The discontinuation of Lotus’ three sports cars Elise, Exige, and Evora may have caused some pain for many car enthusiasts. However, looking at the release of this SUV by the manufacturer today, it seems that it should be able to temporarily help fans forget their pain. Lotus has officially released its first SUV model, the new car named Lotus Eletre has made its debut.
Since its establishment as the second pure electric vehicle, the Lotus Eletre has been perfectly built on the brand’s Electric Premium Architecture platform, as can be seen in its appearance. The new car’s design exudes a muscular feel and has put a lot of effort into aerodynamics. With intricate lines and a three-dimensional profile, it is evident that Lotus’s engineers deliberately retained the sports car soul of Lotus and then combined it with new technology to make the Lotus Eletre a SUV that the brand is proud of.
First introduce the kinetic energy specifications, the manufacturer stated that Eletre adopts an 800V high-voltage system, with a battery capacity of 100kWh, and has a maximum horsepower output of 600hp, with each axle being driven by an independent motor. Moreover, when the battery is fully charged, the range can reach 600km. In terms of charging efficiency, when using the 350kw high-efficiency mode, the new car can provide a range of 400km in just 20 minutes. In terms of speed, it only takes 2.95 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h, with a top speed of 260 km/h.
In appearance, Eletre is actually closer to Emira’s design concept, integrating streamlined body with rugged structural technology, sharp angles. At the front of the car body, there are separate headlights, with the driving lights located at the front end of the hood, and the main headlights positioned in the hidden locations on both sides in the middle.
The grille is set in an active opening and closing air curtain form, which adjusts the opening and closing with the speed of the car and has active aerodynamic characteristics. It is composed of interconnected triangular components. When the motor, battery pack, and brakes need cooling, it will open. In addition, the new car is equipped with active air suspension with adjustable driving height, rear axle steering, and active anti-roll bars, effectively enhancing acceleration and reducing wind resistance. In addition, on both sides of the car, there are giant air ducts visible, adorned with an active rear wing, allowing the Eletre to benefit from excellent aerodynamics while driving, while also enhancing battery life.
In addition, Eletre has abandoned traditional rearview mirrors and replaced them with electronic rearview mirrors with three lenses, responsible for tasks such as 360-degree panoramic view, active safety technology, and displaying rear approaching vehicles. Furthermore, Eletre is equipped with four deployable laser radar sensors, two located on the roof, one above the windshield, and one above the rear glass.
In terms of interior design, it gives a futuristic high-tech impression, with a 15.1-inch multimedia screen and digital instrument panel at the center console position. The screen can fold horizontally, allowing drivers to enjoy the fun of driving more. Interestingly, the interior is no longer made of full leather, but instead uses a large amount of wool blend, reducing weight and giving the cabin a comfortable, noble sense of superiority.
Due to the fact that Lotus’ parent company is the Chinese Geely Automotive Group, the Eletre will become the first model to be manufactured in China by the car manufacturer, and is expected to be assembled at Geely Automotive’s newly built assembly plant in Wuhan, China. The car manufacturer has stated that deliveries will begin in 2023.
資料及圖片來源：Lotus
