Lotus Unveils Eletre Plug-in Hybrid: 939 HP, Hidden LiDAR, Driver-Centric Focus

On March 5, Lotus officially unveiled the plug-in hybrid version of its Eletre SUV, named "FORME." The new model is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine combined with dual electric motors—one on each axle—delivering a combined output of 939 horsepower and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds, outperforming the all-electric Eletre R. One of its standout features is a retractable, hidden LiDAR system. Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng emphasized that high-performance vehicles should achieve balanced upgrades across powertrain, braking, steering, and handling—not merely pile on specifications. He criticized certain rivals' aerodynamic body kits as mere "aerodecoration," lacking genuine functional benefits. Reiterating that "the right to drive must belong to the driver," Feng voiced opposition to over-intelligent vehicle designs that turn cars into "mobile living rooms," asserting that driving pleasure must never be compromised.