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Lotus unveils Theory 1 concept supercar, forging a new future for sports cars
By Shivani Dubey | 18 September 2024 | Cars & Yachts, Motoring, Speed
Lotus has unveiled its Theory 1 concept car, complete with 986 horsepower, three seats and state of the art technology
Lotus is ready to change the future of sports cars with its newly unveiled the Theory 1 concept car. This is the first entry in the brand’s new design concept called the Lotus Theory, and promises to be a tech-forward car that “embodies the future of intelligent performance vehicles”.
The Lotus Theory is a design manifesto, encapsulating the brand’s new ideology that it has named ‘DNA’, which stands for design, natural and analog. And with Theory 1, Lotus has applied its new manifesto to create a concept that is an EV with 986 horsepower, has three seats and uses screens, projections and haptics to interact with the driver.
Theory 1 is designed to fit harmoniously around the driver and can adapt based on their needs. Some new features include a digital system that uses intelligent environmental light, LED and reflections on the windscreen to communicate information like obstacle detection, turns and more; the inside of the vehicle structure has also been shaped around the human body, with the seating integrated into the structure.
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The car has been designed to respond to the occupant’s body. For instance, the steering wheel and pedals all move towards the driver. The car also features steer-by-wire, which enables precision and control at every turn and the ability to adjust steering ratios, speed and feel. This is designed to deliver precision and the smoothest ride, further enhancing driver confidence, and connecting them to the road.
The three seating system with a driver at the centre is inspired by motorsports (a similar concept can be seen on McLaren Formula 1 cars), and is designed to provide the driver with the best possible visibility of the road ahead, as well as easy access to all controls.
Ben Payne, vice president of design at Lotus Group, says the Theory 1 is the epitome of “everything Lotus has achieved in its 76 year history”.
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“We want to demonstrate that you don’t need to compromise — with both digital and analogue capabilities working harmoniously in the future car,” he said. “In doing this, we are able to bring drivers the best possible immersive driving experience with raw emotion, functionality and connectivity, at the core.”
This concept is also a huge step towards sustainability in car manufacturing, with Lotus Theory 1 only using ten main materials (as opposed to the around 100 currently used in automobile production) with properties related to performance, durability, light weight, recycled and recyclable.
There are no plans to currently put the car into production, as it is simply a concept, but some design elements are sure to make it onto future productions from the luxury automobile company.