Motor Authority - blog Category: Lotus

A leaked PDF file out today showing Lotus's plans for offering their Evora platorm to other carmakers--including a ready-made electric vehicle packaging solution--has the Lotus fan base alight with discussion. Who will be the first to build on the Evora platform? What might this mean for Lotus, or for companies like Tesla?

Well, the document isn't officially confirmed, and though it clearly documents what amounts to a sales pitch of the Evora platform targeted at other carmakers, the reality of licensing out the Evora's design may yet stand in the way of a flood of cheap Evora-based alternatives.

The "user-friendly" Lotus, the 2010 Evora is...

A leaked PDF file out today showing Lotus's plans for offering their Evora platorm to other carmakers--including a ready-made electric vehicle packaging solution--has the Lotus fan base alight with discussion. Who will be the first to build on the Evora platform? What might this mean for Lotus, or for companies like Tesla? Well, the document isn't officially confirmed, and though it clearly documents what amounts to a sales pitch of the Evora platform targeted at other carmakers, the reality of licensing out the Evora's design may yet stand in the way of a flood of cheap Evora-based alternatives. The "user-friendly" Lotus, the 2010 Evora is a 276-horsepower Toyota V-6-powered 2 + 2 compact GT car with an eye toward accommodation and style as much as performance, unlike the much harder-edged Elise and Exige models. Because the Evora is built on Lotus's Versatile Vehicle Architecture, which employs a modular design that can easily be modified for certain purposes, while at the same time being cheaper to manufacture than the bonded and riveted aluminum extrusion-based Elise family of vehicles. The Evora's platform adds some simple folded metal to the mix, making it cheaper to replicate. So what do you think? Who would you like to see get their hands on this chassis? What kind of cars could be built on it? Or should Lotus be diluting its stock at all by offering the chassis up to third parties? Let us know how you feel about it in the comments section below. [Lotus Enthusiast] Read More

In a way, all Lotus cars are limited-editions, in that they don't produce hundreds of thousands of vehicles per year. On the other hand, there are the truly special models, like the Scura, or "Stealth," unveiled today ahead of the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

Just 35 examples of the Scura will be built globally, making this Exige exclusive in the extreme. It's purely an appearance package, however, with the  internals more than up to the job of special-edition duty.

“The Exige Scura is a stunning vehicle which offers an adrenaline fuelled experience and is a real head-turner!  Our Exige customers choose Lotus because we deliver thrilling...

In a way, all Lotus cars are limited-editions, in that they don't produce hundreds of thousands of vehicles per year. On the other hand, there are the truly special models, like the Scura, or "Stealth," unveiled today ahead of the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. Just 35 examples of the Scura will be built globally, making this Exige exclusive in the extreme. It's purely an appearance package, however, with the  internals more than up to the job of special-edition duty. “The Exige Scura is a stunning vehicle which offers an adrenaline fuelled experience and is a real head-turner!  Our Exige customers choose Lotus because we deliver thrilling performance and dynamic design and this special edition fits the bill on both counts,” said Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars. It's official unveiling is set for October 21, but today's press release reveals the car in all its matte-black glory. High-gloss Phantom Black stripes offer some muted contrast, while a carbon fiber front splitter, oil cooler inlet vanes and rear spoiler give a high-tech accent. Inside, the Scura gets more carbon fiber trim and a corresponding weight reduction, cutting the dash to 62 mph to just 4.1 seconds. An anthracite anodized aluminum gearknob and handbrake lever help carry the dark theme forward, though the interior carbon fiber elements are finished in a gloss lacquer rather than matte. A number of standard features make the Exige Scura more capable and more rewarding to drive than a base-level car, including standard launch and Lotus adjustable traction control, Ohlins two-way adjustable dampers, and a track pack aerodynamics kit that yields about 90 pounds of downforce at 100 mph. Pricing starts at £45,000 in the UK and about €60,000 in the EU, so if the car makes its way Stateside, expect to hand over about $75,000-$80,000 for the chance to own one. Read More

Just months after leaving his position as Ferrari's marketing head, new Lotus CEO Dany Bahar is eying his old employer as a competitive target. According to a new report, Bahar plans to bring Lotus back to a level of competing heads-up against the world's greatest supercar marques, including the Prancing Horse itself.

While Lotus languished over the last decade, its Esprit supercar limping along and eventually falling by the wayside after the business changed hands several times in the 1990s, leaving it with just a tiny output of Toyota-powered sports cars. While still a significant influence in motorsports and grassroots racing, Lotus has...

Just months after leaving his position as Ferrari's marketing head, new Lotus CEO Dany Bahar is eying his old employer as a competitive target. According to a new report, Bahar plans to bring Lotus back to a level of competing heads-up against the world's greatest supercar marques, including the Prancing Horse itself. While Lotus languished over the last decade, its Esprit supercar limping along and eventually falling by the wayside after the business changed hands several times in the 1990s, leaving it with just a tiny output of Toyota-powered sports cars. While still a significant influence in motorsports and grassroots racing, Lotus has failed to keep pace with the retail side of now-giants like Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati. But that's all about to change, says Bahar. "We believe it's the right time to bring Lotus back to where it was," he told PistonHeads. Bahar is thought to have a five-year plan to bring the company back up to snuff, starting with the new Evora as th focal point. The exact nature of that plan hasn't been disclosed, but it's sure to revolve around developing a prestigious brand image based on high-performance cars. Upcoming supercharged and convertible variants of the Evora could be just what the brand needs to raise its profile among a broader audience, as the track-focused and brilliant Elise and Exige that are its current bread-and-butter aren't likely to win many hearts when it comes to creature comforts. With up to 400 horsepower on tap and just 2,976 pounds to hustle around, the supercharged Evora could cut its 0-60 mph times to under four seconds. The standard 276-horsepower Evora manages the dash in under five. The V-6 powered Evora, on the other hand, is every bit the Grand Tourer, with its 2+2 seating layout not exactly capacious, but better than a strict two-seater, and clad in much more comfortable and luxurious fittings than its smaller brethren. The U.S.-spec 2010 Lotus  Evora should be on sale here early next year. Read More

Now more than ever the car industry is taking pains to get the most out of its existing products, but that doesn't mean they have to be bland repeats of previous models. Lotus, for example, carries over most of the features of the 2009 Exige S 240 for the 2010 model year, but manages to keep things exciting.

It gets a new front clip and rear wing to help distinguish it from last year's model, but in terms of performance, the car is identical to the outgoing model. A Toyota 2ZZ-GE 1.8-liter engine fed by a supercharger generates 240 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 170 pound-feet of torque at 5,500 rpm. That's good for a 4.1-second 0-60 mph time...

Now more than ever the car industry is taking pains to get the most out of its existing products, but that doesn't mean they have to be bland repeats of previous models. Lotus, for example, carries over most of the features of the 2009 Exige S 240 for the 2010 model year, but manages to keep things exciting. It gets a new front clip and rear wing to help distinguish it from last year's model, but in terms of performance, the car is identical to the outgoing model. A Toyota 2ZZ-GE 1.8-liter engine fed by a supercharger generates 240 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 170 pound-feet of torque at 5,500 rpm. That's good for a 4.1-second 0-60 mph time and a top speed of 150 mph all while returning 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The rear wing is sure to grab attention, but it's there for more than just looks: replacing the decklid-mounted spoiler from the 2009 model, the 2010 Exige S 240's wing is actually based on the one from the Exige GT3 road car concept from 2007, and it's designed to do serious work at speed. At 7.1 inches wider and 1.8 inches higher, it grabs more clean air for better performance, while mounting it 2.4 inches further back helps smooth out airflow behind the car. Big structural end plates further enhance the efficiency of the wing, enough to give 93 pounds of downforce at 100 mph. Aside from the standard fare of Lotus' track-tuned and adjustable launch and traction control, a 2,077-pound curb weight and the famed Lotus suspension tuning, the 2010 Exige S 240 also gets the same airbag, tire pressure monitoring system and instrument pack from the 2009 Exige. The 2010 Lotus Exige S 240 will be launched in the U.S. this fall, starting from the same price as last year's car at $65,690. Read More

The power-to-lightness ratio of the naturally-aspirated Lotus Elise and Exige models has never been found lacking, being some of the most competent street/track cars available today. But for those that would like a little more grunt with their grace, Lotus Cars USA is now offering the same kit available on the Lotus Elise SC as a standalone upgrade for existing Elise and Exige owners.

The kit uses the same supercharger and integrated intake manifold as the production Elise SC, and can be installed on any Elise or Exige with the Toyota 2ZZ-GE engine. Power output is increased from the standard 189hp to 218hp when the kit is applied in... The power-to-lightness ratio of the naturally-aspirated Lotus Elise and Exige models has never been found lacking, being some of the most competent street/track cars available today. But for those that would like a little more grunt with their grace, Lotus Cars USA is now offering the same kit available on the Lotus Elise SC as a standalone upgrade for existing Elise and Exige owners. The kit uses the same supercharger and integrated intake manifold as the production Elise SC, and can be installed on any Elise or Exige with the Toyota 2ZZ-GE engine. Power output is increased from the standard 189hp to 218hp when the kit is applied in conjunction with new high-flow fuel injectors and a reprogrammed ECU. Fitting the extra power bits into the Elise's already tight mid-engine bay is no doubt a feat of engineering, so the availability of the factory-engineered piece will be a welcome addition to many Lotus-filled garages. More than just raw power, however, the upgrade lifts torque output to 155lb-ft and moves the torque peak down to a much more available and enjoyable 5,000rpm from the 6,800rpm naturally-aspirated peak. That will give the Elise and Exige much more stoplight potential as well as better part-throttle response in real-world driving conditions. “Lotus Elise and Exige owners are genuine driving enthusiasts and that’s what has attracted them to Lotus cars in the first place,” said Lotus Cars USA Director of Operations Arnie Johnson. “They will fully appreciate the dramatically enhanced driving character these Lotus Supercharger Kits will bring their vehicles and the peace of mind from a fully warranted, factory engineered kit.” Pricing hasn't been released yet, but the kit is available for purchase and installation at all U.S. and Canadian authorized Lotus dealers. Read More

A highly-refined, all-purpose city-centric electric vehicle is a concept familiar to popular culture, but to date, nothing in the real world has proven up to the task. To see what such a vehicle would look like, industry magazine Automotive Engineer commissioned Lotus Design to come up with a concept vehicle.

The result is the attractive - if somewhat familiar in profile - vehicle shown here and in the video below. Designed to a core set of specifications in just two weeks, the car shows what could be done with a premium city-car format EV in the near future.

Unfortunately for Americans, however, the car wasn't designed for those 1%... A highly-refined, all-purpose city-centric electric vehicle is a concept familiar to popular culture, but to date, nothing in the real world has proven up to the task. To see what such a vehicle would look like, industry magazine Automotive Engineer commissioned Lotus Design to come up with a concept vehicle. The result is the attractive - if somewhat familiar in profile - vehicle shown here and in the video below. Designed to a core set of specifications in just two weeks, the car shows what could be done with a premium city-car format EV in the near future. Unfortunately for Americans, however, the car wasn't designed for those 1% driving activities we like to buy our cars for. You know - those trips with 11 passengers through impassable mountain terrain at speeds over 100mph. Instead, it was designed for the 'average European journey' - a distance of about 14mi with a top speed of 65mph and an average speed of about 40mph. Those are fairly modest design goals compared to the 200mi-plus, 125mph EVs coming out of Tesla at the moment - coincidentally also designed with the aid of Lotus. The core features of the Lotus-AE EV that enable the car to meet these goals is a 37kW (50hp) motor, 10kWh battery and a simple bonded aluminum chassis that can be adapted modularly to other form factors. This combination allows for a final size that's almost dead-even in size with a Smart ForTwo, smaller than a Toyota iQ - though it's taller than both - and a turning radius tight enough to make a U-turn on all but the narrowest city streets. For more details on the car and its design process, check out the full story at Automotive Engineer, and watch the video below.Lotus Design electric vehicleLotus-designed electric vehicle commissioned by Automotive Engineering Read More