Lotus Cars, the venerable British sports car manufacturer, has officially entered the Indian automotive landscape, marking a significant milestone in the country's luxury and sports car segments. With a legacy dating back to 1948 and a relentless commitment to engineering excellence, Lotus has transitioned into a global technology brand, focusing on new product categories. Exclusive Motors has been designated as the authorised representative for Lotus Cars across India, ushering in a new era of driving experiences for enthusiasts.
In a grand debut, Lotus introduces its Lifestyle EV models in India, emphasising technology and outright performance. The flagship model, the Eletre R, takes centre stage as the world's fastest dual-motor pure electric SUV, boasting a top speed of 165 mph (265 km/h) and an impressive acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 2.95 seconds.
The pricing for the Lotus Eletre lineup in India is as follows:
Lotus Eletre: INR 2.55 Cr Ex-Showroom PAN India
Lotus Eletre S: INR 2.75 Cr Ex-Showroom PAN India
Lotus Eletre R: INR 2.99 Cr Ex-Showroom PAN India
Lotus also plans to launch the Emira, its final internal combustion mid-engine sports car, in 2024. The Emira will offer two engine choices: an I4 2.0L turbocharged producing 360 HP with a DCT gearbox, and a V6 supercharged producing 400 HP with the option of a manual or automatic gearbox.
Satya Bagla, Managing Director of Exclusive Motors India, expressed views about bringing Lotus cars to India, emphasising a dedication to delivering bespoke experiences. He highlighted the fusion of technology and automotive artistry, offering a driving experience like no other.
The Eletre lineup comes in three versions: Eletre, Eletre S, and Eletre R, with two powertrain options. Notably, the Eletre R features a flagship 675 kW (905 hp) dual-speed system with a maximum range of 490 km (304 miles) and a rapid 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) performance of 2.95 seconds. The advanced 'digital cockpit' cabin on the Eletre, powered by Lotus Hyper OS, provides a seamless interactive experience, utilising 'Unreal Engine' technology for next-gen real-time 3D content.
Lotus has collaborated with Dolby to introduce Dolby Atmos, an immersive audio experience, in the Eletre. The car features a Digital Head Unit from ECARX, providing customizable displays and an ultra-slim floating one-billion-colour OLED touchscreen. The standard specifications include five drive modes, active air suspension, torque vectoring, matrix LED headlights, and deployable LIDAR technology for end-to-end autonomous driving (AD).
Eletre's offering eco-friendly alternatives to leather and 100 per cent recycled, recyclable man-made fibre in the interiors. The enhanced specification includes features like an active rear spoiler, configurable ambient lighting, and a 2,160-watt, 23-speaker KEF Reference Audio system.
With a wide range of option packs, Lotus Eletre customers can further customise their cars to suit their preferences. These packs include the Lotus Dynamic Handling Pack, Ceramic Brake Pack, Executive Seat Pack, Comfort Seat Pack, Carbon Fibre Pack, Extended Carbon Fibre Pack, Interior Carbon Fibre Pack, and two Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Packs.
Lotus Cars' debut in India promises a blend of luxury, performance, and technology, setting the stage for a thrilling driving experience for Indian enthusiasts.