Lotus is not the most-discussed car brand in the United States, the land of overweight, bloated EVs and SUVs. But the automaker went viral in China recently after the CEO made a very blunt statement about sports cars.
According to Car News China, CEO Feng Qingfeng said that any sports car over 3,968 pounds is “mediocre.”
At first, this doesn’t sound that controversial. Lotus’ whole thing is “simplify then add lightness.” Its lineup is known for its lightweight sports cars. The Lotus Elise is well under 2,000 pounds, and the Emira is 3,200 pounds or so. The statement was made after Lotus revealed a V8-powered plug-in hybrid sports car that managed to be below 3,968 pounds.
However, Chinese car enthusiasts quickly pointed out that the CEO’s statement had a bit of self-sabotage to it. The Evija, a $2.3 million hypercar (that looks breathtakingly beautiful and aerodynamic), doesn’t pass Qingfeng’s requirements. It’s 4,175 pounds.
It’s pretty funny, since the Evija is a work of art in many enthusiasts’ minds. Only 130 exist. It has over 2,000 horsepower, reaching 60 miles per hour in under 3 seconds and a top speed of 217 mph. Coulda been quicker if it wasn’t so huge. But its power and stunning design, meant to literally eat air and spit it out, is, well, breathtaking. However, it’s “medicore,” according ot Qingfeng himself.
This means that, when it comes to existing cars, only the Emira meets the CEO’s standards.
What is the new Lotus V8 hybrid?
However, that pivot from traditional lightweight sports cars has been seen as a mistake recently. Lotus recently announced a pivot away from electric vehicles, likely prompted by the disastrous reveal of the Ferrari Luce.
The CEO previously said: “Lotus was born from the rebellious spirit of Colin Chapman, and that is not lost today. Focus 2030 will reset both the brand and the business to keep us true to our DNA. We are obsessed with engineering, obsessed with performance, and obsessed with building drivers’ cars, and that is what will grow this business.”
Last month, Lotus teased the Type 135, a hybrid V8 that will deliver at least 986 horsepower. It’s believed to be called the Espirt, since Lotus renewed its trademark for the name in 2023. It was originally going to be an electric version of the Emira, but luckily Lotus backed away from that idea.
The Type 135 has a wide stance, two exhaust tips, and a forged-carbon diffuser. That’s what we can gather from the teaser image, which shows the back shrouded in shadow. It’s aggressive like the Emira but more aerodynamic in its design language like the Evija.
We don’t know much else, unfortunately. But it’s still exciting news for Lotus. However, it better be under 3,968 pounds.
