Lotus Returns to V8 Engines Through Horse Partnership
The iconic brand pivots from full electrification to hybrid V8 power for its upcoming supercar.
1Strategic Shift to Combustion
Lotus is reversing its previous commitment to become an exclusively electric brand by reintroducing V8 engines. The company plans to launch a new four-liter twin-turbo V8 in 2028. This engine will power the upcoming Type 135 supercar, marking a significant strategic pivot toward hybrid combustion technology for the luxury manufacturer.
2Technical Engine Specifications
Developed by Horse, a joint venture between Renault and Geely, the new V8 produces over 670 horsepower. The unit features 800 Nm of torque and weighs 200 kg. Engineers placed the two turbochargers between the cylinder banks to minimize space, a design choice commonly utilized by other high-end performance vehicle manufacturers.
3Hybrid Performance Integration
The V8 engine will function alongside a plug-in hybrid system to maximize performance capabilities. Horse is also developing an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission specifically for this platform. This gearbox is engineered to execute gear shifts in just 20 milliseconds, ensuring the Type 135 can effectively compete against established rivals like Ferrari.
4Market Positioning and Rivals
The Type 135 aims to challenge prestigious models including the Ferrari 296 GTB, Lamborghini Temerario, and Aston Martin Valhalla. By reviving the spirit of high-performance combustion, Lotus seeks to capture enthusiasts who prefer the sound and tactile feedback of traditional engines over the silent, fluid delivery characteristic of modern electric vehicles.
5Broader Horse Ambitions
Horse intends to utilize this V8 architecture beyond the Lotus brand. The powertrain is designed for potential integration into pickup trucks and off-road vehicles. Geely is currently evaluating the engine for its wider portfolio, including various SUVs, which would allow the company to distribute high development costs across multiple high-volume vehicle segments.
6Targeting the American Market
The United States remains a primary target for this new engine due to the strong domestic preference for V8 power. Lotus plans to manufacture the Type 135 in the United Kingdom, a move that may help bypass trade barriers currently affecting Chinese-manufactured vehicles, thereby facilitating smoother entry into the competitive American automotive market.
7Industry Competitive Landscape
With this project, Horse enters a specialized sector historically dominated by major players like Mercedes-AMG and Volkswagen. These competitors already successfully deploy twin-turbo V8 engines paired with hybrid systems in their flagship vehicles. Lotus hopes to leverage this new partnership to reclaim its status as a top-tier contender in supercar performance.
8Future Model Implications
The Type 135, which may adopt the historic Esprit name, serves as the initial testbed for this hybrid technology. Renault’s involvement in Horse could further expand the engine's reach to other automotive brands. This development highlights a broader industry trend where manufacturers balance electrification goals with the enduring demand for combustion.
Original article: Il Fatto Quotidiano — Lotus Returns to V8 Engines Through Horse Partnership