What might Colin Chapman’s reaction be to the new Eletre? Chapman, the founder of Lotus who was known for his constant drive for innovation, famously believed in the principle of “Simplify, then add lightness.” It is clear that the Eletre, a bulky and intricate electric SUV, goes against everything that Chapman valued.
It is uncertain whether this statement is true or not. Firstly, Chapman was a practical person who believed in taking a practical approach. He brought commercial sponsorship to F1 racing by introducing the Gold Leaf Lotus 49 in 1968. Additionally, he sold the rights to his highly successful creation, the Lotus 7, to Caterham Cars in 1973. Prior to the Eletre, Caterham Cars only offered two-seat sports cars. However, now they have the potential to become a popular and highly profitable premium brand.
The Eletre, weighing 2,490 kg, may not have a lightweight feel to it, but it is packed with innovative design elements such as active aerodynamics, infotainment capabilities compatible with 5G, and deployable lidar sensors. Given Chapman’s history of exploring various technologies, including gas turbines and ground-effect, and being the pioneer of the first Formula 1 car with a carbon fiber body, it is likely that he would be fascinated by the technological advancements in the Eletre.
The Electre lineup consists of three different versions. The first tier of the lineup, which costs £89,500 in the UK (approximately $114,000), has a power output of 603 horsepower. It is equipped with a twin-motor, four-wheel drive system and a 112-kWh battery. This allows it to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 4.5 seconds and has an officially certified range of 373 miles. The second tier, known as the Electre S, is priced at £104,500 (around $133,000) and shares the same drivetrain as the base model. However, it comes with additional luxury features such as ambient interior lighting, soft-close doors, and a high-quality 23-speaker KEF audio system.
At the highest end of the price range is the Eletre R, which costs around £120,000 or $153,000. This car boasts an impressive 905 horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in just 2.95 seconds. It also claims to have a range of 304 miles on a full charge. The Eletre R is equipped with advanced chassis technology, including active roll control and rear-wheel steering. It also offers a maximum-attack Track driving mode, which we will be putting to the test later on.
The Eletre is an important vehicle for Lotus, as it marks a significant shift in their production location from Norfolk, UK to China. In addition to the Eletre, Lotus plans to introduce a smaller electric SUV and a sedan that will directly compete with the Porsche Taycan. This signals a new direction for Lotus, emphasizing their commitment to electric vehicles. Now, the question remains: how well does the Eletre compare to other cars in its class?
WIRED is experiencing the Eletre firsthand during a special driving event hosted by the brand in Norway. Norway has become a leading country in adopting electric vehicles, with almost 80 percent of vehicles sold in 2022 being electric. This is largely due to various incentives such as tax benefits and reduced parking charges. Nio, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, has also chosen Norway as a testing ground for its battery swap stations.
The design of the Eletre has been clearly inspired by the Lotus Evija electric hypercar. It has a unique design feature where its grille contains six openings that can be opened or closed as needed to enhance cooling or retain heat. The Eletre also boasts a world-first feature of pop-out lidar sensors, which are cleverly concealed at the roof ends and above the front wheel arches. This allows the Eletre to have a complete 360-degree view of its surroundings.
Lotus has chosen to replace traditional door mirrors with advanced cameras that transmit a clear view of the rear on two 6-inch screens. While WIRED may not be enthusiastic about this system, it does offer a slight aerodynamic benefit. Additionally, the car is equipped with an active rear spoiler that enhances its ability to cut through the air, increasing downforce by more than double (up to a maximum of 112.5 kg) when necessary. With an overall drag coefficient of 0.26, which is slightly higher than the new Rolls-Royce Spectre EV, this impressive SUV demonstrates excellent aerodynamic performance.
The majority of the Eletre’s body is made of aluminum, making it lightweight and durable. It is equipped with air suspension that allows for a 25 mm increase in ground clearance when driving off-road. The car’s shock absorbers are electronically controlled and can adjust the damping of the car 500 times per second. For enhanced performance, the Eletre R model includes a standard 48-volt active anti-roll system and rear steering, which greatly improves maneuverability on curvy roads or even a racetrack.
For those who are die-hard fans of Lotus, the concept of an SUV may be difficult to accept. However, the interior of the Eletre model might shock them even more. Unlike the minimalistic design of the Elise, this spacious cabin incorporates luxurious Alcantara trim and modern technology. According to Serino Angellotti, the senior chief engineer, the digital user experience has become a significant factor in distinguishing electric vehicles (EVs), and it often influences people’s car choices.
The main feature of the infotainment system is a 15.1-inch OLED touchscreen with 5G connectivity. The screen is clear and responsive. By using the Lotus navigation system, you can determine energy consumption, receive recommendations for more efficient routes, and prepare the battery before reaching a charging station. Additionally, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be available through an over-the-air update in the upcoming fall season.
