Hethel’s “Merry Driftmas” video delivers what it promises as an Evora 410 Sport (with a Christmas tree on its back…) blasts around the Lotus site in full sideways and smoky mode. It’s a fun reminder of driving pleasure, Lotus style, even if it does leave a great deal unsaid.
There’s nothing about the new owner, Chinese automotive giant Geely, the company that continues to do such a great job overseeing Volvo. Nothing about new boss Phil Popham, the ex-JLR man who took over from Jean-Marc Gales as Lotus CEO in the summer. There’s not a word about the ambitious (and overdue) plans to redevelop Hethel. And nothing at all about what we all want to know… the new Lotus cars coming.
Unless the classic Esprit trundling into shot in the video is an oblique clue as to what’s coming next? Could be. A new Lotus supercar in the Esprit mould along with the first Lotus SUV were the last new-model promises from Jean-Marc Gales before he left to head up Woodham Mortimer.
It is likely a new Esprit and an SUV are firmly on Popham’s agenda – along with the £2m, 1,000PS electric hypercar that has been keeping the internet rumour mill occupied of late. As the Geely group’s technology innovator why wouldn’t Lotus do such a car? Exciting times ahead for Lotus? You bet.