Autocar gains exclusive first access to test drive the Lotus Evija—an electric hypercar with such powerful torque, it literally brings tears to the driver’s eyes.

The video is especially noteworthy given that just a few weeks ago, Autocar published a now-infamous op-ed by Rachel Burgess urging readers not to buy a Lotus, and suggesting—rather provocatively—that no one in Norfolk should either.

The article was laced with racially charged undertones, implying that Lotus’s Chinese owners were unfit to manage a legendary British sports car brand—one revered for its innovation and motorsport heritage over the past 75 years. What prompted this passive-aggressive fury? Autocar appears to have been outmanoeuvred in a PR battle that makes James Bond look amateurish by comparison.

You might expect the Chinese ownership to be deeply offended by such ethno-nationalist pandering. Privately, they likely are. But publicly, they’ve taken the high road—choosing to act as the grown-ups in the room. They seem to recognise, for better or worse, that Autocar still holds enough residual influence to make it worthwhile to treat them as old friends rather than new adversaries.

Let’s hope the Autocar editorial team reflects on the responsibility that comes with running such a historic automotive publication—before they drift fully into Spectator territory.

Anyway, Matt Prior drives the Evija—and the acceleration is so powerful, it literally makes him cry.