The radical new Lotus Theory 1 concept is a three-seat, 986bhp supercar designed to evoke the spirit of the Esprit and serve as a “blueprint” for all the firm’s future cars.
The new machine uses a twin-motor all-wheel-drive electric powertrain that draws energy from a 70kWh battery mounted next to the rear motor in the lightweight carbonfibre tub. It has a claimed 0-62mph time of less than 2.5sec and a top speed of 199mph. Electric range is estimated at 250 miles.
The concept showcases Lotus’s new ‘design manifesto’, termed DNA, for ‘Digital, Natural and Analogue’.
The approach is based around the use of intelligent technology and performance engineering to develop driver-focused cars. Styling for the Theory 1 was led by the team at Lotus’s design centre in the British town of Coventry, and the concept sits on a bespoke platform. The Theory 1 is accessed via reverse-opening and wrap-over doors.
According to Lotus, the doors were developed to minimise the footprint by extending the minimal possible distance from the car: they can be opened in parking space that is 2.4 metres wide.
The car is in effect split into two sections, with a heavily sculpted lower tub in exposed carbonfibre topped by a white body that merges into a large glass dome roof.
The front end features a diffuser and drag-reducing air deflectors, which are designed to create an air curtain to reduce wake. That works in conjunction with a sculpted underside that directs air into the cooling system.
While the Theory 1 is officially a concept – which explains why it doesn’t have a Lotus Type number – around 85% of its technical features are production ready, and a road-going version could be coming soon.
Its 986bhp powertrain features a 690bhp rear electric motor as the main drive unit, with a 296bhp e-motor on the front axle. The 70kWh battery pack is built around the rear motor, giving the car a similar weight balance to that of rear-engined supercars and allowing it to sit low to the road.
Much of the other running gear of the car comes from proven partners: AP Racing, which worked with Lotus’s F1 team on the 49, provides the six-piston caliper brakes, while the car sits on Pirelli P Zero Elect tyres. The wheels are 20in front and 21in at the rear.
Inside, the Theory 1 adopts a similar three-seat layout to that of the McLaren F1, with the driver positioned forward and centrally, and the two passengers slightly behind on either side.
In a bid to improve sustainability, Lotus designers aimed to use only 10 ‘A-surface’ (visible) materials, compared with around 100 in an average car. One key element of that was leaving much of the interior bare to showcase the recycled chopped carbonfibre tub, and the seats are sculpted directly into that.
In another nod to Lotus’s F1 heritage, the key functional components both inside and outside the car are coloured gold. There is only minimal padding for the seats.
The minimalist interior goes without an infotainment screen or traditional display: there is a small screen on the steering wheel, while the speedometer sits under the lip of the windscreen, within the driver's eyeline.
The car also uses new technology to minimise functions. OLED lights can signal when to turn, while a system called Lotuswear, developed with start-up Motorskins, features small inflatable pads in the seat and steering wheel that can offer haptic feedback prompts.
