Preparing to unveil its high-powered electric hypercar, the 2,000-horsepower Evija, Lotus is exploring future endeavors, potentially including a collaborative venture with Renault’s Alpine brand to create an electric sports car. By pursuing a similar strategy to the Toyobaru collaboration, Lotus and Alpine could produce a product in significant quantities to ensure financial sustainability. If this collaboration results in a lightweight electric sports car, it would be a win for all stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Maserati is also developing a fully electric version of its latest MC20 model, and Lotus has plans for a high-performance electric crossover set for release in 2022. Details on potential successors to the Elise, Exige, and Evora models remain undisclosed. However, if the feasibility study confirms that Lotus can leverage Alpine’s resources in France to develop a platform, speculation about future developments may commence.
Alpine
Within Renault’s new financial strategy, Alpine aims to achieve profitability by 2025 while continuing investments in motorsport, including Formula 1, Formula E, and endurance racing. The consolidation of all Renault Sport Cars and Renault Sport Racing activities under Alpine’s management is part of these plans. Alpine’s cutting-edge factory in Dieppe, known for crafting the A110, houses a team of skilled experts. Renault Sport, comprising 300 individuals specializing in sports car development, has engineered renowned models like the Megane RS Trophy and Alpine’s lightweight aluminum marvel.
Notably, Renault Sport Racing, an F1 team with 1,200 personnel, boasts world-class aerodynamicists, mechanics, and powertrain engineers, now unified within the Alpine brand.
“The co-development of an electric sports car is an exciting opportunity for both companies, our enthusiasts, and customers worldwide,” mentioned Phil Popham, CEO of Lotus Cars, in a recent statement. “In addition, our collaborative services agreement will make our engineering expertise accessible to those interested in our innovative solutions.”
Lotus Cars
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