Lotus Type 132 SUV to get carbon-fibre rims
Electric drive unit of first-ever Lotus SUV also shown in latest round of previewsLotus has posted two fresh teasers of its incoming 2022 Lotus Type 132 on its social media channels that show off both the all-electric SUV's drive unit and carbon-fibre alloy wheels ahead of its debut later this year.
The first one named 'Heart' reveals how the British car-maker will package its electric motor, transmission and inverter within one casing to save weight and reduce complexity.
The second video, dubbed 'Power', shows how Lotus' lightweight approach has extended to developing a lightweight aerodynamic set of alloy wheels that are believed to cut drag and incorporate the car-maker's latest composites knowhow to slash weight.
Previous teasers have also revealed the Type 132 will feature a pop-up LiDAR system that will be mounted in an optimum position for greatest accuracy as the car-maker edges for Level 3 autonomous driving from launch.
We already know the Chinese-built SUV will be based on Lotus' fresh Premium Architecture that has been designed and developed specifically for electric vehicles.
It will also be powered by large batteries ranging from 90kWh to 120kWh. Versions with the biggest batteries should have a range of up to 650km.
Performance claims are still to be released, but the company said its Premium Architecture can be driven with multiple electric motors that will see the fastest versions capable of an incredible 0-100km/h time of less than 3.0 seconds.
And the British sports car-maker's SUV will not only be quick in a straight line. Thanks to an 800V architecture, it will be among the fastest to charge in its class – at a rate of up to 350kW.
That could see an 80 per cent top-up taking a little over 20 minutes.
One of four EVs that Lotus will launch over the next five years, the first model being readied by Lotus will be joined by a larger SUV and four-door Porsche Taycan rival.
It's still not clear when Lotus plans to reveal the Type 132, but expect plenty of teasers in the build-up to what could become its top-selling vehicle of all time.
Related: Lotus Type 132 shows off pop-up LiDAR
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