Lotus is preparing a major performance flagship in the form of the Type 135, widely expected to be called the Esprit, with plans for a hybridized turbocharged V8 producing more than 1,000 horsepower. The company also revealed that an electrified V6 will serve as an additional powertrain, while Lotus targets a total vehicle weight of about 3,300 pounds.
Lotus Esprit Targets Four-Digit Power
The Type 135 is expected to draw styling inspiration from the Theory 1 Concept and establish a new internal-combustion performance benchmark for Lotus. At the center of the lineup will be an electrified V8, with Lotus targeting more than 1,000 horsepower.
The expected output is likely to come from twin turbochargers and at least two hybrid motors. For comparison, the Lamborghini Temerario combines a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with a three-motor PHEV system to produce 907 hp, while a similar setup in the Ferrari 849 Testarossa delivers 1,036 horsepower.
Lotus says the Type 135 will mark its first V8 in 22 years. Since the previous-generation Esprit V8 ended production in 2004, that timing suggests the new supercar could arrive before the end of 2026.
An “entry-level” V6 will also be offered, a development that Lotus enthusiasts were not expecting. As with the Emira, Horse Powertrain will develop both engines, with the respective displacements likely to be 3.0 and 4.0 liters.
The recently announced W30 engine is a turbocharged V6 producing between 470 and 550 hp on its own, while the company’s four-speed hybrid transmission adds roughly 300 hp. That would put the base Lotus Esprit at an expected 700 to 800 hp, bringing it into contention with the 819-hp Ferrari 296 GTB.
Lotus Targets a 3,300-Pound Esprit
Despite the Type 135’s substantial power, Lotus is not relying solely on horsepower to deliver performance. The company plans to preserve the lightweight character associated with its sports cars, targeting a total weight of 3,300 pounds for the upcoming Esprit.
That figure is considerably higher than the 2,000-pound 2011 Elise and the 3,000-pound 2004 Esprit. However, it compares favorably with other supercars. The current Lamborghini Temerario weighs around 3,800 pounds, while the Ferrari 296 GTB weighs between 3,200 and 3,500 pounds depending on the lightweight options selected.
Lotus has not detailed every measure it will use to control the Type 135’s weight, but Lotus Technology CEO Feng Qingfeng offered one example during the company’s earnings call.
Feng said a typical 150-kilowatt, or 200-hp, electric motor weighs between 165 and 210 pounds. Using Lotus’ expertise in Formula 1 and racing development, however, the company has reduced that figure to just 44 pounds.
If the Type 135 uses at least two of those motors, the approach could reduce weight by 300 pounds or more compared with typical hybrid systems.
Why the Lotus Esprit Matters in America
North America is the largest-volume region for Lotus sports cars, while retailers in China and Europe primarily sell higher-volume models such as the Eletre and Emeya. That makes the upcoming Esprit particularly important for the U.S. market.
“We envision this model as our flagship, one that will enhance the company’s overall profitability,” Feng said.
High-priced, lower-volume performance models can be important revenue drivers for exotic and sports car manufacturers. Porsche, despite producing far more vehicles than Lotus, generates significant revenue from lower-volume, higher-dollar products such as the 911 GT3 S/C and Cayenne Turbo GT, particularly because much of their engineering costs are amortized across less expensive models.
The Type 135 Esprit is therefore expected to share some of its architecture with other Lotus models, presumably including the Emira.
Lotus Sales and Profits Continue to Rise
Lotus has faced financial difficulties for much of its existence as a sports car manufacturer, but its latest figures point to improving results. Global sales increased 39 percent year over year during the first half of 2026, while profits climbed 47 percent over the same period to 26 million.
Much of that growth has come from unconventional Lotus products such as the Eletre SUV. Still, the forthcoming Esprit is set to retain a focus on performance, lightweight construction and handling while adding a hybridized V8 flagship and an electrified V6 option.
