Lotus is set to bring back one of its most iconic nameplates with an all-new mid-engined supercar that could produce more than 1,000hp. The model will also bring back the Esprit badge and will arrive in 2028 as part of the company’s Focus 2030 roadmap.
The new supercar will signal a major change in Lotus’ product strategy away from an all-electric future. Nestled between the Emira sports car and the electric Evija, the next Esprit is expected to combine traditional combustion engine performance with electrification.
Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng has given some early details about the project (a hybrid V8 powertrain is possible; a V6-powered derivative is also reportedly being considered). The company hasn’t revealed the final technical specs or production design yet.
Lotus Esprit: The Legendary Nameplate Returns
The Esprit name has a lot of history in Lotus’s story. The mid-engined, Rear Wheel Drive sports car was produced between 1976 and 2004 (five generations over nearly 30 years).
The early versions had four-cylinder engines; a V8 version was later added to the line at the end of production. The original Esprit also became known for its styling and pop-up headlights, which made several sports cars of its time instantly recognisable.
The new model will presumably have the mid-engine layout but design and engineering will be much more modern. Lotus hasn’t released any official images of the production car so nothing is known about its styling yet.
Aerodynamic efficiency, performance and lightweight engineering are likely to be the brand’s priorities but pop-up headlights (a classic Esprit feature) seems unlikely now with modern vehicles and safety standards.
Hybrid V8 Engine Could Produce More Than 1,000hp
One of the biggest surprises of the Esprit is its powertrain. Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng has said that the company is developing a mid-mounted hybrid V8 setup for the supercar.
The system could produce more than 1000hp and put the new Esprit in supercar territory. Lotus is also looking at a V6-powered version but hasn’t said if it will make production.
The V6 option could use engine technology from Horse (the joint venture between Geely and Renault that specialises in combustion powertrains).
The hybrid V8 is expected to be the flagship model but Lotus hasn’t revealed details about engine displacement, electric motor layout, battery capacity, transmission or performance figures.
Platform and Architecture Details Yet to Be Revealed
Lotus hasn’t yet revealed which platform will underpin the next Esprit.
The Evija’s Extreme platform was designed for battery electric vehicles so it is less likely to be used for a combustion-powered hybrid supercar; the Emira’s Elemental architecture is meant for four and six-cylinder engines.
Lotus had already said in November 2025 that it was looking at V8 engine for the Emira. The new Esprit will, however, get a more advanced hybrid powertrain.
The platform choice will also determine how Lotus balances engine performance with electric assistance, weight distribution and handling.
Expected Launch Timeline
Lotus has confirmed that the new Esprit will be released in 2028. An official reveal could happen next year (2027) before it’s released to market (2028), though the company hasn’t given a specific date yet.
As development continues more details about design, platform and powertrain will be revealed.
If the hybrid V8 proposed for the next Esprit produces that output, then it could well be one of Lotus’ most powerful road cars. For now though, the revival is still an upcoming project and several production specifications are yet to be confirmed officially.
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