Lotus has announced the successful completion of a rigorous global testing and development program for the Emeya. The Emeya is set to be a new leader in Lotus’s electrification alongside the Eletre, featuring impressive driving performance as a four-door electric sedan.
The final durability tests for the Emeya were conducted during winter in the Ivalo region of Finland, which is located about 250km within the Arctic Circle. The harsh weather conditions of the area posed a significant challenge; temperatures dropped to -25 degrees Celsius during the tests, and to push the limits further, Lotus engineers utilized rented automotive coolers to test the Emeya at -40 degrees.
The Emeya underwent testing over a three-year period across 15 countries on two continents. From the narrow and winding country roads of the UK to the German Autobahn, the Swiss Alps, and remote regions like Inner Mongolia, the Emeya has been extensively tested on regular roads. Additionally, it has also been put through its paces on specialized tracks like the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany, nicknamed the ‘Green Hell,’ and the Nardo Ring in Italy.
Through the extensive testing in diverse locations and conditions, the Emeya has proven its capability to perform reliably in extreme cold as well as in high-temperature conditions exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Prior to market delivery, further tests will be conducted in regions such as the Middle East, the United States, and Australia.
Silvian Verstraeten, director of the Lotus Emeya program, stated, “The car testing procedures we employ at Lotus are not only severe but also involve comprehensive checks on performance, from suspension to steering, battery, and even tires.” He emphasized, “The Emeya is the ultimate pure electric grand tourer, developed to offer the best driving experience to drivers anywhere and anytime.”
During the Arctic testing period, Lotus engineers conducted tests on the Emeya model in various ways. For instance, they performed overall tests of the chassis systems, including suspension, steering, brakes, and traction on ice and snow-covered surfaces. Moreover, they simultaneously conducted tests on Lotus’s proprietary winter tires to ensure optimal handling and dynamic response for the driver. Additionally, careful assessment of the battery, driver assistance features, and climate control systems was carried out to verify the overall safety of the vehicle, even under extreme conditions.
The results of these tests and development programs are invaluable. Not only do they meet stringent global regulations, but they also create a true hyper GT car that embodies the brand slogan, ‘A car for drivers.’ This positions Lotus to accelerate its transformation from a lightweight sports car brand into a luxury performance automotive brand, as it has been recognized for the past 76 years.
Gavan Curshaw, who joined Lotus at just 16 years of age in 1988, is a testament to the brand’s rigorous vehicle development program. Currently serving as the director of product characteristics and integrity, he remarked, “Since presenting our first model to the public in 1948, Lotus has made it a point to infuse all of its cars with unique Lotus DNA,” further emphasizing, “Every Lotus model must exhibit dynamic performance alongside sufficient stability, and this principle has been applied to the Emeya as well.”
The Emeya, which can be regarded as a true grand tourer, is equipped with functions that allow it to navigate through any environment, including the Arctic Circle. The Lotus advanced control and all-wheel-drive systems enable it to drive smoothly and steadily even in extreme conditions, along with various driver-friendly features such as a 55-inch head-up display showing a snow mode.
Furthermore, the Emeya’s performance is such that it can confidently be labeled as ‘the best four-door GT car of its time.’ With over 900 horsepower, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds. This is complemented by electronically controlled air suspension that detects the road every millisecond for a ride quality befitting a luxury brand. The interior boasts not only premium leather materials but also various sustainable materials such as PVD aluminum and ultra-fabric PU, along with a striking 15.1-inch OLED display known for its clarity.
With the Emeya, Lotus aims to establish itself as a complete automotive brand with a diverse model portfolio. Under its future brand strategy, Vision80, it has begun selling the 2,000-horsepower electric hypercar, the Evaya, and offers the electric hyper SUV Eletre, while also selling the Emira, its final internal combustion engine mid-engine sports car that continues the legacy of Lotus’s lightweight sports cars. Following the Emeya’s launch, the company plans to officially announce an electric sports car and a D-segment SUV named Type 134 and Type 135.
Set to launch in overseas markets in the second half of this year, the Emeya is also beginning certification work for its domestic launch. Based on the immense public interest, Lotus headquarters has classified South Korea as a Tier 1 market with high expectations. More details about the Emeya can be found on the Lotus Korea website.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr