Lotus unveils hybrid V8 Esprit supercar plans

Lotus has announced plans to revive the Esprit nameplate in 2028 with the introduction of the Type 135, a mid-engine hybrid supercar. This model will combine a V8 engine with an electric motor to generate over 1,000 horsepower while maintaining a curb weight below 1.5 tons. The confirmation came from CEO Feng Qingfeng during an earnings call held on August 27. Positioned between the Emira sports car and the Evija hypercar, the Type 135 will also feature a V6 variant developed in collaboration with Horse, the Geely-Renault joint venture. However, no final production timeline has been established for this variant.

The Type 135 represents a fresh design rather than a revival of past models, though it carries forward the Esprit heritage. Feng acknowledged the difficulty of meeting the weight target, stating that integrating an 800V hybrid system, a V8 engine, and an electric motor while keeping the total under 3,307 pounds demands technology akin to Formula 1 applications.

Power delivery will be managed through a dual-clutch gearbox designed to handle high torque without adding unnecessary bulk. While Lotus has not yet disclosed the number of gears or the production location, Feng emphasized that the car’s purpose is to bridge the performance gap between the Emira and the upcoming Emeya. It aims to deliver the emotional appeal of Lotus handling while approaching the technical performance of the Emeya through hybrid technology.

The Type 135 aligns with Lotus’s broader Focus 2030 strategy, which balances combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles. The project shows the brand’s commitment to piston engines despite the automotive industry’s broader shift toward electrification. However, exact specifications for both engines remain under development.

Key challenges remain, including how Lotus will manage weight, complexity, and cost to ensure the Type 135 feels like a natural evolution from the Emira rather than a premium halo model. The first prototypes, when revealed, will provide clarity on whether the car successfully narrows the performance gap between the Emira and the Evija or simply fills a lineup position. For now, development remains focused on engineering precision, with no confirmed details on pricing or production schedules.