Lotus Esprit Is BACK? With 1,000+ HP Hybrid Power

Lotus is preparing to bring combustion power back into the spotlight with the Type 135, a new mid-engine hybrid supercar expected to arrive in 2028. The car is positioned as a modern successor to the legendary Lotus Esprit, but instead of going fully electric, Lotus plans to combine an internal combustion engine with advanced electric technology.

The headline version is expected to use a V8 hybrid powertrain producing more than 1,000 horsepower. Lotus is also targeting a curb weight of around 1.5 tons, or roughly 3,307 pounds. That is an ambitious figure for a modern hybrid supercar carrying an engine, battery, electric motor, and associated electronics.

Keeping weight under control will be a major part of the Type 135 story. Lotus is exploring Formula 1-inspired electric motor technology that could dramatically reduce the mass of the hybrid system. The company has discussed how a conventional 150-kilowatt electric motor can weigh as much as 209 pounds, while its more advanced solution could weigh approximately 44 pounds.

Power is expected to reach the wheels through a dual-clutch transmission designed to cope with the enormous output without adding unnecessary weight. Lotus has not finalized details such as the number of gears or where the Type 135 will ultimately be built.

There could also be more than one flavor of the new Esprit. Alongside the V8 hybrid, Lotus plans to offer a V6 version using combustion technology connected to Horse, the Geely and Renault joint venture.

The Type 135 represents an important change in direction for Lotus. Rather than abandoning combustion completely, the company now sees combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric vehicles all playing roles in its future. With more than 1,000 horsepower planned for the V8 and a strong focus on keeping weight down, the reborn Esprit could become one of the most interesting Lotus models in years.