Recently, we learned from relevant sources that the Lotus Type 132 model will be launched in March 2022. It is reported that the car will be trial mass production in the fourth quarter of Wuhan Hannan plant.
It is reported that the new car is the first product developed based on the EPA architecture and will be an E-class electric off-road vehicle. Combined with the previously exposed appearance trailer, the new car will be equipped with an active downward intake grille, a diamond-shaped middle mesh and a large number of carbon fiber kits, bringing excellent aerodynamics and combat visual effects. Lotus was tight-lipped about the model, but noted that the active grille shutter was a true Lotus air management solution with a dual purpose for cooling and enhancing frontal aerodynamics.
In terms of interior, from the teaser video, we can see that the Lotus Type 132 model uses the latest interior design, and the size of the central control screen should be the same as the current mainstream model (Extreme Kr 01), and the flip function can be realized. In addition, the lines of the center console of the new car present a simple style, with the stitching process, to enhance the sense of quality.
In terms of power performance, Lotus did not provide specific details, but it said it will be equipped with a high-power motor, and the acceleration time of 0-96km/h is about 3 seconds. In addition, the car can be equipped with an 800V high-voltage charging system, which can realize the charging capacity of models like the Porsche Taycan, with a maximum charging power of up to 350kW.
It is worth mentioning that Lotus's new architecture is highly malleable, and can produce models with wheelbase ranges of 2998mm to 3100mm, accommodating battery capacities between 90-120kWh, or will provide a cruising range of more than 400mi (632km).
The automaker also said that the Type 132 will be the vanguard of the main products, and will be followed by the launch of the Type 133 four-door coupe in 2023, the Type 134 SUV in 2025 and the Type 135 electric sports car in 2026.
According to public information, on August 31, 2021, the British supercar brand Lotus Cars officially announced that its global headquarters settled in Wuhan Economic Development Zone, China, and the global headquarters of Lotus Sports Car Wuhan Economic Development Zone was built by Geely with a total investment of 6.3 billion yuan, covering an area of about 186 acres and a construction area of about 390,000 square meters, after completion, it can not only serve the Lotus intelligent vehicle factory project located in Hannan District, but also serve the national and global Geely and Lotus projects. In addition, Lotus will also invest 8 billion yuan in the Wuhan Economic Development Zone as factory construction costs, 12 billion yuan as product and technology research and development costs, and the total investment in the early stage will reach 26.3 billion yuan!
It is worth noting that the top sports car released by Lotus since then will be born in Hannan District.