New Lotus Hybrid V8 Supercar Confirmed for 2028

Lotus has officially confirmed that it is developing a brand-new V8 hybrid supercar, which is expected to debut in 2028.

Interestingly, the upcoming model carries the Type 135 codename, which was earlier used for the now-cancelled electric replacement of the Emira.

This will also mark the return of a V8-powered Lotus after more than two decades. The company last sold a V8 model in 2004 with the iconic Esprit.

Focus on Lightweight Performance

Lotus says the new supercar will stay true to the brand’s original philosophy of lightweight performance.

CEO Feng Qingfeng said the company still follows the rebellious spirit of founder Colin Chapman, who was known for creating light and agile sports cars.

This approach becomes even more important today, as most modern electric performance cars are much heavier because of large battery packs.

Instead of going fully electric, Lotus now seems to be balancing performance with weight savings through a hybrid setup.

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Hybrid V8 Powertrain With Over 1,000hp

Lotus has not yet confirmed which V8 engine the new supercar will use.

However, reports suggest the company could source a V8 from Mercedes-AMG.

Lotus already uses AMG’s 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine in the Emira, so a bigger AMG V8 partnership looks possible.

The likely option could be Mercedes-AMG’s updated 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine.

Lotus claims the new supercar will produce more than 1,000hp, while the 0-100 kmph sprint could take less than 4 seconds.

Unlike plug-in hybrids, the car is expected to use a lighter hybrid system to help keep overall weight under control.

Inspired by Lotus Theory 1 Concept

Lotus has shared an early teaser image of the upcoming supercar.

The design appears to take inspiration from the Theory 1 EV concept revealed in 2024. One major difference is the presence of large exhaust pipes, confirming the combustion engine setup.

Reports also suggest the new model could get a unique three-seat layout, similar to the legendary McLaren F1.

The supercar has been designed at Lotus’s Coventry design centre in the UK and is expected to be built in Europe.

Lotus Changing Its Future Plans

The new V8 hybrid supercar is part of Lotus’s updated strategy after the company decided not to go fully electric by 2028.

Lotus is now expected to focus more on hybrid and performance-oriented models alongside EVs like the Emeya and Eletre.

The company will also soon reveal an updated version of the Emira, which Lotus says will become its lightest and most powerful Emira yet.

For now, Lotus wants plug-in hybrid vehicles to make up a major share of its global sales in the coming years.

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