Lotus, Williams Confirm Hypercar Project

Group Lotus plc says it is collaborating with Williams Advanced Engineering Ltd. to develop an all-electric hypercar.

Codenamed Omega, the £2 million ($2.5 million) model promises to be the fastest and most-powerful Lotus ever. An Autocar report last month indicated Lotus was developing such a vehicle and planned to introduce it early next decade.

Lotus will take the lead on the program to ensure the car meets the British marquee’s performance and lightweighting standards. Williams Engineering, , an offshoot of Williams Group’s Formula One and Formula E teams, will contribute its electric drivetrain expertise.

Autocar says the upcoming hypercar is expected to be powered by two or more electric motors that generate more than 1,000 hp, while the battery will provide a driving range of at least 250 miles. The vehicle also is expected to boast an efficient energy recovery system and accommodate ultra-fast charging.

Lotus and Williams also plan to work together on other unspecified projects in the future. Williams has supplied battery systems to Formula E since the electric vehicle series was launched in 2014. The company also is developing a lightweight EV platform designed to accommodate a variety of body types.