After finally breaking even in 2016 Lotus is already planning the launch of its first SUV, a model to rival for example the Porsche Macan. However the model will not reach the market before 2022.
Next-generation model line-up
The SUV will be part of the next-generation range of Lotus models, which includes the Elise replacement in 2020 folowed by the new Exige and the Evora. The latter should reach the market in 2022.
According to Lotus boss Jean-Marc Gales the make has already started to work on a prototype for this SUV. And although it still hasn't been confirmed for production, Gales believe that if the turnaround plans for Lotus are successful the SUV will be launched in 4-5 years time.
SUV production
Goldstar Heavy Industrial, Lotus' Chinese engineering partner should help the brand develop the new SUV. The SUV is expected to fill a niche detected by Gales: “ lightweight, good-handling SUV”.
With the SUV Lotus expects to double its annual sales to a total of 4000 units.