2021 Lotus Type 131 sports car to replace Elise, Exige and Evora

Lotus has confirmed production of the all-new Lotus Type 131 sports car will begin this year at its refurbished $180 million Hethel HQ.

With the introduction of the Type 131, Lotus has announced that production of its current models, the 25-year-old Elise, 21-year-old Exige and 12-year-old Evora, will end in 2021 to pave the way for the new generation.

Teasing a single picture of the family of sports cars that will be spun off the Type 131, parked beside the pure-electric Lotus Evija, the British car-maker has all but confirmed the new models will borrow much from the hypercar, including its wild styling.

A close look at the teaser image shows the small roadster-looking model under the drapes replicates the Evija's two-blade LED headlights.

Other features expected to make an appearance on the Lotus Type 131 include the Evija's sharp looks and an aggressive aerodynamic package that will include a gaping-wide snout and sculpted body whose primary aim is to channel air to maximise downforce and reduce drag.

As predicted, instead of borrowing from within the Geely group, Lotus will shun a Volvo platform for an all-new bespoke lightweight architecture created in-house by the British sports car marque.

According to the company, the Lotus Type 131 will combine the traits of an Evora with more aggressive influence from the Exige, hinting that the first new-generation model will be a Porsche 911 rival rather than a more affordable Elise replacement.

There's no details on the other two vehicles.

When the Lotus Type 131 arrives in early 2022, it could revive the old Esprit name and come powered by a V6 powertrain, possibly sourced from Toyota, which will be combined by a lightweight hybrid system developed by Lotus.

As part of the development program, Lotus has announced it will hire a further 250 employees as part of its massive restructuring that will also see the incorporation of two smaller sub-assembly lines into the overhauled Hethel factory. These sub-lines were previously located off-site.

Ending production of the Lotus Elise, Exige and Evora is significant as during their lifespan they've accounted for a respectable 55,000 sales.

Lotus boss Phil Popham said: "This year will be hugely significant for Lotus with new facilities coming on stream, a new sports car entering production and new levels of efficiency and quality that only a new car design and factory can deliver. 

"In 2021, however, we will be reflecting on the legacy of our current range, starting with the Elise."