Lotus Type 131 previews three new sports cars

We already knew that, alongside the Evija electric hypercar, Lotus was developing a new sports car, the Type 131, to sit above the Evora, with potentially major historic significance - several rumours suggest it will be the final Lotus powered by an internal-combustion engine.

We can now see the first teaser for the new model and… there is a surprise. Rather than a single car, the image previews three models, sharing the same overall proportions but set apart by their lighting signatures.

According to the brand’s official statement, the Type 131 will be a “new series of sports cars” - in the plural. Could they replace the three Lotus models currently on sale? Or will they be three entirely separate new models? We will have to wait a few more months to find out.

At the same time as revealing the Type 131, Lotus confirmed that production of every model it currently sells - the Elise, Exige and Evora - will end later this year. Few things mark the end of an era more clearly than bringing an entire model range to an end at once.

Beyond the image, Lotus has disclosed little else about the Type 131 - its production name is expected to begin with an “E”, in keeping with the marque’s tradition. What is known comes solely from rumours and from observing camouflaged test prototypes already being driven on public roads.

The new sports car, or cars, will retain the architecture of the Lotus models we know today, with the engine still mounted behind the cabin in a mid-rear position. However, they will introduce a new aluminium space-frame platform, a technology first used on the original Elise in 1995.

Type 131 powertrain and positioning

What engine will it use? For now, there is only speculation. Early rumours pointed to a hybrid model positioned above the Evora, pairing a V6 - perhaps still sourced from Toyota - with an electric motor. However, the three cars now shown could directly replace the Elise, Exige and Evora, which would mean separate market positions and, therefore, different powertrains.

Vision80

The development and launch of the Type 131 - or Type 131 models - represents only one part of the Vision80 plan, outlined in 2018 following Geely’s 2017 acquisition of Lotus Cars and Lotus Engineering. Geely also owns Volvo, Polestar and Lynk & Co, and will develop and build the next generation of Smart vehicles.

As well as the Type 131 and the already familiar Evija, the Vision80 plan includes investment of more than €112 million in Lotus’s Hethel facilities, where the new sports cars will be built. This will allow the British marque to accommodate higher production volumes. A further 250 employees will be recruited, joining the 670 already hired since September 2017.

Farewell to the Elise, Exige and Evora

Finally, the plan also confirms the end of production for the Lotus Elise, Exige and Evora. Although they still deliver a uniquely brilliant driving experience and remain benchmarks in several respects, they are outdated for the challenges facing the motor industry during this period of transformation.

By the time production ends, Lotus expects the combined lifetime output of the three models to reach 55,000 units. Throughout this year, the brand will hold various activities to celebrate the trio, beginning, as Lotus puts it, with the “oldest, the iconic Lotus Elise”.