Lotus confirm V8 hybrid supercar for 2028, updated Emira as EV strategy shifts

Lotus has confirmed plans for a new V8 hybrid supercar as part of a sweeping business and powertrain strategy overhaul designed to secure the brand’s future through to the end of the decade.

Announced overnight in the United Kingdom, the company’s new ‘Focus 2030’ strategy signals a major shift away from an all-electric-only direction, with Lotus instead embracing a mix of internal combustion, plug-in hybrid, and battery-electric powertrains.

Central to the announcement is confirmation of the long-awaited Lotus Type 135, a new flagship supercar due in 2028.

The British brand says the new model will use a V8 hybrid powertrain producing more than 735kW (1000PS), making it one of the most powerful road cars Lotus has ever built.

The company says the new supercar will be manufactured in Europe, with further details to be revealed later this year.

Lotus has also confirmed the combustion-powered Lotus Emira will continue in production, with an updated version due to be unveiled in coming weeks.

The company says the revised model will be the “most powerful and lightest Emira built”.

The strategy overhaul also includes closer integration with Chinese automotive giant Geely Holding Group, which owns a majority stake in Lotus.

The two companies will work together on technology development, manufacturing, and supply chain efficiencies, while Lotus UK and Lotus Technology will merge into a single entity later this year.

The announcement of an all-new V8-powered supercar and updated Emira sports car represents a significant pivot for Lotus, which had previously committed to battery-electric vehicles including the Lotus Eletre SUV, Lotus Emeya GT, and Lotus Evija hypercar.

Instead, the company now says hybrid technology will play a “central role” in its future lineup as consumer demand and global regulations evolve at different speeds across markets.

Lotus is targeting an approximate 60 per cent plug-in hybrid and 40 per cent battery-electric sales mix across its electrified portfolio in the short term.

Its new ‘X-Hybrid’ system, due to debut in European-spec Eletre SUVs in June, combines combustion and electric power, with Lotus claiming the technology delivers the long-range capability and flexibility customers still want, while retaining the performance focus the brand is known for.

The company claims the system produces up to 700kW and 935Nm, with an EV-only driving range of up to 350km and a combined range exceeding 1200km. Lotus also claims 20-80 per cent charging can be completed in as little as nine minutes using the system’s 900V electrical architecture.

While the brand is broadening its powertrain approach, Lotus says its core philosophy remains unchanged.

CEO Qingfeng Feng said the company remained focused on lightweight engineering, aerodynamics, and driver engagement.

“Lotus was born from the rebellious spirit of Colin Chapman, and that is not lost today,” Mr Feng said.

“We are obsessed with engineering, obsessed with performance and obsessed with building drivers’ cars, and that is what will grow this business.”

Lotus says the changes are designed to improve profitability and operational efficiency as it targets annual global sales of 30,000 vehicles.

In 2025, the company sold just 6520 vehicles, down from nearly 12,000 the year before, prompting Lotus to rethink its EV-only ambitions and shift towards its hybrid-focused ‘Focus 2030’ strategy.

Lotus endured a difficult 2025, with global deliveries falling sharply amid slowing EV demand, tariff disruptions, and softer sales in key export markets.

The company reported full-year revenue of US$519 million (NZ$871.9m), down 44 per cent year-on-year, while its operating loss narrowed to US$423 million (NZ$710.6m) as cost-cutting measures and improved margins helped steady the business.