Photo: Lotus
Lotus is still pondering whether to launch an SUV or a sedan to expand its lineup. However, none of the two body styles have been approved for development yet.
The British sports car brand has been thinking about introducing new types of automobiles in its portfolio for a few years now, but various issues have led to delaying the decision regarding a green light for development for any of the projects.
In 2014, the company cut a quarter of its workforce to deal with growing losses, but its leaders were still thinking about launching an SUV or a sedan.
The possibility of Lotus developing a sedan might seem strange, especially when this body style is not as successful as it once was in traditional markets.
However, the situation is different in China, where sedans and SUVs are the most sought-after body styles, and developing a sedan exclusive for the world’s largest car market might make sense.
Another possibility for the next entry in the Lotus range comes in the form of an SUV, which would be lighter than its competitors, while still providing impressive dynamic abilities.
While it might seem impossible, Lotus could pull off the lightest and most nimble SUV in the world, but it needs to secure funding for its development, along with market interest for this kind of vehicle.
Lotus has previously revealed concept cars that showed how the company imagined an SUV and a sedan would look if they made it. The results were named Lotus Eterne and Lotus APX. The former was a sleek four-door sedan with design traits that make us think about Tesla’s Model S, while the APX Concept shows influences from the Acura ZDX.
Meanwhile, the past projects of Dany Bahar, the previous CEO of Lotus, are definitively canceled. That means saying goodbye to a new Esprit, as well as other models announced by Mr. Bahar a few years ago. Instead, Lotus must focus on making money, and retailing sports cars might not be enough for this independent automaker.
In 2014, the company cut a quarter of its workforce to deal with growing losses, but its leaders were still thinking about launching an SUV or a sedan.
The possibility of Lotus developing a sedan might seem strange, especially when this body style is not as successful as it once was in traditional markets.
However, the situation is different in China, where sedans and SUVs are the most sought-after body styles, and developing a sedan exclusive for the world’s largest car market might make sense.
Another possibility for the next entry in the Lotus range comes in the form of an SUV, which would be lighter than its competitors, while still providing impressive dynamic abilities.
While it might seem impossible, Lotus could pull off the lightest and most nimble SUV in the world, but it needs to secure funding for its development, along with market interest for this kind of vehicle.
Lotus has previously revealed concept cars that showed how the company imagined an SUV and a sedan would look if they made it. The results were named Lotus Eterne and Lotus APX. The former was a sleek four-door sedan with design traits that make us think about Tesla’s Model S, while the APX Concept shows influences from the Acura ZDX.
Meanwhile, the past projects of Dany Bahar, the previous CEO of Lotus, are definitively canceled. That means saying goodbye to a new Esprit, as well as other models announced by Mr. Bahar a few years ago. Instead, Lotus must focus on making money, and retailing sports cars might not be enough for this independent automaker.
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