Lotus Evija Prototype Delayed in the US Due to COVID-19 Lockdowns
A Brief Pause for Lotus’s Electric Hypercar
Lotus’s highly anticipated electric hypercar, the Evija, faced an unexpected hurdle during the course of its development. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the plans of the British automaker, leaving a prototype Evija stranded in the United States. While this setback might have caused concern among enthusiasts, Lotus assures that the project is still very much alive and progressing.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Lotus’s Plans
According to an exclusive interview with The Drive, Lotus Cars Managing Director Matt Windle shed light on the challenges faced by the company in 2020. The pandemic forced a pause in testing activities in Europe and left the show car stuck in the US, impacting the project timeline. Despite these delays, Windle emphasized that development is back on track and moving forward positively.
The Rise of the Lotus Emira
Amidst the Evija’s temporary setback, Lotus introduced the Emira, the successor to the Elise and Exige models. This new release, powered by AMG turbo-fours or supercharged Toyota V6 engines, offers a promising alternative in the performance car market. Windle indicated that while the Emira has taken the spotlight momentarily, work on the Evija continues in the background.
Looking Towards the Future
Lotus is gearing up for the launch of the Emira in Spring 2022, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the brand. Beyond the Emira, speculations of an electric crossover point towards Lotus’s evolving product lineup. Windle’s focus remains on delivering high-quality vehicles to satisfy customers before exploring further opportunities.
Conclusion
Despite the temporary disruption caused by the global health crisis, Lotus remains committed to pushing forward with its groundbreaking Evija project. With the Emira setting the stage for the brand’s new direction, Lotus enthusiasts can anticipate a promising future ahead.
FAQs
1. Will the Evija project resume according to schedule after the COVID-related delays?
Lotus assures that work on the Evija is progressing well and that they are back on track with development activities following the challenges posed by the pandemic.
2. How does the Emira model fit into Lotus’s product strategy alongside the Evija?
The Emira serves as a bridge between Lotus’s existing lineup and the futuristic Evija, offering customers a compelling alternative with its powerful engine options.
3. What can customers expect from Lotus in the near future?
Lotus is set to launch the Emira in Spring 2022 and is already contemplating expanding its offerings to include an electric crossover, signaling an exciting era of innovation for the brand.