London, UK – The Lotus Emeya has wrapped up its grand global testing tour with a frosty finale inside the Arctic Circle, proving it’s not just another pretty chassis but a hyper-GT built for the extremes. The electric grand tourer has braved the chill of -40 degrees Celsius, taking the term ‘cool car’ to a whole new level.
For the past three years, the Lotus Emeya has been on a world tour like no other – from the sun-scorched deserts to the icy grips of Ivalo, Finland. This electric marvel has faced the harshest conditions across 15 countries and two continents, all in the name of science… and perhaps a bit of adventure. Whether it was tackling the UK’s twisty B-roads, cruising the autobahn, or navigating the vastness of Inner Mongolia, the Emeya has been put through its paces to ensure it performs no matter the weather.
In its latest adventure, the Emeya underwent a cold-weather validation programme that would make even a polar bear shiver. The team didn’t just rely on nature’s freezer but doubled down with a man-made one to test the car at a bone-chilling -40 degrees Celsius. The goal? To confirm that the Emeya can handle the kind of cold that makes you forget what warmth feels like.
Lotus engineers have been working tirelessly, ensuring that the Emeya delivers an engaging and safe driving experience. They’ve tested everything from the suspension and steering to the battery and tyres. According to Sylvain Verstraeten, Regional Vehicle Line Director for Emeya, this car is the “ultimate all-electric grand tourer,” ready to deliver the optimum driving experience all year round, in all conditions.
The Arctic testing focused on refining the car’s chassis systems, developing bespoke winter tyres, and ensuring the battery performs reliably, even when the mercury takes a dive. The team also ensured the car’s air-conditioning and thermal management systems keep the cabin comfortable, no matter if outside feels more like a freezer or an oven.
As Lotus shifts gears towards becoming an all-electric, tech-focused luxury performance brand, it remains committed to its roots. The Emeya is designed to be engaging, desirable, and above all, a true Lotus. Gavan Kershaw, Director of Attributes and Product Integrity at Lotus, emphasizes that a Lotus should be predictable yet exhilarating, allowing drivers to push the limits with confidence.
The Emeya is not just about performance; it’s also about comfort and convenience. With the Lotus App, owners can preheat or precool the cabin to their preference, ensuring a pleasant transition from home to car. The vehicle also features heated side cameras and mirrors to maintain clear visibility and a 55-inch head-up display with a Snow Mode, ensuring drivers can navigate snowy landscapes with ease.
As deliveries are set to begin later this year, the Lotus Emeya stands as a testament to the brand’s innovative spirit and commitment to excellence, ready to take on the world, whether it’s in a desert heatwave or a polar vortex.