Lotus Type 135 electric sports car set for 2027 launch

Fresh details have surfaced on the Lotus Type 135 that suggest the all-new EV sports car will start from less than £75,000 ($A140,000) at launch in 2027, placing it as a direct rival for the inbound battery-electric Porsche Cayman and Boxster successor.

Originally developed alongside a similarly-sized Alpine model before the French brand pulled the pin, the new Lotus Elise-replacing sports car (codenamed Type 135) will sit on Lotus’ all-new Lightweight Electric Vehicle Architecture and come with a battery pack mounted behind the cabin to replicate the weight distribution of a mid-engine car.

According to Car magazine, the unusual battery arrangement places both the driver and passenger far lower in the chassis than any other EVs currently available.

From launch, two batteries will be offered – an entry-level 66kWh and larger 99kWh pack.

While entry models are expected to come with a single 340kW rear-mounted electric motor, the quickest Type 135 should boast more than 640kW from a dual-motor powertrain that will also provide for all-wheel drive.

Speaking to the Brit mag, Lotus commercial boss Mike Johnstone said: “Someone who’s owned an Elise or Esprit should be able to get into the Lotus Type 135 and feel instantly at home.”

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