Lotus is preparing to take a different route with its next-gen Esprit, and it starts with the engine.
In a recent interview, Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng confirmed that the brand will move away from using externally sourced petrol engines. That’s a notable shift, considering the current Emira relies on units from Mercedes-AMG and Toyota. The upcoming mid-engined model, internally known as Type 135, will instead use a brand-new V8 developed by Horse, the Geely-Renault powertrain joint venture.
Details remain limited, but the focus is clear. The V8 is being developed from the ground up, with Lotus placing strong emphasis on keeping weight low and packaging compact.
Interestingly, this new V8 won’t be exclusive to Lotus, but it will be reserved for sports car duties here. Other applications are expected in SUVs within the Geely portfolio.
While the name of the upcoming V8 model hasn’t been officially confirmed, there are high chances that it will be called the Lotus Esprit, because earlier this month, it was accidentally revealed by the company.
Source: Automotive News
