Lotus, renowned as the pinnacle of British sports car engineering and the ultimate handling machine, has collaborated with numerous automakers worldwide. Three notable South Korean models benefited from Lotus’s expertise.
Hyundai Genesis (DH) Sedan
In 2014, Hyundai Motor Company announced that Lotus, known for its lightweight sports cars, had contributed to developing the Genesis chassis. Lotus handling expert Matt Becker led the project and was responsible for fine-tuning the driving modes and suspension of the Genesis DH sedan. Industry insiders suggest that Hyundai initially approached Becker for the position before Albert Biermann took the role.
However, Becker declined, stating he would only work with British automotive brands. He left Lotus in December 2014 to join Aston Martin, where he continues to work today.
Kia Soul: A European Strategy Model
As part of its efforts to strengthen its presence in the European market, Kia sought Lotus’s expertise in European-style chassis tuning. While the Kia Soul was initially designed for the U.S. market, Kia recognized the need for a more refined driving experience tailored to European consumers. To achieve this, Kia enlisted Lotus engineers to enhance the suspension and chassis dynamics of the European-spec Soul, significantly improving its ride quality and handling.
Kia Credos
Kia’s collaboration with Lotus dates back to before its merger with Hyundai. The most well-known result of this partnership was Kia’s acquisition of the rights to the Lotus Elan and rebranding it as the Kia Elan. In the mid-1990s, Kia further collaborated with Lotus to refine the chassis of its mid-size sedan, the Credos. This resulted in implementing advanced automotive technologies, including a newly developed front suspension system, speed-sensitive power steering, and a traction control system—all engineered by Lotus. These enhancements gave the Credos exceptional handling characteristics, setting it apart from its competitors.
