Lotus Launches ‘Focus 2030’ Strategy, to Unveil V8 Hybrid Supercar in 2028

Lotus officially released its “Focus 2030” strategy today.

The plan revolves around four pillars: brand strengthening, a multi-powertrain roadmap, global collaboration, and financial discipline.

All-new V8 hybrid supercar Type 135

First of all, as the world’s first sports car brand to fully cover three major powertrain systems – internal combustion, pure electric, and super hybrid – Lotus announced that it will launch the Type 135, a supercar featuring a newly developed V8 hybrid powertrain, in 2028.

The design of this model is inspired by the 2024 Theory 1 pure electric concept car. The production version retains classic supercar proportions and features large exhaust outlets at the rear. The new car is expected to inherit the iconic Esprit name.

Lotus officially stated that it will continue exploring the possibility of applying F1-derived MGU-H electric turbocharging and pre-chamber combustion technology to the production version of the Type 135.

It is reported that the Type 135 is planned to be produced in Europe, with more details to be announced later this year.

Multi-powertrain roadmap

In terms of powertrain strategy, Lotus plans to advance in parallel across internal combustion, hybrid, and pure electric vehicles. Its short-term target is a production mix of approximately 60% plug-in hybrid vehicles and 40% pure electric vehicles.

Notably, the Luyao Super Hybrid Technology, a core highlight of “Focus 2030”, has already been first applied in the global model Lotus For Me.

This model is equipped with a 900V Luyao super hybrid architecture, with total system power of 952 hp. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, and even under extreme conditions with only 10% battery remaining, it still achieves 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. Its combined range exceeds 1,400 kilometers.

The model is currently performing strongly in the Chinese market. Priced from 508,000 RMB, it has received over 1,000 orders within just one month of launch, with the SE special edition accounting for more than 70% of orders and repurchase rates among existing owners reaching 20%. According to the plan, deliveries in the European market are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Global collaboration

At the business level, Focus 2030 also places greater emphasis on financial sustainability.

Public data shows that Lotus Technology delivered a total of 6,520 vehicles in 2025, achieving total revenue of 519 million US dollars. Its service revenue exceeded 56 million US dollars, representing a year-on-year increase of 69%. The gross margin for the full year improved to 9%, while operating loss narrowed by 46% year-on-year.

Lotus officially stated that its goal is to achieve annual global sales of 30,000 vehicles once the full product lineup stabilizes, which would support the company in reaching sustainable profitability.

Under the latest strategy, Lotus stated that the Chinese market will serve as a growth engine for sales, the European market will provide a diverse mix of powertrains rooted in the brand’s genetic and British engineering heritage, and North America will focus strategically on sports car products.

At the same time, to unify the brand and reduce costs, Lotus will integrate Lotus Cars UK with Lotus Technology, and the integration work will be completed within this year.