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The Tesla Model X–yes, the Tesla Model X, the electric SUV sporting the incredible doors that flex – looks outdated and dull. It follows closely on the heels of the stunningly constructed middle-engine Emira. The new Lotus Eletre will be available across Europe and China in 2023 and will be released in the U.S. in 2024 or 2025. It is a fresh and streamlined approach to an electric-powered high-performance SUV.
Tesla-Tickling Performance
These are the main numbers The Eletre (it’s called ee-let-truth, and aside from the apparent reference to “electric,” the word appears to mean “coming to life” in specific oriental European languages) and is more recognizable than the pre-released codename “Type 132. ” Lotus will launch the SUV with a dual motor powertrain that produces at least 600 horsepower, powered by a 100-kWh battery. Lotus says the Eletre can go from 0 to 60mph in just 3.0 seconds and reach the top speed of 161 miles per hour.
The range claimed on the European WLTP cycle is about 373 miles. This amounts to around 332 miles in the more difficult EPA test. The Eletre’s 800-volt electrical design means that the battery can be filled to provide the equivalent of 248 miles within only 20 minutes if your car is connected to 350-kW charging.
The Eletre is among the most innovative Lotus automobiles in the history of the brand and is a glimpse into the future of the legendary British brand, which is under the control of Chinese automaker Geely who also owns Volvo as well as Polestar in addition to holding 9.7-percent ownership stake of Mercedes-Benz. Under Geely, Lotus will be making only electric vehicles in 2030. It also expands its sales efforts across the globe, including the U.S.
The Eletre is based on the brand-new Lotus Electric Premium Architecture (EPA) created in collaboration with Geely. Lotus states for EPA that it is distinct from its Electric Sportscar Architecture (ESA), it is collaborating with Renault’s Alpine brand, and the configuration can be easily modified to accommodate different sizes of batteries motors, layouts of components, and intelligent driving technologies.
Alongside the battery of 100 kWh and the compact dual motors equipped with controllers and reducers, the Eletre model also comes with multi-link air suspension with constantly variable damping throughout. Active ride height, active anti-roll bars, rear-wheel steering system, and torque vectoring are offered options on the Eletre, alongside 23-inch alloy wheels.
The Eletre will come with a staggered tire configuration with Pirelli PZeros that measure 285/35 up front and 325/30 in the rear on the 23-inch wheels in this. While it’s not the tallest and most hefty car ever made by the company, The chassis has been redesigned to perform the same as the Lotus according to the vehicle’s attributes and integrity chief Gavan Kershaw.
“Dynamically, the Eletre has been developed to deliver everything you would expect from a Lotus–outstanding ride and handling, highly communicative steering and exceptional driver engagement,” Kershaw declares. “From a performance perspective, we know the world is watching so there has been an obsession with getting everything just right.”
Four different modes of driving – Range Tour, Tour, and Off-Road – allow you to alter the acceleration pedal, steering response, damping rate, and powertrain performance. Additionally, the Individual mode lets users blend and combine settings to meet their driving style.
Of Course, There Will Be Driver Assists
In addition to its powertrain that is electric Beyond its electric powertrain, the Eletre is packed with the latest technology, the most notable of that is the first movable LIDAR system. Four LIDAR systems, one above the window, another in the middle of the rear light, and another at each front end, are concealed when not in use, keeping the Eletre’s sleek appearance.
The LIDAR units will not only be able to support some of Eletre’s driver-assist systems but also allow “end-to-end” autonomous driving capability. According to Lotus, customers can use their mobile app to ask their Eletre to come towards them autonomously from a parking space nearby and then autonomously re-distribute itself after the trip.
Lotus claims that further autonomous driving capability can be added by way of over-the-air software updates when (and as) permitted by local regulations. A lot of Eletre’s other drivers assist software systems be able to get their capabilities and features enhanced through over-the-air updates.
Big Lamborghini Energy
The design was developed under the guidance under the direction of Ben Payne, head of strategy at the Lotus Tech Creative Centre located in Warwickshire, England, a center overseen by ex-Volvo as well as Geely design director Peter Horbury, the 200.9-inch long and 64.2-inch tall Eletre features a cab-forward stance that evokes the mid-engine Lotus sports cars. It also has aluminum panels sculpted to look like Lotus are strewn over a 118.8 wheelbase.
For a better understanding For context, for context, the Eletre offers 2.1 inches of more room between its axles than the Tesla Model X and is 2.6 inches larger in total length in total and 0.8 millimeters lower. It’s not a tiny Lotus.
The graphic on the front is aggressive and features daytime running lights that are mounted in the upper part of the bodywork. They are topped by an all-black section that hides the headlights with recessed bulbs and hidden vents that carry air upwards and across the hood and over those wheels on the front. Below is a functional grille comprising interconnected triangular panels that can open to let air flow into the radiator when batteries, electric motors, and front brakes require cooling.
Lotus Show You The Inside
Lotus interiors have been focused on being practical rather than luxurious. The Eletre transforms everything.
Available in a five-seater configuration or a four-seat design, The Eletre comes with top-quality, highly durable microfibres made by humans on the main touch points and a wool-blend fabric that is advanced for the seat. The surfaces are made of carbon fiber, the fibers removed from the edges of carbon fiber mats previously used by Lotus and reconstructed into a resin to produce an appearance that resembles marble.
The dash is equipped with a bright blade that spans the car’s entire width. It alters color to alert the occupants to phone calls coming in, temperature changes, and the battery’s charge status. There’s no large instrument binnacle in the middle of the driver’s wheel. Instead, there’s a 1.2-inch-wide panel that sits under the lighting bar and displays the driver’s most important information. Another panel on the opposite edge of the dash shows the entertainment options for front-seat passengers and information about the location.
In between the panels in the middle of the dash is the 15.1-inch OLED touchscreen. Lotus claims that 90% of Eletre’s capabilities are accessible with more than three taps across the LCD. However, some essential controls, like the drive selection temperatures, climate control, and audio adjustments, as well as the actuation of adaptive cruise control, can be controlled using simple, straightforward analog switches. The OLED screen folds up automatically when it is not in use. It also displays information to the driver using the standard head-up augmented reality display.
