Lotus unveils first hypercar

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This article was published 19/07/2019 (2364 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The highly anticipated Lotus Evija, formerly referred to as Type 130, made its global debut on Tuesday in London as the first hypercar from Lotus and the company’s first model with an electrified powertrain.

The performance numbers are unreal, so let’s throw them out there first.

With a target output of 1,973 horsepower (more than the 1,900 hp announced for the Pininfarina Battista) and 1,254 lb.-ft. of torque, the Evija is set to become the world’s most powerful series production car. Thanks to an ultra-lightweight carbon fibre monocoque, it’s also the lightest production EV hypercar at 1,680 kilograms.

Acceleration from zero to 100 kilometres per hour is projected to be completed in under three seconds, while top speed is rated at more than 320 km/h.

The high-capacity 2,000-kW lithium-ion battery pack, mounted behind the cockpit where the engine is typically found on Lotus cars, provides an estimated range of 400 kilometres based on the global WLTP cycle (closer to 350 km in North America). The charge time will be 12 minutes to 80 per cent and 18 minutes to 100 per cent when using future fast-charging technology.

Described as the most dynamically accomplished model in the British sports-car manufacturer’s 71-year history, the Evija (pronounced “E-vi-ya,” meaning “the first in existence” or “the living one”) will establish new standards for Lotus driving performance. By the way, the four-motor electric powertrain was developed with technical partner Williams Advanced Engineering, while the motorsport-derived suspension features three adaptive spool-valve dampers manufactured by Multimatic, based in Markham, Ont.

The Evija’s dramatic looks are inspired by Le Mans race cars and the aeronautics industry, as well as geological forms. The entire body appears to be shrink-wrapped over the mechanical components. A highlight is the Venturi tunnel which pierces each rear quarter, giving the car a truly breathtaking presence.

The rear spoiler, which elevates from its resting position flush to the upper bodywork, and the F1-style Drag Reduction System (DRS) are both deployed automatically in Track mode, though they can be deployed manually in other modes. Cameras replace the traditional door mirrors to play a part in reducing drag.

Let’s not forget the 20-inch front and 21-inch rear magnesium wheels that are shod with Pirelli Trofeo R tires developed specifically to achieve ultimate performance.

Meanwhile, the teardrop cabin, from the fully adjustable race-style seats to the multi-function steering wheel, also draws inspiration from the highest levels of motorsport. It was deliberately designed so that the occupants feel they are at one with the car. A state-of-the-art digital display is part of the mix, too.

Lotus Evija production in Hethel, U.K., will be limited to just 130 units and is scheduled to begin in 2020. Order books are now open through lotuscars.com. Pricing starts at about $2.7 million, and there’s a required deposit of about $405,000 to secure a production slot. In case your jaw is still on the floor, you can pick it up now.

— LC Media