You step into the car through the head-turning doors that slide back and upward, taking part of the roof with it for easy driver access. Then you perch your bum on the smooth carbon fibre in front of the passenger seat, and simply slide across into the central driver’s seat.

Lotus is unwavering about its future sports cars being electric, and the Theory 1 concept car revealed on Tuesday is a detailed preview of what’s coming next — with a dash of nostalgia tossed in on the side.

The wraps are off a radical new electric concept car from Lotus, designed to showcase the ‘future of intelligent performance vehicles’. The Lotus Theory 1 demonstrates the British company’s new design manifesto – and reveals new technological innovations.

Lotus has an electric sports car arriving in two years that might look similar to the automaker's latest concept.

The Theory 1 features a central driving position and a passenger seat on either side, making it a three-seater in the vein of the legendary McLaren F1. The seating has also been integrated into the structure of the car, so the steering wheel and pedals move towards the driver, and the recycled chopped carbon-fibre tub is fully exposed.

Lotus has released a new concept car which aims to act as a showcase for the brand’s new design direction.The Theory 1 incorporates a three-seater setup, with the driver occupying a central position in the vehicle with a passenger on each side behind.

Thanks to its interesting tech, the all-electric Theory 1 concept reveals how Lotus could go back to it roots in the electric age.