by Two British companies claim they can shorten the development time for sports cars. Avant Design creates functional cars in virtual reality, not just renders. The PACES platform from Watt is equally capable of working with electric, hybrid, and internal combustion engines.
Will Lotus return to its roots?
Some believe Lotus has lost its way in recent years, especially with the arrival of the fully electric Eletre crossover and the Emeya sedan, both built in China. Fortunately, a new generation of hybrid supercar could restore the brand’s former appeal, and a 2+2 model like this one could add even more excitement.
Virtual reality as a development tool
The concept was created by Avant Design and the Watt Electric Vehicle Company, a British manufacturer of electric vans and trucks. Virtual reality tools were used to accelerate the development of a functional car. Originally commissioned by Autocar for its Christmas 2025 issue, this car could be the perfect addition to the Lotus family.
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PACES platform: versatility and innovation
In the renders, the car sits on one of Watt’s platforms, designed to support electric, internal combustion, and hybrid powertrains. Watt calls this architecture PACES (short for Passenger And Commercial EV Skateboard). According to Car & Driver, a drivable version was shown at this year’s CES. Despite its compact overall dimensions, the platform can accommodate a compact V8, perhaps similar to the Koenigsegg Gemera 2+2.
Post from AVANT DESIGN (@avantdesign)
Design: aesthetics and functionality
Visually, the car looks stunning. The front features a darkened bumper and narrow LED headlights, subtly integrated into the flowing fenders. The car rides on beautiful silver-black wheels, has digital side mirrors, and tiny rear doors that open backwards, like on a Mazda RX-8. The front doors are inspired by Lamborghini — they are scissor doors.
The rear also looks fantastic. The most interesting element is the transparent spoiler on the trunk lid, which also serves as the LED taillights and a light bar. Everything looks very cohesive and as if Lotus itself could have designed it.
Technical specifications and potential
In addition to the powerful V8, the car could feature lightweight in-wheel electric motors for extra performance. Furthermore, Neil Yates, head of the Watt Electric Vehicle Company, claims the car could weigh just 900 kg, making it ideal for Lotus.
Post from AVANT DESIGN (@avantdesign)
Main image: Avant Design
This concept demonstrates how modern virtual reality technologies and modular platforms can radically change the approach to car manufacturing. The collaboration between Avant Design and the Watt Electric Vehicle Company shows that even small British companies can offer innovative solutions capable of competing with the products of industry giants. The idea of a lightweight, powerful, and visually appealing Lotus that can be either a hybrid or an electric vehicle looks very promising against the backdrop of current trends towards electrification and the search for new forms. If such a car does go into production, it could not only restore Lotus’s former glory but also become an iconic model for the entire British automotive industry.
