Lotus V8 Sports Car just found its heartbeat, and it sounds promising. Horse Powertrain, the Geely-backed engineering partner of Lotus, has unveiled the W40, a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 earmarked for the Type 135 supercar. Launch is set for 2028, and this engine could finally anchor a credible Ferrari rival.
Lotus V8 Sports Car Engine Breakdown
Horse engineers built the W40 with a hot-vee layout, which packs the cylinder banks tightly and shortens the exhaust path to the turbos. Weighing only 441 pounds, it produces over 670 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque on its own. Paired with a hybrid unit, Lotus claims more than 986 hp. Those numbers echo the thinking behind the new 2028 Lotus Esprit rumors, and the parallels are hard to ignore.
Wet Dual Clutch Built For Abuse
Mated to a proprietary eight-speed 8LDCT gearbox, the setup uses a sportscar-grade wet dual clutch. Horse claims shift times under 20 milliseconds, which is quick enough to keep loads smooth through a trail-braked corner entry. Even so, the transmission must handle 774 lb-ft, a figure that signals serious engineering intent.
| ⚙️Engine / Powertrain | 4.0L Twin-Turbo Hot-Vee V8 (Horse W40) |
| 🐎Power Output | 670+ HP (986+ HP with hybrid assist) |
| ⚡Peak Torque | 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) |
| ⏱️0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) | 0-60 mph in 2.8s (est.) |
| 🚀Top Speed | 190+ mph (est.) |
| 🔄Drivetrain / Gearbox | 8-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch / RWD Hybrid |
| 💰Starting Price / Est. | $200,000+ (est.) |
Lotus Purity Faces Hybrid Reality
Colin Chapman’s maxim to simplify and add lightness remains the benchmark, and a 441-pound V8 keeps that spirit alive. Still, hybrid assistance adds mass, and that is where chassis composure will be truly tested. According to Lotus, full specifications arrive before the end of 2026, with production planned in Europe.
Meanwhile, Horse says the W40’s low-end torque could suit trucks and off-road machines. Ultimately, enthusiasts want feedback from the apex, not press release promises. Expect this analog-minded V8 to become a future collector favorite, since naturally aspirated soul is rare and well-engineered hot-vee V8s rarely depreciate quickly.
Final Verdict From the Apex
On paper, the W40 checks every box for a modern British supercar. In the real world, the Lotus V8 Sports Car will live or die by steering feedback and brake fade resistance. We are cautiously optimistic, and we will be waiting for a track session the moment Lotus allows it.
Marcus Vance
Senior Track & Performance Editor at Auto News Magazine. Veteran automotive journalist specializing in chassis dynamics, apex telemetry, track-day specials, and high-revving mechanical purity.
View all articles by Marcus Vance →
