1,000PS Lotus Theory 1 concept is the ultimate driver’s car

The designers at Lotus have pieced together a new ideal of what a performance car could and should be. The Theory 1 embodies a philosophy of vehicle intelligence and encapsulates three core principles: Digital, Natural and Analogue – three concepts that conveniently spell out ‘DNA’, and seek, Lotus says, to bring together an immersive and intuitive experience with a human-centric design, all the while integrating Lotus’s renowned performance engineering prowess. There’s a lot of big words in there… but we think we’ve got the gist.

Lotus has put big focus on mixing the old with the new, championing the ideas that made the likes of the Elise, the Esprit and the Elan so popular, but melding in the very latest technology to cater to a new audience used to a convenient and tailored lifestyle. The key principle here is to fit in with the driver’s needs, and deliver an experience to suit.

Before we get into that, though, a quick look at some numbers. The Lotus Theory 1 is a detailed look at what a next generation hypercar could look like, making use of a 1,000PS (735kW) electric motor that’ll propel it from 0-62mph in less than 2.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 199mph. It’s all-wheel-drive, weighs less than 1,600kg and offers an electric range of 250 miles. It’s around 4.5 metres long, 2.0 metres wide and 114cm tall, and looks, we’re sure you’ll agree, like we’ve all imagined an electric Lotus might look like all along.

Certainly in the case of sportscars, those that sit in the ‘greatest’ category are all cars that deliver telepathic feel through the brakes, the throttle, and the steering, but rather than achieve that through exquisite engineering, the Lotus Theory 1 does it with cutting edge technology and bespoke computer systems.

You’ll be relieved to hear there’s also a great deal of old-school engineering involved; anyone with a bone to pick with modern technology will be appeased by mention of a low centre of gravity, added lightness and enhanced stability.

The Theory 1 combines active and passive aerodynamic principles to maximise cooling and performance. The active rear spoiler is mounted directly onto the suspension to ensure the downforce it creates is transferred directly onto the axle to maximise grip. Use of a pull-rod system at the rear also ensures the packaging can be kept as compact as possible – very Lotus.

Even the implementation of the electric motor and battery takes inspiration from the Lotus 49 Formula 1 car. They’re stressed components, which means they take forces directly from the suspension. With no need for a subframe, it’s a setup that reduces complexity and therefore weight.

Decidedly less traditional is the steer-by-wire system that you can configure to your own preferences. The theory is you can develop a steering feel that perfectly matches your mood, whether you want a snappier ratio or a heavier feel, you can adjust the system for the road you’re driving on. Lotus enthusiasts may wonder what on earth was wrong with good old rack and pinion, but it’s an interesting concept that we’d be interested to try if it ever makes it onto a production vehicle.

A system called ‘Lotuswear’ is the lynchpin of this new concept, that utilises a new material designed by MotorSkins that can react with the bodies of those onboard to deliver a personalised experience to every occupant. The seats and steering wheel can inflate and deflate to adjust the level of support in real time. Haptic feedback in the wheel can also indicate when the driver should make a turn.

The lightweight and aerodynamic headrests have been designed and developed by 3D printing company Carbon and feature binaural sound systems that can play bespoke sound to all three occupants. You can choose from a range of sound options from augmented ‘speed’ sounds to immersive noise-cancelled audio.

A central driving position is the physical representation of everything Lotus is trying to convey with this concept. A nod to its motorsport roots, placing the driver in the centre of the car, and designing a cockpit that cocoons those inside.

You may think this new Theory 1 concept bears a striking resemblance to the Esprit. And you’d be right, more so than you think, because that distinct line that cuts the styling of the Theory 1 in half is a deliberate decision, albeit with very modern functionality – it houses all of the autonomous driving sensors that give the Theory 1 L4 autonomous capability.

The list of fanciful ideas doesn’t stop there. There are laser lights on the dashboard that light up when you need to make a turn, and work in tandem with the active materials in your seat and steering wheel. Further lights in the suspension modules, which you can see from your seat in the car, glow red or green if you need to brake or accelerate. These are all features designed to stimulate your peripheral vision and remove the need for you to take your eyes off the road, and of course provide you with a stunning light show on every journey.

What we have here is a statement of intent from Lotus to continue developing sportscars that offer a unique driving experience, but instead of clinging to a past that simplified and added lightness, moving into a future that focuses the performance around you, the driver.