Strategic alliance is the best way to go forward these days. We recently heard about Ford and Volkswagen collaborating, and this time, it is Lotus and Williams Advanced Engineering. The two companies will work hand-in-hand to share “research and development into advanced propulsion technologies.” The newly-wed companies have not provided any details on their forthcoming projects yet, but rumors suggest they could be working on the upcoming Lotus all-electric hypercar.

A Match Made In Heaven

It makes sense for the two British companies to come together. Lotus had a good 2018 after a topsy-turvy period of almost seven years prior to that. Williams, on the other hand, has been working with Formula E for the last four seasons. While Lotus' projects revolve more around advanced composites, lightweight structures, compact packaging, and aerodynamics, the new-age Williams is the electrification and powertrain genius. Not to mention, the alliance will lead to Geely having an even stronger resume in the field of electrification. Geely's three subsidiaries - Volvo, LEVC, and Polestar - have oodles of electrification experience already, and this is going to increase the technical know-how to greater extents.

What They Had To Say

Lotus Cars CEO, Phil Popham, said, "Our new technology partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering is part of a strategy to expand our knowledge and capability in the rapidly changing automotive landscape. Applying advanced propulsion powertrains can provide numerous exciting solutions across multiple vehicle sectors. Our combined and complementary experiences make this a very compelling match of engineering talent, technical ability and pioneering British spirit.”

Craig Wilson, Managing Director of Williams, said, “Williams Advanced Engineering takes great pride in delivering innovation for our customers at a rapid pace of development, born from our Formula One heritage. We will be further developing next-generation powertrains in this partnership with Lotus."

This Could Mean Something Very Big

However, Autocar claims that the reason for the collaboration is a hypercar codenamed Omega. Autocar also added that Omega will use “at least two electric motors” in an all-wheel-drive configuration. Advanced battery technology should provide a range of more than 250 miles on a full charge. Fast charging will also be available as an option. However, the project is at least two years away.

Our Take

Although it looks like the Omega is being built to take on the Aston Martin Valkyrie, people forget that this is an intensely competitive segment already. Do you think this alliance will lead to Omega becoming the torch-bearer of the electric hypercar segment? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Further Reading

Read our full review on the 2020 Lotus SUV.

Read our full review on the 2018 Lotus Exige Sport 410.

Read our full review on the 2017 Lotus Exige Sport 380.