It may not seem like it to the average person, but the automotive industry is extremely competitive. Just like in motorsports, car companies also need to be on top of their game to retain pole position. Unfortunately, even legends can fade into obscurity due to uncontrollable factors. Lotus deserves a hit and the Theory 1 might spark the hype it wants.
The British marque was once a major player in the sports car scene. The vehicles that used to roll out of their factory in Hethel, Norfolk were considered some of the most highly sought-after high-performance machines. Although the glory days are over, its next venture refocuses its resources into eco-friendly motoring.
Lotus was due for electrification. The switch from internal combustion engines to battery-electric systems already teases the Emeya R due to start production this year. However, the Theory 1 is a teaser of what’s possible as technology advances. For starters, the press release claims it “embodies the future of intelligent performance vehicles.”
As a unique selling point, the cockpit dynamically adjusts the ergonomics of the seats and communicates with both driver and passengers via haptic feedback with lighting. MotorSkins supplies the components and mechanisms that allow interior surfaces to reshape as needed.
It means the Theory 1 can potentially deliver the most immersive driving experience. It’s no slouch when it comes to performance either as Lotus targets an output of 1,000 horsepower with a top speed close to 200 mph.
It zips from zero to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds or less. The Theory 1 will likewise feature Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities. Four LiDAR sensors with six high-definition cameras feed data directly to an onboard NVIDIA Drive computer. Finally, range on a full charge is around 250 miles.
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Images courtesy of Lotus Cars
