Lotus reveals ultraquick Emeya electric sedan

The new Lotus Emeya is “one of the fastest electric GT cars in the world,” the automaker said during its unveiling Thursday.

The large sedan is the second full-electric Lotus after the Eletre SUV to be launched as part of its so-called Lifestyle range. The sedan will build the car alongside the Eletre at parent Geely's factory in Wuhan, China.

Lotus describes the Emeya as its flagship car, saying it will sit above Eletre.

Lotus said the top-of-the-line, 905-hp Emeya with dual electric motors will accelerate from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in 2.8 seconds. The performance matches the Porsche Taycan Turbo S. It also puts the Emeya close to the Tesla Model S Plaid, which the U.S. EV maker claims can reach that speed in 2 seconds.

Lotus unveiled the car in New York at an event that will include a public showcase starting on Saturday.

The car carries over the same design language as the Eletre, with an aggressive sports-car inspired front end incorporating aerodynamic elements to increase efficiency and enhance cooling of the electric drivetrain. An active front grille can adjust air flow as needed.

The car is said to have a low center of gravity that helps “set a new standard in the GT segment for ride and handling excellence,” Lotus said in a statement.

A large rear spoiler automatically deploys to give downforce measuring 215 kg at high speed, the company said.

The car can charge at speeds of up to 350 kilowatts, which means it can add 150 km (93 miles) of range in about five minutes, the company said.

No range or battery size figures were given, but the company said range is similar to that of the Eletre, which features a 100-kilowatt-hour battery that provides a range of 600 km (373 miles).

The Emeya is also expected to carry over the Eletre's 800-volt electrical architecture that enables faster charging.

The Emeya has an electronically controlled air suspension system that can automatically adjust the sedan to smooth out the ride.  

Inside the car features a large infotainment screen with further information projected via a 55-inch augmented reality head-up display.

Lotus said this will give real-time road information with navigation and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) data, as well as displaying turn signals, obstacle warnings, lane departure, forward collision alerts and blind-spot monitoring.

The car shown had four seats in total, with two individual seats in the rear rather than a bench seat. Production of the car will start in 2024, Lotus said, adding that prices will be revealed around that time.

The sedan is expected to be priced close to that of the Eletre, which starts at 95,990 euros in Germany. The Taycan Turbo S starts at 197,740 euros in Germany.