Lotus: Europa news **Updated for 2008 (page 3)**
08-05-2004, 07:33 PM
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Lotus: Europa news **Updated for 2008 (page 3)**
New Lotus GT - - By Craig Cheetham - - Source: Autoexpress
World exclusive pictures in this week's mag prove Lotus is working on a new GT - and it's set to take on the Noble M12. The mag's spies caught the stunning newcomer testing near the company's headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk
Bosses at Lotus say the car is currently a prototype, but is being seriously considered for a showroom debut. Our sources have hinted that the green light for production is merely a formality, and that the machine could easily be on sale in the UK as soon as 2006.
The manufacturer has already taken on an extra 100 employees recently, chiefly to satisfy increased demand for the Elise both at home and abroad - but it's likely that an all-new model could mean even more jobs being created. The car, which could see the famous Excel or Elite names making a comeback, will slot into the Lotus range above the Elise, and is tipped to weigh in at around the £40,000 mark.
A 2+2 version of the newcomer is also being considered, with a larger cabin allowing for two occasional seats in the rear. If this machine gets the go-ahead, it will be the first four-seater Lotus has produced since the 1984 Excel.
A source told us: "There's a huge amount of excitement surrounding the project. Officially, the machine is a concept in development.
"This is not a replacement for the Elise, but a car that offers touring capability and will be positioned above it in the market." The model will feature a sporty new chassis, using the same bonded aluminium structure as the Elise, and will come with a mid-mounted engine.
The company has yet to finalise what the definitive powerplant will be but, as with the Elise, it's likely to be sourced from Toyota, as the two manufacturers have a strong working relationship. Insiders have hinted that the glassfibre-bodied GT is set to offer around 300bhp, and will be fitted with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission.
But while it will be seen as a sporting car, the newcomer will be more geared up for touring than track action. The mag's spy shots show how it will be significantly wider than the Elise, giving a more comfortable and spacious interior. The revolutionary model will also aim to be the most practical Lotus since the last Elite went out of production back in 1991, with a genuinely roomy luggage bay at the rear, behind the engine cover.
Company engineers are believed to be working on a unique suspension set-up for the car, with softer spring rates than those on the Elise and an all-new wishbone arrangement at the front. But that's not to say the GT won't have the fine handling for which Lotus has become renowned over the years - insiders have hinted that the wide track will give it even more grip than the already limpet-like Elise.
The secret model coincides with the firm's ambitious plans to expand into new markets around the globe. "We want it to be a world car, as we have stated in the past," revealed our source. "It will take on America and other markets where we want the brand to grow."
Lotus is already expanding in the US, after the latest-generation Elise was granted a temporary exemption from stringent crash test legislation that would otherwise have made it impossible to sell the model in the States. Although law makers recognise that the Lotus is a safe vehicle, the regulations declare that all cars sold in the country must have bumpers of a certain depth - as it stands, the Elise doesn't comply, although negotiations are currently underway to get the issue resolved.
The British company has been absent from the American market since the Esprit went out of production earlier this year. However, it is now looking to expand its dealer network to distribute 3,000 cars annually on the other side of the Atlantic. The new GT is expected to boost sales even further, with as many as 5,000 examples tipped to be exported every year.
World exclusive pictures in this week's mag prove Lotus is working on a new GT - and it's set to take on the Noble M12. The mag's spies caught the stunning newcomer testing near the company's headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk
Bosses at Lotus say the car is currently a prototype, but is being seriously considered for a showroom debut. Our sources have hinted that the green light for production is merely a formality, and that the machine could easily be on sale in the UK as soon as 2006.
The manufacturer has already taken on an extra 100 employees recently, chiefly to satisfy increased demand for the Elise both at home and abroad - but it's likely that an all-new model could mean even more jobs being created. The car, which could see the famous Excel or Elite names making a comeback, will slot into the Lotus range above the Elise, and is tipped to weigh in at around the £40,000 mark.
A 2+2 version of the newcomer is also being considered, with a larger cabin allowing for two occasional seats in the rear. If this machine gets the go-ahead, it will be the first four-seater Lotus has produced since the 1984 Excel.
A source told us: "There's a huge amount of excitement surrounding the project. Officially, the machine is a concept in development.
"This is not a replacement for the Elise, but a car that offers touring capability and will be positioned above it in the market." The model will feature a sporty new chassis, using the same bonded aluminium structure as the Elise, and will come with a mid-mounted engine.
The company has yet to finalise what the definitive powerplant will be but, as with the Elise, it's likely to be sourced from Toyota, as the two manufacturers have a strong working relationship. Insiders have hinted that the glassfibre-bodied GT is set to offer around 300bhp, and will be fitted with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission.
But while it will be seen as a sporting car, the newcomer will be more geared up for touring than track action. The mag's spy shots show how it will be significantly wider than the Elise, giving a more comfortable and spacious interior. The revolutionary model will also aim to be the most practical Lotus since the last Elite went out of production back in 1991, with a genuinely roomy luggage bay at the rear, behind the engine cover.
Company engineers are believed to be working on a unique suspension set-up for the car, with softer spring rates than those on the Elise and an all-new wishbone arrangement at the front. But that's not to say the GT won't have the fine handling for which Lotus has become renowned over the years - insiders have hinted that the wide track will give it even more grip than the already limpet-like Elise.
The secret model coincides with the firm's ambitious plans to expand into new markets around the globe. "We want it to be a world car, as we have stated in the past," revealed our source. "It will take on America and other markets where we want the brand to grow."
Lotus is already expanding in the US, after the latest-generation Elise was granted a temporary exemption from stringent crash test legislation that would otherwise have made it impossible to sell the model in the States. Although law makers recognise that the Lotus is a safe vehicle, the regulations declare that all cars sold in the country must have bumpers of a certain depth - as it stands, the Elise doesn't comply, although negotiations are currently underway to get the issue resolved.
The British company has been absent from the American market since the Esprit went out of production earlier this year. However, it is now looking to expand its dealer network to distribute 3,000 cars annually on the other side of the Atlantic. The new GT is expected to boost sales even further, with as many as 5,000 examples tipped to be exported every year.
09-01-2004, 10:14 PM
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Lotus Looks At New 2+2 - -Source: Autoexpress
Lotus is exploring the possibility of an Elise-based 2+2 coupe to span the gap between the existing roadster and the forthcoming Esprit replacement. At this early stage the project is being branded as a 'feasibility study' simply to explore whether or not there's a market for a less track-focused Lotus, and there's no guarantee the project will progress any further than this.
Although the idea of a 2+2 in the mould of the classic Elan +2 and the 1980s Excel is under consideration, it's not certain that a potential new model would even have the extra seats, although upgraded equipment levels and hiked standards of everyday refinement would be on the cards regardless of the passenger count. Also up for discussion is the choice of powerplant, the current 189bhp Toyota four-cylinder unit being perhaps a bit too frenetic for the role of tourer.
While understandably reluctant to reveal details of the project, Lotus is, however, keen to emphasise that this feasibility study does not involve the chassis from the next generation Elise; it insists that car is still years away.
Meanwhile, work continues at Hethel on the Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) project that will sire a whole wave of new Lotus models. To save costs and development time, Lotus is developing an extruded aluminium floorpan to which can easily be attached different 'corners' upon which a range of different vehicles can be built up. In time this is where the Elise mk3 will come from, but before then Lotus is likely to launch the Esprit replacement or perhaps even a sub-Esprit coupe.
All future models from Hethel will be 'world cars', in other words engineered for all global markets. This follows the embarrassing situation when the M250 (intended to slot between Elise and Esprit) project had to be mothballed because it wasn't suitable for the US market.
Lotus is exploring the possibility of an Elise-based 2+2 coupe to span the gap between the existing roadster and the forthcoming Esprit replacement. At this early stage the project is being branded as a 'feasibility study' simply to explore whether or not there's a market for a less track-focused Lotus, and there's no guarantee the project will progress any further than this.
Although the idea of a 2+2 in the mould of the classic Elan +2 and the 1980s Excel is under consideration, it's not certain that a potential new model would even have the extra seats, although upgraded equipment levels and hiked standards of everyday refinement would be on the cards regardless of the passenger count. Also up for discussion is the choice of powerplant, the current 189bhp Toyota four-cylinder unit being perhaps a bit too frenetic for the role of tourer.
While understandably reluctant to reveal details of the project, Lotus is, however, keen to emphasise that this feasibility study does not involve the chassis from the next generation Elise; it insists that car is still years away.
Meanwhile, work continues at Hethel on the Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) project that will sire a whole wave of new Lotus models. To save costs and development time, Lotus is developing an extruded aluminium floorpan to which can easily be attached different 'corners' upon which a range of different vehicles can be built up. In time this is where the Elise mk3 will come from, but before then Lotus is likely to launch the Esprit replacement or perhaps even a sub-Esprit coupe.
All future models from Hethel will be 'world cars', in other words engineered for all global markets. This follows the embarrassing situation when the M250 (intended to slot between Elise and Esprit) project had to be mothballed because it wasn't suitable for the US market.
Lotus
02-01-2005, 08:33 PM
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Elise XL or Esprit Short? Third Lotus model spied during test - - By JULIAN RENDELL - - Source: Autoweek
Our spies in England spotted a prototype midsized, mid-engine $30,000 coupe that fits in the Lotus lineup between the Elise and a new Esprit.
Officially the project remains “under consideration,” but this trimmed-out mule is eerily identical to a design published in U.K. Patent Office journals last fall.
Insiders report at least six prototypes have been built, including one that has been crash-tested.
The car’s aluminum chassis, dubbed the Versatile Vehicle Architecture, also underpins the larger Esprit. The design is so flexible that front- and mid-engine models can be built off the same chassis.
Aimed at Porsche’s new Boxster coupe, this model is conceived as a more comfortable touring GT. Though likely to arrive as a Lotus, it could also be sold through Proton dealers, the Malaysian carmaker that owns Lotus.
Sources say a vestigial set of rear seats is under consideration, but chances of the car being a 2+2 are slim, thanks to a lack of rear access over its wide sills and access through its narrow doors.
Officially the project remains “under consideration,” but this trimmed-out mule is eerily identical to a design published in U.K. Patent Office journals last fall.
Insiders report at least six prototypes have been built, including one that has been crash-tested.
The car’s aluminum chassis, dubbed the Versatile Vehicle Architecture, also underpins the larger Esprit. The design is so flexible that front- and mid-engine models can be built off the same chassis.
Aimed at Porsche’s new Boxster coupe, this model is conceived as a more comfortable touring GT. Though likely to arrive as a Lotus, it could also be sold through Proton dealers, the Malaysian carmaker that owns Lotus.
Sources say a vestigial set of rear seats is under consideration, but chances of the car being a 2+2 are slim, thanks to a lack of rear access over its wide sills and access through its narrow doors.
02-01-2005, 08:45 PM
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This is really interesting:
The new Lotus GT? - - Source: Pistonheads.com
The new Lotus GT? - - Source: Pistonheads.com
Lotus registers new design with the Patent Office
Lotus Cars has lodged a car design with the Patent Office. It's neither an Elise, nor the new Exige. In fact the closest resemblance is to the canned M250 project. Could it be the much rumoured GT?
What does registering a design mean? According to the Patent Office, a registered design is a monopoly right for the appearance of the whole or a part of a product resulting from the features of, in particular, the:
- lines
- contours
- colours
- shape
- texture
- materials
of the product or its ornamentation.
To qualify for registration, a design must be new, which means that it must not be the same as any design which has already been made available to the public. It must also have individual character which means that the overall impression it produces on an informed user of the design must differ from the overall impression produced on such a user by any design which has already been made available to the public. In assessing individual character, the Design Office takes into account how much freedom the designer had in creating the design.
Registration can last for a maximum of 25 years and is a property that, like any other business commodity, may be bought, sold, or licensed.
Lotus remained unavailable for comment. We'll be following this one closely.
Lotus Cars has lodged a car design with the Patent Office. It's neither an Elise, nor the new Exige. In fact the closest resemblance is to the canned M250 project. Could it be the much rumoured GT?
What does registering a design mean? According to the Patent Office, a registered design is a monopoly right for the appearance of the whole or a part of a product resulting from the features of, in particular, the:
- lines
- contours
- colours
- shape
- texture
- materials
of the product or its ornamentation.
To qualify for registration, a design must be new, which means that it must not be the same as any design which has already been made available to the public. It must also have individual character which means that the overall impression it produces on an informed user of the design must differ from the overall impression produced on such a user by any design which has already been made available to the public. In assessing individual character, the Design Office takes into account how much freedom the designer had in creating the design.
Registration can last for a maximum of 25 years and is a property that, like any other business commodity, may be bought, sold, or licensed.
Lotus remained unavailable for comment. We'll be following this one closely.
02-01-2005, 08:48 PM
#7
I'm highly skeptical of a 2+2 based on the Elise. There's really no room left so unless they are stretching the chassis a fair amount, I just can't see this being that successful as 2+2, but maybe just a closed roof coupe with just the two seats would be cool.
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05-20-2005, 06:00 PM
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The sizzle in the Steak
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05-20-2005, 08:39 PM
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Originally Posted by gavriil
Source: Auto Moto und Sport Magazine
05-20-2005, 08:41 PM
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Originally Posted by gavriil
The orange one though... = the hotness.
07-09-2005, 11:15 AM
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Lotus Readies New Coupe — and It's Coming to America - - Source: Edmunds.com
HETHEL, England — Lotus is testing a new 2+2 coupe that will fit between the current lightweight two-seat Elise and Exige models and the new Esprit supercar, due in 2007.
The car, expected to revive either the Elite or Excel nameplate, which will be priced around $70,000, has a composite body and an aluminum chassis. It's wider and longer than the Elise, but has the same midengine layout as the small Lotus models.
There's no word on the engine the new car will use, but Lotus already sources engines from Toyota, so a 3.0-liter or 3.5-liter Toyota V6 is a distinct possibility. The new addition will probably make its public debut at next year's Geneva show.
This announcement explains why Lotus' parent, Proton, made the controversial decision to build the new Esprit in Malaysia rather than at Lotus' traditional base in England. It will need all its capacity in the U.K. to build the new car, which it plans to sell worldwide. Around 5,000 examples a year are expected to be exported to the U.S.
The car, expected to revive either the Elite or Excel nameplate, which will be priced around $70,000, has a composite body and an aluminum chassis. It's wider and longer than the Elise, but has the same midengine layout as the small Lotus models.
There's no word on the engine the new car will use, but Lotus already sources engines from Toyota, so a 3.0-liter or 3.5-liter Toyota V6 is a distinct possibility. The new addition will probably make its public debut at next year's Geneva show.
This announcement explains why Lotus' parent, Proton, made the controversial decision to build the new Esprit in Malaysia rather than at Lotus' traditional base in England. It will need all its capacity in the U.K. to build the new car, which it plans to sell worldwide. Around 5,000 examples a year are expected to be exported to the U.S.
07-21-2005, 02:41 AM
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source: supercars.net
07-30-2005, 12:02 PM
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Lotus Europa News
Lotus about to launch ‘most important model since Elise’ - - Source: http://www.autoindustry.co.uk
27th July 2005
Lotus is poised to announce the launch of its most important new model since the Elise, reports the Eastern Daily Press, published near Lotus’ Norwich HQ.
The paper says the new car is expected to be called the Europa, and is designed like its mid-engine 1969-75 namesake to achieve higher volumes than the Elise and attract a different type of car buyer, after more comfort and luggage space, while still based on the Elise platform.
Lotus confirmed ot the paper that the car is due to be announced in the next few days - but refused to reveal its name. It is expected to be priced around £30,000.
Lotus is also planning to launch a replacement for the much larger Esprit in around 18 months, but while the ‘Europa’ and other Elise derivatives will be assembled at Hethel near Norwich, the Esprit replacement will reportedly be built in Malaysia by Lotus Group parent Proton. (Eastern Daily Press)
Lotus is poised to announce the launch of its most important new model since the Elise, reports the Eastern Daily Press, published near Lotus’ Norwich HQ.
The paper says the new car is expected to be called the Europa, and is designed like its mid-engine 1969-75 namesake to achieve higher volumes than the Elise and attract a different type of car buyer, after more comfort and luggage space, while still based on the Elise platform.
Lotus confirmed ot the paper that the car is due to be announced in the next few days - but refused to reveal its name. It is expected to be priced around £30,000.
Lotus is also planning to launch a replacement for the much larger Esprit in around 18 months, but while the ‘Europa’ and other Elise derivatives will be assembled at Hethel near Norwich, the Esprit replacement will reportedly be built in Malaysia by Lotus Group parent Proton. (Eastern Daily Press)
07-30-2005, 12:08 PM
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To push that 950kg around, the car is believed to be powered by a 2-liter turbocharged engine from Vauxhall, the same one from the Vauxhall VX220 Turbo. The engine makes about 200 horsepower.
Proton might make the Europa as a Proton sports car but sources say that most likely the Proton Ultimate sports car will be based on an Elise instead of this new Europa. I think an Europa-based Proton sports car with a slightly tamer motor would be great. A 1.8 or 2.0 Campro?
Proton might make the Europa as a Proton sports car but sources say that most likely the Proton Ultimate sports car will be based on an Elise instead of this new Europa. I think an Europa-based Proton sports car with a slightly tamer motor would be great. A 1.8 or 2.0 Campro?
The above spyshots were taken at a car park in London. Thanks to Mike from Liverpool for the scoop.
The Lotus Europa is expected to go on sale in March 2006.
The Lotus Europa is expected to go on sale in March 2006.
07-30-2005, 09:03 PM
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I don't like that headlight treatment at all with the underside curves, it was done on the rsx, 3-series, etc, and it did nothing for the car styling wise other than water it down and it seems that was realized by the car companies considering it was not continued into the next gen car.
11-17-2005, 10:33 AM
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The sizzle in the Steak
I'll take one!
11-17-2005, 12:32 PM
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If this thing costs $70k, has a 200+ HP turbo 4, and weighs 2100 lbs or so, it could be a serious competitor for the Cayman S, having the same power-to-weight and cost but weighing in almost 1000 lbs less. Although I wouldstill probably opt for the Porsche just because I'd rather hear a perfectly tuned flat-6 behind my head than some thrashy force-fed Ecotech.
I'd glad we are starting to see more lightweight 2-seater coupes in the market. Now if Honda would only get into this market (at a lower price point than the NSX)...A 2600 lb, 260 HP coupe on the S2000 platform selling for sub-$40k might be my (attainable) dream car.
I'd glad we are starting to see more lightweight 2-seater coupes in the market. Now if Honda would only get into this market (at a lower price point than the NSX)...A 2600 lb, 260 HP coupe on the S2000 platform selling for sub-$40k might be my (attainable) dream car.
11-17-2005, 12:39 PM
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The car, expected to revive either the Elite or Excel nameplate, which will be priced around $70,000, has a composite body and an aluminum chassis. It's wider and longer than the Elise, but has the same midengine layout as the small Lotus models.
There's no word on the engine the new car will use, but Lotus already sources engines from Toyota, so a 3.0-liter or 3.5-liter Toyota V6 is a distinct possibility. The new addition will probably make its public debut at next year's Geneva show.
There's no word on the engine the new car will use, but Lotus already sources engines from Toyota, so a 3.0-liter or 3.5-liter Toyota V6 is a distinct possibility. The new addition will probably make its public debut at next year's Geneva show.
Plus the old Elites would randomly catch fire; a trait that is actually endearing for many Lotus fans (driving is more exciting when you know you might spontaneously combust), but this image might not be good for sales of a new car.
11-17-2005, 03:30 PM
#36
woooo!!
Originally Posted by TSX Hokie
If this thing costs $70k, has a 200+ HP turbo 4, and weighs 2100 lbs or so, it could be a serious competitor for the Cayman S, having the same power-to-weight and cost but weighing in almost 1000 lbs less. Although I wouldstill probably opt for the Porsche just because I'd rather hear a perfectly tuned flat-6 behind my head than some thrashy force-fed Ecotech.
I'd glad we are starting to see more lightweight 2-seater coupes in the market. Now if Honda would only get into this market (at a lower price point than the NSX)...A 2600 lb, 260 HP coupe on the S2000 platform selling for sub-$40k might be my (attainable) dream car.
I'd glad we are starting to see more lightweight 2-seater coupes in the market. Now if Honda would only get into this market (at a lower price point than the NSX)...A 2600 lb, 260 HP coupe on the S2000 platform selling for sub-$40k might be my (attainable) dream car.
11-17-2005, 05:00 PM
#37
The sizzle in the Steak
Originally Posted by Sdog2012
Care to explain why?
11-17-2005, 05:03 PM
#38
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Originally Posted by Sdog2012
Care to explain why?
11-17-2005, 05:11 PM
#39
We dont love these hoes
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Originally Posted by Yumchah
Have you read about the Elise and Exige and what they can do?
Yes, i rode in an elise and was
thing was a peice of shit, it handled nice but that was it
11-17-2005, 05:14 PM
#40
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Sdog2012
Yes, i rode in an elise and was thing was a peice of shit, it handled nice but that was it
thing was a peice of shit, it handled nice but that was it