Lotus unveiled its latest flagship, the Emeya, at a glamorous event in New York City on Sept 7. Previously known as the Type 133, this electric four-door sedan is set to rival the Tesla Model S and the Porsche Taycan Turbo. The state-of-the-art technology marks Lotus’ return to the four-door sedan market since the Opel Omega-based Carlton in the 1990s.
Aerodynamics takes center stage with the Emeya. This new Lotus incorporates an active grille, originally featured on the Eletre SUV, which reduces aerodynamic drag for enhanced efficiency when closed and assists in cooling the battery and brakes when open. Additionally, it sports an active front spoiler inspired by motorsport design, as well as an active diffuser and a rear spoiler to optimize downforce for both canyon driving and track performance. Notably, the active rear spoiler measures 11.0 inches in width, surpassing the Eletre’s, and generates a net downforce of 474 pounds, although the specific speed remains undisclosed.
Emeya’s interior emphasises sustainability, pioneering a unique yarn derived from cotton waste from the fashion and clothing industries for passenger compartment upholstery. This approach not only embodies sustainable luxury but also reduces weight compared to traditional leather.
Additionally, Lotus implements innovative techniques like physical vapor deposition (PVD) for metallic finishes on select cabin surfaces, complemented by materials like Alcantara, ultra-fabric polyurethane, and Nappa leather in various areas.
Beyond sustainable materials, the interior boasts a KEF 3D surround sound system with noise-cancellation capabilities and external sensors that detect tire and suspension movements. These sensors then utilize algorithms and speakers to counter interference. For the driver’s benefit, a 55-inch augmented reality head-up display offers quick access to crucial information alongside digital mirrors and LiDar modules similar to the Eletre.
Underpinning the Emeya is the same platform as the Eletre, the bespoke Electric Premium Architecture (EPA) derived from Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA). Its expected range aligns closely with the Eletre, capable of covering 373 miles on the optimistic WLTP cycle. Equipped with a 102 kWh battery pack (slightly smaller than the Eletre’s 112 kWh pack), the Emeya can rapidly charge at 350 kilowatts, adding 93 miles of range in just five minutes. Charging from 10% to 80% takes only 18 minutes with a 350 kW DC fast charger.
Performance-wise, the Emeya enters hypercar territory with 905 horsepower and 726 pound-feet of torque, achieving a blistering 0-62 mph acceleration in a mere 2.8 seconds. The all-wheel-drive EV can achieve a top speed of 159 mph, employing a two-speed transmission. Lotus claims the braking system is on par with race-grade standards. The adjustable suspension can analyze road conditions a staggering 1,000 times per second.
Ben Payne, Lotus Group’s Vice President of Design, expressed, “This is a completely new Lotus, something never seen before. Building on what Lotus has accomplished to this day, we have created a luxury car that delivers outstanding performance for the driving enthusiast, designed to inspire confidence and excitement.”
Further details about the Emeya will be unveiled in the fourth quarter of 2023, with production scheduled to commence in 2024 at the brand’s Geely-owned facility in Wuhan, China, where the Eletre is already in production. Lotus Vice President and Chief of Commercial Mike Johnstone confirmed that the Emeya is set to arrive in the US by Q4 2024.
With production of both the Emeya and Eletre expected to reach full capacity, likely by 2025, the brand anticipates that 30 percent of its total sales will be in the US, according to Johnstone. Despite its prior challenges in the EV era, Lotus has experienced a surge in demand, with over 17,000 orders this year from a combination of Eletre and Emira models.
The company’s current order book has reportedly shattered all previous sales records, and the introduction of new models like the Emeya holds the potential to revitalize the brand’s fortunes.
Source and Images: Motor1