While the presentation of the Lotus Type 132 is scheduled for March 29, already find out what the British manufacturer’s 100% electric SUV will look like. With him, the firm will begin to develop its range beyond sports, until it becomes a thermal-free brand by 2030.
Only one more week to wait before the presentation of the first Lotus SUV, which bears the code name Type 132. But already, the many teasers and leaks of recent months allow us to have a fairly precise idea of its appearance. With this model, the small British sports car manufacturer will begin its transformation to eventually become a 100% electric brand with a global vocation who will position themselves against Porsche. Since the Chinese group Geely took control of it in 2017, the firm founded by Colin Chapman has clearly displayed increased ambitions. Even if it means risking alienating purists by renouncing its philosophy long centered on lightness.
A Lotus of rupture
The Lotus Type 132 will be exclusively electric and will display a resolutely modern, angular and refined style. Its fairly low roof guard, its contained overhangs and its sloping rear pillars will give it dynamism with a silhouette that could evoke, for its upper part, the Lamborghini Urus. But the design of the Type 132, a large vehicle intended for the E segment, will remain much more minimalist than that of its Italian rival with its exuberant muscles. The front lights promise to be thin, those at the rear will be linked by a headband as is the fashion of the moment, and a receding flag will visually lighten the profile. Radars, cameras and other sensors dedicated to driving aids will be deployed while driving. The same high-tech stripping is to be expected inside thanks in particular to a largely digital instrumentation.
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Colin Chapman’s son touts SUV
Like its commercial name, the technical data sheet of the Lotus Type 132 remains to be known. But we already know that its platform, which will serve as the basis for two other electric vehicles (the Type 133 “fastback” sedan and the Type 134 D-segment crossover) thereafter, can accommodate batteries ranging from 92 to 120 kWh and wheelbases between 2.89 m and 3.10 m. The weight of the Type 132 should be around two tons, enough to make fans of “light is right*” fall into awe, the precept on which the brand has built its reputation.
*Lightness prevails.
So, as if to be dubbed, Geely called on Clive Chapman to promote the Type 132. The son of the founder of Lotus manages activities related to the history of the manufacturer via Classic Team Lotus. He recalls that his father always owned a general-purpose car in addition to a hard-core sports car, relying on images of Colin Chapman’s personal Lotus Elite Type 75 ‘hunting’ station wagon, and claims that the latter would no doubt be proud of some attributes of the upcoming electric SUV. To discover the Lotus Type 132 in detail, go to L’argus.fr on March 29.
Picture : motor.es
