The Lotus Esprit Is Returning and With V8 Power Under the HoodGuessing HeadlightsHenry KelsallThu, September 17, 2026 at 7:00 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleImage Credit: LotusThe Lotus Esprit is one of the biggest names in British motoring history. From 1976 to 2004, it was arguably the flagship of the British brand and one of the longest-living models that the British company ever produced.It was fast, elegant, and it became world-renowned. The final Esprit rolled off the production line in 2004, with the Series 4 model being in production from 1994 to 2004, with 3,630 of those produced. Following that, it looked like the Esprit was gone for good. Now, however, it looks like it is back.Lotus looks likely to bring the car back as a new flagship sports car, slotting it in between the Emira and the monstrous 2,000 hp Evija hypercar. While the company might be going through a major transformation, the return of the lightweight Esprit shows that it has forgotten where its origins lie.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe new car is known internally as Type 135, and it is set to make its debut in 2028. While it has not been officially confirmed to be the Esprit, enough sources have stated that it will be the case, marking a return of the iconic name for the first time in 22 years.What We Know About the Returning Lotus EspritImage Credit: LotusCEO Qingfeng Feng recently discussed the new car at an earnings call. He classed the Type 135 as a 'critical high-performance hybrid product' for the next phase of the company. And yes, there will be a V8 under the hood, complemented by a hybrid element that should see the new car produce over 1,000hp. A big number, but in a world full of 1,000hp performance cars, perhaps not as impressive as it once was.The company, however, has a more ambitious target of keeping the weight as low as possible. That is, of course, what Lotus has always been famed for. Lotus hopes to keep the weight at around 3,307lbs, an ambitious target due to the car having a hybrid system, a V8 engine, and electric motors beneath the surface. But lightness is what Lotus has always been about ever since it was founded by Colin Chapman.The legendary manufacturer has openly acknowledged that this is the biggest challenge for the new car. But it isn't afraid of a challenge. The hybrid element is, in reality, only there to comply with global emissions regulations. It wants to retain everything that makes a traditional sports car great for buyers, while also complying with what is needed to bring it into production.An In-House Engine Will Be Under the HoodImage Credit: LotusEqually challenging will be the powertrain. Because with the Type 135, Lotus is aiming to give the new Esprit its own in-house engine. It will be developed in conjunction with Horse, using Geely's resources and supply chain, but it will be a Lotus design, aimed at being as powerful as possible, while also being as light as possible. Its limited in-house powertrain capabilities have hindered the brand in recent times, having had to use engines from Toyota and Mercedes for some vehicles.AdvertisementAdvertisementAll of this should combine to produce something truly special. A car that will feel like a real Lotus, with great mechanical feel and handling, the same traits that defined cars like the Elan, Exige, Elise and the original Esprit. The hybrid technology will allow it to move closer to the all-electric Evija that produces a whopping 2,011hp from its four electric motors. It has certainly been an interesting time for Lotus, a company that virtually every enthusiast loves. But it is showing no signs of backing down from the challenges it has faced.If you want more stories like this, follow Guessing Headlights on Yahoo so you don't miss what's coming next.