The world’s lightest production EV hypercar.
Dubai isn’t exactly known for its subtlety, given its penchant for man-made islands in the shape of a tree and towering buildings that glitter like diamonds. Continuing this over-the-topiary theme is the new retail outlet for Lotus, a 5000 square foot state-of-the-art facility capable of showcasing up to 10 models from the Lotus performance car range.
It’s the natural place to show off an all-electric hypercar with a target power output of nearly 2000 horsepower.
Called the Evija, this ultra-lightweight machine deploys a carbon fibre monocoque, making it – according to Lotus – the world’s lightest production EV hypercar. That’s a small class, to be sure, but its claimed weight of 1680 kg is very svelte, indeed.
“We believe the Evija will really appeal to Gulf state customers, and we’re developing the car with them – and particularly the local climate – in mind,” said Phil Popham, CEO of Lotus Cars. “Real-world testing of prototype vehicles is now underway to ensure optimum performance in every market.”
Lotus knows that the money-sodden UAE is a key market for cars like this, so developing it with that region in mind is a Very Good Idea. Externally, the Evija has enough active aero to inhale a flock of sheep, including those wild Venturi tunnels designed to optimize airflow by directing it through the bodyshell. Viewed from the rear, each tunnel is edged with a red LED taillamp because of course they are. In the dark, it surely resembles a Top Gun jet fighter.
Its interior is a festival of electronic prestidigitation, complete with all manner of informational screens and a steering wheel inspired by that found in an F1 car. Access to the cabin is through two dihedral doors, handle-free to preserve that sculpted exterior. Once in the car, a switch in the roof console closes the doors, providing further fuel to one’s Maverick and Goose fantasies.
The Evija is remaining in the Gulf for several days. It will also appear at Lotus Abu Dhabi, another snazzy store in the region. The Evija’s arrival is the latest leg of its world tour, one which began after the car was unveiled in London this past July. It has already included Monterey Car Week back in the States, plus Japan Lotus Day which is an actual thing.
After showing it off in its local dealer network, the Evjia will be the star of several “private viewings”, soirées presumably held by people who light their cigars with hundred dollar bills.
Keyword: Lotus Evija Continues Hypercar Continent Hopping