- The upcoming Lotus sports car may carry design cues from the Theory 1 concept
- The Theory 1 packs a 70-kwh battery that delivers about 250 kilometers of range and 987 hp from two electric motors.
- Lotus has an electric SUV coming in 2025 with a sedan to follow
On Tuesday, Lotus unveiled the Theory 1 concept as a showcase for the design approach of future models, including the electric sports car expected in 2026.
The outside includes aerodynamic elementsincluding a diffuser, air deflector, and air curtains in the nose, a contoured underbody that includes a NACA duct that brings air into the cooling system, and body sides designed to keep air flowing smoothly through the car, according to Lotus.
The concept has a 70-kwh battery pack to give an estimate a distance of 250 milesand powers the two transmission motors it's 987hp on all four wheels, featuring EV-specific Pirelli P Zero Elect tires. Lotus estimates a 0-62 mph time of less than 2.5 seconds and a 200-mph top speed for the nearly 3,500-pound EV.
Lotus Theory 1 concept
Lotus says both the battery and motors are mounted in the chassis as stressed members for increased durability, a common practice with the racing cars on which the British automaker made its name. The rear wing is also mounted directly to the rear engine and suspension assembly so that the downforce it produces acts directly on the suspension mounts—unlike early winged Formula 1 cars.
Inside, the Theory 1 has a central driving position, with passenger seats on either side. In keeping with Lotus founder Colin Chapman's suggestion to “simplify, then add light,” the seats are actually attached directly to the carbon fiber tub. The heads also have speakers for the sound system, and Lotus used a special fabric that incorporates haptic features instead of traditional switchgear.
Lotus Theory 1 concept
Elements of Theory 1 will likely also appear in the upcoming Lotus electric sports car with the model code 135. This will be based on the new Lightweight Electric Vehicle Architecture (LEVA) and should be used in a new way. “battery cell package” developed in partnership with Britishvolt before that company's bankruptcy.
The Type 135 will be powered by the Lotus Eletre electric SUV, due to arrive in the US in the first quarter of 2025, and the Emeya, an electric sedan that will compete with the Tesla Model S Plaid and Porsche Taycan. Lotus plans to offer fully electric-only models in 2028, and it's showing off fast-charging hardware that can already deliver more power than most EVs can handle.