Find out why Lotus CEO says sports cars over 1.8 tons are ordinary and what it means for upcoming electric models – read more now!
CEO’s Statement on Vehicle Weight
Feng Qingfeng, the chief executive of Lotus, sparked a wave of discussion on Chinese social media after declaring that any sports car weighing more than 1.8 tonnes is “ordinary”. The comment came during a media‑briefing event and directly referenced the brand’s newest electric lineup, including the flagship Lotus Evija.
Weight Benchmarks of Current Lotus Models
All of Lotus’s latest electric and plug‑in‑hybrid (PHEV) models exceed the 1.8‑tonne threshold. Notable examples are:
- Lotus Evija – 2,011 hp, base price US$2.3 million, curb weight 1,894 kg
- Lotus Emira – gasoline‑only version, unladen weight 1,460 kg
- Lotus Emeyra – 2,455 kg
- Lotus Eletre – 2,600 kg
- Lotus Eletre X – 2,625 kg
Future Plans and Market Launch
Qingfeng hinted that a forthcoming V8‑powered PHEV sport model will stay under the 1.8‑tonne limit and is slated for a 2028 market debut. In Vietnam, Lotus has already begun sales through distributor Tasco, offering the Emira, Evija, Eletre and Emeya line‑up as of 8 May.
The brand, once celebrated for its lightweight, driver‑focused ethos, is now operating under the Chinese conglomerate Geely, expanding its portfolio with heavier, technology‑rich electric platforms.
Stay tuned for more updates on Lotus’s evolving strategy and how weight standards may reshape the future of high‑performance electric cars.