Very recently, we announced to you that Lotus, now under the Chinese flag of Geely, had taken note of market developments and postponed its total electrification project, without specifying a new deadline. At the same time, the British manufacturer mentioned the development of a “super-hybrid” mechanism, which will equip future models. Today, we learn that the Emira, the only “real” Lotus at the moment (since it is not electric) could see its life cycle extended thanks to hybridization.
Beyond 2027
Lotus had in fact planned to produce the Emira until 2027, but when our colleagues from the English media Autocar asked the boss of the brand if a prolonged career of the model was possible thanks to hybridization, the latter replied “De These days, you should never say never.” We don't need much more to speculate on the fact that a hybrid Emira is indeed very possible, knowing that it currently has two engines.
On the one hand, the 4-cylinder AMG, and we know that AMG hits its mark in electrification, in particular with the mild-hybrid system of the A45. On the other hand, there is the Toyota V6. Hybrid + Toyota, we won't draw you a drawing. This V6 is already used in hybrid systems in certain markets. And let's also remember that the Japanese manufacturer is currently working on a new family of engines, a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder which could release up to 400 hp, before electrification. In our opinion, we should therefore not ask ourselves if there will be a hybrid Emira, but rather when it will arrive.
