Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.The Name Everyone WantsFollowing Lotus' press release outlining its renewed multi-powertrain strategy under Focus 2030, Automotive News sat down with Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng to learn more about the plan. The interview covered several changes to the company's powertrain strategy, although Qingfeng still declined to confirm whether the upcoming supercar will carry the Esprit name.The Esprit was the last Lotus model powered by a V8 engine, ending production in 2004. Now that a new V8 hybrid powertrain is set to return to the lineup in 2028, questions are emerging about whether the Esprit nameplate could come back as well. Qingfeng acknowledged the parallels but stopped short of confirming anything, saying only, “Let’s just say there’s a logical legacy connection.”AdvertisementAdvertisement“It’s something people have asked us to bring back ever since. It’s something that is still in the hearts and minds of many of our customers,” he added.Lotus CarsFerrari In The CrosshairsA lot may be expected from the upcoming supercar, referred to as the Type 135, after Qingfeng said it would be benchmarked against the Ferrari 849 Testarossa. The Ferrari model, which succeeds the SF90 Stradale, delivers 1,036 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain.Instead of relying on external partners, Lotus wants to develop the V8 with Geely and Renault through their joint venture, Horse Powertrain. The company has been developing highly efficient engines in compact packages, which complements Lotus' long-standing reputation for building lightweight sports cars. Qingfeng said, “Since we will be starting from scratch, we will make a lot of effort to improve the volume and weight of the engine.”The in-development V8 will also be used in other models across the Geely portfolio, including “some off-road SUVs,” although Lotus will be the only brand to use it in a sports car application.Lotus CarsKeeping Combustion AliveThe Emira will also receive an engine from Horse, specifically a hybrid V6. Lotus plans to move away from the current Mercedes-AMG four-cylinder and Toyota-sourced V6, opting instead for a new V6 hybrid because, according to Qingfeng, “people prefer the V6.” He added that the V6 remains the model's best-selling powertrain in the U.S. market.AdvertisementAdvertisementThese developments could be reassuring signs for enthusiasts, especially after Lotus previously considered going all-electric and is now adjusting its plans to better align with market demand. Under its Focus 2030 strategy, the British marque is targeting a lineup consisting of 60% plug-in hybrids and 40% battery-electric vehicles.Kyle EdwardView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Jun 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.