Incoming Lotus V8-powered hybrid supercar confirmed for Australia with 725kW to rival 2026 Lamborghini Temerario

Lotus is powering its way back into the supercar game with its new ballistic sports car, and it has just been confirmed for Australia.

The codenamed Type 135 appeared in a teaser video ahead of its scheduled launch in 2028.

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It would also be up against other V8 hybrids in the segment, such as the Lamborghini Temerario. 

Lotus Australia has confirmed the car will make its way to Aussie shores. It has already received several inquiries, with potential for it to land in Australia around 2030. 

There are limited other details available on the Type 135 at this stage, with an official name still to be revealed. 

There is speculation this car will revive the ‘Esprit’ name, given Lotus renewed the trademark three years ago.

The Type 135 will be the first V8-powered car made by Lotus since the Esprit, which concluded production more than 20 years ago.

The car matches a Lamborghini’s wide posture, with a poised stance to highlight its high-performance potential.  

It has dual exhausts mounted halfway up the back of the car, giving it a striking presence. 

We do not see a front shot of the car in the teaser video, but expect it to be mid-engined like Lotus' other models.

We should learn more about the Type 135 before the end of the year. 

The brand, which is now owned by Chinese giant Geely, currently sells its fully-electric Emeya and Eletre as well as the petrol-powered Emira Down Under. 

We can expect the Type 135 to be the most expensive model on sale when it gets here, eclipsing the range-topping Eletre’s price tag of $279,990 (before on-road costs). 

Lotus is shifting its focus towards PHEVs, with the Type 135 potentially the first model of this new direction.