Lotus’ first SUV gets spotted next to the company HQ

British car manufacturer Lotus has proceeded to testing its first crossover/SUV on public roads. Car spotters have successfully photographed a fully-cladded test mule as it rode next to the company’s hedquarters in Hethel, Norfolk, UK.

Apparently, Lotus decided to use the body of the Chinese-made Lynk & Co SUV to test the units and components of its own new car. The test mule lacks visible exhaust tips and has a wider wheelspan than its Chinese donor. The former likely means it is going to get a hybrid powertrain (PHEV, most likely).

In an earlier news, the company said the car would utilize the same SPA architecture as the Volvo XC90 and XC60.

Chinese Zhejiang Geely Holding Group currently owns rights for both Lotus and Volvo brands.

Photos: motor1.com