Lotus Has Officially Confirmed the Return of One of Its Most Iconic Nameplates
Lotus has just made one of the most exciting sports car announcements of the year.
The legendary Lotus Esprit is officially coming back in 2028, and it is bringing two very different personalities with it.
Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng confirmed on the company earnings call on August 27, 2026, that the new Esprit will be offered with two hybrid powertrain options. A V6 hybrid and a V8 hybrid.
This is a significant shift from earlier reports. The Type 135 project (the internal name for the new Esprit) was originally planned as a fully electric supercar.
Lotus has now returned to combustion power. Or more accurately hybrid combustion power that keeps the emotional character of an engine while adding modern electric assistance.
For serious sports car enthusiasts, this is genuinely important news. The V6 hybrid in particular is a rare bit of good news for lightweight sports car fans who feared Lotus had lost its way.
Quick Specs Table
Here is everything we know about the new Esprit so far.
| Specification | Details |
| Model Name | Lotus Esprit (Type 135 project) |
| Body Style | Mid-engine sports supercar coupe |
| Powertrain Options | V6 hybrid or V8 hybrid |
| V6 Engine | 3.0 litre twin-turbocharged (Horse Powertrain) |
| V6 Estimated Power | Around 536 hp with electric assist |
| V8 Engine | Twin-turbocharged V8 (Horse Powertrain, under Geely) |
| V8 Estimated Power | Around 1,000 hp combined |
| Weight Target | Under 1,500 kg (3,306 lbs) |
| Original Plan | Fully electric supercar (later revised) |
| Development Phase | Under active development |
| Owner | Geely Group |
| CEO | Feng Qingfeng |
| Confirmation Date | August 27, 2026, Lotus earnings call |
| Expected Launch | 2028 |
| Expected UAE Price | Estimated AED 550,000 to 1,100,000 depending on variant |
| Direct Rivals | Ferrari 296 GTB, McLaren Artura, Porsche 911 Turbo S |
What Is the Lotus Esprit Type 135
The new Esprit is internally known at Lotus as the Type 135 project.
Where it sits in the modern Lotus lineup:
- Below the electric Evija hypercar
- Above the Emira sports car
- A true mid-engine supercar in the classic Lotus tradition
- The Esprit name carries incredible weight in sports car history
- Original Esprit produced from 1976 to 2004
- Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro
- Famously featured in the James Bond films The Spy Who Loved Me and For Your Eyes Only
- Widely regarded as one of the most iconic sports car designs of all trim
The new Esprit therefore has to do something extraordinarily difficult. Live up to that legacy while adapting to a modern electrified performance world.
Two Powertrains the Big News
The confirmation of two different powertrain options is the biggest story here.
| Variant | Engine | Estimated Power | Positioning |
| Esprit V6 Hybrid | 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 + Electric | Around 536 hp | Lightweight enthusiast variant |
| Esprit V8 Hybrid | Twin-Turbo V8 + Electric | Around 1,000 hp | Flagship Ferrari-fighter variant |
The V8 hybrid was confirmed first earlier in the year. It targets Ferrari 296 GTB and McLaren Artura territory.
The V6 hybrid is the new announcement. And it may be the smarter play for the classic Lotus buyer.
The V8 Hybrid the Ferrari Fighter
The V8 hybrid variant was the first powertrain option confirmed.
V8 hybrid details:
- Twin turbocharged V8 combustion engine
- Electric motor assistance
- Peak combined power around 1,000 horsepower
- Engine developed by Horse Powertrain (under Geely Group)
Positioning:
- Direct rival to Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale and McLaren 750S levels of performance
- Halo car for the entire modern Lotus range
- Aiming to establish Lotus in the upper tier of supercar performance
Lotus faced considerable engineering challenges to keep V8 weight down. That is a big part of why the V6 option was added to the plan.
The V6 Hybrid the Real Lotus Story
Here is why the V6 hybrid confirmation matters so much.
The V6 hybrid is expected to use the same powertrain as the current Lotus Emira V6.
V6 hybrid expected details:
- 3.0 litre twin turbocharged combustion engine
- Lightweight electric motor assistance
- Around 536 horsepower
- Around 536 lb ft of torque
- Significantly lighter than the V8 hybrid variant
Why the V6 might be the smarter Lotus choice:
- Lotus itself has publicly targeted a weight goal of under 1,500 kg (3,306 lbs)
- The V6 hybrid will make hitting that target much easier
- Lower emissions than the V8 variant
- Better weight distribution potential
- Truer to the Lotus lightweight sports car ethos
- Likely more affordable than the V8 variant
This is a rare, good news moment for hardcore Lotus fans who worried the brand was drifting toward brute force horsepower rather than the lightweight engineering it built its reputation on.
Under Geely How Lotus Has Changed
The context matters here.
Lotus is now owned by Geely Group the Chinese automotive giant that also owns Volvo, Polestar, Zeekr and Smart.
- Under Geely Lotus has expanded aggressively
- Massive investment in modern EV platforms
- Launch of the Emeya electric grand tourer
- Launch of the Eletre electric SUV
- Continued development of the Evija hypercar
- Complete brand modernisation
The engines for the new Esprit are being developed by Horse Powertrain.
What Horse Powertrain is:
- A joint venture created by Geely and Renault
- Specialises in combustion and hybrid powertrain development
- Also supplies engines to other manufacturers
- Represents a genuine commitment to continuing internal combustion in a strategic way
From All Electric to Hybrid the Big U Turn
Perhaps the most significant part of this story is what did not happen.
The original plan:
- The Type 135 project was initially conceived as an all-electric supercar
- A pure EV Esprit that would take on the electric hypercars of the mid 2020s
- Positioned as Lotus modern electric interpretation of a legendary nameplate
What changed:
- Lotus went back to the drawing board
- Realigned itself with what made the brand special in the first place
- Recognised that internal combustion engines are staying relevant for the foreseeable future
- Chose to keep the emotional character of a combustion engine
Why it matters:
- Enthusiasts had been increasingly worried about pure electric supercars losing character
- The Lotus decision reflects a broader industry shift
- Several other brands have also revised their electrification timelines
- Confirms that combustion engines are still viable in the highest performance segment
Lotus is now one of many brands walking back the pure electric future they promised a few years ago.
The Lotus Lightweight Philosophy in Modern Terms
Lotus was built on a very specific philosophy.
The classic Lotus approach:
- Add lightness rather than power
- Small displacement engines with strong power to weight ratios
- Sharp handling above all else
- Emotional driving experience through balance rather than brute force
- Modern Lotus reality
- Under new management the ethos has shifted slightly
- More willingness to add horsepower to compete with modern supercars
- Higher weight targets than the classic Elise and Exige era
- Still committed to lightness but not at the historic 900 kg territory
- The 1,500 kg weight target for the new Esprit is a compromise
- Heavier than a classic Lotus by a wide margin
- But much lighter than direct rivals like the Ferrari 296 GTB (1,470 kg dry) or McLaren Artura (1,395 kg dry)
- Aggressive by modern hybrid supercar standards
The V6 hybrid variant is the version most likely to hit this weight target comfortably.
Positioning Against Direct Rivals
The new Esprit enters a very competitive part of the supercar market.
Main hybrid supercar rivals:
- Ferrari 296 GTB with 819 hp from a 3.0L V6 hybrid
- McLaren Artura with 690 hp from a 3.0L V6 hybrid
- Porsche 911 Turbo S (non-hybrid but similar segment)
- Future McLaren W1 with 1,258 hp from V8 hybrid
- Future Ferrari F80 with 1,183 hp from V6 hybrid
Where the Esprit fits:
- V6 hybrid targets 296 GTB and Artura level buyers
- V8 hybrid targets buyers who want closer to hypercar performance
- Lotus badge and lightweight engineering as key differentiators
- Likely priced somewhat below equivalent Ferrari and McLaren rivals
This dual pricing strategy is smart. It allows Lotus to fight two very different battles with one platform.
Design Expectations What We Know So Far
Lotus has released a teaser image of the Type 135 project.
Design expectations:
- Modern interpretation of the original Esprit iconic wedge shape
- Sharp angular lines echoing the Giugiaro original
- Modern aerodynamic details for downforce and cooling
- Mid-engine layout
- Low roofline
- Contemporary Lotus design language shared with the Emira
- Likely to feature active aerodynamic elements at the higher trim levels
The design brief will be difficult. The original Esprit is one of the most iconic sports car shapes of all time. The new car needs to feel like a genuine successor while also being modern.
Expected UAE Pricing and Availability
Lotus has not confirmed UAE specific pricing yet.
Expected pricing based on typical Lotus positioning:
- V6 hybrid variant expected around AED 550000 to 700000
- V8 hybrid variant expected around AED 900000 to 1,100000
- Well specified V8 hybrid could exceed AED 1,200000
How this compares in the UAE market:
- Lotus Emira V6 currently sells in UAE from around AED 380000
- Ferrari 296 GTB in UAE from around AED 1,100000
- McLaren Artura in UAE from around AED 1,050000
- Porsche 911 Turbo S in UAE from around AED 850000
The Esprit V6 hybrid could arrive as one of the most competitive mid-engine hybrid supercars in the UAE market on pricing alone.
Timeline What Happens Next
Lotus has confirmed 2028 as the target launch year.
Expected timeline:
- Late 2026 into 2027 Development testing continues
- Mid 2027 Design reveals and first press preview drives
- Late 2027 to 2028 Official global unveiling
- 2028 European deliveries begin
- Late 2028 UAE deliveries expected
Reservations through Lotus UAE dealer will likely open in late 2027 for existing Lotus clients.
What This Means for the UAE Sports Car Market
The Lotus brand has been building a stronger UAE presence in recent years.
UAE Lotus market context:
- Emira has established Lotus as a serious modern sports car brand in the UAE
- Eletre and Emeya electric models bringing luxury Lotus experience to new buyers
- Growing UAE Lotus enthusiast community
- Track events at Yas Marina Circuit and Dubai Autodrome creating brand engagement
Why the new Esprit matters for UAE buyers:
- Genuine mid-engine supercar option at a price point below Ferrari and McLaren
- Two powertrains to choose based on driving style
- Modern hybrid technology with strong performance credentials
- Historic nameplate with genuine motoring pedigree
- UAE roads and track days perfect for a lightweight supercar
For buyers currently looking at Emira but wanting something more powerful, the Esprit will be a natural next step.
Should You Wait or Buy Now
This is the key question for UAE sports car enthusiasts.
Wait for the new Esprit if:
- You want the very latest Lotus supercar technology
- You value the historic Esprit nameplate
- You are prepared to wait until late 2028 or 2029 for UAE availability
- You want the choice between V6 lightness or V8 flagship performance
Buy now instead if:
- You need a proper sports car within the next 12 to 18 months
- You want proven current models like the Lotus Emira Ferrari 296 GTB McLaren Artura or Porsche 911
- You are worried about first year new model issues
- You prefer established resale value patterns
For many UAE buyers, the smart strategy will be to move into a current sports car now and reassess the Esprit once it has been on the road for a year or two.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the 2028 Lotus Esprit launch?
Lotus has confirmed a 2028 launch timeline. UAE deliveries are expected in late 2028 or early 2029 through Lotus UAE dealers.
What engines will the new Esprit have?
Two hybrid powertrains have been confirmed. A V6 hybrid using the same 3.0 litre twin turbocharged engine as the Emira and a V8 hybrid targeting around 1,000 horsepower.
How much power will the Esprit have?
The V6 hybrid is expected to be around 536 hp based on the Emira V6 powertrain. The V8 hybrid is expected to be around 1,000 hp combined.
Who builds the engines for the new Esprit?
The V6 and V8 engines are built by Horse Powertrain. This is a Geely and Renault joint venture that specialises in modern combustion and hybrid powertrains.
Was the Esprit originally planned as an electric car?
Yes. The Type 135 project was initially planned as a fully electric supercar. Lotus reverted to hybrid combustion power after realigning with the brand identity and market conditions.
How much will the 2028 Lotus Esprit cost in the UAE?
Estimated pricing places the V6 hybrid variant around AED 550,000 to 700,000 and the V8 hybrid variant around AED 900,000 to 1,100,000. Final pricing will be confirmed closer to launch.
What weight target has Lotus set for the new Esprit?
Lotus has publicly targeted a weight of under 1,500 kg or 3,306 lbs. The V6 hybrid variant will make hitting this target easier than the V8 variant.
Who is the CEO of Lotus?
Feng Qingfeng is the CEO of Lotus. He confirmed the twin powertrain Esprit strategy on the Lotus earnings call on August 27, 2026.
Used Sports Car Options in Dubai While You Wait
The new Esprit will not arrive in UAE showrooms until late 2028 at the earliest.
If you want a proper sports car in the meantime, the UAE market has strong options. used cars in Dubai include recent Lotus Emira Porsche 911 Cayman McLaren 570S BMW M cars and other outstanding driver focused sports cars at competitive prices with immediate availability.
Thinking of Upgrading Your Own Sports Car
If you already own a sports car and the new Esprit is on your list, this is a good moment to start planning.
You can easily sell your car and put the value directly toward your Esprit reservation when Lotus UAE opens orders in late 2027. Sports car values in the UAE remain strong right now, and a proper valuation takes only 15 minutes. It often surprises owners with a higher number than expected.
Final Thoughts
The confirmation of the 2028 Lotus Esprit with both V6 and V8 hybrid options is one of the most exciting sports car announcements of the year.
Lotus has done something important here. Instead of forcing every buyer toward the same 1,000 horsepower V8 hybrid supercar they have created two distinct Esprit experiences. One focused on outright performance. One focused on the lightweight balance driven Lotus ethos that made the brand legendary in the first place.
The V6 hybrid in particular feels like the true modern Lotus. Lighter, more affordable, more focused on driving purity.
For UAE sports car enthusiasts, the return of the Esprit is a real event. The legendary nameplate.
Modern hybrid engineering. Genuine mid-engine supercar architecture. And Geely investment giving Lotus the resources it never had before.
The waiting game begins now. Late 2028 UAE deliveries feel like a long way off but for a car this important with this much heritage the wait may well be worth it.
The Esprit is back. And Lotus finally has the platform freedom to build a proper modern successor to one of the greatest sports cars of all time.
