The Headline: A Hybrid-V8 Supercar for 2028

Perhaps the most exciting news for purists is the confirmation of the Type 135. Previously whispered to be a pure EV, Lotus has now confirmed that the Type 135 will arrive in 2028 as an all-new hybrid-V8 supercar.

By integrating a V8 powerplant with advanced electrification, Lotus aims to reaffirm its performance credentials, ensuring the next generation of supercars retains the visceral engagement and “rebellious spirit” cited by CEO Qingfeng Feng.

The “X-Hybrid” Revolution

While the V8 supercar is the halo project, the immediate future belongs to Lotus’s new proprietary X-Hybrid performance technology.

  • European Launch: Expected in Q4 2026.
  • Early Success: The technology has already debuted in China via the Eletre X (known locally as “For Me”), racking up over 1,000 orders in its first month.
  • The Goal: To offer the flexibility of long-range travel without sacrificing the trademark Lotus driving dynamics.

A More Balanced Electric Future

In a notable shift from previous “all-in” electric targets, Focus 2030 introduces a more agile, customer-led transition to electrification. Lotus is now targeting an approximate 60:40 mix between Plug-in Hybrids (PHEV) and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) across its global portfolio.

This strategy allows the company to remain flexible as regulatory landscapes and charging infrastructures evolve at different speeds worldwide.

Global Roots: UK Design, Global Scale

Despite the global expansion, Lotus emphasizes that the “Heart of the Brand” remains firmly in the UK.

  • United Kingdom: Home to design, engineering, and motorsport expertise.
  • China: Serving as the hub for R&D and rapid manufacturing scale.

The Four Pillars of Focus 2030

The reset is built upon four strategic foundations intended to ensure the company’s long-term sustainability:

  1. Brand Reinforcement: Prioritizing lightweight design, aerodynamics, and driver engagement above all else.
  2. Multi-Powertrain Strategy: An agile mix of ICE, PHEV, and BEV options.
  3. Partner Collaboration: Leveraging global synergies to accelerate innovation.
  4. Financial Discipline: Streamlining operations to ensure resilience against external economic headwinds.

“Lotus was born from the rebellious spirit of Colin Chapman, and that is not lost today,” said Qingfeng Feng, CEO of Lotus Tech. “Focus 2030 will reset both the brand and the business, keeping us true to our DNA. We are obsessed with engineering, performance, and building drivers’ cars.”

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