Lotus SUV's Toyota link

It's no secret that Lotus is working on an all-new SUV in a bid to return to profitability.

Details of the new model, a vehicle Lotus claims will be the world's first light-weight high-performance SUV, are still shrouded in secrecy, save for the fact the vehicle will be built in China in alliance with Malaysian and Chinese partners, Proton and Goldstar Heavy Industrial.

During the Australian launch of the Lotus Exige S, now offered with a six-speed automatic, Lotus Australia and New Zealand general manager Glen Sealey hinted at a few details, including a strong desire to bring the SUV Down Under.

It appears increasingly likely Lotus will continue to leverage its relationship with Toyota, but does that mean it'll be based on the Toyota RAV4 platform then?

"No. But the technology we use is good, proven, solid technology from a great supplier in Toyota," says Sealey. "Why would you walk away from that? Parts are readily available and they're a good supplier."

Sealey says the Lotus SUV, which is yet to be named but will start with an 'E' like its current stable of sports cars (Evora, Exige, Elise), will be a game changer for the brand.

"It's very exciting. We're aiming for something that will be very true to the Lotus philosophy. It will be an SUV that will be sporty to drive; it will be light, efficient and powerful."

Expected be based on a new platform, and not the ageing aluminium tub underneath the Exige, the new high-riding rocket is roughly three years away from making its debut.

"The automotive game is very much a long-term view. The amount of investment up front in any new model is so huge, it takes time to gather the funds, then design, build and produce the vehicle.

"It is [expensive to build a new platform]. But you have to remember Lotus has some strength in the group behind it, albeit out of Malaysia," he added, citing the Proton connection to the project.

"For us it's longer term planning. Not next year, not the year after, the year after that," says Sealey of the SUV's timing, with a 2018 motor show debut firming up.

With confirmation of the crucial new SUV model, Lotus appears to have the spring back in its step, particularly with global sales rising and the arrival of the 911-rivalling Evora 400 in 2016.

If and when the hard-charging British SUV comes to Australia, Sealey doesn't think the current five-dealer network will need expanding to meet demand and argues that company founder Colin Chapman wouldn't be shocked at the prospect of a top-heavy wagon.

"I'm all for anything that allows a brand like Lotus to survive. If we sit here today and look back 15 years at Porsche, the company would be dead without an SUV today. It leads to more investment in other models, like the sports cars."