We’re not the only ones celebrating a major milestone next year. PH will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its creation in 2023 (watch this space), but Lotus will be marking an even bigger milestone as it enters its 75th year of making lightweight sports cars and, er, massive electric SUVs.
The festivities have already kicked off with commemorative 75th-anniversary branding that you’ll see across “multiple environments” over the next 12 months. That's all the manufacturer is giving away right now, but fret not - Lotus insists it has “a number of exciting global events and initiatives” up its sleeve. We'd bet all the money in our pockets that it will involve a special edition something in the fullness of time, although we're told the plans will involve looking back at its many automotive innovations over the years. Twin-chassis Emira, anyone?
Of course, we all know Lotus is among the pioneers of lightweight performance whether on road or track, a reputation undimmed by its transformation under the ownership of Chinese motoring juggernaut Geely, which has already resulted in the ridiculously fast Evija electric hypercar and the somewhat controversial Eletre SUV. That’s because, as Lotus puts it, the company will be shifting itself from a sports car manufacturer to “a global performance car business and brand” as it enters its final quarter of a century before the big 100.
“Lotus of 2023 is a world away from a garage in north London, thanks to the billions being invested in our company on product development, an electrified future and more”, said Lotus Cars MD Matt Windle. Encouragingly, he added: “the pioneering spirit and commitment of Colin and Hazel Chapman is alive and kicking in Lotus today, and we will be celebrating our 75th anniversary in style – paying tribute to the past and looking ahead to the future as we approach our first century.” Here’s hoping that remains the case for the next 75 years and beyond.