A new Lotus supercar combines past and future.
The past few years have been a whirlwind for Lotus fans, who have witnessed the brand transform from a manufacturer of cult-classic, agile, lightweight sports cars to making a blossoming lineup of innovative, powerful, and futuristic luxury performance vehicles, which is soon to be exclusively electric. However, the reveal of a new concept supercar from Lotus introduces a new design philosophy for the brand, which combines its ambitious pursuit of the future with a passionate homage to its longstanding heritage.
The new concept car is called the Lotus Theory 1, and the new design philosophy it adopts is called The Lotus Theory. Three principles guide it: Digital, Natural, and Analog, which conveniently forms the acronym DNA. The Lotus Theory aims to create cars that are technology-forward, while simultaneously thrilling and emotional experiences for drivers, with performance-focused engineering.
With over 75 years of history, Lotus looked to the past to inform the Theory 1, whose wedge-shaped silhouette recalls classic Lotus legends like the Esprit. However, futuristic technology brings the Theory 1’s Lotus Heritage forward. The supercar concept is a three-seater, a-la McLaren F1, and it combines a 70 kWh battery with all-wheel drive for a target 0-60 time of under 2.5 seconds, boasting nearly 1,000 horsepower. With a tub made of recycled chop carbon fiber, it weighs roughly 3,500 pounds.
Its minimalistic design is an ode to Lotus’ past, and the design also uses minimal materials in an effort towards sustainability. However, the vehicle still has major impact, with dramatic scissor doors that combine with the glass canopy for easy entry and exiting, and aerodynamic solutions inspired by historic F1 cars make it easy to recognize it as a supercar.
One of the Lotus Theory 1’s most interesting features is LOTUSWEAR™, which is an immersive system using robotic textile materials to create surfaces in the car that adapt. For example, the steer-by-wire steering wheel can inflate, creating a haptic pulse to indicate an upcoming turn, or changing shape to offer more grip or support in specific situations. The system also makes use of the advanced KEF audio system to offer enhanced experiences with binaural audio.
With incredible technology, impressive engineering, and stunning design, the new Lotus Theory 1 starts a new chapter in Lotus’s long history and electrification revolution. Embracing the past as it moves towards the future, the new concept supercar combines everything that makes Lotus great with the tech of tomorrow.
Image Source: Lotus