Lotus has recently delighted fans by revealing plans for a dramatic expansion of its range of sports cars.
The
British-based firm's range currently consists of four models; the Elise
and its more furious, stripped out alter ego the Exige, the Evora and a
track-day special called the 2-Eleven.
However,
moves are afoot to revive three model names from Lotus's past in
stunning all-new form; the Esprit, Elan and Elite. These will be joined
by a car bearing a model name completely new to the firm, the Eterne,
and finally in 2015 there will be an all-new Elise.
All
these 'future cars' feature on the company's website, but rumours
persist that they aren't the only novel developments in the pipeline.
The
sixth of the firm's new models will perhaps be the most shocking of all
for fans of the marque known primarily for lightweight, well-handling
sports cars. Rumours are that Lotus is also developing a mould-breaking
city car in a joint project with parent company Proton.
First
of the new range to hit the roads will be the revived Esprit, due in
2013. According to the firm, this will be the 'ultimate Lotus'; a
mid-engined two-seater designed to mix it with the new supercar elite,
such as the Ferrari 458 Italia and new Mclaren MP4-12C, as well as
Audi's storming R8 V10.
Power
will come from an all-new supercharged V8 engine developed in-house by
Lotus, with the possibility of an enhanced tie-up with Toyota leading to
a V10 equipped range-topper. A later, entry-level model may be offered
with the option of the Evora's V6 motor.
Next
to roll out of the design studio will be the Esprit's 'little brother',
an everyday sports car to rival the Porsche 911 and Aston Martin
Vantage. Lotus expects the Elan to be their most popular model. Powered
by a supercharged 4.0 litre V6 developed from the unit used in the
latest Evora S, extensive use of aluminium will keep the car's weight
down and '2+2' seating will be an option.
The
following year will see the company launch the Elite; a front engined,
four-seater GT car to take on the Ferrari FF and Aston Martin Virage.
Featuring a Ferrari California style folding hard-top roof, use of the
same 5.0 litre V8 as the Esprit indicates that it may out-power rivals
as well as undercut them significantly on price.
The
Elise has been the core of Lotus's range since the mid 1990s, but 2015
will herald an all-new design. The new car will feature a more luxurious
interior that will be easier to live with every day and be powered by a
2.0 litre Toyota engine up-rated by Lotus engineers. However, prices
will remain similar to those for the current car.
So
far, so Lotus. But it's the firm's next steps that will see it break
away from traditional thinking. In 2015, Lotus plans to launch the
Eterne; a four-door luxury flagship model to match the Aston Martin
Rapide, Porsche Panamera and Maserati Quattroporte. Four door supercars
are taking off in popularity as car-makers eye Far East tastes for big
sporty models, and it's that trend that's inspired this completely new
concept for the company.
Finally,
Lotus's sixth new model will be its boldest move yet; a premium city
car to rival the Aston Martin Cygnet. Developed with parent company
Proton and based on the Malaysian firm's EMAS concept, the new baby
Lotus will take the sports car maker into completely uncharted
territory.
Featuring
trademark sporty design cues, the new supermini will be available as a
full, all-electric version or as a hybrid utilising Lotus's 1.2 litre
'range extender' petrol engine offering a potential 100 mpg fuel
economy.
Promising
a 35 mile range on electric power alone and 200 miles if the range
extender engine is employed, the car's purpose - as with Aston Martin -
will be to lower the firm's emissions across its newly widened car range
in order to comply with the latest European Union regulations.
All
Lotus's new sports cars feature a very angular, Lamborghini Reventon
style corporate face and will also be equipped with the latest in motor
technology such as hybrid drive, semi-automatic gearboxes and an
F1-style KERS system to deliver a temporary power boost on command.
Various uprated engine tuning options are also likely to be made
available, marketed as 'S' models
By magisblogs
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New Cars 2015
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