Upcoming Lotus EV Looks More Than a Bit Like an Esprit
Lotus today announced a partnership with battery-maker Britishvolt to develop new technology for its upcoming EV sports car and released a teaser sketch of the car to get us excited. It appears to be a not-insignificant departure from the upcoming Emira and Evija, with hints of the iconic Esprit in profile.
Compare that sketch with this photo of an early S1 Esprit. It's clear that the EV's low, wedge-shaped nose, dramatically raked windshield, and simple window line reference the Esprit. That said, the EV has more prominent fender flares than any Esprit, and the rear end seems to draw inspiration from the S1 Elise.
This yet-unnamed car is set to be Lotus' third EV, after the Evija hypercar and the Type 132 crossover that's set to debut in the coming months. The Emira sports car will be the last internal-combustion product from Lotus, as under the patronage of China's Geely Group, the sports-car company is looking to expand and be profitable for years to come. It marks a radical shift for the brand, which in its first 74 years has only produced a little over 100,000 units, mostly lightweight sports and GTs cars.
It seems Lotus wants to draw on its rich past as it moves in a new direction, perhaps easing the transition for its longtime fans. Arguably, the Giorgetto Giugiaro-designed Esprit is its most famous car and rightly celebrated as a brilliant piece of design. There are worse places to draw inspiration.
You Might Also Like
