Lotus unveiled the 2024 Emeya electric supercar, a four-door sedan with nearly 1,000 horsepower and a burning desire to reach 60 mph in less than three seconds.
Lotus claims the grand tourer “is one of the fastest GTs in the world” – but we’ll need to see some unbiased testing first before we agree to this exaggeration. However, the Emeya looks quick, with a top speed of 155mph and acceleration from zero to 60mph in 2.8 seconds. When it enters production in early 2024, the Emeya is expected to compete with other luxury sports cars, such as the Audi E-tron GT and Porsche Taycan.
Lotus did not reveal many related specifications, such as battery capacity or range. The company said the Emeya is expected to be “substantially similar” to Lotus’ first electric car, the Eletre SUV, which had about 310 miles of EPA-estimated range. More information is expected to be released in the fourth quarter of this year.
It could potentially have a battery pack in excess of 100kWh of usable power, given its dual-motor setup. Lotus says it can accept up to 350kW of DC fast charging, which should add about 93 miles of range with about five minutes of charging.
The transmission is expected to produce up to 905 horsepower and 985 Nm of torque. The aerodynamic design is intended to enhance range and improve efficiency and handling. The active rear diffuser is inspired by the company’s long motorsports history, and will help smooth airflow under the vehicle.
Speaking of airflow, the true 296mm-wide wing – which is more than 100mm wider than in the Eletre – delivers a net downforce of over 215kg, says Lotus. This combined with the active rear diffuser creates extremely stable handling at high speeds, and Lotus is clearly encouraging its customers to participate.
Owned by the Chinese company Geely, Lotus is in the process of reinventing itself for the electric age. The Emeya will be the second of three new electric cars Lotus plans to roll out over the next four years, including a sports car (natch), a coupe sedan and another SUV. The Eletre crossover SUV was officially unveiled last year, with a battery capacity of more than 100 kWh and 600 hp.
The shift to electrification was designed to improve Lotus’ declining sales numbers. The automaker sold just 576 vehicles in 2022, down 62 percent from the previous year. according to Engine1. The company also posted a loss of 145.1 million pounds ($180.9 million) for the year and may be looking to shed more than 200 jobs.
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