Lotus Type 133 sedan details emerge
Lotus’ all-electric Porsche Taycan-rivalling super-sedan to get all-wheel drive and big power outputLotus will launch an all-new, all-electric super-sedan in 2023 that's being developed to be the most driver-focused car in its class.
Codenamed the Lotus Type 133 and set to feature a dual-motor powertrain from launch, the new Porsche Taycan rival will, according to Autocar, produce at least 440kW and adopt an 'E' name for the production model.
Speaking to the British magazine, Lotus product boss Gavan Kershaw said the Type 133 will feature the car-maker's latest chassis tech, including "active roll control, CDC [continuous damping control], air-sprung independent active rear steer and active aero".
To use the all-aluminium Electric Premium Architecture found on the 2023 Lotus Eletre SUV, the Type 133 is tipped to be the lightest in its class – although that doesn't say much since the lightest Taycan still tips the scales at more than 2.1 tonnes.
Despite being launched with the Eletre's powerful 440kW dual-motor powertrain to help it directly compete with the Porsche Taycan GTS, Lotus will roll out both less-powerful and faster, mightier versions, including a hard-core addition that is expected to produce Tesla Model S Plaid levels of power.
If so, expect the flagship Lotus Type 133 to feature at least three motors and produce around 800kW.
With a weight advantage, that could see it launch from 0-100km/h in less than 2.0 seconds and top out at more than 330km/h.
To be built alongside the Eletre at a new factory in Wuhan, China, the Type 133 sedan will not simply look like a lower take on the Electre SUV in the styling department.
According to design chief Peter Horbury, "every member of a family can have their own character".
This suggests unique looks for the sedan, although Horbury did add that "there has to be some continuity and family identity" which suggests some design cues will be carried over from SUV to sedan.
Following the introduction of Type 133, a smaller Type 134 SUV will arrive in 2024 that's being developed to rival the upcoming battery-electric Porsche Macan.
In 2026, an all-electric sports car will be introduced that is currently being developed with Renault-owned Alpine to replace the existing A110.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
