Lotus is expected to unveil an all-new sports car in the first half of this year and, according to Autocar, it will feature a hybridized V6 engine and styling inspired by the all-electric Evija hypercar.
It’s claimed that the new car in question will be similar in philosophy to the original Esprit and bridge the gap between current Lotus models and future models using a brand new platform. This new rivet-bonded platform will underpin a plethora of next-generation Lotus models, though the sports car in question will use the same extruded aluminum platform of the Evora.
Power will allegedly come from a hybridized V6 engine related to the Toyota-sourced V6 already used by Lotus.
Related: Lotus’ $2.6 Million Evija Hypercar Sold Out For This Year As Work On Factory Nears Completion
As for the hybrid system, it has been developed by Lotus and likely uses similar technology to the hybrids sold by Volvo, Lotus’ Geely-owned sister brand. The hybrid V6 could offer up in excess of 500 hp, making the new sports car significantly faster and more powerful than the range-topping Evora 410.
While the design of the car is said to be influenced by the Evija, it remains to be seen just how close the resemblance between the two will be. Like the Evija, the sports car will be a true two-seater and not feature rear seats like the Evora.
Lotus is reportedly developing the car to comply with emissions regulations in both China and North America, meaning it will play a key role in helping the company boost its annual sales from roughly 1,500 to around 5,000.
Note: 2010 Lotus Esprit Concept pictured
