My FH5 Log: Lotus New Generation

Lotus ushered the age of electrification by unveiling its all-new logo, signaling a new start for the British sports car maker now under the guardianship of the Chinese motoring giant Geely.

As Lotus enters the new generation, they've unveiled the first-ever all-electric hypercar, the Evija, and I got the chance to drive it in Forza Horizon 5.

So, what's it all about the Lotus Evija?

Developed under the "Type 130" project name, the Evija, mirrored by the word "alive", is Lotus' first-ever all-electric hypercar that spawned from the partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering. It is the first Lotus road car to feature a full carbon fiber chassis molded as a single piece and sculpted for better downforce. Aerodynamics plays a key role in the Evija so it's been given active aerodynamics in the form of a rear spoiler and an F1-style DRS, among many others.

The Evija's electric powertrain features a 2,000kW li-ion battery supplied with its management system by Williams Advanced Engineering and four electric motors producing 500HP each, giving the Evija a monstrous 2000HP of total power output, making it capable of a 0-60mph time in less than three seconds and a top speed of over 200mph.

The Evija is limited to 130 units, each costing £1.7 million plus additional costs, and production is done in Lotus' Hethel plant. All units are sold out prior to its unveiling.

I know seeing Lotus building a hypercar is total blasphemy to its tradition of making light and agile sports cars like the Elise and the Exige but for an all-electric hypercar with no door handles and a minimalist interior, the Evija is a challenging but mind-blowingly fun car that pushes you to the extremes. The harder you push the Evija, the more fun it gets, making it a zero-emission thrill ride you'll never forget.

Speaking of thrill rides, me and the Evija went for a ride in what's known to be a re-enactment of the Formula E Hong Kong E-Prix track created by a certain game master I can't tell you. Although this EventLab creation is 90% complete, I think, it's the ideal venue to experience the Evija's electrified performance that pushes beyond the limits of Lotus. Roll the tape.

What a challenge this is and although this creation's far from complete, I had a blast pushing the Evija to the extremes even when it gets through the narrow corners. It's still a Lotus. That's why.

The Evija demonstrated itself that despite its electric drivetrain that delivered a bulky treason to the Lotus heritage, it's a proven road and track weapon when used efficiently, making it the electrifying force to be reckoned with. This hypercar earned the right to don the new mark of Lotus and it's a sign of things to come.

Welcome to the new world order.