Lotus' electric super SUV, Eletar, enters the ring

Lotus plans to expand beyond the world of lightweight sports cars with the launch of its first SUV, an electric performance product known as the Eletre, which we first saw in March.

With a market launch not scheduled until sometime in 2023, it is not surprising that Lotus is still testing the prototype. The SUV is shown being heavily tested, presumably in preparation for a lap time record attempt.

The fastest SUV in Nurburgring was the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, with a lap time of 7:38.93. The fastest EV was the Tycan Turbo S sedan, also by Porsche, with a lap time of 7:33.35.

Lotus has not yet revealed the full specs of the Eletre, but the SUV is expected to be more powerful than both Porsches. What we can confirm is that the entry-level model will feature a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain with at least 600 hp. Even this entry-level model will have a 0-60 mph time of less than 3 seconds and a top speed of 161 mph. However, a three-motor powertrain with over 900 hp is expected and could set a new record at the rink.

The Eleuthero is based on a modular EV platform called Electric Premium Architecture. At 200.9 inches long, it is longer than a Range Rover and closer to a full-size luxury sedan. Lotus has not revealed the weight of the Elettre, but the target vehicle weight is rumored to be around 4,400 pounds (nearly 1,000 pounds lighter than the Audi E-Tron and Tesla Model X).

The Eleuthero will go on sale in 2023, but a U.S. release date has not yet been set. However, it is expected to appear in the 2024 model year. Production will take place at a newly built plant in Wuhan, China, and will be the first model Lotus will produce outside of the UK. Lotus will also produce a four-door coupe and a small crossover at its Chinese plant starting in 2023 and 2025, respectively, while production of the sports car will take place at the company's home base in Hethel, England.