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We never associated the words “electric”, “SUV” and “China” with Lotus, but here we are. The subject of a long and grueling teaser campaign, the Type 132 as it is currently known by its code name will finally be released on March 29. With good reason, some would argue that Colin Chapman would never like the prospect of a heavy and tall vehicle, but it’s 2022 and business is business.
The company’s first Lotus SUV and second EV after the Evija hypercar will not be produced in-house in Norfolk. Instead, the models will be assembled in China at a newly built factory in Wuhan (yes, that Wuhan). This will be followed by the Type 133 four-door coupe and the smaller Type 134 crossover, both of which will be EVs. In fact, the Geely-owned company has already finished launching ICE-powered cars because Emira is the last hurray for gasoline engines.
Despite sharing more than a few previews, Lotus hasn’t talked too much about its SUV yet. We know it drives a bespoke EV platform capable of carrying a 120 kWh battery pack. The sports car on stage will be roughly the same size as the Porsche Cayenne and will come with all-wheel drive thanks to dual electric motors.
Other confirmed details about the architecture include a wheelbase measuring between 2889 to 3100 millimeters (113.7 to 122 inches) along with support for fast charging thanks to 800V technology. Expect somewhere in the 600-700 horsepower region to sprint 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just three seconds.
The antonym of the Chapman’s motto “simplify, then add lightness” is a four-door, five-seat heavy vehicle bursting with technology. From the active aero and LiDAR setup to the tilting infotainment and digital instrument cluster, the Lotus SUV will be a completely modern car.
Designed in the UK, the Lotus Type 132 is likely to go on sale at the end of the year or early 2023. We’re very curious about its real name as some say it will be called the “Lambda.” That would break tradition because sports cars usually start with the letter “E.”
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