When Esprit production ended in 2004, Lotus bid adieu to the V8. Fast-forward 22 years, and the eight-cylinder engine is making an unexpected comeback. The British sports car marque is teasing a new V8-powered model ahead of its 2028 market launch, complete with a hybrid setup producing more than 1,000 horsepower.
Positioned above the Emira, the “Type 135” is touted as Lotus’ first supercar. While that might seem odd, the all-electric Evija was labeled a full-fledged hypercar. Production will take place in Europe, although the exact location hasn’t been specified. Whether it’ll be built at home in Norfolk remains to be seen, but additional details will be disclosed later this year. More important than where the vehicle will be assembled is the identity of the V8 engine.
Lotus isn’t saying whether it’s once again teaming up with Mercedes-AMG. As a refresher, the Emira is available with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, specifically the “M139” found in a variety of high-performance compact cars from Affalterbach. AMG is developing a new twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 set to debut later this year, and we wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up sitting behind the seats of the supercar teased here.
Lotus Type 135 supercar teaser (modified)
Photo by: Lotus
The “Type 135” won’t be Lotus’ first hybrid, as the Eletre SUV is already available in China with a PHEV setup, making 939 horsepower. Deliveries are also scheduled to begin in Europe during the final quarter of the year. As some of you may remember, Lotus had planned to go purely electric by 2028, but that’s clearly no longer the case.
Another missing piece of the puzzle is whether Lotus intends to revive the Esprit name. It would make sense given the moniker’s historical significance. Whatever the case, don’t expect a souped-up Emira, as Lotus is promising an “all-new car.” As for the design, the sole teaser released today suggests the vehicle’s styling will take inspiration from the Theory 1 concept first shown in September 2024.
The “Type 135” is part of the company’s new “Focus 2030” business strategy, which also calls for an updated Emira coming in the next few weeks. The refreshed mid-engine sports car is set to receive an upgraded combustion engine along with additional weight-saving measures to create the most powerful and lightest Emira to date.
Motor1’s Take: We didn’t have a Lotus supercar on our bingo card, but we’re excited to see what’s shaping up to be a worthy rival to the likes of McLaren and Ferrari. The fact that it’ll feature a V8 instead of a V6 is also great to hear, while going the hybrid route is a logical move.
The electrified portion of the powertrain will inevitably add weight and complexity, which runs counter to what Lotus traditionally stands for. However, it’s important to look at the bigger picture and recognize it as a necessary compromise to comply with stricter emissions regulations. Call it a necessary evil. Had it remained V8-only, the Type 135 would’ve likely been impossible to sell in regions with tougher CO2 legislation.
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