Lotus returns to its roots with the Theory 1. After the Eletre SUV and the flagship Emeya, the English brand returns to the pure sports car sector with a (relatively) light electric concept from 1.000 CV.
A supercar inspired in its shapes by the legendary Esprit, which defines the look and technological innovations that will characterise the brand’s future models.
A new driving experience
Starting from the powertrain, Lotus mounts a 70 kWh battery which powers two electric motors for a total of 1,000 hp. The claimed 0-100 km/h sprint is less than 2.5 seconds, while the top speed is 320 km/h. The autonomy, however, is 402 km.
No specifics are provided on charging speed (so we don’t know if the car has an 800V architecture), but the Theory 1’s qualities don’t stop at outright performance.
Lotus
In fact, Lotus’ focus is all on the driving experience and the original three-seater interior. That’s why the Theory 1 debuts the driving system LOTUSWEARdesigned to offer every passenger an interactive experience.
This is a lightweight, soft, adaptive fabric that allows the vehicle to communicate with the driver and passengers, improving intuitiveness and comfort while driving. This system uses haptic signals, such as nudges on the steering wheel to indicate when to turn, and adapts to road conditions through five driving modes: Range, Tour, Sport, Individual and Track.
Lotus
Lotus Theory 1 Concept, the interior
The LOTUSWEAR was developed in collaboration with MotorSkinsa startup specializing in wearable robotics, and also includes 3D-printed headrests, made with Carbon, which combine comfort and lightness, as well as a binaural audio system developed with KEF, which offers an immersive and personalized sound experience for each passenger.
This system allows you to improve the speed sounds, take advantage of the noise cancelling and enhance audio quality for entertainment.
At the heart of the system is the LOTUSWEAR Technology Line, a technology band that runs inside and outside the vehicle, integrating functions such as OLED displays for showing vehicle status information and data on other road users.
Furthermore, the Theory 1 is equipped with 360-degree hardware, with sensors and cameras that monitor the surrounding environment, ensuring safety in all driving conditions. The vehicle’s computing power is supported by Nvidia, which optimizes performance through adaptive parameters in real time.
The Lotus is also equipped with a steering system steer-by-wirewhich guarantees millimetric precision and optimal control when cornering, allowing you to adjust the steering response, speed and sensitivity.
La “Challenge of 10”
Lunga 4.49 m2 meters wide and 1.14 m high, the Theory 1 has angular surfaces and a very low nose, with proportions reminiscent of classic mid-engine supercars. The large aerodynamic appendages at the front and the thin headlights that extend into the wheel arches seem to combine the lines of a Bugatti with those typical of a Lamborghini.
Lotus
The final result, however, is original, also because the mix of materials used for its construction is unique. To keep the weight down to less than 1.600 kg (just under the size of an Audi RS 3, for example), Lotus has used lightweight materials such as carbon fibre, cellulose-based fibreglass, titanium and recycled skins derived from polyester, rubber and aluminium.
This particular choice is part of the “Challenge of 10” project, that is, Lotus’ decision to use only 10 main materials to build the car (compared to the 100 usually used).
Furthermore, the House has collaborated with Kyocera SLD Laser to develop an innovative laser lighting system, both for the interior and exterior of the vehicle with the aim of drastically reducing the weight and size of the components.
Lotus Theory 1 Concept, le gomme Pirelli P ZERO Elect
The Theory 1 uses pneumatic tires Pirelli P ZERO ELECT (265/35 R20 front and 325/ 30 R21 rear) which allow for an increase in battery life of up to 10% compared to traditional tyres and are already in use on Eletre and Emeya.
The Theory 1’s braking system was developed in collaboration with AP Racing, a long-standing partner of Lotus since the days of the 1967 Lotus 49, and features ultra-lightweight carbon-ceramic discs and forged aluminium Monoblock calipers.
Source: it.motor1.com
