LOTUS is back � and here are the pictures to prove it. This stunning supercar is the first of an all-new Lotus sports car range, which will seek to put the famous Norfolk-based firm on top of the world again.
Called the Elite, it will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show next week, joined by a host of other new models, including what is thought to be a fresh Esprit.
Resurrecting a famous Lotus badge from the Seventies, the new Elite is, like its predecessor, a four-seater, front-engine, rear-wheel-drive coup�. But that�s where the similarities end.
The new model has a folding hard-top roof and sources power from a 5.0-litre V8 from engine partner Toyota which will be either supercharged or turbocharged. Priced at �115,000, it will target the Ferrari California when it goes on sale in 2014.
The Elite gives us our first glimpse of the maker�s new �face� � a look that will be shared with the rest of the line-up. As you can see, the front end features an oversized central grille, flanked by slim LED headlights and twin lower air intakes.
Incredibly, inspiration has come from the original Seven. �The existing two-dimensional grille [on the Evora and Elise] is not expressive enough. We need more sculpture and dignity, so we looked at the Seven � the way the grille worked with the headlights on the wings,� said chief designer Donato Coco.
The shark-like mouth, dramatic body slashes and aggressive, angular lines combine to produce a striking-looking machine. The Elite is packed with the latest technology, too. It will get a twin-clutch semi-automatic �box and hybrid drive, featuring electric motors and a front-mounted F1-style Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS), which gives an extra 50bhp when the driver activates a �boost� button on the steering wheel. Although it will weigh 1,650kg, Lotus claims the Elite will be the lightest in its class. Aluminium and carbon fibre, along with the firm�s variable vehicle architecture chassis � complete with double-wishbone suspension � will feature. Together with hybrid technology, the company claims emissions of 215g/km. By comparison, the Ferrari California emits 305g/km.
Under the bonnet, Lotus will completely re-engineer the Toyota unit, adding a supercharger or turbocharger to give it extra thrust. Two tune options will be available � the �standard� car, which produces 542bhp, and a 612bhp �R� version. Lotus claims that the Elite will be able to sprint from 0-60mph in around 3.5 seconds. Expect a top speed of 195mph.
Inside, the newcomer will boast steering wheel gearshifters and a large central �human machine interface� screen through which the car�s functions are controlled.
�There will always be those who say that Lotus should stick to small sports cars,� said Lotus boss Dany Bahar. �But we didn�t take the decision to design the Elite lightly. In the past, the 2+2 market has been very successful for us, and now the Elite raises the benchmark higher still.�
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