Lotus Esprit to Use New 4.0-Liter Twin-Turbo V8 with Nearly 700 hp

Lotus will equip its upcoming Esprit supercar with a newly developed 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine from the Geely-Renault joint venture, Horse Powertrain. This engine, known as the W40, produces over 671 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque on its own, hinting at the Esprit’s overall output exceeding 1,000 horsepower with electric assistance.

The W40 Engine’s Design and Features

The W40 uses a “hot vee” layout where the twin turbochargers sit between the cylinder banks. This design shortens intake and exhaust routes and compacts the engine’s size. At about 200 kilograms, the engine is relatively lightweight thanks to advanced materials and incorporates direct fuel injection.

Unlike many engines modified later for hybrid use, the W40 was designed from the start to work alongside electric motors. This “hybrid-first” approach means the engine and electric components are integrated to balance high power and efficiency.

New Dual-Clutch Transmission Matches the Power

Along with the V8, a new eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission has been created by the same joint venture. It handles up to 1,050 Nm of torque and shifts gears impressively fast, in under 20 milliseconds. It also features a clutch pre-fill time of less than 50 milliseconds, reducing delay in gear changes.

This transmission will be used with the Esprit, which is scheduled for a 2028 debut. Its design supports the high torque values from the V8 and electric motors combined.

More Than Just a Supercar Engine

While the W40 will first appear in the Esprit, Horse Powertrain says the engine’s strong low-end torque suits it for off-road vehicles too, such as SUVs and pickups. This broad utility hints at potential use in other vehicles under Geely’s wide brand portfolio, which includes Volvo, Polestar, Lynk & Co, and others.

However, Renault—a partner in the engine project—is unlikely to use the V8, given its historical absence from V8 production and current focus.

Lotus’s Focus on Lightweight Hybrid Performance

Lotus aims to keep the Esprit’s weight around 1,500 kilograms by using Formula 1-inspired technology to reduce electric motor weight drastically. The electric motor targeted weighs just 20 kilograms, far lighter than typical motors producing similar power.

The Esprit’s hybrid system is expected to be a conventional hybrid rather than plug-in, avoiding large batteries to help maintain a light overall package. The electric motors will likely power the front wheels, creating all-wheel drive, while the V8 drives the rear wheels. Lotus may offer a mode to run purely on the combustion engine for a traditional rear-wheel-drive feel.

New V8 Amid Electrification Trends

New V8 engines are rare these days due to tightening emission rules and electrification trends. The W40’s “hybrid-first” concept is unusual, designed to provide strong performance while meeting emissions demands through electric assistance.

This engine sets the stage for the 2028 Lotus Esprit to blend classic V8 power with modern hybrid technology, possibly influencing other brands within Geely’s reach in the future.

Source: motor1.com