British marque positions model above Emira as first true supercar, ending V8 absence since Esprit production ceased.
Lotus will build a V8 hybrid supercar producing over 1,000hp by 2028. The Type 135 ends a 22-year V8 drought. European production starts in four years.
The announcement reverses Lotus's 2028 pure-electric timeline, matching Ferrari and McLaren output levels. The hybrid system exceeds the 939hp Eletre SUV already sold in China, according to the company's Focus 2030 strategy document published May 2024.
V8 Returns After Esprit Production End
The Type 135 revives eight-cylinder power at Lotus after the Esprit ended production in 2004. Company engineers positioned the model above the Emira in the performance car lineup, creating the brand's first designated supercar. The all-electric Evija carries hypercar classification instead. European assembly will begin in 2028, though Norfolk factory involvement remains unconfirmed. Design cues draw from the Theory 1 concept shown in September 2024. The hybrid drivetrain combines V8 combustion with electric assistance.
Power Output Exceeds Current Range Leader
The Type 135's 1,000hp+ output surpasses the Eletre PHEV's 939hp currently sold in China. European Eletre deliveries start Q4 2024, establishing the SUV as Lotus's current range-topper until the supercar arrives. The gap mirrors competition dynamics where BMW's four-motor M3 delivers 1,300hp by 2027. Ferrari's SF90 Stradale produces 986hp through V8 hybrid technology, while McLaren's Artura generates 671hp. The Type 135 slots between established supercar benchmarks and emerging hypercar territory.
Engine Source Remains Undisclosed Despite AMG Ties
Lotus declined to confirm V8 engine sourcing despite existing Mercedes-AMG partnerships. The Emira uses AMG's M139 turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder from Affalterbach's compact performance range. AMG develops a new twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 debuting later in 2024, creating logical Type 135 application potential. However, the 1,000hp target suggests substantial modification or alternative sourcing. McLaren's summer 2025 product plans include similar powertrain development timelines. The silence contradicts Lotus's typical supplier transparency on Emira components.
Focus 2030 Strategy Abandons Electric-Only Timeline
The Focus 2030 business plan document explicitly abandons Lotus's previous 2028 pure-electric commitment, according to company filings from May 2024. The strategy paper outlines continued combustion engine development alongside electrification. An updated Emira arrives within weeks, featuring upgraded combustion power and weight reduction measures. The document identifies hybrid technology as emissions compliance necessity rather than performance choice. CO2 legislation in key markets forces electrified assistance for V8 engines exceeding 1,000hp output levels.
The Type 135 project timeline aligns with Lotus's Norfolk facility expansion scheduled for completion in Q2 2027. Component sourcing decisions and final pricing will emerge during the autumn announcement period. Production allocation splits between European and export markets remain under discussion. The complete Lotus model history and specifications are catalogued in the Global Auto Index manufacturer database.
