Lotus brands the Type 135 as its inaugural supercar.
It features a hybrid V8 engine exceeding 1,000 horsepower.
More specifics are coming later this year prior to the 2028 debut.

The Esprit's production wrapped up in 2004, closing the chapter on Lotus's V8 engines. Now, 22 years on, the British brand is reviving the eight-cylinder format with a hybrid system that delivers over 1,000 horsepower, teasing the model ahead of its 2028 arrival.

Ranked above the Emira, the Type 135 is presented as Lotus's first true supercar, distinguishing it from the all-electric Evija hypercar. Assembly will happen in Europe, though the site is not yet revealed - possibly Norfolk or elsewhere. Key details, including the engine supplier, will emerge later this year.

Lotus has not confirmed a partnership with Mercedes-AMG for the V8. Recall that the Emira uses AMG's turbocharged 2.0-liter M139 four-cylinder. A new twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 from AMG is due soon, making it a prime candidate for this rear-mid-engine supercar.

Lotus Type 135 supercar teaser

Photo courtesy of Lotus

Not Lotus's First Hybrid, But Its Most Potent

The Type 135 is not the brand's initial hybrid offering; the Eletre SUV already provides a PHEV version in China with 939 horsepower, and European deliveries start in the year's final quarter. Lotus once targeted a full-electric transition by 2028, but recent shifts indicate otherwise.

Will the Esprit name return? Its legacy supports that possibility. Regardless, Lotus vows a fresh design, not a boosted Emira. The teaser image draws clear lines from the Theory 1 concept debuted in September 2024.

The Type 135 aligns with Lotus's Focus 2030 strategy, which includes an imminent Emira update. The enhanced mid-engine coupe gains a refined combustion engine and extra weight cuts for peak power and minimal mass.

Lotus Theory 1 Concept

Source: Lotus

Journalist's Perspective: Lotus entering the supercar arena caught us off guard, yet it positions the brand to compete with McLaren and Ferrari heavyweights. Choosing a V8 over a V6 thrills enthusiasts, and the hybrid integration is a smart evolution.

The electrified components introduce added mass and intricacy, diverging from Lotus's core lightweight ethos. Still, this adaptation is crucial for navigating stringent emissions rules. A pure V8 setup would limit sales in regions with rigorous CO2 standards.