Lotus GroupBehold Lotus’s new era: Svelte, thoroughly modern designs so sharp they’ll stop traffic; power that will fully exploit Lotus’s legendary chassis technology; attention to detail befitting the best of British craftsmanship; and more driving thrills than ever.
The icon is back.
Reinvented, having adorned the bedroom walls of red-blooded males for the past 35 years, the new Donato Coco-led design is everything a supercar should be: a XXX-rated expression of speed, beauty, power and purpose.
The core values of innovation, lightweight and agility are all here. Fitted with a 5.0 V8 that will feed the rear wheels over 600bhp, hybrid technologies such as a Formula One-style Kinetic Energy Recovery System, seven gears at the flick of a paddle, and 200mph performance, the 2013 Esprit is purring at the traffic lights of Lotus’ all-new era.
It manages to get the heart racing at standstill. Its sculpted nose is predatory; its sharp headlights like a wildcat’s eyes glinting in the moonlight, its intakes like the gaping mouths of Great Whites ready to feed. The bodywork is muscular, with taught wings and tense angles like a fighter jet. It’s a seductive weapon, set to thrill.
ETHOSRadical runaround
Lotus’s genius for innovation comes to the fore in a car shaped unlike anything to have left the Hethel studio before. The Ethos is a city car capable of fitting into the tightest parking spaces and powered by an electric engine to ensure zero emissions and minimal running costs. But it is also a Lotus, and that guarantees a sensational chassis and sporty looks in keeping with its exotic big brothers.
The electric inner-city range is 60km which will cover most daily journeys and can be topped up easily. Also, to alleviate “range anxiety”, there’s a 1.2 litre three-cylinder Range Extender engine which can bring the total range to an astounding 500km – i.e you’re never going to get stuck. This flexible philosophy means the car can get away with a lighter, smaller and less expensive battery pack than a regular electric vehicle.
The Range Extender engine is designed for fuel-flex operation on ethanol and methanol as well as regular gasoline.
Weighing just 1,400kg and with 240 Nm of torque instantly available through the single-speed gearbox, the Ethos will have class-leading acceleration; 0-50km/h in only 4.5 seconds and 0-100km/h in 9 seconds under battery power. Top speed is 170km/h.
Under the glass roof, the interior is emphasised by the mix of carbon fibre, sumptuous leather, and state-of-the-art equipment.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is the ultimate supermini.
Elegance Incarnate
The new Elite is a uniquely British expression of elegance and fine living, but intensely contemporary and true to Lotus’ rebellious spirit. Vivienne Westwood has gone upmarket too.
This front-engined Grand Tourer is powerful yet lightweight, technologically prodigious, and as handsome as a Saville Row suit worn by a catwalk model. Mayfair’s fashionable mews streets are going to rumble to the sound of a 5.0 V8, and pedestrians will crane their necks to catch a glimpse of the Elite’s stylish occupants enjoying its luxurious cabin through the electric glass roof.
Lotus has a proud history of long-nosed four-seat coupes and the 2014 Elite is set to become a future classic. Still tight to the founder’s values, it shows how far Lotus has come without forgetting where it’s from. Created by a small team of visionaries, crafted by artisans in rural Norfolk, the new Elite is a superstar ready for the red carpet.
ELISE 2015All grown up
Revealed for the first time at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, the next generation Elise seems to have skipped a couple of rungs on the evolutionary ladder. The styling is much more aggressive, but the spirit of fun remains and, with 320bhp from its lightweight four-cylinder engine, it will be sensationally rapid.
Taking key styling features from the other new cars, the 2015 Elise is born to a supercar family as reflected in the check seats – very ‘70s Esprit – through to the five-spoke alloys that scream performance and high-tech yet focused cockpit where all the fun happens.
The Elise will be 19-years-old when it rolls off the production line. It’s now allowed to stay out all night. Lotus’ baby is all grown up, and things are going to get more exciting than ever.
The statement of intent
The ultimate symbol of power and grace, the Eterne is revolutionary. The first true Lotus four-door, it will deliver super-GT performance in the striking, elegant body of a luxury saloon. Ready to whisk presidents into power and rock stars out of trouble, the Eterne serves as its own VIP pass.
The chassis and styling is based on the new Elite. It will be mated to the same 5 litre V8 engine, boasting 620bhp and targeting best-in-class performance and fuel efficiency. In keeping with the rest of the new line-up, it will feature state-of-the-art hybrid technology.
ELANMaster of seduction
The heart of the range, the Elan will deliver best in class performance for a mid-engined 2+2. Packing a 4 litre V6 supercharged engine delivering up to 450bhp, it will weigh in at just 1,295kg. The resulting performance will scare the skirts off supercars costing twice as much.
The innovative combination of concave and convex sections produces a tense, muscular body, the hindquarters of which were inspired by the Lotus 79 – one of the most iconic grand prix cars ever designed.
The result is a supercar which has the profile of a fighter jet, with aerodynamics and handling that promises to outgun its rivals.
