Lotus Archives - Auto Global News – Global Car News & Reviews

Lotus Esprit Could Have Had Corvette’s LT5 V8 in the ’90s

31Dec

By S.MartinezNo Comments

News

Lotus Esprit Could Have Had Corvette’s LT5 V8 in the ’90s

Imagine a Lotus Esprit with the power of a Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1’s mighty LT5 V8. This wasn't just a dream, but almost reality back in the early '90s.Key TakeawaysThe Lotus Esprit Turbo SE could have been powered by Corvette's 375-horsepower LT5 V8 engine.If it had happened, this combo would've made the car a serious contender in its class.This hypothetical scenario showcases what might've been if GM hadn't nixed the Lotus Etna project.Back then, rumors circulated that Lotus was considering stuffing the LT5 V8 into their Esprit Turbo SE. The SE produced 264 horsepower and weighed around 2,900 pounds, hitting 60 mph in just under five seconds. Imagine what an extra hundred horses could've done!The Corvette ZR-1’s LT5 engine was a beast of its time: it churned out 375 hp and 370 lb-ft of t...

GM’s Lotus Ownership Ends in Failure and Relinquishment

5Dec

By AGN EditorNo Comments

Industry & Business, News

GM’s Lotus Ownership Ends in Failure and Relinquishment

General Motors has officially relinquished its ownership stake in sports car maker Lotus, ending a partnership that began over two decades ago but ultimately proved unsuccessful. The move marks the end of an era for both companies.Key TakeawaysGM sells off its remaining 25% stake in Lotus Engineering to Malaysian company Proton Holdings.The deal includes a technology transfer agreement allowing GM and Proton to collaborate on future projects.This marks the end of GM's involvement with Lotus, which began when it acquired shares from Italian automaker Fiat in 1996.General Motors initially bought into Lotus Engineering as part of its strategy to expand globally. However, despite early optimism and shared projects such as the Omega sports car concept, relations soured over time due to differin...

Lotus Reverses Course with High-Performance PHEV SUVs

3Dec

By J.CarterNo Comments

Industry & Business, News, SUV & Crossovers

Lotus Reverses Course with High-Performance PHEV SUVs

Lotus, the storied British marque known for lightweight sports cars and a commitment to electrification, has unveiled plans for an ambitious lineup of plug-in hybrid SUVs. CEO Feng Qingfeng announced during an earnings call that the first model will debut in January 2026 with a staggering 710kW output, placing it firmly in the realm of supercars.Key TakeawaysThe Lotus PHEV SUV lineup will include three models, starting with an Eletre-based variant and followed by a smaller Vision X model.The first PHEV model is expected to achieve 0-100km/h acceleration in under three seconds, thanks to its powerful hybrid powertrain.Lotus aims to expand into markets like Italy, Spain, and Saudi Arabia with these new PHEVs, where EV adoption rates are slower compared to other regions.The upcoming Lotus PHE...

Lotus to Launch First Plug-in Hybrid in 2026

30Nov

By S.MartinezNo Comments

News

Lotus to Launch First Plug-in Hybrid in 2026

British carmaker Lotus, part of the Geely Group, is set to introduce its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicle in early 2026. This marks a significant shift from their initial plan to become an all-electric brand by 2028.Key TakeawaysThe first Lotus PHEV will debut on the Chinese market in Q1 2026, followed by a European launch later that year.The model is likely to be an SUV variant of the Eletre, with potential for other Geely models as well.Lotus CEO Qingfeng Feng confirmed during a conference call that the PHEV will feature a 900-volt system and aim for a combined range of 1,100 kilometers in China's CLTC cycle.The news comes as Lotus revises its strategy to gradually phase out internal combustion engines (ICE) vehicles. CEO Qingfeng Feng revealed during the company’s financial results c...

Lotus Evija: The Electric Supercar with a Punch

29Nov

By E.WilsonNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, News

Lotus Evija: The Electric Supercar with a Punch

The Lotus Evija, the British brand's first all-electric production car, is making waves in the automotive world. With a staggering output of 420kW (568 horsepower), this supercar promises to deliver an exhilarating driving experience. However, its performance isn't just about raw power; it also demands top-notch charging infrastructure to keep up with its high-octane pace.Key TakeawaysThe Lotus Evija boasts a remarkable 420kW of power, making it one of the most potent electric cars on the market.To fully exploit its capabilities, finding fast enough chargers is crucial, as standard charging stations won't cut it.Lotus has positioned the Evija as an exclusive and high-performance vehicle, catering to those who seek cutting-edge technology in their driving experience.The Lotus Evija isn’t ju...

Lotus Eletre PHEV Set to Debut in China and Europe

29Nov

By E.WilsonNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, Industry & Business, News

Lotus Eletre PHEV Set to Debut in China and Europe

Lotus, the British sports car maker now owned by Geely, is set to make a significant move into the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) market. The company’s CEO, Qingfeng Feng, announced that the Lotus Eletre PHEV will debut in China in January 2026 and launch in Europe later that year.Key TakeawaysThe Lotus Eletre PHEV will be introduced in China in early 2026, followed by a European release in the second half of the same year.This model is expected to help Lotus recover from its recent sales dip, which saw deliveries drop by 40% this year.The Eletre PHEV will be an SUV with advanced features like a 900V high-voltage system and a mixed range of around 1,100 km.Lotus is making a strategic shift towards plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) to boost sales after experiencing significant declines this year. The ...

Lotus Eletre PHEV to Unveil in January with 939bhp and Over 1,000km Range

28Nov

By M.ChenNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, News

Lotus Eletre PHEV to Unveil in January with 939bhp and Over 1,000km Range

Lotus has announced the upcoming release of its Lotus Eletre Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) model, scheduled for a January preview event. The PHEV variant will feature an impressive 939 horsepower and over 1,000 kilometers of combined driving range, marking a significant leap in performance and efficiency.Key TakeawaysThe Lotus Eletre PHEV will debut with 939bhp, surpassing the electric-only version's 905bhp.The new model boasts a combined driving range of over 1,000km (621 miles).Lotus plans to launch another hybrid model codenamed 'Vision X' in 2027, targeting smaller luxury segments.The Lotus Eletre PHEV will be based on a 900V hybrid platform that offers dual hyper charging technology and air suspension. This platform ensures superior handling and performance, with the ability to counter body r...