I can’t deny the amount of thought, time, and effort spent conceptualizing, philosophising, and physically bringing the Lotus Theory 1 concept to life—from a written brief to a full-scale clay model. It’s impressive. The Lotus Theory 1 isn’t just another concept; it’s a concept brimming with ethereal buzzwords, crafted by a skilled copywriter whose job is to impress Lotus’ senior management and board members.

In the real world, people don’t have time to conjure up a potpourri of dazzling acronyms to suit a conceptual narrative. The Theory 1 concept revolves around DNA (Digital, Natural, Analogue), emotion, immersion, and analogue. Yet, ironically, while the copywriter who impressed their employers might be celebrated, they could also be struggling to pay the mortgage in today’s so-called cost-of-living crisis.

Anyway, I have a theory about the Lotus Theory 1. First, could this concept be a preview of their new electric sports coupe—perhaps an electric Esprit? It’s possible. However, the keyword in Lotus’ press release was “analogue,” which could suggest Lotus is not going fully electric but rather exploring both hybrid and pure electric powertrains.

The Lotus Theory 1 is more than just a concept study; it’s a way of conditioning the audience for a future Pied Piper narrative that has been in the works for years. However, I’m introducing another tune to this theory: I believe the Theory 1 Concept is a distraction… from something else.

Perhaps Lotus is trying to bury some bad corporate news, and this concept is a false flag—a way of diverting the attention of its audience and target market. In that sense, the Lotus Theory 1 is as much a PR exercise as it is a car concept.