Lotus is set to introduce a new sports car next year to join the Elise and Exige.
Internally known as the Type 131, the new model is set to be the firm’s first all new model in 12 years, outside of the Evija hypercar, which was shown last year.
Auto Express reports that the new model won’t use an electrified powertrain as first thought, but will instead use a combustion engine and continue to favour lightness – a policy that the British car maker was founded on.
Few details are known about the new sports car, other than the fact it’s likely to sit between the Exige and Evora in the firm’s range, and utilise a new platform. It could also possibly be the last Lotus that’s not electrified in some way, but is not likely to replace any current car in the line-up.
This new model comes as part of new investment from Chinese automotive giant Geely, which also owns Volvo and Polestar. The firm’s funding was a big reason behind the Evija getting off the ground – representing a halo model in the Lotus range.
This newfound positive outlook for the firm comes after years of negative news for Lotus as the firm was struck by years of underinvestment and changes in ownership, which stunted progress.
