Lotus Teases New Electric Sports Car Concept: Theory 1

Lotus is gearing up to unveil its latest creation in the electric vehicle space. The British automaker has released two teaser videos on Instagram, offering a glimpse of its upcoming sports car concept, the Theory 1.

A Glimpse into the Future

The Theory 1 concept is set to make its full debut next week on September 16. From the teasers, we can see some intriguing design elements:

• Slim taillight bars flanking a “LOTUS” wordmark
• A Kammback-style rear end
• An aggressive spoiler perched on top

These details suggest a departure from the design language of Lotus’s recent electric offerings like the Emeya SUV and Eletre sedan.

Bridging Past and Future

Lotus is using terms like “analog” and “natural” to describe the Theory 1, seemingly aiming to connect its electric future with its storied past. This approach could be a nod to enthusiasts who appreciate the brand’s legacy of lightweight, driver-focused sports cars.

Production Possibilities

While the Theory 1 is currently labeled as a concept, it might be a preview of a production model slated for 2027. This future electric sports car, internally known as Type 135, could potentially replace the Elise and Emira in Lotus’s lineup, reports Car and Driver.

Rumored specs for the production version are pretty exciting:

• Base model: 469 horsepower
• Dual-motor variant: Up to 872 horsepower
• Starting price: Under $100,000

The car would likely use Lotus’s LEVA (Lightweight Electric Vehicle Architecture) platform, staying true to the brand’s lightweight philosophy.

EVXL’s Take

The Theory 1 concept represents a crucial step in Lotus’s electrification journey. As we’ve seen with Tesla’s impact on the EV market, sports car heritage brands like Lotus bringing their expertise to electric platforms could lead to some truly thrilling vehicles.

The potential for sub-$100k pricing on a high-performance EV sports car could also shake up the market, making electric performance more accessible.

What’re your thoughts on Lotus’s electric future? Drop a comment below and let’s discuss!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​