Lotus to Launch Hybrid V6 Esprit Supercar in 2028

On August 27, during Lotus Group’s second-quarter earnings call, CEO Feng Qingfeng revealed that the all-new supercar, codenamed Type 135 and named Esprit, is slated for launch in 2028. It will be offered in both V8 and V6 hybrid variants. The V8 version targets a curb weight of 1.5 tons, while the V6 model will be even lighter and carry a lower entry price. Both engines are developed by HORSE Powertrain, a joint venture between Geely and Renault. Feng emphasized that the new car must comply with global emissions regulations while preserving Lotus’s core DNA of lightweight engineering and track-focused handling. The Esprit will feature an 800V architecture, and its electric motor—derived from Formula 1 technology—weighs approximately 20 kg, significantly lighter than the typical 75–95 kg of conventional 150 kW motors. This model will serve as Lotus’s new flagship and marks the brand’s strategic shift to reposition internal-combustion sports cars at the heart of its future development.