Lotus Group
ELANThe 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.
ETHOSLotus’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.
