Update: ‘Specifications’ section updated and FAQs section included.
Lotus’ fortunes have changed since Geely took over the brand. The British marque’s first-ever SUV, the all-electric Lotus Eletre, heralds a new era for it. Next, the Hethel-based carmaker will launch the Lotus Type 133, an E-segment electric sedan, to take on the Porsche Taycan.
Lotus Type 133 Design
Peter Horbury, Senior VP, Design at Lotus, has said that the design would be coherent with the next generation of Lotus cars, and there would be continuity. At the same time, he emphasized that despite the design having family genes, it would be unique in its own right. The Type 133 will not simply be the sedan version of Eletre. It would be distinct with a fresh and attractive design and exciting performance.
Expect the Lotus Type 133 to borrow Eletre’s design language blended with ample coupe-specific add-ons like a swooping roofline, integrated rear spoiler, and a low-slung stance. Lotus is likely to carry out the design development at Lotus Tech Creative Centre (LTCC), the renamed Geely design studio in Warwickshire, UK, the same setup where the design of the Eletre was born.
Specifications
The Lotus Type 133 sedan would be based on the Electric Premium Architecture (EPA) that underpins the Eletre. Gavan Kershaw, the brand’s director of attributes and product integrity, said that the EPA was benchmarked on the Eletre and would underpin future models also. Moreover, the EPA platform is 37% lighter than the gas-powered Emira’s platform, as per CAR magazine (via Instagram). On an electric car, weight savings in any form are welcome as the battery comes with a huge weight penalty and influences handling.
Battery life & Motor
Even though Geely owns Lotus, the brand isn’t using the platforms made available by the parent company like the SEA or the CMA. Lotus CEO Matt Windle told CAR magazine that designing their platform shows “intent.” Moreover, the report also states that the electric sedan’s powertrain may generate an estimated 872 hp from its twin electric motors. It is also expected to feature a 120 kWh battery, which we feel would be sufficient to beat the Porsche Taycan’s performance in the aspect in range. Lotus has partnered with Britishvolt, a battery manufacturing start-up that will develop the sedan’s battery technology.
Despite being high-riding and quite heavy, the Eletre races to 62 mph in under 3 seconds. The Lotus Type 133 is expected to be faster as it has the Taycan in its crosshairs. The sedan is likely to be offered with 800-volt architecture for ultra-fast charging. It will come with all-wheel-drive as standard for blazing-fast acceleration and excellent grip. Windle has confirmed to Autocar that 592 bhp was where the sedan range would start, with more to come. With CAR reporting an 800+ hp powertrain, Lotus will likely offer multiple variants with different outputs.
Release Date & Production
At the Lotus Eletre world premiere on March 29, 2022, Ben Payne, Head of Lotus Tech Creative Centre, said that Lotus has “almost finished” designing the next car. Further, he suggested that the world premiere would take place “in around 12 months’ time,” in summer 2023.
We’ve been open already about saying this is the first of four fully electrified products which are going to come from Lotus in the next five years. So, this one we’re presenting to you today, but as a designer I kind of have this strange sense where I actually have to live partly in the future so the next electrified Lotus lifestyle product which is going to be coming fairly soon, we’ve almost finished that.
Ben Payne, Head of Lotus Tech Creative Centre (Lotus Eletre world premiere on March 29, 2022)
Lotus has a lot of ground to cover before the debut of the Type 133. The Emira production is underway, while the deliveries of the Evija hypercar will begin later this year. Lotus would be busy rolling out the Eletre in 2023 in the U.S. and other global markets.
The Lotus Type 133 is likely to be manufactured at the same factory as the Eletre in the Hannan district of Wuhan city, China. Lotus would price it competitively, thanks to Chinese production and the advantage of parent company Geely’s pool of local resources.
Lotus Type 133 FAQs
What is the Lotus Type 133 release date?
Expect the Lotus electric sedan at global dealers in the second half of 2023.
Which are the competitors to the Type 133?
The Tesla Model S Plaid and the Porsche Taycan would be its chief rivals.
What is the expected Lotus Type 133 price?
Expect the starting price north of USD 100,000 when it arrives in the U.S. by 2024.
Featured Image Source: Lotus
