British sports car maker Lotus has revealed plans for its first products since coming under the umbrella of Chinese automaker Geely. According to Car Magazine, the company will be introducing two new sports car models in 2020, with an SUV to follow by 2022.
Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales told the publication that for the new sports cars, one will be a replacement for an existing vehicle, while the other will be a limited-edition, track-focused road car that will become the new range-topping model.
He said that the cheaper of the two sports cars will feature an updated version of the company’s existing bonded aluminium tub, while the limited-edition model will utilise a new carbon-fibre tub and take over the role of performance flagship from the 3-11, which will end production this year.
Gales said the new car will be based along similar lines, but will be much more civilised than the raw-edged 3-11.’ He added that while the two cars will be cutting edge in terms of design and aerodynamics, they will also be more practical, without corrupting the fundamental character of what a Lotus should be.
In terms of powertrains, Gales didn’t confirm if Volvo or Geely engines will find their way on to the new cars. The lack of a V6 in those line-ups means that the 3.5 litre V6 sourced from Toyota is set to be retained, for the higher performance models at least. Neither will be a hybrid. “Two powertrains is just weight, it’s inefficient. For sports cars I still always look at the combustion engines or full electric,” he told the publication.
He added that the two new models feature tech upgrades in visible areas as well as those hidden under the skin, borrowing heavily from Geely’s suppliers. For example, old electrical wiring harnesses are set to be replaced with state-of-the-art electrical architecture, likely from Volvo.
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Lotus was literally dead before Geely bought the company up. Expected lah, under Proton leadership. No vision and no goals.
Now Geely has bought the company up, it has brought life to it. See, hardly 6 months also, China Geely is pushing Lotus workers to work hard and make plans.
Under Proton for 10 years….nothing really happened. Lose money every year.
Bravo China for guiding Lotus to improve themselves and to give them vision to succeeed. So fast already got plans for SUV. Bravo Bravo Bravo
Lotus workers had the Best day in their lives. the day Geely took over^^
Geely Lotus Volvo > All
New Esprit and Elan by year 2020. Exxxxx SUV beyond 2022…
Its interesting that Lotus was losing money from Day1 even when under founder Colin Chapman. Yet under the leadership and direction of P1, it managed to post profits last year. Kudos to DRB P1 Lotus team for the outstanding performance!
Even under geely, lotus will still be lotus, ‘one special limited edition that is 1kg lighter’ per month based on old model.
Remember lotus showcase those new concepts that never went into production? Thats probably what 2020/2022 cars would be. Just too long to develop people will lose interest already.