Aside from creating a breath-taking presence , this design concept – known as ‘ porosity ’ – aids the delivery of highenergy air flow to the rear of the car . This in turn counteracts the low pressure behind the car to reduce drag . Furthermore , the Venturi effect inside the tunnels pulls air through the rear wheel arch louvres , maintaining air quality in the diffuser .
When viewed from the rear of the car , each tunnel is edged with a red LED to create a striking ribbon-style light signature . The result is a stunning visual effect that ’ s akin to the afterburners on a fighter jet , especially when seen at night . As an extra detail , an LED hidden within each tunnel illuminates its interior . The directional indicators are incorporated into the corners of the ribbon , while the reversing light is provided by the illuminated ‘ T ’ of the LOTUS ’ wordmark above the integrated charging flap .
Another key feature of the Evija ’ s sophisticated aerodynamic system is the bi-plane front splitter . It ’ s another illustration of form and function working perfectly in tandem . Designed in three sections , the larger central area provides air to cool the battery pack – midmounted behind the two seats – while the air channelled through the two smaller outer sections cools the front e-axle . Lotus aficionados may notice a respectful nod to the iconic Type 72 Formula 1 car , with its square front central section and two side wings .
ADVANCED PURE EV POWERTRAIN MEANS RECORD-BREAKING POWER
With target figures of 2,000 PS of power and 1,704 Nm of torque , the Lotus Evija is the world ’ s most powerful production road car . Key to that exceptional power output is the 2,000 kW lithium-ion battery , supplied with its management system by Williams Advanced Engineering ( WAE ) as part of a joint venture with Lotus to collaborate on advanced propulsion technologies . WAE won a 2018 Queen ’ s Award for Enterprise for translating its EV expertise from the race track to roadgoing vehicles .
The car is built on a one-piece motorsport-inspired carbon fibre monocoque chassis . It is supplied by CPC , the Modena , Italy-based worldleader in composite technology . Constructed from multiple carbon plies , the manufacturing process is identical to that of an F1 chassis , and ensures the lightest , stiffest , safest and most technically advanced Lotus road car platform ever built . The total weight of the monocoque tub is a mere 129kg .
This chassis , coupled with innovative engineering and clever packaging throughout every element of the Evija ’ s powertrain , has contributed to a target weight of 1,887kg .
Lotus Evija production is limited to just 130 cars – in tribute to its Lotus ‘ Type ’ number , 130 which were all been sold out pre-production for $ 2.3million