Lotus lined up for Volvo-Geely engines
Plans for a standalone powertrain company might spell the end of Toyota engines in future Lotus models
Future Lotus models will likely use combustion and hybrid powertrains co-developed by Geely and Volvo, following the merging of existing engine production into one, newly formed division. The just-announced operation, which could supply third parties as well as Geely’s own automotive brands, suggests the days of Toyota’s deal to provide Lotus with engines may be numbered – and begs the question what will power Hethel’s forthcoming new sports car.
CEO Phil Popham recently made it clear that the upcoming model “will have an internal combustion engine” but refrained from giving further details. It seems unlikely that a joint Geely-Volvo operation would be capable of supplying the car with a new petrol motor given the timeline - but that doesn’t preclude the use of the current lineup. While no earth-shaker, Volvo’s current 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit offers 303hp in its present guise, and Lotus has proven itself adept at dragging better performance from formerly humdrum engines. Given the stringent emissions regulations the new model will have to face globally, the choice might yet prove a smart fit.
Of course, that’s all speculative for now. At a corporate level, Geely expects to safeguard engineering jobs within the group following the merger. The Chinese auto giant predicts that around 3,000 Volvo and 5,000 Geely employees will be moved from their respective posts to the new division, with zero jobs lost in the process. Obviously that’s good news for all involved, and comes very soon after Lotus CEO Popham said his brand would likely need its own expansion thanks to anticipated future demand.
Broadly speaking, the strategy ought to be of benefit to Lotus. The brand has previously suffered for its place in the queue when it came to shared resources - but, as evidenced by the reveal of the 2,000hp Evija, Hethel can now expect its new halo status to earn it a place at the head of the line.
The K-Series was a perfect fit for the S1 Elise, the Toyota 1ZR/2ZR units in the S2 surprisingly characterful especially with a decent exhaust fitted, and the V6 in the Evora unrecognisable from humble origins.
Lotus will make the Volvo four pot their own, just like they did with the Rover K-Series.
Now some well chosen and modified Volvo switch gear, together with an army of Volvo / Geely engineers to help out, Lotus cars are about to go next level and become very much a resurgent brand/manufacturer.
I am sure it's a slow news today but 'creative' writing seems to be reaching new heights on PH
The V90/S90 have massive showroom appeal and I went to test drive one ready to order, but f
k me are they a mediocre drive.The V90/S90 have massive showroom appeal and I went to test drive one ready to order, but f
k me are they a mediocre drive.It’s rare these days that cars are genuinely disappointing. Even the blandest fare usually has thrashability going for it.
The Volvos were awfully beige to drive.
Beige equals comfy and easy to most.
Beige equals comfy and easy to most.
I had a V90 D5 R Design as a hire car for a Scotland tour and I was just blown away by how good a car it was, as a car. The engine, all wheel drive, gearbox, interior, exterior, autopilot II tech was all fantastic. I totally agree they don’t drive well when pushed but it was so communicative towards that not being it’s thing, in a safe and comfortable way, that I didn’t find myself wanting to.
My previous car for 2 years was an Elise 111S. The ideal if we can comfortably stretch to it over the next few years, once we’ve left London, is an XC90 D5 R Design and an Elise 220 in some form for the weekends. Perfect daily bliss and weekend fun for the road.
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