It’s no secret that
Lotus is working on a crossover, but a new report is suggesting the company is
already considering a second one. Details are limited, but Car Magazine is
reporting the company is planning competitors for the BMW X4 and Porsche Macan
as well as the larger BMW X6 and Porsche Cayenne. It’s unclear which model
would arrive first, but one of the crossovers is slated to be launched in 2020.
The second could arrive approximately one year later.
The original plan
called for Lotus to work with China’s Goldstar Heavy Industrial, but it has
been abandoned now that Lotus is owned by Geely. This will play a huge role in
the development and construction of the crossovers as former Lotus CEO
Jean-Marc Gales told the publication the models could share components – such
as engines, autonomous driving systems and wiring harnesses – with Volvo
models.
Despite the
component sharing, the crossovers won’t be based on the SPA platform and Gales
said the models wouldn’t be anything like the XC90. Instead, they will have
unique styling inside and out.
There’s no word on
performance specifications, but the publication says the crossovers should have
a Volvo-sourced four-cylinder engine and hybrid system. However, the
powertrains will be tuned for more performance.
Speaking of the
latter, Gales promised one of the crossovers will be the “lowest in its class”
and “maybe the widest in its class to hold the road well.” He went on to say
the model will certainly be lightest crossover in its segment and will also be
the best on track.
