Lotus Confirms 1,000 HP V8 Hybrid Supercar Will Spearhead New Strategy
Lotus announced its 'Focus 2030' strategy, abandoning an all-electric future in favor of a 60% plug-in hybrid and 40% battery-electric sales mix, while confirming a 2028 1,000PS hybrid V8 supercar (Type 135) to retain performance and emotional appeal. The brand also introduced its new X-Hybrid technology, a 900V architecture for the Eletre X, and plans to merge Lotus UK and Lotus Technology to streamline operations and reduce costs.
Lotus Cars has unveiled a major strategic shift with its 'Focus 2030' plan, moving away from an all-electric future to adopt a balanced approach of 60% plug-in hybrids and 40% battery-electric vehicles. The British manufacturer, based in Hethel, confirmed the development of the Type 135, a 2028 supercar featuring a hybrid V8 powertrain producing over 1,000PS, addressing concerns about declining demand for purely electric performance vehicles. The Type 135 will prioritize the emotional driving experience that Lotus buyers expect, despite the engineering challenges of pairing a high-performance V8 with hybrid technology. Lotus also introduced its X-Hybrid system, a 900V architecture debuting on the Eletre X plug-in hybrid, delivering 952PS and 935Nm of torque with a combined range of 1,200km. The Eletre X will feature a 70kWh battery capable of 20-80% charging in nine minutes and a 0-100km/h time of 3.3 seconds. To manage weight penalties from hybrid systems, Lotus will use dual-chamber air suspension and a 48V anti-roll system in the Eletre X, along with six-piston Brembo brakes for enhanced performance. The brand also announced upgrades to the combustion-powered Emira, making it the most powerful and lightweight version yet, while merging Lotus UK and Lotus Technology into a single entity to cut costs and improve efficiency. Lotus’s decision reflects broader industry trends where high-performance brands are delaying or reconsidering full electrification to meet consumer demand for visceral driving dynamics. The Type 135’s hybrid V8 setup echoes Lotus’s history of innovation, including past experiments like the gas-turbine-powered Type 56B and bioethanol Exige 265e concept, reinforcing its commitment to performance beyond pure electrification.
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