FAMOUS British brand Lotus has stepped out of its comfort zone by unveiling an all-electric hyper-SUV – called the Eletre.
But the renowned racing and sports car company claim the newcomer still has its iconic competitive DNA, evolved for the next generation of customers.
The stats are certainly impressive – the sleek 4WD crossover has power outputs starting at 600hp, hits 62mph in less than three seconds and has a top speed of 161mph.
With a battery capacity of more than 100kWh, the Eletre has a range of up to 373 miles and a 350kW rapid charger will deliver 248 miles of range in just 20 minutes.
Inspired by the firm’s Evija electric hypercar, it is the first time Lotus has broken away from building sports cars and is its first-ever five-door model.
As well as the most advanced active aerodynamics package on any production SUV, it has a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system – enabling autonomous driving.
This sizeable SUV will be built at a new factory in China and should be on our roads next year – with prices likely to start at less than £100,000.
The exterior design gives the impression of a high-riding sports car rather than an SUV – the short bonnet echoing the styling cues of Lotus’ iconic mid-engined layout.
There is good use of lightweight carbon fibre accents and aluminium body panels and other highlights include a “floating” rear roof spoiler.
The interior can be specified with either a four or five-seat layout and includes premium man-made textiles and sustainable lightweight wool blends.
The cockpit has a driver-focussed layout, with hi-tech lighting and a central 15.1in infotainment touchscreen with slimline information panels either side of it.
Eletre means “coming to life” in some Eastern European languages and Lotus Cars boss Matt Windle said: “This is a momentous point in our history and a clear signal of our ongoing desire to transform our business.”
Group Lotus chief Qingfeng Feng added: “The Eletre is a unique combination of beautiful design, exceptional dynamic performance and everyday usability, for those who dare to look beyond the conventional.”
