Yahoo Autos Lotus Theory 1 Concept Is a Funky Electric Sports Car with 986 HP
Lotus revealed a tech-forward concept car called the Theory 1, marking the first entry in a new design study the brand is calling Lotus Theory.
The concept uses screens, projections, and a suite of haptic functions to interact with the driver.
The all-wheel-drive Theory 1 is an EV with 986 horsepower, and its powertrain provides a claimed zero-to-62-mph time of under 2.5 seconds.
As promised, Lotus has revealed a futuristic new concept car called the Theory 1 to showcase the brand's new Lotus Theory design-study series. The funky-looking concept aims to map out a new brand ideology Lotus calls "DNA," which stands for digital, natural, and analog.
Lotus Theory 1 Concept
The concept is built on an all-wheel-drive EV platform and features a 70.0 kWh battery that, along with the electric motors, is built as a stressed member of the car, removing the need for a subframe. While the Theory 1 is currently just a concept car, so its performance stats might be hyperbole, Lotus claims 986 horsepower, a zero-to-62-mph time of less than 2.5 seconds, and a top speed of 198 mph. The range is less impressive, with the relatively small battery estimated to provoide just 250 miles of driving range on a full charge, and that figure is based on the optimistic European WLTP cycle.
As you'd expect from Lotus, shaving weight off the concept was a big priority. Along with the integrated battery, the Theory 1 uses a recycled carbon tub and a body made of composite and polycarbonate. Lotus says the car tips the scales at under 3527 pounds. The rear wing is attached to the motor and suspension assembly, with the latter using a racing-inspired pull-rod setup and adaptive dampers. The concept's nose is designed to direct airflow through the underfloor and into the car's cooling system.
Lotus went a little crazy with the technology applications in the concept's interior. It's a three-seat car with a central driving position as seen on the McLaren F1 or Gordan Murray T.50. The software is where things get really weird. Lotus calls the new system "Lotuswear," and it makes use of haptic airbags and colorful lighting throughout the cabin to communicate with the driver and passengers. In a bizarre application that worries us about how Lotus views driving, the steering wheel can vibrate on the left and right sides to tell the driver when to turn. Apparently, audio and visual cues from the navigation system aren't good enough.
At the moment, Lotus has no plans to put the Theory 1 into production, but we expect to see some of its design elements find their way into future production models. Perhaps we'll see some similarities in the Lotus Type 135 that's expected to debut before the end of the decade.
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