British-built Lotus Type 135 electric sports car will replace Emira in 2027

To complete its latest reincarnation, Lotus will replace its Emira mid-engined sports car with a British-built electric model, known as the Type 135, in 2027.

It’s expected that the Type 135 will debut next year as a concept giving a hint of what to expect, and will follow the Eletre large SUV, Emeya four-door grand tourer, and yet-to-be-revealed Type 134 – a BMW X3-sized electric SUV.

Lotus hasn’t revealed details of its new sports car, but reports from the UK’s Autocar say the carmaker is targeting a starting price of £75,000 (A$145,000), which would undercut the Emira V6’s £81,495 ask in the UK.

3

The Emira isn't long for this world with an electric successor due soon

It will be developed and manufactured in Hethel – the home of Lotus – rather than constructed in China as the brand intends to do with its more mainstream vehicles.

The new sports car will be based around Lotus and Geely’s LEVA (Lightweight Electric Vehicle Architecture), which is light and strong (the structure promises to be 37 per cent lighter than the Emira’s) as well as deeply modular.

It’s said to allow more traditional ‘skateboard’ style battery placement for four doors and SUVs as well as alternative methods. Stacking the cells in the middle of the vehicle, for example, would allow Lotus to simulate the weight distribution of a classic mid-engined sports car – that’s the plan for the Type 135.

Lotus and Geely’s motors can configured in single- or twin-motor layouts to develop between 350kW and 650kW, substantially more than the 298kW Emira V6 even at the low end.

3

The Elise reinvigorated Lotus in 1995. Will the Type 135 build on its legacy?

Those close to Lotus are expecting the brand to develop the Type 135 mainly as a rear-wheel drive option.

However, like the Evija hypercar a small motor could be fitted to the front axle to enhance capability for a track-focused Exige-like grade.

The Type 135 won't not be the only British-badged all-electric sports car, with MG’s Cyberster roadster also nearing completion.

That said, Lotus isn’t expecting volume from this segment, suggesting around 10,000-15,000 units per year. That’s only a fifth of expected Eletre demand and a long way off the Type 134 SUV’s 90,000 goal.

Despite small volumes, Lotus executives promise the sports car will be an essential part of the line-up, the Lotus DNA giving credibility to create sporty and engaging SUVs and grand tourers.