Lotus has showcased its new philosophies for design and engineering in one dramatic concept. Known as the Theory 1, the concept car previews the style and substance of future Lotus production models. The fully electric two-door model makes use of recycled and organic materials to form its sleek shape, which is inspired by the original Esprit.

The general proportions of the Theory 1 are where the stylistic similarities end, making a welcome change from the recent influx of retro-modern concepts and production models. The car introduces several firsts for Lotus - notably the three-seat cabin. Inspired by the McLaren F1 and Speedtail, the driver sits front and centre while the two passenger seats are set slightly further back. In this concept, each seat is little more than padding on the chopped carbon fibre tub, so the driving position is adjusted by moving the pedals and steering wheel. A new audio system from KEF places speakers in the headrests and positions a subwoofer behind the driver’s seat. Active noise cancelling further enhances the driving experience, making for a quieter, more refined cabin.