion
The electrification journey at Lotus is marking a pivotal advancement with the upcoming Type 133 sedan. Building upon the success of the Eletre SUV and the underpinnings of the innovative EPA platform, the Type 133 promises to amalgamate lifestyle appeal with performance prowess while retaining the distinct DNA of Lotus vehicles.
FAQs
1. When is the release date for the Lotus Type 133 sedan?
Lotus plans to launch the Type 133 sedan in 2023.
2. Where will the Lotus Type 133 be manufactured?
The Type 133 will be manufactured in Wuhan, China.
3. What technologies from the Eletre will be integrated into the Type 133?
Technologies like active roll control, continuous damping control (CDC), air-sprung independent active rear steer, and active aero will be utilized in the Type 133.
4. What is the expected power output of the Lotus Type 133?
The Type 133 is anticipated to have a starting point of 600 horsepower with a dual electric motor setup.
For more information on the Lotus Type 133 and its journey into the electric sedan market, stay tuned for updates from Lotus and industry sources.
