Enlarge / Lotus adopted up the Eletre S with a much more highly effective Eletre R. Lotus purists may not like how a lot mass it carries round. (credit score: Seyth Miersma)
The Lotus Eletre R is an electrical SUV with 900 hp (671 kW), a curb weight of roughly 5,820 lbs (2,640 kg), and a six-figure sticker worth. Should you’re a longstanding fan of the British model—go searching, is there a small mannequin of a race automotive within reach or Colin Chapman biography in your bookshelf?—that opening sentence doubtless causes some misery. If you’re like most People, nonetheless, a point out of “Lotus” is simply as prone to conjure up ideas of gardening as grands prix.
Therein lies the puzzle for an organization that’s in part one in every of a complete reinvention. Lotus vehicles have by no means bought notably properly, however for seven a long time now in the event you purchased one you knew what you have been getting: a minimalist sports activities automotive with a deal with excessive weight financial savings. Of us, the Eletre R ain’t that.
I believe it is extra essential to ask if this Lotus is any good, reasonably than arguing about whether or not or not it is a “actual Lotus.” The EV revolution could also be underway in earnest, but it surely’s not as if we’re awash in quasi-exotic electrical SUVs with outrageous energy outputs and difficult design language. Model apart, what does this automotive compete with, and does it have an opportunity to win?
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