Already stuck in U.S. showrooms since its introduction due to emission certification issues, the Emira has not shared the same success as it did in the European market. While still fresh, Lotus has decided its production to end by 2026. The Emira, along with the Elise will now be replaced by a sports car which has been code-named “Type 135”. Slated to make its debut in the year 2027, this sports car will also be Lotus’s first electric sports car.
The Type 135, whose details have not been disclosed is believed to be a successor of the Lotus Elise. This EV will be built in Hethel, England alongside the Evija hypercar. It is supposed to be a two-seater sports car that will be built on the LEVA (Lightweight Electric Vehicle Architecture) platform. Moreover, the Type 135 will be 37 percent lighter than the Emira. At the very center [of the brand always has to be that lightweight sports car. That gives you the credibility to build other products that have sporty characteristics." said Mike Johnstone, chief commercial officer of the Lotus Group.
The Type 135 will be offered with two powertrain options, one with a single motor that will produce up to 469 hp while the second option is with dual motors that will produce 872 hp. As for the batteries, the Type 135 will get 66.4 kilowatt-hours and 99.6 kWh batteries for the one-motor and dual-motor powertrains respectively. This will allow the Type 135 to achieve a range of 300 miles and 400 miles respectively.
There has been no official announcement from Lotus regarding its release and pricing, but the brand aims to sell 10,000-15,000 units per year which indicates mid-level pricing.
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