The legendary Lotus Esprit is making a comeback, and despite its maker previously committing to an all-electric future, its new flagship supercar will feature a twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing a whopping 500kW. Known internally as the Type 135, the upcoming supercar is widely expected to revive the Esprit nameplate when it launches in 2028.

According to Auto Express, the new model will use a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 developed by Horse Powertrain, which is a joint venture involving Renault and Lotus parent company Geely. Known as the ‘W40’, the new engine produces around 500kW of power and 800Nm of torque, giving it considerably more grunt than either engine currently offered in the Lotus Emira.

The V8 reportedly uses a ‘hot-V’ configuration, positioning its two turbochargers between the cylinder banks to improve both packaging and responsiveness. It weighs approximately 200kg and has reportedly been designed to deliver an 8000rpm redline.

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Power will be delivered to the rear wheels through a newly developed eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, known as the ‘8LDCT’, which has been engineered to handle up to 1050Nm of torque. The transmission features a wet dual-clutch system, silicon-carbide electronics and a variable-displacement mechanical pump, with Horse claiming gearshift responses of less than 20 milliseconds.

The V8 will form the centrepiece of a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain expected to produce at least 735kW (986hp), with Lotus targeting outputs exceeding 745kW (1000bhp).

Being a Lotus, lightweight construction will feature prominently, with the new supercar expected to use a combination of carbon fibre and aluminium for its chassis. New electronic chassis technology is also being developed, including continuously variable suspension damping and active anti-roll bars, to deliver the handling and stability expected of a Lotus product.

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Past versions of the Esprit

The new Esprit represents a significant change in direction for Lotus, which had previously planned to transition to an electric vehicle lineup. The Emira was meant to be the its final petrol-powered model, but changing markets made Lotus to embrace a broader range of powertrains, including hybrids. The Type 135 was actually initially planned to be electric before the company changed course.

The new-generation supercar is expected to enter production in Europe ahead of a 2028 launch, although pricing and Australian availability are to be confirmed. But with almost 750kW of power on tap, it’s shaping up to be the most powerful petrol Lotus product yet.