A major strategy shift from Chinese-owned, British sports car manufacturer Lotus is set to see it pivot from an all-electric portfolio, looking to hybridisation as a way forward instead, starting with the Emira and a possible plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system.
According to an Autocar report, the Mercedes-AMG sourced M139 turbocharged four-cylinder is set to be axed, as it won’t pass Euro 7 emissions. As we reported back in May, the Toyota 2GR V6’s replacement could be the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 from AMG’s stable, but a new, more efficient option is set to incorporate ‘Hyper Hybrid’ technology in 2027. Lotus Global CEO said:
“We see big room for efficiency improvements while we consolidate a lot of the functions together, including the technology synergies. We have ambitious goals for the Lotus Cars operation in the future. We will focus on the very-high-performance attributes and also high-performance engineering services.”
It’s unclear whether Lotus will turn to AMG for its PHEV powertrain – as seen in the controversial C 63S – or Horse Powertrain which will supply engines to most Geely group vehicles going forward.
Earlier this year, details of the Eletre Hyper Hybrid were revealed – apparently targeting 300km of EV-only range, 1000km of total range and fast charging from 10-80 per cent in 12 minutes. It won’t be a range-extender, as it will feature the capability to drive the wheels directly.
It may use Geely’s new Leishin AI Hybrid platform, which promises a record 47.26 per cent thermal efficiency, according to CarNewsChina.
International headwinds such as the US tariff increases and faltering demand has impacted Emira sales, which are down by 64 per cent to 891 units shifted globally. In Australia, just 36 vehicles have been shifted to the end of July – a 68.1 per cent decrease year-on-year.
