Lotus To Completely Refresh Its Lineup This Summer Thanks To Geely's Financing

The Evija isn't the only thing that Geely's funding has allowed Lotus to greenlight. 

After what seems like ages of adjustment and lengthening, the platform that underpins the Elise and Exige is finally going to be put to rest. Apparently, so will the Evora - because come this summer, Lotus will be unveiling their Next Big Thing. No, that's not what it'll be called - but it's what we liken it to be, as they've flogged their horse far beyond death.

The new platform comes with a new engine and will be utilizing a much more modern electrical architecture to bring Lotus models up to date with current other offerings on the market. The price points will also be fairly similar to the outgoing Lotus models, but there will be more focus on broadening the appeal of Lotus' product line-up to make them more everyday friendly.

All of this is possible thanks to Geely's acquisition of the British sports car manufacturer - along with the partnership with Proton, of course. Geely has impeccable taste and a very broad understanding of how to provide the right support and funding for a manufacturer to flourish, without letting them make the same mistakes that landed them in financial troubles, to begin with.

We've seen their effect on Volvo, who have gone from being on the brink of losing their luxury status to being one of the most sought after luxury cars on the market today - superceding their German contemporary counterparts in many purchase situations. With Lotus, they've allowed the manufacturer to scale up operations and increase annual production to 10,000 units at their Hethel manufacturing site.

There will be another manufacturing site in China, but the focus of it will be on the newer body styles to come under the Lotus brand - no doubt an SUV will be in the cards - though the manufacturing of sports cars will be retained at Hethel, as that's also where their famed test track is.

The all-electric Evija is already well underway in its development, but Lotus also plans to work with Alpine of Renault Group to develop an entirely new electric sports car platform for launch in 2025. Again, this is all in the pursuit of a larger market across the world - one that already knows and loves the Lotus brand, but needs something more socially acceptable.

The ultimate litmus test for the new Geely-supported Lotus will be how well it fares in the United States, as they feel that will determine whether their models can succeed in the rest of the world. The last time Lotus attempted a radical redesign with Danny Bahar at the helm, it didn't go so well - but this definitely seems more promising.

For more latest car news, reviews, car buying guides and videos visit us at Carlist.my Auto News.
Check out all the best new & used car deals in Malaysia at Carlist.my.
Sell your car fast with the best offer? Visit us at CarlistBid.my.