Chinese Cash Enables Lotus To Enter EV Hypercar Race

Lotus gave a glimpse of a concept for its first full-electric vehicle, the Type 130 hypercar, which is part of a revival at the UK automaker that is funded by new parent Chinese automaker Geely.

The automaker issued a teaser pictures of the concept at the Shanghai auto show on Tuesday.

Lotus parent Geely has said it will begin manufacturing cars in China, working from a new, $1.3 billion factory in Wuhan. A Lotus spokesman declined to say when the factory would open but said the new vehicle would not be built there but in England.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 4/16/2019 10:42:02 AM

+2 Boost

There is no lack of good ideas at Lotus, all that is needed is funding. With that now it place hopefully we will see a resurgence of the brand. If I had an old Esprit I would ask the firm to come up with a new transmission for this classic model as that has always been the weak point of the car. That or do a engine/transmission swap with Toyota/Lotus parts and be done with it.

MDarringer - 4/16/2019 10:51:17 AM

+1 Boost

There is also no lack of good ideas at TVR, but like TVR, Lotus historically has been a parts-bin special with exceedingly poor quality. The build quality of current Lotuses is shockingly terrible for the price. So now they are going to do an EV hypercar? British + electrical = #pass.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 4/16/2019 11:03:53 AM

+2 Boost

@MD- TVR should send a note to Geely. Maybe they could get bought out or attract an investment too.

MDarringer - 4/16/2019 11:47:46 AM

0 Boost

Ford should prop up TVR and develop it into their Corvette-fighting brand.

PUGPROUD - 4/16/2019 4:53:56 PM

0 Boost

Matt, Ford couldn't develop Jaguar or Volvo into a leading brand so I highly doubt it could prop up TVR. The Detroit Big 3 cultures and egos makes them think they know better instead of listening and trusting others.