Lotus Emeya Hyper-GT Conquers the Arctic: Global Test & Development Complete! [W/Gallery+Videos]

 

Lotus has completed the final stage of a rigorous global test and development programme for its all-electric grand tourer, the Emeya hyper-GT. The all-electric grand tourer was tested in Ivalo, Finland, where temperatures were as low as -25 degrees Celsius. The three-year program, supported by Lotus' global engineering teams, took place across 15 countries in two continents, including the UK's challenging B-roads, the smooth German autobahn, the highest Alpine passes, and the remoteness of Inner Mongolia. Testing also took place at race tracks like the Nürburgring Nordschleife and proving grounds like the high-speed loop near the southern Italian town of Nardò.

The Emeya has endured extreme cold and conditions as high as 40 degrees Celsius in these environments. Additional in-market testing will take place in the Middle East, United States, and Australia ahead of deliveries in these markets. Sylvain Verstraeten, Regional Vehicle Line Director, Emeya, said that the testing process at Lotus is rigorous and covers a comprehensive performance assessment of everything from suspension and steering through to battery and tyres.

During the Arctic testing programme, Lotus' engineers focused on testing the vehicle in various ways, including chassis systems such as suspensions, steering, brakes, traction and stability controls, tyre testing and development of bespoke Lotus winter tyres, driver assistance functions, proving the unrestricted usability of the battery in extreme weather, and testing and calibrating the air-conditioning and thermal management systems.

Two types of testing took place during Emeya's development – controlled and real-world. Controlled testing ensures consistent conditions, while real-world testing proves the controlled results, introducing new factors such as changing road surfaces and driving in traffic.

As a true grand tourer, Emeya has many features that make it the perfect companion in any environment, including the Arctic Circle. With advanced control systems and four-wheel drive, the vehicle excels in stability, handling, and control, meaning the drivability of Emeya is not compromised in extreme weather. Customers can remotely prepare their car via the Lotus App, set the cabin to the desired temperature, turn on the heated seats and steering wheel, and enjoy heated side cameras and mirrors.

The Emeya is propelled by two electric motors that can generate up to 905 horsepower and 726 lb-ft (985 Nm) of torque. This combination enables the vehicle to reach speeds of up to 165 mph (265 km/h) and reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in 2.78 seconds. A 102 kWh battery backup supplies power to the motors.