Lotus was once a proud racing brand, obsessed with mastering the art of driving against the wind. With a unique bloodline, Lotus excelled in aerodynamics and became a master of controlling the wind. As the era of electrification approaches, Lotus is leading the way into the electric age, especially after experiencing the Lotus EMEYA on the Ningbo circuit. The flexibility of an electric car is truly admirable, showcasing Lotus’s genes on the track.
Every Lotus car embodies racing genes. This is why Lotus has always been committed to top international events like F1. The obsession with the track has reached a frenzy. After experiencing Lotus EMEYA at the Ningbo track, I suddenly feel like I can also become a “track master.” Thanks to Lotus’s “track coach” function, we will now delve into the perfect posture of Lotus EMEYA on the track.
After OTA upgrade, the track coach function appears on the Lotus EMEYA car, supporting domestic tracks such as Ningbo International Circuit, Heather Raceway in the UK, Wuhan Factory Test Track, Zhejiang International Circuit, and Shanghai International Circuit. When the vehicle enters the track, the track map is drawn based on location information, generating lap time information after completing the track, including racing line and recommendations, continuously improving driving ability. This high-precision positioning system achieves centimeter-level positioning and millisecond-level lap timing accuracy. In addition, users can upload and share their lap times and videos, achieving true “driver communication”.
Lotus EMEYA is different from other high-performance electric vehicles. It not only focuses on acceleration, but also on overall balance. This is what Lotus has always insisted on. A great electric car should not only have rapid acceleration, but also the ability to awaken your driving instincts. It truly achieves communication between the car and the driver. This communication should transcend the body, making you smile instinctively. Perhaps this is the unique charm of a brand born on the track.
At the Ningbo circuit, the extreme handling of the Lotus EMEYA was fully experienced. The driver can feel the friction between the vehicle and the ground, thanks to Lotus’ ability to “control the wind”. Lotus has excellent aerodynamic tuning capabilities, including active air intakes, active air dams, active rear diffusers, and the world’s first active suspension double-deck wing. These features adjust actively according to different speeds, achieving a balance between performance and range. The strong drag coefficient of 0.21cd shows Lotus’ dominance in vehicle styling. The active aerodynamics can provide an additional 150kg of downforce, maximizing the vehicle’s “ground-hugging” performance.
The Ningbo circuit features various unique corners, with a 4-kilometer track that includes steep vertical elevation changes built into the mountains. The track is known as the “Little Nuobei” due to its maximum drop of 24 meters, providing a great challenge for the acceleration and cornering performance of vehicles. The Lotus EMEYA, with its excellent aerodynamic design, is equipped with 4 sets of Race-Aero aerodynamic air ducts that provide outstanding downforce, ensuring exceptional handling and grip in corners. Additionally, thanks to the design of the air ducts, the vehicle’s electronic components can be cooled and temperature controlled, achieving true multi-functionality.
Electric cars are different from traditional fuel cars because the weight of the battery pack is significant. Lotus EMEYA uses lightweight materials in appearance, interior, and ergonomics to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle. The interior follows the concept of light wings, achieving lightweight through materials and shapes. The body is made of a lot of carbon fiber materials, showcasing athleticism. Additionally, the car uses various world-leading environmentally friendly materials and recyclable materials to maximize the brand’s understanding and respect for nature.
In addition to its extreme lightweight and supercar design philosophy, power is also a key point to discuss in the Lotus EMEYA. With a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, the EMEYA achieves perfect balance, ensuring balanced body posture in both straight lines and corners, maximizing grip on each tire for maximum driving pleasure. The front and rear high-performance dual motors, paired with a two-speed gearbox, deliver 905 horsepower, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.78 seconds and reaching a top speed of 256 km/h. This sets a very high standard in the electric vehicle market, even surpassing three-motor and four-motor electric vehicles.
Unlike fuel vehicles, with the working characteristics of the electric motor, drivers do not need to worry about insufficient torque after exiting the corner. When the vehicle enters the center of the corner, they can confidently step on the throttle. The release of greater torque can change the vehicle’s attitude from understeer to oversteer. This is its charm, giving you a feeling of almost losing control, but completely in control. A smile seems to have appeared on your face. This is the fun of the Lotus EMEYA.
Lotus chassis, without a doubt, perfectly replicates track genes. With decades of chassis tuning accumulation, even in the face of the electrification era, it remains easy to handle. Electric + track enhances people’s desire for speed.
Experiencing the full range of the track, forgetting the design and luxury of this car, the four-door supercar body structure perfectly combines sporty fashion with practicality. Equipped with the British luxury audio brand KEF, providing a palace-level auditory feast while enjoying the driving pleasure. This may be our pursuit of a better life.
A brief experience, already in love with this car, forgetting about the drawbacks of an electric vehicle. Slow charging doesn’t seem to be its weakness. With 800V high-voltage architecture, Lotus EMEYA can charge from 10% to 80% in 20 minutes with 420kW ultra-fast charging. After a few laps on the track, a quick break is all it takes to recharge. Imagine a day in the life of a Lotus owner, from exquisite to outstanding, satisfying oneself while keeping a youthful heart, because Lotus EMEYA is that kind of car.