According to reports coming out of the UK, Lotus CEO Dany Bahar is looking for a partner who can buy Lotus from parent company Proton. Proton has controlled Lotus since 1996 and was recently sold to Malaysian Conglomerate DRB-Hicom.

Reports suggest that Bahar is making the move because Proton’s new owner may not be open to supporting Lotus’ new business ideas to compete with Ferrari, Lamborghini and Aston Martin. To reach that goal, Bahar is looking for around £500m to fund a future model line-up that will include a Elise, Elan, Esprit and Eterne cars.

Other reports circulating state that Genii Capital, the owner of the Lotus Formula One team, has shown an interest in buying the brand’s road-car arm. Also, more than one Chinese company has also shown interest.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

Car and Driver loves doing special features. So they’re back with their latest one for the 2012-year: the annual Lightning Lap. The competition is to compare some of the most critically acclaimed cars as of recent.

Taking place at Virginia’s International Raceway, the C/D team will compare a series of cars organized in various price classes and see who’s the fastest. The diversity includes and are not limited to the latest Volkswagen Jetta GLI, the Corvette ZR1, and for the first time, SUVs like the BMW X5 M and the hot new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8.

It really needs no explanation. And to make things more interesting, they even provided a video!

Check it out after the jump.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: CARandDRIVER

But this isn’t the Tesla Roadster. Nope, that ended production not too long ago. This is the PG Elektrus. It’s virtually an up-to-date rendition of the Tesla roadster except more expensive, uglier, and lighter—thanks to a carbon fiber body.

Made in Germany by manufacturer PG and Michael Fröhlich, the PG Elektrus uses an electric motor mated to a lithium ion batter. But the real neat part is that apparently the PG Elektrus features a solar panel on the trunk that absorbs sunlight and converts it into electricity to help charge the battery. Or at least, that’s what the company supposedly claims.

The electric motor is also said to produce the equivalent of 272hp and 258 lb-ft of instantaneous twist. The magical 60 comes up in less than three seconds for a top run of about 186 mph. PG says the Elektrus is capable of up to 217 miles in normal conditions.

Only 667 Elektrus’s will be produced for the hefty price of $312,400. So if electric sports cars are your fancy, time to bust the piggy bank.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: CarScoop

Lotus has just dropped a video teasing its upcoming Esprit model and its new V8 engine that is currently under development.

The model is expected to hit roads next year. The new V8 will have a displacement of 4.8 liters with power to come in around 612-hp. It will be mated to 7-speed dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission – allowing it to go from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds with a top speed of 212 mph.

Obviously, we’re pretty excited for the new model.

Check out the video after the jump.

- By: Omar Rana

Now that Lotus is owned by Proton, Proton is looking at offering a Aston Martin Cygnet fighter for European markets; Lotus also have announced that a new Esprit will be coming online too.

Essentially, this means that there will be a Toyota Yaris-sized Lotus running about that isn’t meant to be a sports car for $45,000. Proton say that the car will initially be offered as a proton, but will justify the added price of the Lotus badge by offering it as an electric vehicle or as an extended range electric vehicle similar to the Chevy Volt.

The new Esprit will debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show and will be in dealerships four months later. The base version of the Esprit will be a hybrid, but the quicker, tighter versions will likely ditch the hybrid powertrain.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

Source: AutoExpress

Lotus has recently made what turned out to be a not so well-received marking move, which is not to say it was ineffective as it apparently got people talking. A pretty well-produced video shows the details, and includes special appearances by r&b singer Alicia Keys and rapper T.I.

The automotive brand teamed up with popular rapper/producer Swizz Beatz for a New York City release of a special edition Evora GTE. While the car didn’t seem to live up to its hype of being ‘big news’, I must admit that if nothing else, this is one dead sexy paint job.

Upgrades, apart from the aforementioned paint, include Recaro seats, carbon fiber accents, and a set of Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires to wrap the Lotus’ alloy wheels. Power for the special edition comes for a 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 438-hp.

Earlier this year Swizz Beatz teamed up with Lotus to add some ‘swagger’ to the brand.

By: Alexandra Koken

UK auto publication Evo has unveiled its list of contenders for the Car of the Year 2011. Evo’s Car of the Year award has become UK’s gold standard of performance car comparisons, consisting of only the manufacturers of the hottest and most impressive new cars of the year.

This year Evo headed to Portimao in Portugal for their ultimate group test.

evo Car of the Year 2011

• Aston Martin V8 Vantage S
• BMW 1-series M Coupe
• BMW M5
• Ferrari FF
• Jaguar XKR-S
• Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4
• Lotus Elise Club Racer
• McLaren MP4-12C
• Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0
• Porsche Cayman R
• Renaultsport Megane 265 Trophy

Check out a video after the jump.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Evo

All Lotuses manufactured between June 1, 2004 and November 30, 2006, despite their Toyota powerplants, seem to be having some very British reliability issues. After reports of smoking and in one case, a fire, Lotus is recalling Elises and Exiges from that time frame to replace a faulty oil cooler line.

The line is prone to detaching and/or weeping oil, causing smoke, fires or oil coating tires. The recall is a result of a NHTSA investigation regarding the leaks.

The repair will be at no cost to owners who may contact Lotus at (800) 245-6887 or the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at (888) 327-4236 or go to safercar.gov.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

The attractive new model is called the Lotus Evora S GP Edition. On the outside, the car is coated in black paint, with gold paint accents and wheels, and red rear view mirrors.

Extra equipment comes from the premium package, and the technology package, with a rearview camera included.

Click here for more news on the Lotus Evora.

Power is provided by the same 3.5-liter supercharged V6, making the Lotus go from 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds by way of 346-hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The car tops out a 172 mph.

Only three Evora S GP Editions will be made and each come with a price tag of $109,155.

- By: Alexandra Koken

It is rumored that Proton, owner of Group Lotus, would be selling the brand to Genii Capital, an investment firm. Genii already owns a sizable share of the Renault GP, however with its F1 squad sponsorship, Lotus still holds a 25 percent share.

Shooting down the speculations, Proton released a statement that “The alleged moves between Group Lotus and Genii Capital are untrue and that the reports are highly speculative in nature. Proton’s relationship with Group Lotus is as good as it has ever been. Our priority now is to ensure that the Lotus business turnaround plan is executed according to schedule and that both parties are committed to its success….However we wish to add, that as a proactive business entity, the Proton Group of Companies will continue to initiate and consider viable business opportunities and arrangements which will benefit and add value to the group’s interest.”

At the close of 2015, Lotus intends to reach a goal of taking sales to 7,000 units.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoCar

The report says that Lotus is currently planning two powertrains. A series hybrid powertrain like the concept that was shown at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, or a complete electric solution like the Nissan LEAF. The company is also considering offering both choices at different price points.

Refresher: The Lotus City Car Concept is powered by an electric motor that produces 72-hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Weighing in at less than 3,086 pounds, the City Car has the ability to go from 0 to 62 mph in 9 seconds with a top speed of 106 mph. When fully-charged, the City Car can travel 37 miles until the battery runs out. It also carries a flex-fuel 1.2L 3-cylinder engine that helps extend the range.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: duPontRegistry

We’ve put together a little list for you for the 13 cars that have been discontinued for the 2012 model year.

Thankfully, none of them really have us even a tad bit upset.

Hit the jump for the complete list or just circle through the gallery above.

Cars Discontinued for the 2012 Model Year (in Alphabetical Order):

• Buick Lucerne
• Cadillac DTS
• Cadillac STS
• Chevrolet HHR
• Dodge Dakota
• Ford Ranger
• Honda Element
• Lotus Elise
• Mazda Tribute
• Mitsubishi Endeavor
• Nissan Altima Hybrid
• Volvo S40
• Volvo V50

- By: Omar Rana

“Originally created as a special limited edition for the Asian market and designed to celebrate Lotus’ successful entry to the new global motorsport GTE category, the hand built Lotus Evora GTE road car has all the attributes you’d expect of an endurance racer including a sequential AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) racing gearbox and lightweight and forged alloy rims with centre lock hubs shod with Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires,” Lotus said in a statement.

Production of the Lotus Evora GTE will be expanded to meet demand and reach further markets.

“The response to this model in China has been so incredible, within days we had sold out with 114 orders,” said Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar. “In response we decided that the only logical step from a business perspective was to increase production and widen our reach. What is unique about this car, is not just that it’s a serious race car – it’s a serious car. People get so excited when they see and especially hear it for the first time. It’s a very special car and will appeal to a very special type of driver – and they won’t be disappointed!”

- By: Omar Rana

Weight in at just 2,380-pounds and being powered by a 3.5 liter V6 supercharged engine making 346-hp, the Lotus Exige S has a staggering power to weight ratio. While keeping most of its design theme from the previous model the new Exige does get a new front splitter, a new rear spoiler and an upgraded interior.

Lotus Exige S is offered with two interior packages including Premium and Premium Sport. The Premium Pack provides added comfort and style where as the Premium Sport focuses on ultimate driver involvement.

“Anyone who has ever driven an Exige will tell you that it’s not for the faint-hearted,” said Group Lotus Chief Executive Officer Dany Bahar. “The new Exige S skips a few rungs on the ladder to give the driver the ultimate Lotus experience. Quite simply you can’t get more Lotus than the Exige S.”

The 2012 Lotus Exige S is also offered with high-perfomance Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires as standard and a Lotus DPM (Dynamic Performance Management) switch, that allows the driver to switch between three driving modes: Touring, Sport and DPM off. If that’s not enough, Lotus also offers a Race Pack option, which features Launch Control and an optimised suspension setting for track use.

- By: Omar Rana

Supercars and sports coupes are my favorite segment of any segment out there. So you can images the excitement I had when I heard that CARandDRIVER was lining up 11 of the world’s most desirable supercars for a side-by-side drag race.

The list includes some of the most exciting cars out there including the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Audi R8 GT, Ferrari 458 Italia, Lotus Evora S, Nissan GT-R, Lexus LFA, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and even the BMW 1-Series M Coupe. Including many others, that a combined 82 cylinders and nearly 5,000 horsepower – wrapped in $1.5 million of beautifully sculpted aluminum, fiberglass and carbon fiber skins

So who won the drag race and came out on top? The $89,950 Nissan GT-R. That’s right the Nissan GT-R was showing its rear-end to the $225,325 Ferrari 458 Italia, the $198,000 Audi R8 GT and the $200,00 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

Even though the Nissan GT-R won the race, the Ferrari 458 Italia won Motor Trend’s 2011 Best Driver’s Car.

The only car we feel that is missing from this gang that deserves a spot in this battle is the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe.

Hit the jump for the video.

- By: Omar Rana

Lotus has a lot planned for the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show next week. So far we know that the automaker will show up with a collection of three new models for release. The automaker has plans to debut a replacement for the Lotus Elise S,  a special edition Lotus Evora GTE and something else.

This teaser here doesn’t really show you much and it won’t hurt not passing this one up.

In fact, save 20 seconds of your life and move on.

Check out the video after the jump if you must.

- By: Omar Rana

The Freddie Mercury Lotus Evora S comes in a pearl white exterior along with deep red and gold highlights. Inside, there is a one-off yellow interior, inspired by Freddie’s 1986 stage costume and includes a union flag on the back of the seat.

“We were only too happy to contribute to this fantastic cause,” said Group Lotus Director of Corporate Operations Gino Rosato. “We have created something very special to raise money for Mercury Phoenix Trust and we hope the car goes to a collector who really enjoys it.”

Check out the press talk after the jump.

Press Release:

Another Lotus Bites The Dust…

Lotus announces its latest charitable donation for the hammer to fall on: a bespoke Evora S for the Mercury Phoenix Trust.

Freddie Mercury Evora S
CALLING ALL GIRLS and boys – September 5th will see the Savoy Hotel play host to a very special celebration, the 65th birthday of THE HERO, the late, great Freddie Mercury.

DEAR FRIENDS of Freddie will unite in GOOD COMPANY at Freddie’s FLASH birthday bash which is set to be ‘a unique night of comedy and rock and roll’ as the climax to this year’s Freddie For A Day. The highlight of the night will be an auction to raise funds for the Mercury Phoenix Trust, the HIV AIDS charity set-up in his honour by band mates Brian May, Roger Taylor and Queen manager Jim Beach after the singer’s death in 1991.

Forget a BICYCLE RACE, on this special occasion FAT BOTTOMED CARS (forgive us Freddie) is what it’s all about as the bespoke Lotus Evora S headlines the auction alongside fantastic donations from Brian May and Roger Taylor, Top Gear, Raymond Weil, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the West End stage hit ‘WE WILL ROCK YOU’.

The pearl white MADE IN HEAVEN Evora S with Freddie Mercury inspired theme represents A KIND OF MAGIC combination from the Lotus Design team: the power and prowess of the critically acclaimed Lotus with the dramatic styling befitting of a British rock legend. Featuring deep red and gold highlights this Evora S is well deserving of Freddie’s autograph which is also included in the scheme.

The exterior BODY LANGUAGE features a white, red and gold colour scheme inspired by the iconic costume Freddie wore for the 1986 “Magic tour” and features beautiful silver on white iconography. The front fender references the Montreux Freddie memorial statue with the line “Lover of life. Singer of songs” taken from the statue’s inscription.

Inside, the one-off yellow interior, also inspired by Freddie’s 1986 stage costume, includes a union flag on the back of the seats and the incorporation of a crown hints at Freddie’s playful royal role-play. And it goes without saying that the sound system or more specifically the RADIO, will send the lucky owner GA GA.

Brian May had these words to say of Lotus’ participation: “Our friends at Lotus have donated a stunning Evora S for our auction which I know will be a massive fund-raiser for the Mercury Phoenix Trust. We cannot thank them enough for their generous support on what is a very special occasion for everyone who knew and loved Freddie.”

Group Lotus Director of Corporate Operations Gino Rosato said: “We were only too happy to contribute to this fantastic cause. We have created something very special to raise money for Mercury Phoenix Trust and we hope the car goes to a collector who really enjoys it.”

Although the auctioneer’s final hammer will not fall until late into the night of September 5th, eager buyers don’t have to leave it in the lap of the gods, they can get their offers in well beforehand at: www.freddieforaday.com/auction

Lotus plans on making a statement at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show with a collection of three new models for release.

First is the Elise S, the Elise SC’s replacement, that comes with a new supercharged motor that promises tons of torque. The Elise S also promises improved throttle response, and better fuel economy.

As for the other two, Lotus is keeping tight-lipped about them, but has dropped the hints that one will be the fastest the brand has made yet, and the other will be a revival of a previous model.

A special edition Evora GTE will also be making its debut at Frankfurt. The Evora GTE intends to deliver a smooth ride, despite it being the quickest model Lotus has available. Originally intended as a Limited Edition for Asian consumers, it has been expanded to other markets. Lots of carbon fiber has been used for various parts to cut weight down.

Dany Bahar, Group Lotus CEO expresses his enthusiasm about the vehicles’ release, saying “What is unique about this car, is not just that it’s a serious race car – it’s a serious car. People get so excited then they see and especially hear it for the first time. It’s a very special car and will appear to a very special type of driver – and they won’t be disappointed.

By: Alexandra Koken