Iconic British Sports Car Maker Lotus Debuts In India
Lotus Cars, the iconic British manufacturer of high-performance sports cars, is set to make its mark on the Indian automotive landscape as it enters the market for the first time. With a legacy dating back to 1948 and a commitment to engineering excellence, Lotus has switched gears and repositioned the brand with a focus on lifestyle electric vehicles, technology and outright performance.
As a part of the India launch, Lotus has unveiled the prices and specifications for one of the most eagerly anticipated models in its history – Eletre R – the all Electric Hyper-SUV. Being the first of a new breed of pure electric SUVs, Eletre takes the core Lotus DNA from almost 75 years of sports car design and engineering, evolving into a desirable all-new lifestyle EV for the next generation of Lotus customers.
Three different versions of the car are available – Eletre priced at INR 2.55 crore ex-showroom, Eletre S priced at INR 2.75 crore ex-showroom, and Eletre R priced at INR 2.55 crore ex-showroom – with the choice of two powertrains. Eletre and Eletre S feature the 450 kW/ 603 hp single-speed version, with a maximum range of 600 kms. The Eletre R comes with the flagship 675 kW/ 905 hp dual-speed system and a maximum range of 490 kms. Torque figures are 710 and 985 Nm respectively, delivering a 0 to 100 km/h performance of either 4.5 or 2.95 seconds. The 112 kWh battery for both versions has a charging time (10%-80%) of just 20 minutes using a rapid charger.
The advanced ‘digital cockpit’ cabin on the Eletre uses a proprietary operating system – Lotus Hyper OS. It provides a seamless interactive experience that offers best-in-class performance in terms of visual effects and interactive feedback, putting the user – driver or passenger – in complete control. Lotus is also using ‘Unreal Engine’ technology from the gaming industry, allowing the Lotus UX/UI team to create next-generation real-time 3D content and experiences. The Eletre boasts state-of-the-art processing power which includes two Qualcomm 8155 System-On-Chips.
A next-generation Digital Head Unit from global mobility tech company ECARX will debut on the Eletre. It reconfigures the user’s in-car experience by providing fully customisable displays, hosted on an advanced Driver Information Module (DIM), and ultra-slim floating one-billion-colour OLED touchscreen for more realistic graphics and a more futuristic visual effect.
The platform includes ECARX’s first dual-chip system to enable server-level computing power for rapid processing and smooth rendering. The resulting immersive multi-screen user experience can be continuously improved during the lifetime of the car via future Over-The-Air (OTA) updates.
Lotus also has a collaboration with Dolby, and together, Dolby Atmos and the Eletre’s KEF speaker system combine to elevate audio and acoustics to new levels. The Eletre is the world’s first car to combine Dolby Atmos and KEF Audio.
The standard specifications include five drive modes, active air suspension, torque vectoring, matrix LED headlights, active front grille and 22″ 10-spoke forged wheels.
The Eletre cabin comes with wireless smartphone charging, 12-way electrically adjustable front seats, four-zone automatic climate control and other creature comforts. The ‘intelligent cockpit’ infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto and a 1,380-watt, 15-speaker KEF Premium Audio, is operated via a centrally mounted 15.1″ full High-Definition OLED centre screen. All versions of the Eletre feature five seats as standard, with a four-seat version available as part of the Executive Seat Pack. Also standard is the deployable LIDAR technology, a world-first in a production car which supports end-to-end autonomous driving (AD) technology.
The Eletre rides on 22″ wheels as standard, though 20″ and 23″ are available. There are five different wheel designs and six colours of brake calliper. At launch there are six exterior colours to choose from – Natron Red, Galloway Green, Stellar Black, Kaimu Grey, Blossom Grey and Solar Yellow. More will follow later. Six unique interiors are available, all offering premium high-grade materials and detail choices.
Sustainability has been at the heart of the development, and Eletre is available with a state-of-the-art alternative to leather that is environmentally friendly, odour-free, and lasts longer than genuine leather. In addition, a new man-made fibre has been used in the carpets and boot liner. It is 100% recycled and 100% recyclable, and there is no waste in the production process.
The enhanced specification includes numerous additional features such as active rear spoiler, configurable ambient lighting, illuminated side sills, soft door close, auto-dimming side mirrors and an air quality system. It also includes a 2,160-watt, 23-speaker KEF Reference Audio.
The standard specification of the Eletre R also includes Lotus Dynamic Handling Pack, Carbon Fibre Pack, gloss black wheels, stainless steel sports pedals, black badging and high-performance tyres.
All Eletre customers have further opportunities to customise and personalise their car to their requirements using option packs. The optional part includes the Lotus Dynamic Handling Pack, Ceramic Brake Pack, Executive Seat Pack, Comfort Seat Pack, Carbon Fibre Pack, Extended Carbon Fibre Pack and Interior Carbon Fibre Pack. Many options from the packs are also available individually. Two Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Packs are also available – the Parking Pack and a Highway Assist Pack.
Later in 2024, Lotus will bring the Emira into the market, their latest and final internal combustion sports car. Emira is a continuation of a long legacy of mid-engine sports cars from Lotus, and carries over all the driving dynamics and capabilities with an added layer of refinement and performance technology. It will be available in two engine choices – a 2L turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 360 hp and a 6-cylinder supercharged option putting out 400 hp.
For more information on the Eletre and all Lotus cars, visit www.lotuscars.com
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