Lotus is known for its long history of not only creating sports cars with lightweight construction and engaging agility, but also for a legacy of race cars that have helped shape motorsport history. However, the turn of the decade saw Lotus radically transform, first with an electric supercar, then with the Emira sports car, the Eletre electric performance SUV and the Emeya grand tourer.
More recently, though, Lotus introduced the Theory 1, a concept that showcased design inspired by past Lotus icons like the Eleven, Esprit, and Type 72, with a futuristic reinterpretation. The concept also introduced a new set of design principles from Lotus called D.N.A. Standing for Digital, Natural, and Analog, the ethos outlines Lotus’ commitment to futuristic technology, while preserving engaging driving feel and engineering excellence.
That design philosophy is going to be a part of Lotus’ presence at the upcoming Milan Design Week. The exhibition, called “IN PROGRESS,” is created in collaboration with Haus of Automotive, powered by Konzepthaus. Open from April 22-26, the exhibition showcases Lotus as a brand that is still evolving and changing through the years, rather than a finished product.
Pushing the boundaries of lightweight engineering, track performance, and technology since 1948, Lotus is continuing to represent ambitions of changing the automotive world’s appraoch to performance.
In Milan, Lotus is also collaborating with menswear icon Larusmiani, founder of FuoriConcorso, displaying the Theory 1 in the middle of the IN PROGRESS exhibition, in a reimagined configuration with Larusmiani and in a bespoke Au color. A reference to the periodic table symbol for gold, the 79th element on the table, it also references Lotus’ 79 Formula 1 victories, and the gold color of iconic Lotus liveries like the legendary John Player Special car. Ahead of Milan Design Week, the Lotus Theory 1 will also be on display at the Larusmiani store in Milan from April 2 to April 16.
In addition, Milan Design Week will also see Lotus collaborating with Carpano, the inventor of vermouth, which is now celebrating 240 years. Carpano will present a bespoke beverage as part of IN PROGRESS, adding more Italian cultural flair to a celebration of design, technology, engineering, and innovation from Lotus at Milan Design Week 2026.
Image Source: Lotus
