Lotus to launch hybrid Type 135 supercar in 2028

Lotus has announced a strategic shift in its product roadmap, moving away from an exclusively electric lineup to include hybrid internal combustion engines. The company plans to launch a new mid-engine hybrid supercar, internally codenamed Type 135, in 2028. This model, which may revive the iconic Esprit name, will be positioned between the Emira and the electric Evija.

The Type 135 will be offered in two configurations: a flagship hybrid V8 and a more accessible hybrid V6. The V8 variant is expected to produce over 1,000 horsepower. Both powertrains will be developed by Horse, a joint venture between Geely and Renault. To maintain the brand’s focus on lightweight engineering, Lotus aims to keep the vehicle's total weight under 1,500 kilograms.

A key technological component in this weight-saving effort is a new electric motor derived from Formula 1 technology. While a standard 150 kW motor typically weighs between 75 and 95 kg, the unit developed for this project weighs only approximately 20 kg. The vehicle is expected to be produced at the company’s historic Hethel plant in Norfolk, UK.