Presenting The Lotus Evija: The Most Powerful Production Road Car Ever

The Evija is the first Lotus road car to ever feature a full carbon-fiber monocoque chassis. Weighing only 284 pounds, this is the lightest, stiffest, safest and most technically advanced Lotus road car platform ever built. In its lightest specification, the Evija weighs just 3,703 pounds. An integrated air diffuser extends from under the B-pillars to the rear, while the Evija's active aerodynamics include an elevating rear spoiler and an F1-style Drag Reduction System. Both are activated automatically in Track mode but can be deployed manually in other modes.

The lack of traditional door mirrors also further reduce drag. In their place are cameras integrated into the front wings and another camera in the roof, which display images on three interior screens.

At the heart of the Evija is a phenomenally powerful electric powertrain developed in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering. A centrally mounted 70 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is positioned behind the passenger compartment to improve the aerodynamics, weight distribution, comfort, and handling and can discharge up to 2,000 kW.

Two electric motors produce a combined output of 1,972 horsepower and 1,253 lb-ft of torque - that makes the Evija the world's most powerful production road car ever. That's even more power than the Pininfarina Battista and Rimac C_Two electric hypercars produce. Power is sent to each driveshaft through four single-speed, helical gear ground planetary gearboxes. This setup enables the Evija to sprint from 0-62 mph in under three seconds and hit a top speed of over 200 mph. 62 mph-124 mph takes less than three seconds and 124 mph-186 mph takes less than four seconds. Fun fact: the Evija has more power at each wheel than the total power of any other Lotus road car ever produced. Lotus CEO Phil Popham wasn't exaggerating when he said the Evija will blow our minds.

The Evija also boasts the world's fastest charging battery. Thanks to the partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering, the battery accepts an 800kW charge, although Lotus admits that charging units capable of delivering this are not commercially available yet. When they are, the Evija will fully charge in just nine minutes. Using existing charging technology, a 350kW unit will charge the Evija to 80 percent in 12 minutes and 100 percent in 18 minutes.

Lotus cars are renowned for their exceptional handling, and the Evija continues that tradition. The car's motorsport-derived suspension features three adaptive spool-valve dampers for each axle, providing a perfect blend of extreme track performance and on-road comfort. Its lightweight magnesium wheels are sized 20- and 21-inches at the front and rear, respectively, and are wrapped in specially developed Pirelli Trofeo R tires. A forged aluminum AP Racing braking system with carbon ceramic discs front and rear provide copious amounts of stopping power.

Inside, the motorsport-inspired interior is just as dramatic as the exterior. Two handle-free dihedral doors provide access to the cabin, which is lavished with visible carbon fiber surfaces and Alcantara-padded seats. Three-point seatbelts are fitted as standard, with four-point harnesses an option, while the design of the steering wheel is inspired by LMP and F1 car steering wheels.

A digital display (the one and only screen you'll find inside the Evija), provides the driver with key information such as mode, battery charge and remaining range. Other controls can be found on the floating 'ski slope-style' center console, which features touch-sensitive haptic feedback buttons. Climate control and a premium infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support come as standard. This is the first time a Lotus car has included connected infotainment with over-the-air software updates and a chronograph that allows the driver to record their lap times. A Lotus smartphone app also lets owners monitor their Evija from anywhere in the world, check the battery charge status and driving range, and remotely control the air conditioning.

"The Lotus Evija is a car like no other. It will re-establish our brand in the hearts and minds of sports car fans and on the global automotive stage. It will also pave the way for further visionary models," said Lotus Cars CEO Phil Popham. "This is another amazing moment in the history of our company. The Evija is a true Lotus in every sense – it has been developed with an unwavering passion to push boundaries, to explore new ways of thinking and to apply ground-breaking technologies."

Lotus will allow buyers to extensively personalize their Evija with unique paint finishes, interior trims and detailing. Production of the Lotus Evija will take place at a new manufacturing facility and will be limited to just 130 units. Each Evija will cost an eye-watering £1.7 million ($2.2 million) plus duties and taxes and requires a £250,000 (£311,000) deposit.