After unveiling its crucial Eletre SUV, Lotus will now focus on preparing its second Chinese-made “lifestyle” electric vehicle, the Type 133 sedan, for launch in 2023.
The Type 133, which will follow Lotus convention in getting a name beginning with ‘E’ in production form, will provide the brand with a more direct rival to the hugely popular Porsche Taycan, which company bosses have confirmed as the one of the main reference influences while developing the Eletre, despite the different positionings of the two cars.
Gavan Kershaw, director of product attributes and integrity at Lotus, said the dynamic development of the Eletre was “really about comparing the platform”, rather than the car itself, with a view to the then roll out to the Type 133 and a future Type 134 crossover.
Kershaw referred to suspension technologies – “active roll control, CDC [continuous damping control], independent active rear steering with air suspension and active aerodynamics” – as features that most obviously mark the Premium Aluminum Electric Architecture as the most dynamic platform in the Geely Group stable. He also said they were “protected” for “everything we want to do” with future electric cars, suggesting the Type 133 will follow with a similar setup.
“Our type of car – which we want to drive as good as it looks – requires all this technology,” he said, hinting that the “lifestyle” positioning of electric vehicles built by Lotus Technology in Wuhan, China will not come at the expense. driver engagement.
Further details of the Type 133 remain under wraps, but using the Eletre launch spec 592hp twin-engine transmission would align the sedan perfectly against the Porsche Taycan GTS, leaving plenty of room above and below for softer, more hardcore additions. the composition.
Indeed, Lotus chief executive Matt Windle has confirmed that 592hp is “where we start – there’s more to come” from Lotus EVs.
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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-04-17 23:01:23
