Lotus to Unveil New Theory 1 Sports Car Next Week

Lotus Announces the Launch of Theory 1 Sports Car

Lotus, the renowned British sports car manufacturer, is set to unveil its latest creation, the Theory 1, on September 17th. The announcement was made by Qiao Xinyu, the brand’s marketing chief, through a teaser image shared on Chinese social media. The image showcases the rear end of the car, featuring a striking and prominent spoiler, suggesting a strong emphasis on performance compared to Lotus’ other models such as the Emeya saloon and Eletre SUV.

A Forward-Thinking Concept

Given its name, the “Theory 1,” it is highly likely that this new model is not intended for production but rather serves as a forward-thinking concept. Lotus has a tradition of naming its road cars with words starting with ‘E’ since the introduction of the Elite in 1958. Therefore, it is possible that the Theory 1 will provide a glimpse of the upcoming Type 135, an electric replacement for the Emira and the spiritual successor to the Elise.

The Future of Lotus

The Type 135 is expected to be available for purchase in 2027, with an estimated starting price of £75,000. However, Lotus has hinted that the release date might be delayed until smaller and lighter batteries become available. This model will serve as the flagship in Lotus’ electric car lineup, as it represents the brand’s commitment to lightweight sports cars. According to former Lotus Group commercial chief Mike Johnstone, the lightweight sports car is the core of the brand, providing credibility to build other products with sporty characteristics.

Johnstone stated, “We need the bullseye of the brand, which has to be that two-seat sports car. Otherwise, we’re just a brand with a Lotus badge. The sports car is an essential part of our future.”