The possibility of a Lotus SUV has been advanced for many years now, but whatever the reason, it never materialized… much to the delight of purists. But now it has definitely become real.
Lotus has just unveiled the first teaser of its first SUV ever, known for now by the code name Type 132, and that for more will be just and only electric. It couldn't be a greater contrast to what we know of Hethel's little builder.
This unprecedented SUV is part of an ambitious restructuring and growth plan for Lotus, outlined after the acquisition of the manufacturer by Geely (the owner of Volvo and Polestar).
It is the first of four 100% electric models that the British brand will launch by 2026 and which includes another SUV (Type 134, smaller), a four-door coupé saloon (Type 133) and a two-seater sports car (Type 135) which will also give rise to the successor to the Alpine A110.
The other big news is that some of these electric models will be produced at a new factory located not in Hethel, UK, but in Wuhan, China, which will join Lotus Technology's new headquarters.
Type 132. What do we already know?
The new electric SUV from Lotus will be positioned, it seems, in the E-segment, where models like the Porsche Cayenne live. We remind you that despite all the controversy, the Cayenne has brought and is bringing great fortunes to the Zuffenhausen brand, which has ensured unprecedented levels of growth. Will the Type 132 have the same effect on Lotus?
The Lotus Type 132 will feature batteries ranging from 92-120 kWh, an 800 V architecture for faster charging, and the power numbers that are being advanced are “fat”: between (just over) 600 hp and 750 hp.
Interestingly, numbers on the possible mass (lightness has always been a key part of Lotus' DNA) of this SUV make themselves felt by its absence — it's not expected to be a featherweight, but Lotus is ambitious at least that all its models are the lightest of their respective classes.
In the teaser published by Lotus, the SUV's aerodynamics should be the focus of particular attention, a crucial aspect in the development of these latest trams. In the published video, we see the active lower air intake (formed by a hexagonal pattern), that is, with flaps that can open and close, favoring either cooling (in this case, batteries) or aerodynamics.
Below this air intake we can also see the unmistakable texture of the carbon fiber in the front splitter. Will this material be an integral part of the construction of the model?
We will have to wait now for 2022 for full disclosure and also to know what it will be called: we suspect that the name starts with the letter “E”.