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HomeCarsLotus believes the future of the sports car is through software

Lotus believes the future of the sports car is through software

What makes Lotus a Lotus? Anyone familiar with automotive history would probably say that it was the “simplify, then add lightness” philosophy that defined Colin Chapman's sports car maker and British Formula 1 legend. But Last year, the company began shipping its all-new electric SUV, the Eletre. It weighs 2,600 kilograms. It is built in China. It has more settings than a high-end washing machine. It's… an SUV. Absolutely nothing about this car says โ€œLotusโ€ โ€“ other than the many Lotus logos it sports.

Evolve or die

In a future where many niche sports cars risk being as culturally relevant as grandfather clocks and polo horses, stubbornly clinging to analog idolatry and the romanticism of internal combustion is a ” business strategyโ€ like smoking five packs a day is a โ€œretirement plan.โ€ Many sports car enthusiasts believe the gas-powered sports car will hold up for decades, a niche offering for those of us who demand a mechanical connection with our vehicles. I don't know if Lotus would go as far as I do, but I consider this view to be close to delusional.

It betrays a fundamental ignorance of supply chains, product development cycles, and product-market fit. Demand for new sports cars with internal combustion engines is heading towards a precipice. I predict we won't see any new platforms like this after 2030, with the possible exception of bespoke hypercars and specialized track-only toys โ€“ I'm ready to sign the category's death warrant now (signed: former owner of two Mazda Miatas, a Veloster N, a VW GTI and a Mercedes SL55 AMG).

Software will devour the world, and the sports car

One thing I found in the Eletre that really excited me? A detailed software change log. Every notable change or fix introduced as part of the OTA v1.3 update that the Eletre received was described in a way that seemed straight out of a modern smartphone. This is pretty standard for owners of brands like Tesla, Lucid, and Rivian โ€“ but most automakers remain woefully opaque in this regard. Even better ? There were real changes.

The most recent update added a driver input mode feature that automatically adjusts the seat for more space when you get in, automatic memory for the mirrors' tilt position when the car is placed in reverse, and more. That is, Lotus makes the car better with updates. Again, this isn't revolutionary if you've ever owned a Tesla. But for a traditionally low-volume sports car maker? This is cutting-edge technology.

Lotus' future for 2027

In 2027, Lotus intends to start manufacturing and selling this Type 135 two-seater sports car, the first fully electric sports car in its history. I already suspect there's a good chance this car will be pushed back if market conditions or technical advances don't precisely align – Lotus has been transparent that this is still a vehicle that they are defining.

Given how new this segment is for any manufacturer (there aren't really any electric sports cars, after all), it will be essential to make a strong impression from the start. Lotus says the Type 135 will be its brand's “flagship” vehicle, meaning it has to be different, desirable and critically acclaimed enough to sell units for the rest of the range (read: it has to sell these profitable SUVs). It's a tall order, and I'm not sure Lotus will be ready to tackle it by 2027. But that's the plan, so I fully accept that I could be wrong here. After all, Lotus builds cars, not me.

With Geely's engineering, financial and manufacturing resources (the Geely factory Lotus has under contract in Wuhan can grow to 150,000 cars per year), it's Lotus's turn. Although Porsche will likely begin selling its electric Boxster and Cayman before Lotus hits the market, the electric sports car space appears destined for a much more gradual ramp-up than the SUV/CUV and other segments consumer segments.

Many car enthusiasts believe that electrification will spell the end of the sports car. It's a bit melodramatic. But the sports car is about to enter the most challenging environment it has ever faced, and it won't emerge like the sports car we know today. It will be something different.

As a car enthusiast, I am encouraged that companies like Lotus are trying to support the sports car in this new stage of its life โ€“ while being aware that there is a real risk of failure . But I remain hopeful that someone will make it happen, and Lotus is a name that has earned its reputation for courage. The Type 135 will put this reputation to the test.

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