Lotus confirmed the Type 135, a mid-engine V8 hybrid due in 2028, will also get a V6 from Horse.
Lotus targets a sub-1.5-ton (3,307-pound) curb weight and more than 1,000 hp.
Lotus says Formula 1-derived motor tech reduces a typical 150 kW motor from 209 to about 44 pounds.
Lotus just told investors the Esprit is coming back with pistons, not just electrons. On an earnings call held August 27, CEO Feng Qingfeng confirmed the Type 135, a mid-engine hybrid V8 supercar due in 2028, and outlined plans for a possible V6 variant using hardware from Horse, the Geely-Renault joint venture already developing Lotus combustion components.
Autocar has also reported on the V6 joining the hybrid V8 in the new Esprit lineup. The pitch is simple: a supercar targeting around 1.5 tons with more than 1,000 horsepower on tap, sitting between the Emira sports car and the electric Evija hypercar. Lotus is calling it a bridge. It looks like a U-turn back to combustion, and a welcome one for anyone who feared Hethel had gone all-electric for good.
