Lotus: Elite news
09-20-2010, 04:23 AM
#1
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Lotus: Elite news
Lotus has revealed plans for a stunning front-engined, 2+2 V8 coupe, reminiscent of Aston Martin's DB9 and scheduled for launch in early 2014.
The car, a hybrid that incorporates a Lotus-developed KERS system, will be the third front-engined model in Lotus's 52-year history to use the revered Elite name. Its launch confirms months of speculation that Hethel is deadly serious about challenging Porsche, Ferrari and Aston Martin head on with cars costing £100,000 plus. More models are expected, including an Elite offshoot to challenge Aston Martin's Rapide saloon.
Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar only joined the company last year. But since then he's been working on a multi-model Lotus revival plan, of which the Elite is only one step. Bahar calls the new model "a car of perfect contradictions: compact yet spacious, high performing yet low emitting, lightweight yet still reassuringly solid."
The new Elite will be made both as a fixed-head coupe and with a retractable hard-top. It's not clear yet whether there will be a full convertible.
The structured, muscular new Elite shape ditches Lotus's traditional 'mouth' in favour of a new, squarer and more aggressive intake, which is likely to be used in various forms on future models. There are no details yet of the interior, beyond Lotus's intention to use an own-design touch-screen for all major functions. Company insiders are well aware that Lotus will have to ramp up its craftsmanship skills if it is to compete successfully with the Aston/Porsche brigade.
All models will get a 'charged' 5.0-litre V8, believed to be the unit used in the Lexus LS600h, linked to a hybrid transmission comprising two electric motors and an epicyclic gearbox from the same source. Two power levels are suggested: a 540bhp standard version and a 610bhp R model, both delivered at 8000rpm, but there are no details on how the front-mounted KERS stores energy, or how much it can deploy.
Toyota, once Lotus's co-owner, has been the Norfolk sports car firm's engine partner since the Elise adopted Toyota units around 10 years ago. The Japanese giant seems content to allow Lotus to 'charge' its V8 (Lotus is understood still to be deciding whether it will be turbocharged or supercharged) and to use its own engine control software to vary the performance of Toyota's engines. It already does this with the Elise SC and Evora.
The new Elite is bidding to be the first performance hybrid in the £100,000-plus sector. At 4.6 metres in overall length, it is around 10cm shorter than a DB9, and its proposed 1680kg kerb weight is about 80kg less. However, the forecast CO2 output of its hybrid powertrain (215g/km) undercuts the Aston’s 367g/km by a remarkable 40 per cent — for no performance penalty. Lotus forecasts a 0-62mph sprint time of 3.5 to 3.7sec, depending on model. No top speed has yet been mentioned, but it’s certain the high-powered Elite will at least match the Aston's 186mph.
"Make no mistake," says Bahar, "there’s a definite market requirement for the Elite. It's the ultimate compromise of sports car feel with comfort and space. There will always be those who say Lotus should stick to small sports cars, but we didn't take the decision to design something like the Elite lightly. It is based on months of careful research and planning."
Bahar points out that front-engined 2+2s represented around 20 per cent of Lotus production between 1948 and 1996, when the Elise became the company's only model, and 11 per cent overall. "The sector has been very successful for us in the past, and the new Elite raises the benchmark higher still," he says.
The car, a hybrid that incorporates a Lotus-developed KERS system, will be the third front-engined model in Lotus's 52-year history to use the revered Elite name. Its launch confirms months of speculation that Hethel is deadly serious about challenging Porsche, Ferrari and Aston Martin head on with cars costing £100,000 plus. More models are expected, including an Elite offshoot to challenge Aston Martin's Rapide saloon.
Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar only joined the company last year. But since then he's been working on a multi-model Lotus revival plan, of which the Elite is only one step. Bahar calls the new model "a car of perfect contradictions: compact yet spacious, high performing yet low emitting, lightweight yet still reassuringly solid."
The new Elite will be made both as a fixed-head coupe and with a retractable hard-top. It's not clear yet whether there will be a full convertible.
The structured, muscular new Elite shape ditches Lotus's traditional 'mouth' in favour of a new, squarer and more aggressive intake, which is likely to be used in various forms on future models. There are no details yet of the interior, beyond Lotus's intention to use an own-design touch-screen for all major functions. Company insiders are well aware that Lotus will have to ramp up its craftsmanship skills if it is to compete successfully with the Aston/Porsche brigade.
All models will get a 'charged' 5.0-litre V8, believed to be the unit used in the Lexus LS600h, linked to a hybrid transmission comprising two electric motors and an epicyclic gearbox from the same source. Two power levels are suggested: a 540bhp standard version and a 610bhp R model, both delivered at 8000rpm, but there are no details on how the front-mounted KERS stores energy, or how much it can deploy.
Toyota, once Lotus's co-owner, has been the Norfolk sports car firm's engine partner since the Elise adopted Toyota units around 10 years ago. The Japanese giant seems content to allow Lotus to 'charge' its V8 (Lotus is understood still to be deciding whether it will be turbocharged or supercharged) and to use its own engine control software to vary the performance of Toyota's engines. It already does this with the Elise SC and Evora.
The new Elite is bidding to be the first performance hybrid in the £100,000-plus sector. At 4.6 metres in overall length, it is around 10cm shorter than a DB9, and its proposed 1680kg kerb weight is about 80kg less. However, the forecast CO2 output of its hybrid powertrain (215g/km) undercuts the Aston’s 367g/km by a remarkable 40 per cent — for no performance penalty. Lotus forecasts a 0-62mph sprint time of 3.5 to 3.7sec, depending on model. No top speed has yet been mentioned, but it’s certain the high-powered Elite will at least match the Aston's 186mph.
"Make no mistake," says Bahar, "there’s a definite market requirement for the Elite. It's the ultimate compromise of sports car feel with comfort and space. There will always be those who say Lotus should stick to small sports cars, but we didn't take the decision to design something like the Elite lightly. It is based on months of careful research and planning."
Bahar points out that front-engined 2+2s represented around 20 per cent of Lotus production between 1948 and 1996, when the Elise became the company's only model, and 11 per cent overall. "The sector has been very successful for us in the past, and the new Elite raises the benchmark higher still," he says.
09-20-2010, 05:35 AM
#3
Reminds me of a better-looking California.
09-20-2010, 10:18 AM
#7
The sizzle in the Steak
As much as I love Lotus....the design does not blow my mind.
Sure it's great looking, but nothing original here.
I want to see some real world pics for final judgement.
Sure it's great looking, but nothing original here.
I want to see some real world pics for final judgement.
Trending Topics
09-20-2010, 10:36 AM
#8
Team Owner
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Kansas City, MO (Overland Park, KS)
Posts: 36,545
Received 6,470 Likes
on
5,162 Posts
Wow...very tight! I'd drive one! I wish we didn't have to wait until 2014.
09-20-2010, 12:30 PM
#9
Senior Moderator
Press release...
So here it is, the Lotus Elite, the first taste of what’s to come from Lotus in the future. Look up elegant in the dictionary and you’ll find variations on the following 1. dignified grace in appearance, movement, or behaviour, 2. superb taste in design, style and 3. something elegant; the ultimate refinement.
The ground-breaking new Elite is exactly that. It’s compact yet chic body is elegance incarnate. It’s not only exquisitely elegant, in keeping with Lotus’ core values, it’s a car of substance incorporating some of the very latest technological innovations Lotus has to offer. The slick retractable hard top version and the optional use of hybrid technology with KERS are typical examples of Lotus tailoring technology to deliver perfect performance.
Dany Bahar, CEO of Group Lotus said: “There’s no denying that the Elite is breathtakingly beautiful to look at but it’s so much more than that, it’s a car that over delivers in all other aspects as well. One could say it’s a car of perfect contradictions, it’s compact yet spacious, high performing yet low emitting, lightweight yet still reassuringly solid. It’s a car that we are exceptionally proud of at Lotus and we truly believe that there is nothing else like it out there both in terms of styling and performance.
“Make no mistake, there’s a definite market requirement for the Elite – it’s the ultimate sports car feel with comfort and space. There will always be those who believe that Lotus should stick to small sports cars but we didn’t take the decision to design something like the Elite lightly, it’s based on months of careful research and planning. It’s worth noting this sector has been very successful for us in the past and now the Elite raises the benchmark higher still.”
Set for release in spring 2014, this is an innovative, exciting GT that will set a new benchmark in design, performance and emissions. And it’s not all about sleek lines and stunning bodywork with this particular 2+2, what hides beneath this shark like exterior perfectly does the aesthetics justice. A front-mid positioned 5.0l V8 engine delivering up to 620 PS meaning drivers can expect to go from 0-100 km/h in approximately 3.5 to 3.7 seconds.
The Prototype
Whilst the vehicle shown in this release is a Production Intent Prototype, it represents a concept vehicle being designed and developed by Lotus Cars. Lotus Cars reserves the right to change the external and internal design of the Production Intent Prototypes, the specification, performance, dimensions, weight, fuel consumption, powertrain details and any other product information at anytime and without notice for any reason whatsoever.
Details of performance, weight, fuel consumption and other production information relating to the Production Intent Prototypes are not official or proven figures and represent the intended performance, weight, fuel consumption and other product information of the Production Intent Prototypes .
The design, specification and performance figures for all Production Intent Prototypes will be confirmed following official testing and will be available from Lotus Cars.
The ground-breaking new Elite is exactly that. It’s compact yet chic body is elegance incarnate. It’s not only exquisitely elegant, in keeping with Lotus’ core values, it’s a car of substance incorporating some of the very latest technological innovations Lotus has to offer. The slick retractable hard top version and the optional use of hybrid technology with KERS are typical examples of Lotus tailoring technology to deliver perfect performance.
Dany Bahar, CEO of Group Lotus said: “There’s no denying that the Elite is breathtakingly beautiful to look at but it’s so much more than that, it’s a car that over delivers in all other aspects as well. One could say it’s a car of perfect contradictions, it’s compact yet spacious, high performing yet low emitting, lightweight yet still reassuringly solid. It’s a car that we are exceptionally proud of at Lotus and we truly believe that there is nothing else like it out there both in terms of styling and performance.
“Make no mistake, there’s a definite market requirement for the Elite – it’s the ultimate sports car feel with comfort and space. There will always be those who believe that Lotus should stick to small sports cars but we didn’t take the decision to design something like the Elite lightly, it’s based on months of careful research and planning. It’s worth noting this sector has been very successful for us in the past and now the Elite raises the benchmark higher still.”
Set for release in spring 2014, this is an innovative, exciting GT that will set a new benchmark in design, performance and emissions. And it’s not all about sleek lines and stunning bodywork with this particular 2+2, what hides beneath this shark like exterior perfectly does the aesthetics justice. A front-mid positioned 5.0l V8 engine delivering up to 620 PS meaning drivers can expect to go from 0-100 km/h in approximately 3.5 to 3.7 seconds.
The Prototype
Whilst the vehicle shown in this release is a Production Intent Prototype, it represents a concept vehicle being designed and developed by Lotus Cars. Lotus Cars reserves the right to change the external and internal design of the Production Intent Prototypes, the specification, performance, dimensions, weight, fuel consumption, powertrain details and any other product information at anytime and without notice for any reason whatsoever.
Details of performance, weight, fuel consumption and other production information relating to the Production Intent Prototypes are not official or proven figures and represent the intended performance, weight, fuel consumption and other product information of the Production Intent Prototypes .
The design, specification and performance figures for all Production Intent Prototypes will be confirmed following official testing and will be available from Lotus Cars.
09-20-2010, 02:56 PM
#12
Love it. So cool that it has KERS... I think a production Ferrari had it too, but can't remember which. I wonder how it works without restrictions on it.
09-30-2010, 01:58 PM
#17
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
worldcarfans
Remember the Lotus Elan from the early 90's? Forget it! The company has unveiled a reincarnated rear-wheel drive model.
While it looks like an angry Honda CR-Z, the new performance coupe aims to become a legitimate rival to the Porsche 911. This is no easy task, but Lotus feels confident in their newest model.
Power is provided by a mid-mounted 4.0-liter V6 engine with 450 PS (331 kW / 444 hp) and 465 Nm (343 lb-ft) of toque. It is backed up by a seven-speed DCT transmission, which enables the 1,295 kg (2,855 lb) car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 310 km/h (193 mph). If that fails to attract your attention, perhaps you'll be interested in the hybrid variant which will have CO2 emissions as low as 199 g/km.
On sale in the fall of 2013, the Elan will carry a base price of approximately £75,000.
While it looks like an angry Honda CR-Z, the new performance coupe aims to become a legitimate rival to the Porsche 911. This is no easy task, but Lotus feels confident in their newest model.
Power is provided by a mid-mounted 4.0-liter V6 engine with 450 PS (331 kW / 444 hp) and 465 Nm (343 lb-ft) of toque. It is backed up by a seven-speed DCT transmission, which enables the 1,295 kg (2,855 lb) car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 310 km/h (193 mph). If that fails to attract your attention, perhaps you'll be interested in the hybrid variant which will have CO2 emissions as low as 199 g/km.
On sale in the fall of 2013, the Elan will carry a base price of approximately £75,000.
09-30-2010, 01:59 PM
#18
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Lotus ELISE revealed
Lotus has unveiled the 2015 Elise at the Paris Motor Show.
Available as a coupe and roadster (the Exige name will apparently be dropped), the new Elise features shark-inspired styling, floating taillights, and a variety of carbon fiber components. Furthermore, thanks to a longer extruded aluminum chassis, entry and egress should be vastly improved.
Power is provided by a supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine which produces 300 PS (221 kW / 296 hp) and 350 PS (257 kW / 345 hp). Paired to a robotized manual transmission, the 1095 kg (2,414 lb) Elise should be fairly quick.
While the current Elise starts around £27,450 the 2015 model is expect to retail for £40,000.
Available as a coupe and roadster (the Exige name will apparently be dropped), the new Elise features shark-inspired styling, floating taillights, and a variety of carbon fiber components. Furthermore, thanks to a longer extruded aluminum chassis, entry and egress should be vastly improved.
Power is provided by a supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine which produces 300 PS (221 kW / 296 hp) and 350 PS (257 kW / 345 hp). Paired to a robotized manual transmission, the 1095 kg (2,414 lb) Elise should be fairly quick.
While the current Elise starts around £27,450 the 2015 model is expect to retail for £40,000.
09-30-2010, 02:02 PM
#20
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Lotus ESPRIT revealed
The Lotus bonanza continues as the company has unveiled the £110,00 Esprit revival.
Set to go on sale in 2013, the car features an aggressive front bumper, LED daytime driving lights, and a center-mounted dual exhaust system. Inside, the cabin has a minimalist design with a sport steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster, and carbon fiber trim.
Power is provided by a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine with 550 PS (405 kW / 543 hp). It is connected to a seven-speed paddle-shift transmission, which should enable the 1495 kg (3,296lb) car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in under 3.5 seconds. Of course, if that doesn't sound fast enough, Lotus will happily sell you an Esprit R with 620 PS (456 kW / 612 hp).
Set to go on sale in 2013, the car features an aggressive front bumper, LED daytime driving lights, and a center-mounted dual exhaust system. Inside, the cabin has a minimalist design with a sport steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster, and carbon fiber trim.
Power is provided by a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine with 550 PS (405 kW / 543 hp). It is connected to a seven-speed paddle-shift transmission, which should enable the 1495 kg (3,296lb) car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in under 3.5 seconds. Of course, if that doesn't sound fast enough, Lotus will happily sell you an Esprit R with 620 PS (456 kW / 612 hp).
09-30-2010, 02:04 PM
#22
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Lotus ETERNE 4door sedan revealed
Lotus has stuned the media with the Eterne four-door coupe unveiling at the Paris Motor Show today.
Details are limited, but the car is based on 2014 Elite. This means power will likely be provided by a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 620 PS (456 kW / 612 hp) and 720 Nm (531 lb-ft) of torque. A hybrid variant will also be offered and it will use a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) and, possibly, a Lexus-sourced transmission with two integrated electric motors.
Set to go on sale in 2015, the Eterne will carry a base price of approximately £120,000. Stay tuned for more photos and details.
09-30-2010, 06:24 PM
#25
The sizzle in the Steak
Why are all these models lumped into one thread?!?!?!
09-30-2010, 07:59 PM
#27
Team Owner
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Kansas City, MO (Overland Park, KS)
Posts: 36,545
Received 6,470 Likes
on
5,162 Posts
09-30-2010, 09:51 PM
#29
Senior Moderator
I really love this car... 
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Yumcha
Automotive News
1
09-25-2015 06:14 PM