What would Colin Chapman say? The late founder of Lotus was a stressed innovator whose well-known mantra was “Simplify, then add lightness.” Absolutely the brand new Eletre, a posh and heavy electric SUV, is the antithesis of the whole lot Chapman stood for?
Perhaps, possibly not. For starters, Chapman was additionally a pragmatist. He launched business sponsorship to F1 racing with the Gold Leaf Lotus 49 in 1968. And he bought the rights to his most enduring creation, the Lotus 7, to Caterham Vehicles in 1973. Earlier than the Eletre, the carmaker’s vary consisted solely of two-seat sports activities vehicles. Now it’s poised to turn out to be a volume-selling—and probably very worthwhile—premium model.
Whereas the two,490-kg Eletre could lack a sure “lightness,” it is stuffed with intelligent design options, together with lively aerodynamics, 5G-capable infotainment, and deployable lidar sensors. We suspect Chapman, who experimented with the whole lot from fuel generators to ground-effect (the aerodynamics created by exploiting the undercarriage design of vehicles), and developed the primary carbon fiber-bodied F1 automotive, would discover the expertise intriguing.
The Electre lineup has three tiers: The 603-horsepower base mannequin prices £89,500 within the UK (that’s about $114,000—US costs are nonetheless unknown, however you may reserve here). It comes with twin-motor, four-wheel drive and a 112-kWh battery—good for 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and an formally licensed 373-mile vary. The Eletre S is £104,500 (about $133,000) and makes use of the identical drivetrain, however it provides luxuries reminiscent of ambient inside lighting, soft-close doorways, and a 23-speaker KEF audio system.
Topping the vary is the £120,000, 905-hp Eletre R (roughly $153,000). Able to 0-62mph in 2.95 seconds and a claimed 304 miles on a full cost, it positive aspects chassis tech, reminiscent of lively roll management and rear-wheel steering, plus a maximum-attack Monitor driving mode. We’ll be testing that later.
The Eletre is a pivotal automotive for Lotus. Inbuilt China slightly than Norfolk, UK, it should quickly be joined by a smaller electrical SUV, together with a sedan automotive to rival the Porsche Taycan. No matter Colin Chapman achieved up to now, that is his firm’s future. So, how does it stack up?
Cleaving the Air
WIRED is attempting the Eletre on a brand-hosted drive occasion in Norway, a rustic that has embraced EVs greater than every other. In 2022, almost 80 p.c of autos bought right here had been electrical, inspired by the whole lot from beneficiant tax incentives to cheaper parking fees. Chinese language EV producer Nio is utilizing Norway to trial its battery swap stations too.
The Eletre’s “porous” design is clearly influenced by the Lotus Evija electrical hypercar. Its broad grille accommodates six apertures, which open or shut on-demand to enhance cooling airflow or retain warmth. The pop-out lidar sensors—an obvious world-first in a manufacturing automotive—are hidden at each ends of the roof and above the entrance wheel arches, supposedly granting the Eletre “a real 360-degree view of the world round it.”
As an alternative of typical door mirrors, Lotus presents high-definition cameras that stream the rearward view to 2 6-inch shows. WIRED isn’t a fan of such programs, however you do acquire a small aero benefit. An lively rear spoiler helps the automotive cleave by the air and may greater than double downforce (to a still-modest 112.5 kg at most pace) when required. An total drag coefficient of 0.26—a shade greater than the brand new Rolls-Royce Spectre EV—is spectacular for such an imposing SUV.
The Eletre’s physique is greater than 50 p.c aluminum, and all fashions journey on air suspension that may increase floor clearance by 25 mm when you enterprise off-road. Electronically managed shock absorbers can modify the automotive’s damping 500 instances per second, whereas the optionally available 48-volt lively anti-roll system and rear steering (each normal on the Eletre R) enhance agility on twisty roads, or certainly a racetrack.
As Seen on Screens
If Lotus purists are combating the thought of an SUV, the Eletre’s inside could ship them into shock. As an alternative of the bare-bones sparseness of an Elise, the roomy cabin employs tactile Alcantara trim and tech. “With EVs, the digital consumer expertise has turn out to be probably the most highly effective level of differentiation,” says senior chief engineer Serino Angellotti. “It’s the rationale many individuals select one automotive over one other.”
The infotainment is targeted on a 15.1-inch OLED touchscreen with 5G, which seems crisp and responds rapidly. Use the native Lotus navigation system and it will possibly calculate vitality use, counsel extra environment friendly routes, and precondition the battery earlier than you arrive at a charger. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will arrive by way of an over-the-air replace this fall.
