Lotus on Tuesday revealed its kickoff SUV. Yeah, the company famous for lightweight sports cars has expanded into vehicles normally constitute at the grocery store instead of at the rails. The move is necessary to boost Lotus' financial health, and the profits generated should pb to new and better sports cars.
The new SUV, previously referred to by its lawmaking proper name Type 132, goes by the proper noun Eletre, and it enters production later this year at a new plant in Wuhan, China. Yes, the arrival of the Eletre besides marks the expansion of Lotus' production footprint exterior of the U.K.
The Eletre is based on a modular EV platform called Electric Premium Architecture (previously Evolution), and it's a lot bigger than you lot might expect. Measuring in at 200.nine inches, the Eletre is longer than a Range Rover and close in length to some full-size luxury sedans. Lotus hasn't said how much the Eletre weighs, but we imagine it volition be on the heavy side, even with the use of aluminum and carbon cobweb in the construction.
Despite its size, the Eletre promises some stunning performance. Co-ordinate to Lotus, power outputs will start from 600 hp, and at least one variant volition be able to dart from 0-60 mph in less than three seconds. The top speed is claimed at 161 mph. Drive comes from a motor at each axle and together they class an all-cycle-drive system. Each motor is integrated with a controller and a reducer, a pattern said to salvage infinite and weight.
Lotus is property back total details until closer to the market launch but the battery capacity is confirmed at over 100 kilowatt-hours, or enough for a range of over 300 miles. Charging at up 350 kilowatts volition exist possible, which Lotus said will enable close to 250 miles of range to be added in merely 20 minutes.
Beyond the electric powertrain, the Eletre benefits from Lotus' chassis know-how. This has resulted in a sport-tuned suspension with a 5-link setup at the rear, air suspension and adjustable dampers at each corner, active anti-roll bars, brake-based torque vectoring, and 4-wheel steering. There are besides four drive modes (Range, Bout, Sport and Off-Road) that adjust the steering, damper settings, powertrain and accelerator pedal response.
Lotus Eletre
Lotus Eletre
Lotus Eletre
Equally for the design, Lotus said the inspiration came from its latest sports cars, though aerodynamics also played a role. This is especially true for the lower front fascia which sports a grille with agile shutters that open when the motors, battery pack, and brakes crave cooling. Lidar sensors for planned driver-assist features are mounted in the body and extend when needed, while at the rear are two winglet-like elements that stretch out from the vehicle to assistance downforce. Camera stalks have replaced the side mirrors, though conventional mirrors will be used in markets where regulations require them.
Inside, the conventional musical instrument cluster has been replaced by thin band that spans the width of the dash, and includes an integrated display for the driver and another for the front-seat passenger. Interrupting the center of the brand is a 15.1-inch display that serves as the infotainment hub. A caput-up display with augmented reality is also featured. Buyers will be able to choose between four- and v-seat configurations for the cabin.
As mentioned above, production will accept place in China, which is expected to exist the biggest marketplace for the Electre, though we can imagine many buyers in the U.S. cozying up to one. Deliveries in China and Europe start in 2023 just availability and timing for the U.S. are even so to be announced. Lotus will also build a smaller crossover (Type 134) and a four-door coupe (Type 133) in Prc, starting in 2025 and 2023, respectively, while production of sports cars will remain at the company's home in Hethel, U.K. The current sports machine lineup includes the Emira and Evija, and a new electric sports automobile (Type 135) will join the party in 2026. The electric sports machine will be twinned with a similar model from French republic'southward Tall.
