Ever since Lotus was acquired by the Chinese carmaker, Geely Automotive Holding, the British sports car maker was expected to introduce a high-riding model. Now, a few months under the Chinese ownership, the first patent images of the Lotus SUV have surfaced online.
Speculated to break cover only in 2020, the Lotus SUV bears a resemblance to the characteristic design of the Lotus’ lightweight sports cars. The fascia cues its design from the Evora and Elise, while the rest of the body is raised to lend it a proper crossover stance. The large wheels snuggly fit into the wheel arches suggesting that Lotus will make its SUV suitable for roads and have no intentions of making it off-road compliant.
The floating D-Pillar is quite prominent in the SUV; even more than the Lotus’ sports car range. The tail lights are simple circular units akin to the Lotus 3-Eleven. As of now, details regarding the powertrain are not available. But, we expect the host of powertrain options from the Geely and Volvo to make their way under the hood of the Lotus SUV.
The British carmaker had previously said that their first-ever SUV will be unlike anything else. It will be lightweight and will have the best handling ever seen on a high-riding vehicle. The production of Lotus’ first SUV will commence in China, where the major chunk of the sales would be concentrated. Whereas, the Norwich-based carmaker will continue manufacturing its sports car in the UK as usual.
There has been an insatiable demand for the SUVs across the globe lately. Porsche entered the segment long back followed by Jaguar and Bentley. Lamborghini will reveal their first proper SUV later this year, whereas Ferrari has also promised an SUV in the years to come. Lotus, meanwhile, will benefit from the high volume sales of the SUV, which can then be utilised to build more sports cars.
