Lotus’ upcoming sports activities automobile may crib design components from the Concept 1 idea
The Concept 1 packs a 70-kwh battery delivering about 250 miles of vary and 987 hp from two electrical motors
Lotus has an electrical SUV arriving in 2025 with a sedan following
Lotus on Tuesday unveiled the Concept 1 idea as a preview of the design course of future fashions, together with an electrical sports activities automobile due in 2026.
The outside incorporates aerodynamic components, together with a diffuser, air deflectors, and air curtains within the nostril, a contoured underfloor incorporating a NACA duct that feeds air into the cooling system, and physique sides designed to maintain air flowing easily across the automobile, in accordance with Lotus.
The idea has a 70-kwh battery pack affording an estimated vary of about 250 miles, and powering twin motors that ship 987 hp to all 4 wheels, which put on EV-specific Pirelli P Zero Elect tires. Lotus estimates a 0-62 mph time of lower than 2.5 seconds and a 200-mph high pace for the roughly 3,500-pound EV.
Lotus Concept 1 idea
Lotus claims each the battery and motors are included into the chassis as harassed members to elevated rigidity, a standard apply with the race vehicles the British automaker constructed its fame on. The rear wing can be mounted on to the rear motor and suspension meeting in order that the downforce it generates acts immediately on the suspension mounts—not not like early winged System 1 vehicles.
Inside, the Concept 1 has a central driving place, with passenger seats on both aspect. In step with Lotus founder Colin Chapman’s maxim “simplify, then add lightness,” the seats are literally padding hooked up on to the vehicles carbon fiber tub. The headrests additionally home audio system for the audio system, and Lotus used a particular textile that comes with haptic components instead of conventional switchgear.
Lotus Concept 1 idea
Components of the Concept 1 will doubtless reappear on an upcoming Lotus electrical sports activities automobile codenamed Sort 135. This might be primarily based on a brand new Light-weight Electrical Automobile Structure (LEVA) and was due to make use of a brand new “battery cell bundle” co-developed with Britishvolt earlier than that firm’s chapter.
The Sort 135 might be proceeded by the Lotus Eletre electrical SUV, which is because of attain the U.S. within the first quarter of 2025, and the Emeya, an electrical sedan because of face off towards the Tesla Mannequin S Plaid and Porsch Taycan. Lotus plans to supply solely absolutely electrical fashions by 2028, and has additionally proven fast-charging {hardware} that may already ship extra energy than most EVs can deal with.