Editing Lotus Cars

{{Short description|British multinational manufacturer of sports cars and electric lifestyle vehicles}}
{{More citations needed|date=February 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2014}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2014}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Lotus Group
| traded_as = {{NASDAQ|LOT}}
| logo = Lotus Cars logo.svg
| logo_size = 130px
| logo_caption = Lotus logo (2019)
| image = Lotus Headquarters.jpg
| image_size = 
| image_alt = 
| image_caption = 
| native_name_lang = en
| type = [[Public]] 
| genre = 
| foundation = {{start date and age|1952}}
| founder = [[Colin Chapman]]
| location_city = [[Hethel]], [[Norfolk]]
| location_country = [[England]], [[United Kingdom]]
| location = 
| key_people = {{Plainlist|
*Qingfeng Feng ([[CEO]])
*Alexious Lee ([[CFO]])
*Mike Johnstone ([[Chief Commercial Officer|CCO]])
}}
| area_served = Worldwide
| industry = [[Automotive industry|Automotive]]
| products = [[Automobiles]]
| services = 
| production = {{increase}} 6,970 units<ref name="lotus2023">{{cite web |title=Lotus Technology Reports Unaudited Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results |url=https://media.lotuscars.com/en/news-articles/lotus-technology-reports-unaudited-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2023-financial-results.html |website=media.lotuscars.com |publisher=Lotus Cars Media Site |access-date=13 April 2024}}</ref> (2023)
| revenue = {{increase}} $679 million<ref name="lotus2023" />
| revenue_year = 2023
| operating_income = 
| net_income = 
| num_employees = 1,385 (2021)<ref>{{cite book |last1=Lotus Cars Ltd |title=Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2021}}</ref>
| parent = [[Geely Holding]] (51%) <br />Etika Automotive (49%)
| divisions = 
| subsid = 
| homepage = {{URL|lotuscars.com}}
| footnotes = 
}}

'''Lotus Group''' (also known as '''Lotus Cars''') is a British multinational automotive manufacturer of luxury sports cars and electric vehicles.

Lotus Group is composed of three primary entities. '''Lotus Cars''', a high-performance sports car company, is based in [[Hethel]], [[Norfolk]]. '''Lotus Tech''', an all-electric lifestyle vehicle company, headquartered in [[Wuhan]], China, and operates regional facilities in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Germany.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=About Lotus - Lotus Cars Media Site |url=https://media.lotuscars.com/en/about/about-lotus-2.html |access-date=2023-09-28 |website=media.lotuscars.com}}</ref> Additionally, '''Lotus Engineering''', an engineering consultancy firm, is headquartered at the Lotus Advanced Technology Centre (LATC) located at the [[University of Warwick|University of Warwick's]] [[Wellesbourne]] Campus.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Lotus Advanced Technology Centre at Wellesbourne |url=https://warwick.ac.uk/business/case-studies/lotus-advanced-technology-centre-wellesbourne/ |access-date=2023-10-02 |website=warwick.ac.uk}}</ref>

Lotus was founded and owned for many years by [[Colin Chapman]]. After his death and a period of financial instability, it was bought by [[General Motors]], then [[Romano Artioli]] and then [[DRB-HICOM]] through its subsidiary [[PROTON Holdings|Proton]], which owned Lotus from 1996 to 2017. Lotus is currently majority-owned by Chinese multinational [[Geely]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lotus sold to Geely, Syed Mokhtar's Etika for £100m |url=https://theedgemalaysia.com/article/lotus-sold-geely-syed-mokhtars-etika-%C2%A3100m |access-date=2023-09-01 |website=The Edge Malaysia}}</ref> Between 2017 and 2025, Lotus traded as '''Lotus NYO''' in China due to a trademark dispute with [[Youngman]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2023-01-18 |title=Why Lotus has a different name in China |url=https://all-car-news.com/en/why-lotus-has-a-different-name-in-china/ |access-date=2023-10-04 |website=All cars news |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Andrews |first=Mark |date=2025-01-01 |title=Lotus regains right to name in China as brand has record sales in December |url=https://carnewschina.com/2025/01/01/lotus-regains-right-to-name-in-china-as-lotus-has-record-sales-in-december/ |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=CarNewsChina.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

Lotus was previously involved in [[Formula One]] racing, via [[Team Lotus]], winning the Formula One World Championship seven times. Notable Lotus cars include the [[Lotus Seven]], the [[Lotus Elan|Elan]], the [[Lotus Esprit|Esprit]] and the [[Lotus Elise|Elise]].

== History ==
=== Early years ===
The company was formed in 1952 as Lotus Engineering Ltd. by [[Colin Chapman]]  but had earlier origins in 1948 when Chapman built his first trials car in a garage.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lotuscars.com/lotus-1948-1950s-heritage|website=lotuscars.com|title=Lotus Heritage|access-date=8 March 2019|archive-date=12 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912200049/http://www.lotuscars.com/lotus-1948-1950s-heritage|url-status=dead}}</ref> The four letters in the middle of the logo represent Chapman's full name, Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman. When the logo was created, Chapman's original partners Michael and Nigel Allen were allegedly told that the letters stood for Colin Chapman and the Allen Brothers.<ref name=":2" />{{clarify |date=August 2016 |reason=Was "formed" by two men; "founded" by one man; but four original partners?}}

The first factory was situated in old stables behind the Railway Hotel in [[Hornsey]], North London. [[Team Lotus]], which was split from Lotus Engineering in 1954, was active and competitive in [[Formula One]] racing from 1958 to 1994. The Lotus Group of Companies was formed in 1959. This was composed of Lotus Cars Limited and Lotus Components Limited, which focused on road cars and customer competition-car production, respectively. Lotus Components Limited became Lotus Racing Limited in 1971, but the newly renamed entity ceased operation that same year.<ref name="gglotus">[http://www.gglotus.org/ggrace/ggfaq/general.html Golden Gate Lotus Club] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601003656/http://www.gglotus.org/ggrace/ggfaq/general.html |date=1 June 2019 }} Retrieved 1 May 2008</ref>

The company moved to a purpose-built factory at [[Cheshunt, Hertfordshire|Cheshunt]] in 1959,<ref>[http://www.historiclotusregister.co.uk/history/history.htm Lotus cars Cheshunt] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080101075656/http://www.historiclotusregister.co.uk/history/history.htm |date=1 January 2008 }}. Retrieved 26 December 2007.</ref> and since 1966 it has occupied a modern factory and road test facility at [[Hethel]], near [[Wymondham]] in [[Norfolk]]. The site is a former [[World War II]] airfield, [[RAF Hethel]], and the test track uses sections of the old runway.

In its early days, Lotus sold cars aimed at private racers and trialists. Its early road cars could be bought as kits in order to save on [[purchase tax]]. The kit car era ended in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with the [[Lotus Elan]] Plus Two as the first Lotus road car not offered in kit form, and the [[Lotus Eclat]] and [[Lotus Elite]] of the mid-1970s were offered only in factory-built versions.

After the Lotus Elite of the 1950s, which featured a complete fibreglass monocoque fitted with built-in steel pickup points for mounting major components, Lotus found critical and sales success in the 1960s with the Lotus Elan. This two-seater was later developed to two-plus-two form (Elan +2S). Lotus was notable for its use of fibreglass bodies, backbone chassis and overhead camshaft engines, initially supplied by [[Coventry Climax]] but later replaced by Lotus-Ford units ([[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] block, Lotus head and twin-cam valve gear). Lotus also worked with Ford on the [[Lotus Cortina]], a successful sports [[Sedan (automobile)|saloon]].

Another Lotus of the late 1960s and early 1970s was the two-seater [[Lotus Europa]], initially intended only for the European market, which paired a backbone chassis and lightweight body with a mid-mounted [[Renault]] engine, later upgraded to the Lotus-Ford twin-cam unit as used in the Elan.

The [[Lotus Seven]], originating in the 1950s as a simple, lightweight open two-seater. continued in production into the early 1970s. Lotus sold the rights to produce the Seven to [[Caterham Cars|Caterham]], which has continued to produce the car since then.

By the mid-1970s, Lotus sought to move upmarket with the launch of the Elite and Eclat models, four-seaters aimed at prosperous buyers, with features such as optional air conditioning and automatic transmissions. The mid-engine line continued with the [[Lotus Esprit]], which became one of the company's longest-lived and most iconic models. Lotus developed its own series of four-cylinder [[DOHC]] engines, the [[Lotus 900 series]], and later a [[V8]], and [[turbocharged]] versions of the engines appeared in the Esprit.

Variants of the 900-series engine were supplied for the [[Jensen Healey]] [[sports car]] and the Sunbeam Lotus "hot hatchback". In the 1980s, Lotus collaborated with [[Vauxhall Motors]] to produce the [[Lotus Carlton]], the fastest roadgoing Vauxhall car.

===Financial troubles, death of Chapman===
By 1980, Group Lotus was in serious financial trouble. Production had dropped from 1,200 units per year to a mere 383. This situation resulted from the worldwide economic [[recession]] combined with the virtual collapse of sales in the American market and limited development of the model range.<ref name=LEWFinChap/>

In early 1982, Chapman forged an agreement with [[Toyota]] to exchange intellectual property and applied expertise. As a result, Lotus Engineering helped develop the Mk2 [[Toyota Supra]], also known as the [[Toyota Celica XX]]. The partnership also allowed Lotus to launch the new [[Lotus Excel]] to replace the ageing [[Lotus Eclat]]. Using drivetrain and other components build by Toyota enabled Lotus to sell the Excel for £1,109 less than the outgoing Eclat.<ref name=LEWFinChap>{{cite web|url=http://www.lotusespritworld.com/EHistory/ChapmanLastYears.html|title=The Final Chapman Years|publisher=LotusEspritWorld.com|access-date=14 July 2012}}</ref>

Looking to reenter the North American market, Chapman was approached by young law professor and investment banking consultant Joe Bianco, who proposed a new and separate American sales company for Lotus.<ref name="ForbesBianco">{{cite web |url=https://people.forbes.com/profile/joseph-bianco/143017 |title=Joseph Bianco Profile - Forbes.com |date=19 December 1983 |access-date=9 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313202336/https://people.forbes.com/profile/joseph-bianco/143017 |archive-date=13 March 2012}}</ref> By creating an unprecedented tax-incentivised mechanism by which each investor received a personalised Lotus Turbo Esprit, the new American company, Lotus Performance Cars Inc. (LPCI), was able to provide fresh capital to Group Lotus in the United Kingdom. Former [[Ferrari]] North America general manager John Spiech was recruited to run LPCI, which imported the remarkable [[Giugiaro]]-designed Turbo Esprit for the first time. American sales began to quickly jump into six figures annually.<ref>Car and Driver, "Lotus Lives", April 1983</ref>

Chapman died of a heart attack on 16 December 1982 at the age of 54. At the time, both Chapman and Lotus were linked to the [[DeLorean Motor Company]] scandal regarding the use of [[UK Government]] subsidies for the production of the [[DMC DeLorean]], for which Lotus had designed the chassis. Chasing large sums of money that had disappeared from the DeLorean company, Lotus was besieged by [[Inland Revenue]] inspectors, who imposed an £84 million legal "protective assessment" on the company.<ref name="TelgWickinsObit">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1541089/David-Wickins.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1541089/David-Wickins.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Obituary – David Wickins|newspaper=[[Daily Telegraph]]|date=31 January 2007|access-date=14 July 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref> At the trial of Lotus accountant Fred Bushell, the judge insisted that had Chapman lived, he would have received a sentence "of at least 10 years."<ref>{{cite book|last=Lawrence|first=Mike|title=Wayward Genius|year=2002|publisher=Breedon Books}}</ref>

With Group Lotus near bankruptcy in 1983, [[David Wickins]], the founder of [[British Car Auctions]], agreed to become the new company chairman through an introduction by his friend [[Mark Thatcher]].<ref name="TelgWickinsObit" /> Taking a combined 29% BCA/personal stake in Group Lotus,<ref name="LEWToy" /> Wickins negotiated with Inland Revenue and recruited new investors: [[merchant bank]] [[Schroders|Schroeder-Wagg]] (14%),<ref name="LEWToy" /> [[Michael Ashcroft]]'s [[Bermuda|Bermudian]] operating company Benor (14%)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2000/jan/16/thatcher.uk1|title=Ashcroft's Lotus position|author=Andy McSmith and Ben Laurance|newspaper=[[The Observer]]|date=16 January 2000|access-date=14 July 2012}}</ref> and [[Anthony Bamford|Sir Anthony Bamford]] of [[J. C. Bamford|JCB]] (12%).<ref name="LEWToy">{{cite web|url=http://www.lotusespritworld.com/EHistory/ToyotaGM.html|title=The Toyota and GM Link|publisher=LotusEspritWorld.com|access-date=14 July 2012}}</ref> Wickins oversaw a complete turnaround in the company's fortunes, for which he was dubbed "the saviour of Lotus."<ref name="TelgWickinsObit" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gethampshire.co.uk/news/s/2007738_auctions_magnate_began_by_selling_just_one_old_car |title=Auctions magnate began by selling just one old car |publisher=GetHampshire.co.uk |date=13 February 2007 |access-date=14 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623102205/http://www.gethampshire.co.uk/news/s/2007738_auctions_magnate_began_by_selling_just_one_old_car |archive-date=23 June 2013 }}</ref>

===International ownership===
[[File:Final assembly.jpg|thumb|Lotus final assembly]]
Despite having employed designer [[Peter Stevens (car designer)|Peter Stevens]] to revamp the range and design two new concept cars,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.peterstevensdesign.co.uk/welcome/biography-|title=Peter Stevens &#124; Biography|website=www.peterstevensdesign.co.uk|access-date=23 June 2020}}</ref> by 1985 the British investors recognised that they lacked the capital to fund production and sought to find a buyer.<ref name=LEWToy/> In January 1986, Wickins oversaw the majority sale of the Group Lotus companies and 100% of North American–based LPCI to [[General Motors Corporation|General Motors]].<ref name=LEWToy/> After four months, Toyota sold GM its stake. By October 1986, GM had acquired a 91% stake in Group Lotus for £22.7 million, which allowed GM to legally force the company buyout.<ref name=LEWToy/>

On 27 August 1993, GM sold the company for £30 million, to A.C.B.N. Holdings S.A. of [[Luxembourg]], a company controlled by Italian businessman [[Romano Artioli]], who also owned [[Bugatti#Bugatti Automobili SpA|Bugatti Automobili SpA]]. In 1996, a majority share in Lotus was sold to Malaysian car company [[PROTON Holdings|Proton]].

Lotus Cars was awarded the [[Queen's Award for Enterprise]] for contribution to international trade, one of 85 companies receiving the recognition in that category in 2002. Lotus cars wore the badge of the award for several years.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Queen's Awards for Enterprise 2002: international trade – Focus: Queen's Awards |newspaper=The Times |publisher=Times Newspapers Limited  |location=London |format=NewsBank |date=22 April 2002 |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:LTIB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0F92034CC007C0A6&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0EAD847D4966C8AF |access-date=14 February 2011 }}</ref>

On 24 May 2017, Chinese multinational [[Geely]] announced that it was taking a 51% controlling stake in Lotus.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.topgear.com/car-news/chinese-car-giant-geely-has-bought-lotus|title=Chinese car giant Geely has bought Lotus|website=topgear.com|date=24 May 2017 |access-date=25 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/2017/05/24/autos/lotus-geely-china-proton/index.html|title=Lotus has been purchased by Chinese automaker Geely|first=Alec|last=Macfarlane|date=24 May 2017|website=CNNMoney|access-date=25 May 2017}}</ref> The remaining 49% was acquired by [[Etika Automotive]], a holding company of Proton's major shareholder [[Syed Mokhtar Albukhary]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Anthony Lim |url=https://paultan.org/2017/05/24/drb-hicom-to-sell-lotus-in-its-entirety-for-100-million-geely-to-acquire-51-etika-automotive-to-buy-49/ |title=DRB-Hicom to sell Lotus in its entirety for £100 million – Geely to acquire 51%, Etika Automotive to buy 49% |publisher=Driven Communications |date=24 May 2017 |access-date=27 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527074901/https://paultan.org/2017/05/24/drb-hicom-to-sell-lotus-in-its-entirety-for-100-million-geely-to-acquire-51-etika-automotive-to-buy-49/ |archive-date=27 May 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In January 2021, Geely announced a joint venture with [[Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance]] and its [[Automobiles Alpine|Alpine]] division to develop a range of electric performance cars sharing some of their future platforms.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.autoblog.com/2021/01/14/alpine-lotus-electric-sports-car/| title = Alpine joins forces with Lotus to develop an electric sports car | access-date=January 23, 2021 | work=Autoblog |date=Jan 14, 2021 |first=Ronan |last=Glon }}</ref> In April 2021, Lotus announced plans to produce only electric cars by 2028 and increase production numbers from around 1,500 per annum to tens of thousands. Geely and Etika Automotive provided two billion pounds (US$2.8 billion) to fund the changes.<ref name="electric">{{cite news |last=Carey |first=Nick |date=April 27, 2021 |title=British sports carmaker Lotus aims to expand, go all-electric by 2028 |url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/british-sports-carmaker-lotus-aims-111657140.html |website=Yahoo News |agency=Reuters |location=London |access-date=April 27, 2021}}</ref>

Lotus Technology, the electric-vehicle division of Lotus, which has a different ownership structure (30% by Etika and the rest by Geely and Nio Capital), was listed on [[Nasdaq]] in February 2024, following the completion of a merger with a [[special-purpose acquisition company]] affiliated with [[L Catterton]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lotus Technology Celebrates Public Listing on Nasdaq
 |url=https://ir.group-lotus.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lotus-technology-celebrates-public-listing-nasdaq |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=ir.group-lotus.com}}</ref> After the listing, 10.3% of shares are held by the public.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jan/31/chinese-owner-of-lotus-technology-to-list-a-stake-in-us-via-blank-cheque-firm | title=Chinese owner of Lotus Technology to list a stake in US via blank cheque firm | newspaper=The Guardian | date=31 January 2023 | last1=Lawson | first1=Alex }}</ref>

==Operations==
Currently organised as Group Lotus Limited, the business is divided into Lotus Cars and Lotus Engineering.

In addition to manufacturing sportscars, the company also acts as an engineering consultancy, providing engineering development—particularly of [[suspension (vehicle)|suspensions]]—for other car manufacturers. Lotus's powertrain department is responsible for the design and development of the four-cylinder [[Ecotec]] engine found in many of GM's [[Vauxhall Motors|Vauxhall]], [[Opel]], [[Saab Automobile|Saab]], [[Chevrolet]] and [[Saturn Corporation|Saturn]] cars. The American [[Lotus Elise|Elise]] and [[Lotus Exige|Exige]] models used the [[2ZZ-GE|1.8L VVTL-i I4]] from Toyota's late [[Toyota Celica (T230)|Celica GT-S]] and the [[Toyota Matrix|Matrix XRS]].

Michael Kimberley, who had been a guiding figure at Lotus in the 1970s, returned as acting chief executive officer in May 2006. He chaired the executive committee of Lotus Group International Limited (LGIL), established in February 2006 with Syed Zainal Abidin (managing director of Proton Holdings Berhad) and Badrul Feisal (non-executive director of Proton Holdings Berhad). LGIL is the holding company of Lotus Group Plc.

Kimberley retired as CEO on 17 July 2009,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://motortorque.askaprice.com/news/auto-0907/lotus-ceo-mike-kimberley-to-step-down.asp |title=Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley to step down |publisher=Motortorque.askaprice.com |access-date=30 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100324163233/http://motortorque.askaprice.com/news/auto-0907/lotus-ceo-mike-kimberley-to-step-down.asp |archive-date=24 March 2010 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> replaced on 1 October 2009 by former [[Ferrari]] executive [[Dany Bahar]]. Bahar intended to drive the brand into the expanding global luxury-goods sector and away from the company's traditional lightweight simplicity and pure driving-experience focus. Bahar was suspended on 25 May 2012 while an investigation into his conduct was undertaken.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lotus owners suspend chief Bahar over complaint|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-18215542|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=25 May 2012|date=25 May 2012}}</ref> On 7 June 2012, Lotus announced the termination of Bahar and the appointment of Aslam Farikullah as the new chief operating officer.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Lotus Appoints Chief Operating Officer – Confirms dismissal of Dany Bahar |url=http://www.lotuscars.com/us/news/corporate/media-statement |publisher=Group Lotus Limited |date=7 June 2012 |access-date=7 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610204814/http://www.lotuscars.com/us/news/corporate/media-statement |archive-date=10 June 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The ambitious plans for several new models were cancelled following Bahar's departure. Jean Marc Gales became CEO in 2014, and in 2017, he enabled the company to achieve its first profit in decades. Gales left the company in June 2018 for personal reasons and was replaced by Feng Qingfeng from Lotus Group's parent company, Geely.

October 2018 saw further senior personnel changes as Phil Popham was named CEO of Lotus Cars, with Qingfeng remaining in charge of Group Lotus.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lotuscars.com/news/corporate/lotus-appoints-phil-popham-senior-vice-president-commercial-operations-group-lotus|title=Lotus Appoints Phil Popham As Lotus Cars CEO|date=15 February 2019 |access-date=9 March 2019}}{{Dead link|date=March 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

In January 2021, Matt Windle was appointed managing director of Lotus Cars after Phil Popham resigned.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://media.lotuscars.com/en/news-articles/matt-windle-appointed-md-lotus-cars.html|title=Matt Windle appointed MD Lotus Cars - Lotus Cars Media Site|website=media.lotuscars.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Lotus Cars Ltd |title=Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2021 |pages=2}}</ref>

== Formula One and motorsport ==
{{Main|Team Lotus|Team Lotus (2010–2011)|Lotus F1}}
[[File:Lotus 72 Ford Cosworth.jpg|thumb|right|Lotus 72]]
[[File:Lotus 77 Mont-Tremblant 02.JPG|thumb|right|Lotus 77]]
[[File:Lotus 99T of Satoru Nakajima, 1987 1.jpg|thumb|right|Lotus 99T]]
[[File:2012 Singapore GP - Raikkonen.jpg|thumb|[[Lotus E20]]|alt=]]
In its early days, the company encouraged its customers to race its cars, and it first entered [[Formula One]] through its sister company [[Team Lotus]] in 1958. A Lotus Formula One car driven by [[Stirling Moss]] won the marque's first Grand Prix in 1960 at [[1960 Monaco Grand Prix|Monaco]]. Moss drove a [[Lotus 18]] entered by privateer [[Rob Walker Racing Team|Rob Walker]]. Major success came in 1963 with the [[Lotus 25]], which, with [[Jim Clark]] driving, won Team Lotus its first F1 [[List of Formula One World Constructors' Champions|World Constructors' Championship]]. Clark was killed in April 1968 when the rear tyre of his [[Formula Two]] [[Lotus 48]] failed while making a turn at a race in [[Hockenheim]]. His death was a severe blow to the team and to Formula One, as he had been the dominant driver of Lotus's early years. That year's championship was won by Clark's teammate [[Graham Hill]].

Team Lotus is credited with making the mid-engine layout popular for [[IndyCar Series|IndyCar]]s, developing the first [[monocoque]] Formula One chassis and integrating the engine and transaxle as chassis components. Team Lotus was among the pioneers in Formula One in adding wings and shaping the undersurface of the car to create [[downforce]]. It invented active suspension and was the first to move radiators to the sides of the car to improve aerodynamic performance.

Formula One [[List of Formula One World Drivers' Champions|Drivers' Championship]] winners for Lotus were [[Jim Clark]] in 1963 and 1965, [[Graham Hill]] in 1968, [[Jochen Rindt]] in 1970, [[Emerson Fittipaldi]] in 1972 and [[Mario Andretti]] in 1978. In 1973, Lotus won the constructors' championship only; the drivers' title went to [[Jackie Stewart]] of [[Tyrrell Racing|Tyrrell]]. Chapman saw Lotus beat Ferrari as the first marque to achieve 50 Grand Prix victories, even though Ferrari had won its first nine years sooner.

Until the late 1980s, Team Lotus continued to be a major player in Formula One. [[Ayrton Senna]] drove for the team from 1985 to 1987, winning twice in each year and achieving 17 pole positions.

Team Lotus established Classic Team Lotus in 1992, which continues to maintain Lotus F1 cars and run them in the FIA [[Historic Formula One Championship]]. It also preserves the Team Lotus archive and Works Collection of cars, under the management of Colin Chapman's son Clive.

Team Lotus's participation in Formula One ended after the [[1994 Formula One season|1994 season]], when the team's cars were no longer competitive. Cars constructed by the team won a total of 79 Grand Prix races.

Former racing driver [[David Hunt (racing driver)|David Hunt]] (brother of F1 world champion [[James Hunt]]) purchased the name Team Lotus and licensed it to the Formula One team [[Pacific Racing]], which was rebranded Pacific Team Lotus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns00008.html|title=Pacific forms alliance with Lotus|work=grandprix.com|date=28 February 1995|access-date=1 December 2016}}</ref> The Pacific Team folded at the end of the 1995 season.

The Lotus name returned to Formula One for the [[2010 Formula One season|2010 season]], when a new Malaysian team called [[Team Lotus (2010–11)|Lotus Racing]] was awarded an entry. The new team used the Lotus name under licence from Group Lotus and was unrelated to the original Team Lotus. In September 2010 Group Lotus, with agreement from its parent company Proton, terminated the licence for future seasons as a result of what it called "flagrant and persistent breaches of the licence by the team." Lotus Racing then announced that it had acquired Team Lotus Ventures Ltd, the company led by David Hunt, and with it full ownership of the rights to the Team Lotus brand and heritage. The team confirmed that it would be known as Team Lotus from 2011 onward.

In December 2010, Group Lotus announced the creation of Lotus Renault GP, the successor to the [[Renault F1]] team. This team contested the [[2011 Formula One season|2011 season]] having purchased a title sponsorship deal with the team, with the option to buy shares in the future. The team's car for that season, the [[Renault R31|R31]], was badged as a Renault, while Team Lotus's car, the [[Lotus T128 (Formula One car)|T128]], was badged as a Lotus. In May 2011, the British [[High Court of Justice]] ruled that Team Lotus could continue to use the Team Lotus name, but Group Lotus had sole right to use the Lotus name. As a consequence, for {{F1|2012}} Lotus Renault GP was rebranded as [[Lotus F1|Lotus F1 Team]] and its entries were badged as Lotus cars, while Team Lotus was renamed [[Caterham F1|Caterham F1 Team]] (after the [[Caterham Cars|sportscar manufacturer]] owned by team principal [[Tony Fernandes]]) and its cars were badged as Caterhams.

Group Lotus was also involved in several other categories of motorsport. It sponsored the [[KV Racing Technology|KV]] team in the [[IndyCar Series]] and the [[ART Grand Prix|ART]] team in the [[GP2 Series|GP2]] and [[GP3 Series]] in 2011 and 2012. After fielding underpowered and uncompetitive engines in the [[2012 Indianapolis 500]], in which drivers [[Jean Alesi]] and [[Simona de Silvestro]] were black-flagged after ten laps for failing to maintain a competitive pace, Lotus was released from its contract and did not participate in future seasons.

=== Racecars ===
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Car
!Image
!Category
|-
|1948
|[[Lotus Mark I]]
|[[File:Lotus Mark 1.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Classic trial]]
|-
|1949
|[[Lotus Mark II]]
|[[File:LotusMk2.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Classic trial]]
|-
|1951
|[[Lotus Mark III]]
|
|[[Road racing]]
|-
| rowspan="3" |1952
|[[Lotus Mark IV]]
|
|[[Sports car racing|Sports car]]
|-
|[[Lotus Mark V]]
|
|[[Sports car racing|Sports car]]
|-
|[[Lotus Mark VI]]
|[[File:Chris Rea driving Lotus 6 at the Goodwood Revival 2009.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Sports car racing|Sports car]]
|-
| rowspan="2" |1954
|[[Lotus Mark VIII]]
|[[File:Rétromobile 2016 - Lotus Mk VIII - 1955 - 001.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Sports car racing|Sports car]]
|-
|[[Lotus Mark IX]]
|[[File:1955LotusMk9andLotus6.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Sports car racing|Sports car]]
|-
|1956
|[[Lotus Eleven]]
|[[File:Lotus Eleven and 15 Donington.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Sports car racing|Sports car]]
|-
|1957
|[[Lotus Seven]]
|[[File:Lotus7Series1.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Sports car racing|Sports car]]
|-
| rowspan="3" |1958
|[[Lotus 12]]
|[[File:1957 Lotus 12 Formula 2 (31515662418).jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
[[Formula Two]]
|-
|[[Lotus 15]]
|[[File:1958 Lotus 15 polished.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Group 4 (motorsport)|Group 4]]
|-
|[[Lotus 16]]
|[[File:Lotus 16.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
[[Formula Two]]
|-
|1959
|[[Lotus 17]]
|[[File:LOTUS SEVENTEEN (1959) (5066861623).jpg|frameless]]
|[[Sports car racing|Sports car]]
|-
| rowspan="2" |1960
|[[Lotus 18]]
|[[File:Lotus 18 Stirling Moss Monaco 1961.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
[[Formula Two]]
[[Formula Junior]]
|-
|[[Lotus 19]]
|[[File:BILD5716wp.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Group 4 (motorsport)|Group 4]]
|-
| rowspan="2" |1961
|[[Lotus 20]]
|[[File:Lotus 20.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula Junior]]
|-
|[[Lotus 21]]
|[[File:Lotus 21 at Silverstone Classic 2011.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
| rowspan="4" |1962
|[[Lotus 22]]
|[[File:Lotus 22.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula Junior]]
|-
|[[Lotus 23]]
|[[File:Lotus 23b bj 1962 front.JPG|frameless]]
|[[Group 4 (motorsport)|Group 4]]
|-
|[[Lotus 24]]
|[[File:Lotus 24 2018 Silverstone Classic (33154067588).jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|[[Lotus 25]]
|[[File:1964 Lotus-Climax 25.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
| rowspan="4" |1963
|[[Lotus 23|Lotus 23B]]
|[[File:Lotus 23 B, Bj. 1962 (2011-08-13 Sp).JPG|frameless]]
|[[Group 4 (motorsport)|Group 4]]
|-
|[[Lotus 27]]
|[[File:Lotus 27 2.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula Junior]]
|-
|[[Lotus 29]]
|[[File:Lotus 29 at Goodwood FOS 2012.jpg|frameless]]
|[[IndyCar]]
|-
|[[Lotus Cortina#Racing|Lotus Cortina]]
|
|[[Group 2 (motorsport)|Group 2]]
|-
| rowspan="5" |1964
|[[Lotus 30]]
|[[File:Lotus 30 (24147652966).jpg|frameless]]
|[[Group 4 (motorsport)|Group 4]]
|-
|[[Lotus 31]]
|[[File:Lotus 31 (23786015589).jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula Three]]
|-
|[[Lotus 32]]
|[[File:Lotus 32 at Silverstone Classic 2011.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula Two]]
[[Formula 5000]]
|-
|[[Lotus 33]]
|[[File:Lotus 33 Climax Jackie Stewart at Goodwood Revival 2013 001.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|[[Lotus 34]]
|[[File:1964Indy500LotusPole.jpg|frameless]]
|[[IndyCar]]
|-
| rowspan="2" |1965
|[[Lotus 35]]
|[[File:Lotus 35 (49096167877).jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula Two]]
[[Formula Three]]
|-
|[[Lotus 38]]
|[[File:Lotus 38 at Goodwood 2010.jpg|frameless]]
|[[IndyCar]]
|-
| rowspan="5" |1966
|[[Lotus 39]]
|
|[[Formula 5000]]
|-
|[[Lotus 41]]
|[[File:Lotus41.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula Two]]
[[Formula Three]]
|-
|[[Lotus 43]]
|[[File:FoS20162016 0624 112938AA (27785376742).jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|[[Lotus 44]]
|
|[[Formula One]]
[[Formula Two]]
|-
|[[Lotus Cortina#Racing|Lotus Cortina]]
|
|[[Group 5 (motorsport)|Group 5]]
|-
| rowspan="4" |1967
|[[Lotus 42]]
|
|[[IndyCar]]
|-
|[[Lotus 48]]
|[[File:Lotus 48 - 001.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
[[Formula Two]]
|-
|[[Lotus 49]]
|[[File:Lotus 49 1.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|[[Lotus 51]]
|[[File:1968Lotus 51BFormulaFord.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula Ford]]
|-
| rowspan="3" |1968
|[[Lotus 49|Lotus 49B]]
|[[File:Lotus 49B Donington noBG.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|[[Lotus 55]]
|
|[[Formula Three]]
|-
|[[Lotus 56]]
|[[File:Lotus-Pratt ^ Whitney 56 STP Special - Flickr - andrewbasterfield (3).jpg|frameless]]
|[[IndyCar]]
|-
| rowspan="5" |1969
|[[Lotus 59]]
|[[File:Lotus 59 F3-2.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula Two]]
[[Formula B]]
[[Formula Three]]
[[Formula Ford]]
|-
|[[Lotus 63]]
|[[File:Lotus 63 Donington.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|[[Lotus 64]]
|
|[[IndyCar]]
|-
|[[Lotus 69]]
|[[File:RindtJochen1970LotusF2.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
[[Formula Two]]
[[Formula Three]]
[[Formula Ford]]
|-
|[[Lotus 70]]
|
|[[Formula 5000]]
|-
| rowspan="4" |1970
|[[Lotus 49|Lotus 49C]]
|[[File:Lotus at Goodwood FOS 2012.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|[[Lotus 72]]
|[[File:1971 Emerson Fittipaldi, Lotus 72 (kl).JPG|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|[[Lotus 72|Lotus 72B]]
|
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|[[Lotus 72|Lotus 72C]]
|[[File:Lotus 72C (sideview).jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
| rowspan="2" |1971
|[[Lotus 56|Lotus 56B]]
|[[File:David Walker 1971 Lotus 56 B Pratt Whitney.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|[[Lotus 72|Lotus 72D]]
|[[File:Emerson Fittipaldi 1972 Austrian GP.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|1973
|[[Lotus 72|Lotus 72E]]
|[[File:Lotus 72 JPS.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|1974
|[[Lotus 76]]
|[[File:1974 Lotus 76.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|1976
|[[Lotus 77]]
|[[File:Lotus 77 Sears Point.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|1977
|[[Lotus 78]]
|[[File:2017 FIA Masters Historic Formula One Championship, Circuit of the Americas (23970306838).jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|1978
|[[Lotus 79]]
|[[File:Ronnie Peterson - Lotus 79 at Druids at the 1978 British Grand Prix (50050520537).jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|1979
|[[Lotus 80]]
|[[File:Mario Andretti in 1979.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
| rowspan="2" |1980
|[[Lotus 81]]
|[[File:2017 FIA Masters Historic Formula One Championship, Circuit of the Americas (23970302968).jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|[[Lotus 81|Lotus 81B]]
|
|[[Formula One]]
|-
| rowspan="2" |1981
|[[Lotus 87]]
|[[File:Lotus 87 2008 Silverstone Classic.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|[[Lotus 88]]
|[[File:Lotus 88B (1981) (22277525756).jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|1982
|[[Lotus 91]]
|[[File:Lotus 91 2018 (42512010201).jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
| rowspan="2" |1983
|[[Lotus 92]]
|[[File:Lotus 92 Donington (retuschiert).jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|[[Lotus 93T]]
|[[File:Lotus 93T - Elio de Angelis (retouched).jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
| rowspan="2" |1984
|[[Lotus 94T]]
|[[File:Lotus 94T Mansell Goodwood 2012 (retouched).jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|[[Lotus 95T]]
|[[File:Mansell Lotus 95T Dallas 1984 F1.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|1985
|[[Lotus 97T]]
|[[File:Lotus 97T Donington 2007-2.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|1986
|[[Lotus 98T]]
|[[File:Senna Brands 1986.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|1987
|[[Lotus 99T]]
|[[File:Lotus 99T front-right 2012 Autosport International.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|1988
|[[Lotus 100T]]
|[[File:Lotus 100T front view Honda Collection Hall.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|1989
|[[Lotus 101]]
|[[File:Satoru Nakajima demonstrating Lotus 101 2011 Japan.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|1990
|[[Lotus 102]]
|[[File:Lotus-Lamborghini 102.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|1991
|[[Lotus 102|Lotus 102B]]
|[[File:Lotus102b.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|1992
|[[Lotus 102|Lotus 102D]]
|[[File:Lotus102d.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|1992
|[[Lotus 107]]
|[[File:Lotus 107 (frontal view).jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|1993
|[[Lotus 107|Lotus 107B]]
|[[File:Alessandro Zanardi - Lotus 107 during practice for the 1993 British Grand Prix (32873601273).jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
| rowspan="2" |1994
|[[Lotus 107|Lotus 107C]]
|[[File:1994 Lotus-Mugen Honda Type 107C.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|[[Lotus 109]]
|[[File:Alessandro Zanardi - Lotus 109 at the 1994 British Grand Prix (32500452896).jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|1995
|[[Lotus 112]]
|
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|1996
|[[Lotus Esprit GT1|Lotus 114]]
|
|[[Group GT1]]
|-
| rowspan="2" |1997
|[[Lotus Elise GT1|Lotus Elise GT1 Turbo]]
|[[File:Lotus Elise GT1.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Group GT1]]
|-
|[[Lotus Elise GT1]]
|[[File:Lotus Elise GT1 - Jan Lammers, Mike Hezemans & Alexander Grau exits The Esses at the 1997 Le Mans (51446809639).jpg|frameless]]
|[[Group GT1]]
[[Le Mans Prototype|LMGTP]]
|-
|2002
|[[Lotus 119]]
|[[File:LotusType119B.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Gravity racer]]
|-
|2007
|[[Lotus Exige#Exige GT3 of Angelo Lazaris (2008–2011)|Lotus Exige GT3]]
|[[File:Lotus Exige GT3 - Flickr - exfordy.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Group GT3]]
|-
|2010
|[[Lotus T127]]
|[[File:Lotus in Bahrain (cropped) 2010.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
| rowspan="5" |2011
|[[Lotus Evora#Group GT4|Lotus Evora Cup GT4]]
|[[File:Lotus Evora GT4.jpg|frameless]]
|[[SRO GT4]]
|-
|[[Lotus Evora|Lotus Evora GTE]]
|[[File:Lotusevora-jetallaince-lm-2011.jpg|frameless]]
|[[LM GTE]]
|-
|[[Lotus T125]]
|[[File:Lotus Exos Type 125 front 05 2011.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Open-wheel car|Open-wheel]] [[race car]]
|-
|[[Lotus T128 (Formula One car)|Lotus T128]]
|[[File:Davide Valsecchi 2011 Malaysia FP1 2.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|[[Lotus T128 (Le Mans Prototype)|Lotus T128]]
|[[File:2013 Lotus T128 Praga.JPG|frameless]]
|[[Le Mans Prototype|LMP2]]
|-
| rowspan="2" |2012
|[[Lotus 2-Eleven|Lotus 2-Eleven GT4 Supersport]]
|[[File:FIA GT1 - Zolder 2012 (7105889019).jpg|frameless]]
|[[SRO GT4]]
|-
|[[Lotus E20]]
|[[File:Kimi Raikkonen 2012 Malaysia FP2.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|2013
|[[Lotus E21]]
|[[File:Kimi Raikkonen 2013 Malaysia FP2.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
| rowspan="2" |2014
|[[Lotus E22]]
|[[File:Lotus E22 Maldonado Silverstone 2014 (3).jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|[[CLM P1/01|Lotus T129]]
|[[File:FIA-WEC - 2014 (15761616590).jpg|frameless]]
|[[Le Mans Prototype|LMP1-L]]
|-
|2015
|[[Lotus E23 Hybrid]]
|[[File:Romain Grosjean 2015 Malaysia FP1.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Formula One]]
|-
|2023
|[[Lotus Emira|Lotus Emira GT4]]
|[[File:2022 Lotus Emira GT4.jpg|frameless]]
|[[SRO GT4]]
|-
|2024
|[[Lotus 66]]
|[[File:Lotus 66 at the 81st Goodwood Members' Meeting.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Group 7 (motorsport)|Group 7]]
|}

== Lotus car models ==
{{Main|List of Lotus vehicles}}

===Current===
Current Lotus models include:
* [[Lotus Evija]]: The Lotus Evija is a limited production electric sports car; it is the first electric vehicle to be introduced and manufactured by the company. Codenamed "Type 130", production of the Evija will be limited to 130 units. Production is set to begin early-mid 2021 with delivery in early 2023. The Evija is powered by a 70 kWh battery pack developed in conjunction with Williams Advanced Engineering, with electric motors supplied by Integral Powertrain. The four individual motors are placed at the wheels and each is rated at {{convert|375|kW|PS hp|0|abbr=on}}, for a combined total output of 1,500&nbsp;kW (2,039 PS; 2,011&nbsp;hp) and {{convert|1,704|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} of torque. Lotus claims that the Evija will be able to accelerate from 0 to {{convert|100|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} in under 3 seconds, from 0 to {{convert|300|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} in 9.1 seconds, and achieve a limited top speed of 350&nbsp;km/h (217&nbsp;mph).<ref name="Calin">{{Cite web|last=Calin|first=Razvan|date=2022-10-14|title=1,500-kW Lotus Evija EV Is the World's Most Powerful Production Car, Hits 217 MPH|url=https://www.autoevolution.com/news/1500-kw-lotus-evija-ev-is-the-world-s-most-powerful-production-car-hits-217-mph-201270.html |website=Auto Evolution}}</ref>
* [[Lotus Emira]]: This model was unveiled in July 2021, and production began in March 2022. The Emira will be Lotus’ final vehicle powered by an [[internal combustion engine]].<ref name="electric" />
*[[Lotus Eletre]]: The first electric SUV by Lotus, the Eletre is powered by a 112 kWh battery pack and an 800V high voltage system, achieving a maximum range of 600&nbsp;km and 400&nbsp;km of range after 20 minutes of charging. The 2024 model offers 603 horsepower for the base and S models, and 905 horsepower the R model and a top speed of 260&nbsp;km/h. It is the first Lotus to offer features such as [[lidar]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lotus Eletre - The Electric Hyper SUV {{!}} Lotus Cars |url=https://www.lotuscars.com/en-US/eletre |access-date=2023-11-13 |website=www.lotuscars.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-10 |title=2024 Lotus Eletre Review, Pricing, and Specs |url=https://www.caranddriver.com/lotus/eletre |access-date=2023-11-13 |website=Car and Driver |language=en-US}}</ref> Delivery began on 29 March 2023 and was expected to launch in Europe in the summer or fall of 2023 and in the United States in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lotus Technology begins delivery of Eletre luxury electric SUV |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lotus-technology-begins-delivery-of-eletre-luxury-electric-suv-301785334.html |access-date=2023-11-13 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Panait |first=Mircea |date=2023-08-21 |title=Lotus Eletre Finally Makes North American Debut, US Launch Scheduled for 2024 |url=https://www.autoevolution.com/news/lotus-eletre-finally-makes-north-american-debut-us-launch-scheduled-for-2024-219900.html |access-date=2023-11-13 |website=autoevolution |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Lotus Eletre specs, pricing and more detailed for European launch |url=https://www.autoblog.com/2023/06/27/lotus-eletre-specs-pricing-europe-release/ |access-date=2023-11-13 |website=Autoblog |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Lotus Emeya]]: A battery-electric [[Grand tourer]].

=== Previous ===
{{More citations needed|section|date=July 2019}}
[[File:Lotus Mark 1.jpg|thumb|[[Lotus Mark I]], 1948|alt=]]
[[File:1955LotusMk9andLotus6.jpg|thumb|[[Lotus Mark IX]] and Lotus 6|alt=]]
[[File:Lotus Eleven S1 and Lotus Elite - Flickr - exfordy (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Lotus Eleven]]|alt=]]
[[File:Lotus Elite Reg 1962 1460 cc.JPG|thumb|[[Lotus Elite]]|alt=]]
[[File:1973 Lotus Elan +2S 130-5 front Hatfield Broak Oak Essex England.jpg|thumb|right|[[Lotus Elan]] +2S, 1973]]
[[File:Lotus Europa.jpg|thumb|[[Lotus Europa]] S2|alt=]]
[[File:Lotus Eclat reg 1979 1973 cc.JPG|thumb|[[Lotus Eclat]] S2|alt=]]
[[File:1999 Lotus Esprit V8 type 918.jpg|thumb|[[Lotus Esprit]] V8, 1999|alt=]]
[[File:Lotus Elise Series 1.jpg|alt=|thumb|[[Lotus Elise]] S1]]
[[File:Lotus Elise GT1 Road Car.jpg|thumb|[[Lotus Elise GT1]] Road Car, 1997|alt=]]
[[File:Lotus 340R - Flickr - exfordy.jpg|thumb|[[Lotus 340R]]|alt=]]
[[File:Opel Speedster 2.2.JPG|thumb|Opel Speedster/Vauxhall VX220 (based on the Lotus Elise S2)]]
[[File:2022_Lotus_Emira.jpg|thumb|[[Lotus Emira]]]]
[[File:Lotus_Eletre_IAA_2023_1X7A0668.jpg|thumb|[[Lotus Eletre]]]]

* [[Lotus Mark I]] (1948): Austin 7–based sports car
* [[Lotus Mark II]] (1949–1950): Ford-powered trials car
* [[Lotus Mark III]] (1951): 750&nbsp;cc formula car
* [[Lotus Mark IV]] (1952): Trials car
* [[Lotus Mark V]] (1952): 750&nbsp;cc formula car, never built
* [[Lotus Mark VI]] (1953–1955): The first "production" racer, about 100 built
* [[Lotus Seven]] (1957–1972): A minimalist open sports car designed to manoeuvre a racing circuit.<ref>The rights to the Seven were sold in 1973 to [[Caterham Cars]]. Updated versions of this 1957 design are also produced by other speciality firms, including [[Westfield Sportscars]] and [[Donkervoort]].  Originally the number seven was applied to a [[Riley (car)|Riley]]-powered Formula 2 car, but the vehicle was never completed in its original form, finally emerging instead as the [http://forix.autosport.com/8w/clairmonte.html Clairmonte Special], a two-seat sports car powered by a Lea-Francis engine.</ref>
* [[Lotus Mark VIII]] (1954): sports racer, [[BMC B-Series engine#1.5 litre engines|MG]] 1.5&nbsp;L
* [[Lotus Mark IX]] (1955): sports racer, shorter and improved Eight
* [[Lotus Mark X]] (1955): sports racer for larger displacement, [[Bristol Cars|Bristol]]/[[BMW M328|BMW]] 2&nbsp;L
* [[Lotus Eleven]] (1956–1957): small displacement sports racer (750 – 1500&nbsp;cc)
* [[Lotus 12]] (1956–1957): [[Formula Two]] and [[Formula One]] racecar
* [[Lotus 13]]: Designation not used
* [[Lotus Elite|Lotus 14]] (1957–1963): Lotus Elite, the first production street car
* [[Lotus 15]] (1958–1960): Sports racer, update of the Mk.X, [[Coventry Climax FPF|Climax]] 1.5 – 2.5&nbsp;L
* [[Lotus 16]] (1958–1959): F1/F2 car, "Miniature Vanwall"
* [[Lotus 17]] (1959): Lighter sports racer update of the 11 in response to [[Lola Cars|Lola]] Mk.I
* [[Lotus 18]] (1960–1961): First mid-engined Lotus single seater—Formula Junior/F2/F1
* [[Lotus 19]] (1960–1962): Mid-engined larger displacement sports racer, "Monte Carlo"
* [[Lotus 20]] (1961): Formula Junior
* [[Lotus 21]] (1961): Formula One
* [[Lotus 22]] (1962–1965): Formula Junior/F3
* [[Lotus 23]] (1962–1966): Small displacement mid-engined sports racer
* [[Lotus 24]] (1962): Formula One
* [[Lotus 25]] (1962–1964): Formula One World Champion
* [[Lotus 26]] (1962–1971): Lotus Elan, production street sports car
* Lotus 26R (1962–1966): Racing version of Elan
* [[Lotus 27]] (1963): Formula Junior
* [[Lotus Cortina|Lotus 28]] (1963–1966): Lotus version of the Ford Cortina street/racer
* [[Lotus 29]] (1963): Indy car, Ford all-aluminium OHV small block V8
* [[Lotus 30]] (1964): Large displacement sports racer (Ford small block V8)
* [[Lotus 31]] (1964–1966): Formula Three space frame racer
* [[Lotus 32]] (1964–1965): Monocoque F2 and Tasman Cup racer
* [[Lotus 33]] (1964–1965): Formula One World Champion
* [[Lotus 34]] (1964): Indy car, DOHC Ford V8
* Lotus 35 (1965): F2/F3/FB
* [[Lotus Elan|Lotus 36]] (1965–1968): Elan Fixed Head Coupe (Type 26 could be fitted with a removable hard top)
* [[Lotus 38]] (1965): Indy winning mid-engined car
* [[Lotus 39]] (1965–1966): Tasman Cup formula car
* Lotus 40 (1965): Sports racer, a development of the 30
* [[Lotus 41]] (1965–1968): Formula Three, Formula Two, Formula B
* [[Lotus 42]] (1967): Indy car, Ford V8
* [[Lotus 43]] (1966): Formula One
* [[Lotus 44]] (1967): Formula Two
* [[Lotus Elan|Lotus 45]] (1966–1974): Convertible (Drop Head Coupe) Elan with permanent side window frames.
* [[Lotus 46]] (1966–1968): Original Renault-engined [[Lotus Europa|Europa]]
* [[Lotus 47]] (1966–1970): Racing version of Europa
* [[Lotus 48]] (1967): Formula Two
* [[Lotus 49]] (1967–1969): Formula One World Champion
* [[Lotus Elan|Lotus 50]] (1967–1974): Lotus Elan +2, four-seat production car
* [[Lotus 51]] (1967–1969): Formula Ford
* [[Lotus 52]] (1968): Prototype Europa Twin Cam
* Lotus 53 (1968): Small displacement sports racer, never built
* [[Lotus Europa|Lotus 54]] (1968–1970): Series 2 'Europa' production car.
* [[Lotus 55]] (1968): F3
* [[Lotus 56]] (1968–1969): Indy turbine wedge
* [[Lotus 56B]] (1971): F1 turbine wedge
* Lotus 57 (1968): F2 design study
* Lotus 58 (1968): F1 design study
* [[Lotus 59]] (1969–1970): F2/F3/Formula Ford
* [[Lotus LX]] (1960): Lotus Elite built to win at Le Mans with a 2.0 L [[Coventry Climax FPF|FPF]] engine.
* [[Lotus Seven|Lotus 60]] (1970–1973): Lotus Seven S4, Greatly modified version of the Seven
* Lotus 61 (1969): Formula Ford, "the wedge"
* [[Lotus 62]] (1969): prototype Europa racer
* [[Lotus 63]] (1969): 4-wheel drive F1
* [[Lotus 64]] (1969): 4-wheel drive Indy car, did not compete
* [[Lotus 65]] (1969–1971): Federalized Europa S2
* [[Lotus 66]] (2024): [[track day]] car based on a 1969 [[Can-Am]] study
* Lotus 67 (1970): Proposed Tasman Cup car, never built
* Lotus 68 (1969): F5000 prototype
* [[Lotus 69]] (1970): F2/F3/Formula Ford
* [[Lotus 70]] (1970): F5000/Formula A
* Lotus 71: Undisclosed design study
* [[Lotus 72]] (1970–1972): Formula One World Champion
* Lotus 73 (1972–1973): F3
* Lotus 74 - Texaco Star (1973): F2
* [[Lotus Europa|Lotus 74]] (1971–1975): Europa Twin Cam production car
* [[Lotus Elite|Lotus 75]] (1974–1982): Elite II, Luxury 4-seat GT
* [[Lotus 76]] (1974): F1, redundant designation
* [[Lotus Eclat|Lotus 76]] (1975–1982): Éclat S1, fastback version of Elite II, redundant designation
* [[Lotus 77]] (1976): F1
* [[Lotus 78]] (1977–1978): F1 ground effects car
* [[Lotus Esprit|Lotus 79]] (1975–1980) Lotus Esprit, street GT,<ref>A mid-engined sports car, launched in the early 1970s. It was styled by Italian designer [[Giorgetto Giugiaro]]. The Esprit started with a light, 4-cylinder design, which went through several iterations of turbo-charging and electronic upgrades, before finally being replaced by a highly advanced V8. The last Lotus Esprit rolled off the production line on 20 February 2004, after 28 years in production. A total of 10,675 Esprits were built since production began in 1976.</ref> redundant designation
* [[Lotus 79]] (1978–1979): Formula One World Champion, redundant designation
* [[Lotus 80]] (1979): F1
* [[Sunbeam Lotus|Lotus 81]] (1979–1980): Sunbeam Talbot Lotus, redundant designation
* [[Lotus 81]] (1980–1981): F1, redundant designation
* [[Lotus Esprit|Lotus 82]] (1982–1987): Turbo Esprit, street GT car
* [[Lotus Elite|Lotus 83]] (1980): Elite series 2
* [[Lotus Eclat|Lotus 84]] (1980–1982): Éclat series 2
* [[Lotus Esprit|Lotus 85]] (1980–1987): Esprit series 3
* [[Lotus 86]] (1980–1983): F1 dual chassis, never raced
* [[Lotus 87]] (1980–1982): F1
* [[Lotus 88]] (1981): F1 dual chassis car, banned
* [[Lotus Excel|Lotus 89]] (1982–1992): [[Lotus Excel]] GT, re-engineered Éclat
* [[Lotus M90]]/X100: Toyota-based "new Elan", abandoned in favour of the Elan M100
* [[Lotus 91]] (1982): F1
* [[Lotus 92]] (1983): F1
* [[Lotus 93T]] (1983): F1 Turbo
* [[Lotus 94T]] (1983): F1 Turbo
* [[Lotus 95T]] (1984): F1 Turbo
* [[Lotus 96T]] (1984): Indy car project, abandoned
* [[Lotus 97T]] (1985–1986): F1 Turbo
* [[Lotus 98T]] (1986–1987): F1 Turbo
* [[Lotus 99T]] (1987): F1 Turbo, last original [[Team Lotus]] F1 winner
* [[Lotus 100T]] (1988): F1 Turbo
* [[Lotus Elan M100|Lotus Elan (Type M100)]] (1989–1995): Front-drive convertible Elan.
* [[Lotus 101]] (1989): F1
* [[Lotus 102]] (1990–1991): F1
* Lotus 103 (1990): F1, not produced
* [[Lotus Omega|Lotus 104]] (1990–1992): Lotus Carlton/Omega, tuned version of the Opel/Vauxhall saloon.
* Lotus 105 (1990): Racing X180R, IMSA Supercars Drivers Champ ([[Doc Bundy]])
* Lotus 106 (1991): X180R, roadgoing homologation special
* [[Lotus 107]] (1992–1994): F1
* [[Lotus 108]] (1992): a track only bike ridden by [[Chris Boardman]] to win a gold medal at the [[Cycling at the 1992 Summer Olympics|1992 Barcelona Olympics]], also known as the "LotusSport Pursuit Bicycle".
* [[Lotus 109]] (1994): F1, Last original [[Team Lotus]] F1 car.
* [[Lotus 110]] : Road and TT bike. Often mistaken for the [[Lotus 108]] but completely different bikes.
* [[Lotus 111]] (1996–2022): Lotus Elise
* [[Lotus 112]]: Partial F1 design, reached as far as the monocoque buck
* Lotus 113: Number not allocated
* [[Lotus 114]] (1996): Lotus Esprit GT1 race car
* [[Lotus Elise GT1|Lotus 115]] (1997–1998): Lotus Elise GT1 
* [[Opel Speedster|Lotus 116]]: Opel Speedster/Vauxhall VX220, a collaboration with Opel
* [[Lotus Elise|Lotus 117]]: Elise S2 with Rover engines{{Citation needed|date=September 2008}}
* [[Lotus 118]]: Lotus M250, two-seat mid-range sports car concept unveiled in Autumn of 1999, project cancelled in 2001
* [[Lotus 119]] (2002): Soapbox Derby car made of carbon and aluminium, disc brakes, no engine, for [[Goodwood Festival of Speed]]
* [[Lotus Elise|Lotus 120]] (2004-2022): Elise S2 with Toyota engines
* [[Lotus Exige|Lotus 121]] (2000–2022): Exige S2
* [[Lotus Europa S|Lotus 121]] (2006): Europa S<ref>[[Grand Tourer|GT]] inspired two-seater claimed to offer a more upmarket sportscar experience, although it is based on the same chassis as the Elise and Exige, limiting accommodation and practicality. Power comes from a Lotus-tuned variant of the turbocharged four-cylinder engine which powers the VX220.  The Europa has been criticised in the motoring press for being expensive and for lacking equipment and practicality compared to rivals like the [[Porsche Cayman]].</ref>
* [[Lotus 2-Eleven|Lotus 122]] (2007–2011): Lotus 2-Eleven, 0-door [[speedster (automobile)|speedster]]
* [[Lotus Evora|Lotus 123]] (2010–2022): Lotus Evora
* [[Lotus Evora#Motorsport|Lotus 124]]: Lotus Evora, race car
* [[Lotus T125]] (2010): Lotus Exos<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010/08/lotus-125-ultimate-track-car-to-debut-at-pebble-beach-alongside-elise-sc-rg-edition.html |title=Lotus 125 'Ultimate Track Car' to Debut at Pebble Beach Alongside Elise SC RGB Edition &#124; AutoGuide.com News |publisher=Autoguide.com |date=5 August 2010 |access-date=30 September 2010}}</ref>
* Lotus 126: Number not allocated
* [[Lotus T127]] (2010): [[Team Lotus (2010–11)|Team Lotus]] F1 car, made for 2010 season
* [[Lotus T128 (Formula One car)]] (2011): [[Team Lotus (2010–11)|Team Lotus]] F1 car, made for 2011 season
* [[Lotus T128 (Le Mans Prototype)]] (2013): race car built for [[24 Hours of LeMans]]
* [[Lotus 3-Eleven|Lotus 129]] (2016–2022): Lotus 3-Eleven, 0-door speedster
* [[Lotus E20]] (2012): [[Lotus F1 Team]] F1 car, made for 2012 season
* [[Lotus E21]] (2013): Lotus F1 Team F1 car, made for 2013 season
* [[Lotus E22]] (2014): Lotus F1 Team F1 car, made for 2014 season
* [[Lotus E23]] (2015): Lotus F1 Team F1 car, made for 2015 season

=== Announcements of future cars ===
[[File:2013 Lotus Espirit (5216754882).jpg|thumb|Proposed new [[Lotus Esprit]] (announced 2010 but subsequently cancelled)]]
At the 2010 Paris Motorshow, Lotus announced five new models to be introduced over the next five years:<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/motor-shows/paris-motor-show/8037488/Paris-Motor-Show-2010-five-new-models-from-Lotus.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/motor-shows/paris-motor-show/8037488/Paris-Motor-Show-2010-five-new-models-from-Lotus.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Paris Motor Show 2010: five new models from Lotus |newspaper=The Telegraph |author=Chris Knapman |date=1 October 2010 |access-date=11 August 2011}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Their intention was to replace the [[Lotus Elise|Elise]] with an entirely different model, as well as to introduce two entirely new sports coupes, which would have been known as the Elite and the Elan, a new sports saloon, the Eterne, to rival the [[Aston Martin Rapide]] and [[Maserati Quattroporte]], and a modern interpretation of the Esprit supercar.<ref name="Auto Express Lotus plans 2011">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/269173/lotus_confirms_new_v8_and_city_car_too.html |title=Lotus confirms new V8 and city car too |author=Dan Strong |date=21 June 2011 |magazine=[[Auto Express]] |access-date=11 August 2011}}</ref>

It became apparent in July 2012 that the firm's financial difficulties had made this plan impossible to implement, and initially all but the Esprit project were cancelled.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pistonheads.com/lotus/default.asp?storyId=26087 |title=Lotus Five Car Future Is Canned |author=Nick Gibbs |date=30 July 2012 |publisher=[[PistonHeads]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://jalopnik.com/5928952/lotus-cancels-nearly-all-of-dany-bahars-five-future-vehicles |title=Lotus Cancels Nearly All of Dany Bahar's Future Lotus Cars |author=Travis Okulski |date=25 July 2012 |publisher= [[Jalopnik]]}}</ref> Subsequently, the Esprit project was also cancelled.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1070565_new-lotus-esprit-is-dead|title = New Lotus Esprit Is Dead|date = 2014-09-29|access-date = 2014-09-29|website = MotorAuthority}}
</ref>

Lotus also showed an unnamed city car concept using its 1.2L range-extender engine.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Search-Results/Industry-News/Lotus-supermini-here-in-October-2013---Bahar/ |title=Lotus supermini 'here in October 2013' – Bahar |author=Tim Pollard |date=16 December 2010 |publisher=[[Car magazine]] |access-date=30 September 2011}}</ref>
In 2011, Lotus revealed this as the [[Lotus Ethos]], a plug-in hybrid car based on the [[Proton EMAS|EMAS]] concept from its parent company Proton, and likely to be primarily built by Proton in Malaysia.<ref name="Auto Express Lotus plans 2011" /> This car has also been cancelled.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.themotorreport.com.au/gallery/2380/lotus-city-car-concept-cancelled/36659/lotuscitycarconcept01?|title=Lotus City Car Concept - Cancelled, image 1 of 3 - Medium - Photos - Pics - Images - Australian specifications|work=themotorreport.com.au|access-date=1 December 2016}}</ref>

Lotus CEO at the time Jean Marc Gales confirmed in 2017 that development of an SUV is currently under way, after the company was acquired by the Chinese automotive manufacturer, Geely.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/future-cars/news/a32341/lotus-suv-2021/|title=Lotus Boss: Nobody Makes a "Lightweight, Good-Handling SUV"|date=2017-01-19|newspaper=Road & Track|language=en|access-date=2017-01-19}}</ref>

In July 2019 Lotus revealed the Evija, a {{convert|1470|kW|PS hp|-1|abbr=on}} and {{convert|1700|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} electric [[supercar]].

In January 2021, Lotus teased that the [[Lotus Elise|Elise]], [[Lotus Exige|Exige]], and [[Lotus Evora|Evora]] would be discontinued and be replaced by the Type 131 which had yet to be released at the time of announcement. In July 2021, Lotus revealed that this new model is called [[Lotus Emira|Emira]].

In November 2021, Lotus teased the future introduction of the future Type 132 SUV, later named as [[Lotus Eletre|Eletre]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://media.lotuscars.com/en/news-articles/lotus-type-132-teaser-1-breathe.html|title=Lotus Type 132 Teaser #1 - Breathe - Lotus Cars Media Site|website=media.lotuscars.com}}</ref>

In September 2023, Lotus announced the [[Lotus Emeya|Emeya]], the company's first electric GT car.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lotus unveils Emeya, its first Hyper-GT - Lotus Cars Media Site |url=https://media.lotuscars.com/en/news-articles/lotus-unveils-emeya,-its-first-hyper-gt.html |access-date=2023-11-13 |website=media.lotuscars.com}}</ref>

The [[Lotus Theory 1]] is a sports car concept set to be revealed on 16 September 2024.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.carscoops.com/2024/09/lotus-theory-concept-teased-hints-at-new-electric-sportscar/|title=Lotus Theory Concept Teased, Hints At Electric Sportscar|website=Carscoops}}</ref>

== Lotus engines ==
* [[Lotus-Ford Twin Cam]]
* [[Lotus 900 series]]
** [[Lotus 907]]
** [[Lotus 900 series#Type 910 and 910S|Lotus 910]]
** [[Lotus 900 series#Type 911|Lotus 911]]
** [[Lotus 900 series#Type 912|Lotus 912]]
** [[Lotus 900 series#Type 920|Lotus 920]]
** [[Lotus 900 series#Type 918|Lotus 918]]
* Range Extender Engine. This all-aluminium, monoblock, 1200 cc, three-cylinder, 47 horsepower, four-stroke engine is specifically designed to directly drive an [[alternator]] for electricity generation for [[series-hybrid]] cars. The engine is small and light at {{Convert|56|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}, having three cylinders and no detachable cylinder head. The cylinder head and engine block are all one casting to reduce size, weight and production costs. As the engine does not turn belt driven ancillaries such as alternator, power-steering pump or an air conditioning compressor, the block requires no strong points to accommodate such ancillaries, resulting in a simple and light block. The engine has a reduced parts count for lightness and cheaper production.<ref>{{cite web|last=Abuelsamid |first=Sam |url=http://green.autoblog.com/2010/06/22/lotus-and-fagor-ederlan-group-to-produce-range-extender-engine/ |title=Lotus and Fagor Ederlan Group to produce range-extender engine – Autoblog Green |publisher=Green.autoblog.com |date=22 June 2010 |access-date=30 September 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lotuscars.com/gb/engineering/range-extender-engines |title=» Home – Lotus Engineering |publisher=lotuscars.com |access-date=30 September 2010}}</ref>
* On 18 August 2011 Lotus developed an all new in-house designed V8 destined for the new era range of cars. At {{Convert|170|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} and just {{Convert|612|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} long, the unit is dry sump lubricated to save depth and will feature a 180° flat plane crank. The engine is being utilised as a stressed component, a technique pioneered by Colin Chapman in F1, specifically with the 1967 Type 49. It was expected to be used in the Le Mans LMP2 car in 2012. Expected performance is likely to be in excess of {{Convert|590|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} and with a 9,200 rpm redline.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thelotusforums.com/6374/latest-news/lotus-cars-news/lotus-fire-up-all-new-in-house-v8/ |title=[VIDEO&#93; Lotus fire up all new in-house V8 |publisher=The Lotus Forums |date=16 September 2011 |access-date=18 December 2011}}</ref>
* [[Lotus Omnivore]], research engine and prototype.

== Lotus Engineering ==
Lotus Engineering Limited is an [[Corporate spin-off|offshoot]] of Lotus Cars, which provides engineering consultancy to third-party companies primarily in the automotive industry. As well as [[Hethel]] in the United Kingdom Lotus has engineering centres in [[Ann Arbor]], USA, [[Kuala Lumpur]], Malaysia and Shanghai, China. In 2000, Lotus Engineering, Inc. was established with an office in [[Ann Arbor]], Michigan.<ref>[http://www.lotuscars.com/engineering/en/centres Lotus Engineering Centres] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101005011227/http://www.lotuscars.com/engineering/en/centres |date=5 October 2010 }}, retrieved 18 June 2010.</ref>

===Engineering demonstrators===
*Lotus Eco Elise is an engineering demonstrator of its classic sports car that incorporates [[solar panel]]s into a roof made from [[hemp]], while also employing natural materials in the body and interior of the car.
*Lotus Exige 265E Bio-fuel
*Lotus Exige 270E Tri-fuel
*Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid. Shown at the 2010 Geneva Motor show
*[[Lotus CityCar|Lotus Concept City Car]]. Shown at the 2010 Paris motor show.

=== APX and VVA===
{{Main|Lotus APX}}
The APX (also known as the "Aluminium Performance Crossover") is an aluminium [[concept vehicle]] revealed at the 2006 [[Geneva Motor Show]] built on Lotus Engineering's [[Versatile Vehicle Architecture]] (VVA).

Whereas the VVA technology was to be used in the development of a new mid-engine sportscar for Lotus cars, the APX is, in fact, a high-performance 7-seat MPV with four-wheel drive and a front-mounted V6 engine from Lotus Engineering's Powertrain division. The engine was designed and developed to be available in a 2.2-litre naturally aspirated and 3.0-litre supercharged variations. An electric version was also shown in the 2007 NADA show.

Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) is an effort by the Lotus car manufacturing company to reduce the investment needed for producing unique, niche-market cars by sharing a number of common components.

Cars produced using VVA:
* [[Lotus APX]]

=== Projects undertaken by Lotus Engineering ===
[[File:1981 Delorean DMC (29043312252).jpg|thumb|[[DMC DeLorean|DeLorean]] with Lotus designed chassis|alt=]]
[[File:Museum Collections Centre - 25 Dollman Street - Garage - Sinclair C5 Tricycle (7279692598).jpg|thumb|[[Sinclair C5]]|alt=]]
[[File:Dodge Circuit EV--DC.jpg|thumb|[[Dodge EV]]|alt=]]
[[File:Roadster San Diego.jpg|thumb|right|[[Tesla Roadster (2008)|Tesla Roadster]]]]
Examples of work undertaken by Lotus Engineering include:

* Lotus [[Talbot Sunbeam]]—Talbot's [[hot hatch]] rally car of the early 1980s
* [[DMC DeLorean]]. Changes to the original concept led to considerable schedule pressures. The car was deemed to require almost complete re-engineering, which was turned over to engineer [[Colin Chapman]], founder of Lotus. Lotus replaced most of the unproven material and manufacturing techniques with those then employed by Lotus in the [[Lotus Esprit]]
* [[Vauxhall Lotus Carlton]] (also Opel Lotus Omega, internal name Lotus Type 104) – At the time (early 1990s) this was the fastest saloon car available, with a top speed of over 175&nbsp;mph (280&nbsp;km/h)
*The 1991 [[Dodge Spirit R/T]] with a version of the 2.2 L K-car engine with a 16-valve DOHC head designed by Lotus with over {{convert|220|hp|abbr=on}}
* [[Vauxhall VX220]] (badged Opel Speedster outside of the UK) – Lotus produced and based the car upon the same aluminium chassis design as the [[Lotus Elise]]. Production of these models ended in 2005
* Lotus styled and assisted with the engineering of the [[Tesla Roadster (2008)|Tesla Roadster]], an electric sports car based on the Elise, as well as licensing some technologies to [[Tesla Motors]] and constructing the Roadster at their plant in [[Hethel]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/29/done-deal-lotus-will-build-the-tesla-roadster-in-hethel/ |title=Done deal! Lotus will build the Tesla Roadster in Hethel |publisher=autoblog |date=29 July 2006 |access-date=11 August 2011}}</ref>
* The [[Aston Martin DB9]]'s chassis was developed with the help of Lotus Engineering
* Lotus was responsible for most of the design, development, and testing, of the [[GM LT engine#LT5|LT5]] DOHC V8 powerplant for the [[Chevrolet Corvette C4#ZR-1|Chevrolet Corvette C4 ZR-1]]
* Lotus designed, developed and tested the GM Ecotec engine and its variants
* Lotus was responsible for various aspects of the [[Sinclair C5]] electric tricycle
* Lotus was responsible for the suspension calibration of the [[Toyota MR2]] Mk. I, the [[Toyota Supra]] Mk. II and Mk. III, the [[Isuzu Piazza]], the [[Isuzu Impulse]] as well as newer Proton models
* Lotus did engineering work on the [[Satria GTi|PROTON Satria GTi model]]
* Lotus was responsible for the development of the [[Campro engine]] together with Proton,<ref name="campro">[http://www.power-and-control.com/about/engineering.php About Proton Engineering] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071008081846/http://www.power-and-control.com/about/engineering.php |date=8 October 2007 }} – Proton Cars UK</ref> as well as its [[variable valve timing]] system, the Cam Profile Switching (CPS). Currently available in the 1.6-litre and 1.3-litre variants, the Campro engine now powers most of Proton's newer models
* Lotus has worked on the suspension of the [[Mahindra Scorpio]] to make it more stable at high speeds
* Lotus produced the revised chassis of the [[Isuzu Piazza]]
* Lotus has worked on the suspension and handling of the [[Volvo 480]]
* The [[Dodge EV]] concept electric vehicle from [[Chrysler]] is based on a [[Lotus Europa S]]
* Lotus has worked on the suspension and handling of the [[Nissan GT-R]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://press.nissan-global.com/PRESSKIT/NISSANGTR/0710/ENGLISH/MECHANISM/index1.html|title=NISSAN GT-R press information...|work=nissan-global.com|access-date=1 December 2016}}</ref>
* Lotus rebuilt, modified, and tuned a [[Lada Riva]] on Top Gear season 1, episode 8. 
* The 2006 Volkswagen GX3 features a chassis developed by Lotus for VW
* The 2009 [[Kia Soul]] features Lotus tuned suspension (UK only)
* 2010: Limo-Green project with [[Jaguar Cars]]. Lotus provided the Range Extender engine for a prototype [[Jaguar XJ|XJ series]]-hybrid car. The car returned 58 mpg (imperial) running off the range extender alone<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jaguar.com/gl/en/#/experience/jaguar_magazine/issue1_2010/limo_green |title=Jaguar UK – Jaguar International |publisher=Jaguar.com |access-date=30 September 2010 |archive-date=25 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131025052058/http://www.jaguar.com/gl/en/#/experience/jaguar_magazine/issue1_2010/limo_green |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Lotus partnered with Jaguar for developing chassis system and engine management of the Jaguar C-X75. The engine is a supercharged 1.6 turbo petrol engine rated at {{convert|507|PS|hp kW|0|abbr=on}} coupled with a {{convert|177|PS|hp kW|0|abbr=on}}. 
* Lotus has worked on handling and steering of the 2015 Hyundai Genesis.
* The 2015 [[Spyker B6|Spyker B6 Venator]] is powered by a Lotus-built engine originating from a Toyota-sourced block.
* The [[Baojun 730]], a Chinese minivan with Lotus-tuned suspension, built by a [[General Motors]] subsidiary.
* HB.T, a [[track bicycle]] with a novel aerodynamic design; produced in collaboration with [[Hope Technology]] and [[British Cycling]].<ref name="hope">{{Cite web|last=Arthurs-Brennan|first=Michelle|date=2021-08-02|title=Lotus x Hope HB.T: Team GB's track bike in detail|url=https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/olympics/bike-future-hope-lotus-british-cycling-went-back-drawing-board-446431|access-date=2022-01-03|website=cyclingweekly.com}}</ref>

=== Lotus based cars ===
* [[Detroit Electric SP.01]], based on Elise chassis
* [[Hennessey Venom GT]], based on the Exige/Elise chassis
* [[Infiniti Emerg-e]] concept car, based on Evora 414E
* [[Melkus]] RS2000, based on Elise chassis
* [[Rinspeed sQuba]] concept car, based on Elise chassis
* [[Tesla Roadster (2008)|Tesla Roadster]], based on Elise chassis
* [[Vauxhall VX220]]/Opel Speedster, based on the Elise

==Electric vehicles==
===Evija===
[[File:Lotus_Evija_front.jpg|thumb|Lotus Evija]]

Lotus unveiled their first production electric hypercar called the [[Lotus Evija|Evija]] in July 2019, production would be limited to 130 units and is scheduled to begin in summer 2020 and is being delivered to customers in early 2023. The car was undergoing development under the codename Type 130. In 2022 Lotus switched to a 93 kilowatt-hours (330 MJ) battery,(up from 70 kwh) which [[Unipart]]'s Hyperbat claims to supply. There are 4 electric motors, one placed on each wheel supported by an Integral powertrain. The powertrain is rated at a total output of {{convert|2039|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} with {{convert|1704|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} of torque. The Evija has a range of {{convert|346|km|mile|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.autoblog.com/2019/07/05/lotus-evija-goodwood-official/|title=Lotus Type 130 electric supercar officially named Evija|last=Markovich|first=Tony|date=2019-07-05|website=Autoblog|access-date=31 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |last=Cars |first=Lotus |date=February 19, 2020 |title=Lotus Evija Production Comes Alive |url=https://media.lotuscars.com/en/news-articles/lotus-evija-production-comes-alive.html |access-date=February 19, 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/future-cars/a28399953/lotus-evija-electric-hypercar-photos-specs-info-price/|title=The Lotus Evija Is Britain's 2000-Horsepower Hyper EV|last=Petrany|first=Mate|date=2019-07-16|website=Road & Trackaccess-date=31 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.topgear.com/car-news/electric/lotus-evija-1972bhp-electric-hypercar|title=This is the Lotus Evija: a 1,972bhp electric hypercar|last=Kew|first=Ollie|date=2019-07-16|website=Top Gear|access-date=31 May 2020}}</ref><ref name="Calin"/>

===Other cars===
The [[Tesla Roadster (first generation)|Tesla Roadster]] is based on the Elise chassis. On 11 July 2005, Tesla and Lotus entered an agreement about products and services based on the Lotus Elise, where Lotus provided advice on designing and developing a vehicle as well as producing partly assembled vehicles.<ref name="lotustesla1">{{cite web |url=http://contracts.onecle.com/tesla-motors/lotus-supply-2005-07-11.shtml |title=Supply agreement for products and services based on Lotus Elise technology |first1=Clive |last1=Dopson |first2=Simon |last2=Wood |first3=Thomas E. |last3=Colson |first4=Martin F. |last4=Eberhard |website=OneCLE |date=July 11, 2005 |access-date=September 7, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617160922/http://contracts.onecle.com/tesla-motors/lotus-supply-2005-07-11.shtml |archive-date=June 17, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>Tesla, Lotus Position {{Cite web |url=https://www.tesla.com/blog/lotus-position |title=Lotus Position |access-date=19 February 2023 |archive-date=19 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219180919/https://www.tesla.com/blog/lotus-position |url-status=bot: unknown }} (last checked 2023-02-19)</ref>

Lotus Engineering has established a group dedicated to hybrid and electric vehicles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/22/lotus-engineering-establishes-group-dedicated-to-hybrid-and-elec/|title=Lotus Engineering establishes group dedicated to hybrid and electric vehicles|first=Sam|last=Abuelsamid|work=autoblog.com|date=22 February 2008 |access-date=1 December 2016}}</ref>

Lotus Engineering developed the Evora 414E as their first hybrid concept car. Featuring a total hybrid range of more than 300 miles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lotuscars.com/engineering/evora-414e-hybrid |title=Evora 414E Hybrid |access-date=2018-03-30 |archive-date=12 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912231038/http://www.lotuscars.com/engineering/evora-414e-hybrid |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Lotus joined [[Jaguar Cars]], [[MIRA Ltd]] and [[Caparo]] on a luxury [[hybrid electric vehicle|hybrid executive sedan]] project called "Limo-Green"—funded by the UK Government [[Innovate UK|Technology Strategy Board]]. The vehicle will be a series [[plug-in hybrid]].<ref name="limogreen">{{cite web |url=http://www.greencarreports.com/blog/1018769_future-jaguar-xj-may-cut-co2-via-lotus-limogreen-project |title=Future Jaguar XJ May Cut CO<sub>2</sub> Via Lotus 'LimoGreen' Project |publisher=GreenCarReports.com |date=20 February 2009 |access-date=22 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223184049/http://www.greencarreports.com/blog/1018769_future-jaguar-xj-may-cut-co2-via-lotus-limogreen-project |archive-date=23 February 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2008/05/uk-technology-s.html |title=UK Technology Strategy Board (TSB) to Award $45M to 16 Low-Carbon Vehicle Projects |publisher=Green Car Congress |date=8 May 2008 |access-date=8 May 2008}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Cars}}
* [[List of car manufacturers of the United Kingdom]]

== Further reading ==
* [[Gérard Crombac|Gérard ("Jabby") Crombac]], ''Colin Chapman: The Man and His Cars'' (Patrick Stephens, Wellingborough, 1986)
* Mike Lawrence, ''Colin Chapman: The Wayward Genius'' (Breedon Books, Derby, 2002)
* Ian H. Smith, ''The Story of Lotus: 1947–1960 Birth of a Legend'' (republished Motor Racing Publications, Chiswick, 1972)
* [[Doug Nye]], ''The Story of Lotus: 1961–1971 Growth of a Legend'' (Motor Racing Publications, Chiswick, 1972)
* Robin Read, ''Colin Chapman's Lotus: The Early Years, the Elite and the Origins of the Elan'' (Haynes, Sparkford, 1989)
* Anthony Pritchard, ''Lotus: All the Cars'' (Aston Publications, Bourne End, 1990)
* Doug Nye, ''Theme Lotus: 1956–1986'' (Motor Racing Publications, Croydon, 1986)
* William Taylor ''The Lotus Book'' (Coterie Press, Luton, 1998, 1999, 2005)
* William Taylor ''The Lotus Book Collectibles'' (Coterie Press, Luton, 2000)
* Peter Ross, ''Lotus: The Early Years 1951–54'' (Coterie Press, Luton, 2004)
* Rémy Solnon, [http://lotusespritaddiction.unblog.fr/lotus-esprit-le-grand-tourisme-a-langlaise/ ''Lotus Esprit – le grand tourisme à l'anglaise''] (Editions Les Presses Littéraires, 2007)
* Andrew Ferguson, ''Team Lotus: The Indianapolis Years'' (Haynes Publishing 1996) no longer available

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}
*{{cite web |url=http://lotuseliteworldregister.com/members-cars2/elite-cars/78-elite-1468 |title=Cheshunt Lotus Elite Works Chassis #1468 |work=lotuseliteworldregister.com |access-date=1 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212202017/http://lotuseliteworldregister.com/members-cars2/elite-cars/78-elite-1468 |archive-date=12 February 2018 |url-status=dead }}

== External links ==
{{commons category}}
* {{Official website}}

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