Could this be the first glimpse of the new Lotus Esprit?
Could Lotus Be Preparing the Return of the Esprit?
For decades, the Lotus Cars Esprit has remained one of the most iconic British supercars ever built. From its wedge-shaped styling to its starring role alongside James Bond, the Esprit helped define Lotus during the 1970s, 80s and early 2000s.
Now, following Lotus’ newly announced “Focus 2030” strategy, enthusiasts are once again asking the same question: could the Esprit finally be making a comeback?
While Lotus has stopped short of confirming a revival by name, today’s announcement strongly hints that something very special is on the horizon.
A New Era for Lotus
Lotus says its Focus 2030 strategy is designed to strengthen the business while staying true to the brand’s core identity: lightweight engineering, driver engagement and high-performance motoring.
The biggest headline for petrolheads is confirmation that Lotus is developing its first new supercar of the modern era — currently known as the “Type 135” — due to arrive in 2028.
According to Lotus, the car will feature:
- A V8 hybrid powertrain
- More than 1,000PS
- European production
- A focus on pure driver engagement
For many fans, that immediately sounds familiar.
Why Everyone Is Thinking “Esprit”
The original Esprit was always about combining exotic supercar performance with Lotus engineering precision. The description of the upcoming Type 135 appears to follow exactly the same philosophy.
There are several reasons why speculation around an Esprit revival is already building:
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Lotus Needs a Halo Supercar Again
The Evija hypercar showcased Lotus’ electric technology, but its ultra-limited production and multi-million-pound price tag place it in a completely different category.
A V8 hybrid supercar positioned beneath the Evija could reintroduce Lotus to the mainstream supercar market — exactly the role the Esprit once played.
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Hybrid Power Fits the Modern Market
Lotus made it clear that it no longer sees the future as fully electric-only. Instead, the company is embracing a multi-powertrain approach including petrol, hybrid and electric models.
That opens the door for a modern performance icon with emotional appeal, sound and character — all things many enthusiasts still want from a flagship sports car.
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The Timing Makes Sense
The last Esprit ended production more than 20 years ago. Since then, rivals including Ferrari, McLaren and Porsche have transformed their line-ups with hybrid technology.
Lotus now appears ready to re-enter that space with a genuine world-class performance car.
British Engineering Still at the Core
One reassuring part of the announcement is Lotus’ commitment to UK engineering and manufacturing expertise.
The company confirmed that design and engineering leadership will remain rooted in Britain, while the Hethel facility continues to play a major role in Lotus’ future. That will be welcome news for traditional Lotus enthusiasts concerned about the brand losing its identity.
The Emira also remains central to the line-up, with Lotus confirming an updated version is arriving soon — expected to become the lightest and most powerful Emira yet.
What Could a Modern Esprit Look Like?
If Lotus does revive the Esprit name, expect something very different from the original, yet still faithful to its DNA.
Potential ingredients could include:
- Lightweight construction
- Active aerodynamics
- A twin-turbo hybrid V8
- Everyday usability
- Advanced chassis technology
- Genuine track capability
Most importantly, Lotus insists driver involvement remains at the heart of everything it builds.
That philosophy alone makes the idea of an Esprit return feel more believable than it has in years.
A Crucial Moment for Lotus
Focus 2030 also reveals a company attempting to balance heritage with modern commercial realities.
Lotus is targeting profitability, stronger global sales and greater collaboration with Geely Holding Group, while continuing expansion across Europe, China, North America and the Middle East.
For many brands, that could risk diluting identity. Lotus, however, appears determined to use that investment to build more exciting performance cars rather than move away from them.
Final Thoughts
Nothing in today’s announcement officially confirms the Esprit name is returning.
But a 1,000PS V8 hybrid supercar from Lotus, arriving in 2028 and built around performance and driver engagement, certainly feels like the closest thing yet to a spiritual successor.
Whether it wears the Esprit badge or not, Lotus may finally be preparing to reclaim its place in the supercar conversation.
And for British performance car fans, that is an exciting prospect indeed.
