Lotus Cars has confirmed plans for a new hybrid V8 supercar as part of a sweeping ‘Focus 2030’ strategy designed to steer the British marque back towards its performance roots. Due in 2028, the long-awaited flagship will produce more than 986bhp and marks a dramatic shift away from the brand’s recent EV-heavy direction.
Currently known internally as the Type 135, the new model will sit at the centre of Lotus’ future line-up and use a development of the firm’s existing ‘X-Hybrid’ powertrain architecture. That setup already underpins the Lotus Eletre in high-performance form, combining a 70kWh battery pack, 900V electrical system and up to 939bhp. For the new supercar, however, Lotus will replace the Eletre’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a V8, creating the first eight-cylinder Lotus road car in decades.
Technical details remain limited for now, although Lotus confirmed the car will be built in Europe and promised further information in late 2026. Pricing has not yet been disclosed, but given the power output and positioning, the Type 135 is expected to target the upper reaches of the modern supercar market.
The announcement arrives alongside confirmation that the Lotus Emira will continue in production as a combustion-powered sports car despite tightening emissions legislation and slowing EV demand in several global markets. Lotus says an updated version of the Emira is due shortly, describing it as the “most powerful and lightest Emira built” so far. The company also framed the decision as part of its ongoing commitment to UK manufacturing at its Hethel facility.
Beyond product plans, Lotus outlined broader structural changes under its Focus 2030 roadmap. The company intends to deepen cooperation with parent firm Geely to accelerate development, improve supply chains and expand global reach, while Lotus UK and Lotus Technology will merge into a single operating entity. Financially, the brand says it will focus on lower-volume, higher-margin products with greater scope for customer personalisation.
Lotus CEO Qingfeng Feng said the strategy aims to reconnect the business with the spirit of founder Colin Chapman while positioning the company for long-term growth across Europe, China, the United States and the Middle East.
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