Lotus Cars has announced its first all-new sports car in more than a decade, which is set to become the first all-electric hypercar from a British manufacturer.
A concept for the first fully electric British supercar, the Type 130, will be the first production for the sports car company, based in Hethel, since 2008.
Chief executive Phil Popham said: 'Type 130 will be the most dynamically accomplished Lotus in our history.
MORE: New florists to open in Holt selling new trend of 'bouquets of leaves 'It marks a turning point for our brand and is a showcase of what we are capable of and what is to come from Lotus.'
The first glimpse of the new vehicle was revealed at the Shanghai International Auto Show 2019.
The new vehicle could hail a new generation of Lotus motor cars. 'It's a statement of intent: electric is part of the strategy going forward,' said Mr Popham. 'For Lotus it has to be all about the driving experience – and electric will drive the value of every car we make.'
Just scant details of the new car have been released although it is said to be in 'advanced stages of development.'
A physical representation of the car will be revealed along with its full specification later this year. Production numbers are expected to be low although there has been interest already from buyers.
The car company also launched its latest brand new motorsport entry at the show, the Evora GT4 Concept, which was developed and prepared in Hethel. Mr Popham said: 'Lotus as a brand was born from the thrill of competition, and the Evora GT4 Concept will continue that legacy while opening up a new chapter in our racing experience. All of our cars retain motorsport within their DNA, and almost every road car in the company's history has raced successfully at some point. It's the philosophy that Colin Chapman founded Lotus on, and that we proudly continue to this day.'
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