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

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

“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

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

Joining the Lotus Exige Final Edition and the Lotus Elise Final Edition this week at Pebble Beach will be a hardcore version of the Lotus Evora. Known as the Lotus Evora GTE Road Car Concept, the concept is developed with the aim to bring global motorsport GTE category race technology to the roads.

Click here for more news on the Lotus Evora.

“To celebrate this ground breaking car, Lotus has built the race-inspired Evora GTE Road Car Concept,” Lotus said in statement. “This high-strung Evora elicits over 420 bhp from its race-developed engine, fed through a sequential AMT racing gearbox and put to the pavement through ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels with center-lock hubs shod with Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires.”

No word on production yet but Lotus says that the car isn’t just a “homage to a race car – this is a serious race car that makes for a very serious road car.”

Lotus Evora GTE Road Car Concept:

- By: Omar Rana

If you live in or travel to France, Germany Spain and the UK quite often, we have a little tip for you. Hertz has introduced the Lotus Evora for exclusive hire in several European markets (the ones we mentioned above) for the Adrenaline Range in Europe.

The Adrenaline Range is similar to the Adrenaline Collection in the United States, which includes the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang and the Dodge Challenger.

“We are pleased to extend our agreement with Hertz; the exclusive collaboration provides the perfect opportunity to make our stunning world class sports car available to the luxury rental market. The lightweight, mid-engined rear wheel drive configuration performs like no other and the 2 + 2 seated Lotus Evora is the perfect choice for those who desire exclusive and high performance motoring. Driving an Evora during a weekend will be an unforgettable experience for any sports car enthusiast,” said Group Lotus plc Director of Sales Guillaume Chabin.

The Evora will be available to hire from Hertz France’s Biarritz, Bordeaux, Marseilles, Nice and Paris Charles De Gaulle airports and Paris Porte Maillot, Germany’s Frankfurt Rhein-Main and Munich airports, Italy’s Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate airports, Spain’s Madrid and Barcelona airports and Madrid, Barcelona and Marbella downtown locations, and the UK’s London Heathrow airport.

Rates start from 250 euros per day or $362 dollars.

- By: Omar Rana

A couple years ago, Italy shocked the automotive world when they introduced Lamborghini’s offerings of a V10 Gallardo designed completely to be a police interceptor on the Autostrada. And they’re doing it again as Italy has just unveiled two new Lotus Evora S’s for the Carabinieri or Military Police.

For those of you who don’t know what Arma dei Carabinieri are, it’s a division of the Italian army and is synonymous to the UK’s Scotland Yard or the Russian’s FSB.

Because the 150th anniversary of Italy’s unification takes place this year, introducing these two Evoras is Italy’s way of paying homage to both the country, their love for speed and passion for automobiles.

Click here for more news on the Lotus Evora.

“Everyone knows that Italy has more than it’s fair share of high profile sports car manufacturers so it is a real honor for a relatively small British brand to be in this position,” said Lotus’s CEO, Dany Bahar at the press release. “The feedback from the driver training on the Evora S at our test track was very positive, it’s such a responsive car to drive, I think the teams in Rome and Milan are really going to feel the benefit of working with our product.”

Built to be put to use in Rome and Milan, the Evoras are decked out with light bars, an enhanced automation system and a refrigerated compartment for transporting the Pope’s donor heart. And don’t forget the Carabinieri’s livery of blue and white. This makes me want to become a police officer in Italy.

Lotus Evora S Military Police Car:

- By: Chris Chin

Lotus’s future as been constantly in the drawing board as the small British make concocted several radical plans to help them expand their markets. And while all of this news about Lotus may come across as confusing, here’s one bit of news that has at least been solidified.

The current Lotus Evora has been given some extra time to live—five years to be exact—as the Norfolk-based company postponed the new Elan until 2017.

That said, the stability of the Lotus Evora will allow Lotus to build its own 4.8L V8 570hp in-house so that it can power the new Esprit, which is planned for release in 2013. Lotus needs to start building its own engines as Toyota ends the production of their engines that power current Lotuses (Lotii’?). Additionally, a small poll also showed that the potential buyers for Lotus’s new cars aren’t willing to spend £100,000-plus on a car powered by a Toyota engine.

Click here for more news on the Lotus Evora.

The new 4.8L Lotus V8 will weigh in at 170kg, about 80kg less than the Toyota option that was being considered and will run for the first time in August, said Lotus’s chief engineer, Wolf Zimmerman. It’s also “40% smaller than the Toyota engine,” he continued.

“Because the V8 is currently being designed and built, we are also confirming that Lotus is investigating a four-cylinder engine that will basically be comprised from one bank of the new V8,” Zimmerman also added. “Ranging from 2.0L to 2.4L, the new four-cylinder could have as much as 250hp and could be used to power a hybrid version of our Elise replacement in 2015.”

Lotus’s boss Danny Bahar also confirmed that the Lotus-Proton joint project city car, the Ethos, which we’ve brought to you last week, will go into production and be sold as a low-volume Lotus-badged entry luxury car in Europe and as a Proton in Asian markets. The driving forces behind the Ethos are currently being decided between a full-electric drivetrain versus a hybrid.

Separately, Lotus is reported to be working on a 400-hp Evora GT Racer and a convertible model.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoCar

Lotus has a long check list for changes to be made on its Elise and Evora models – 150 changes to be exact.

The Evora will be launching a new 2012 model late this year, so it is the focus of the improvements. Lotus design boss Donato Coco is looking to give the car a bit more edge, to stay on par with current market offerings. Coco notes “Even many economy cars look more aggressive,”. The former Ferrari designer is also taking inspiration from the early 1960′s Lotus 18.

Both cars will get upgraded engine response, gearchange quality, and exhaust note. Mechanical improvements will no doubt be a part of the effort to push Lotus further into the premium sports car market that owner Dany Bahar is looking to appeal to.

He states motorsport will be pivotal to move into that market, and to put Lotus in competition with several different genres. Cars will be comparable to Porche in model range, aside from SUV’s, quality, and, hopefully, sales. With all of the new updates, Lotus is expecting upwards of 6,000 units to move by 2015.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoCar

Lotus apparently doesn’t plan on selling its new reborn Elan for at least another five years. Well, damn. It debuted at the 2010 Paris Auto Show as a class two-seat mid-engined coupe that was originally scheduled to be launched in around 2013 and 2014. This decision was made to allow the current Evora “to have a more traditional life cycle” and will be made in those next five years that the Elan is delayed.

The success of the Evora will also determine whether the Lotus Elan will come out too because if the Evora succeeds, a second generation will follow. If not, out comes the new Elan.

Lotus did say however that we could expect to see several new variants of the Evora in the next couple years. Two examples are a 345hp Evora S and a more practical automatic equipped Evora IPS, which will both launch later in 2011. In hopes to continue to keep the cash rolling in, Lotus will continue to launch more variants of the Evora with even possibly a convertible model. And lastly, in usual high-end sports car fashion, a stripped-out track version of the Evora can also be expected.

Click here for more details on Lotus’ Concept lineup.

As for the Esprit, that is still on track with its arrival time set in 2013 for even the US, but the Evora will continue to be the bread-and-butter model, especially with the Lotus Exige and Lotus Elise being discontinued this summer.

Despite all of these announcements, there has been a lot of talk and no show with the low-volume English brand. Understandable since Lotus sources their engines from Toyota, which as we know are still recovering from the aftermath of the massive earthquake last month. Only time will tell with what Lotus has up their sleeves.

Lotus Elan Concept:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: CARandDRIVER

Bob Lutz with the Cadillac CTS-V Sedan

At the 2010 Paris Motor Show Lotus unveiled the new additions to the award-winning Evora range with the Lotus Evora S and Lotus Evora IPS. Now we’re not too crazy to see the two models make their North American debut at the 2011 New York Auto Show next month but what we are crazy about is seeing our hero Bob Lutz unveil them.

That’s correct – Bob Lutz, a member of the Lotus Advisory Council, will unveil the Lotus Evora S, Lotus Evora IPS and the new Lotus KV Racing Technology.

Click here for more news on the Lotus Evora.

For you folks that don’t remember the two Lotus Evora models from Aug. 2010, here is a quick refresher:

Refresher:

• Lotus Evora S: The Lotus Evora S gets an upgraded 3.5L V6 Toyota-sourced engine making 345-hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. That allows 0-60 mph to come in 4.6 seconds with a top speed of 172 mph.
• Lotus Evora IPS: The Lotus Evora IPS (Intelligent Precision Shift) features a 6-speed automatic gearbox that is mated to the 3.5L V6 making 276-hp. 0-60 mph comes in 5.3 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. Evora’s with the IPS option will allow drivers to switch between manual paddle shift and automatic drive modes.

Lotus Evora S / Lotus Evora IPS:

- By: Omar Rana

Mansory Lotus Evora

At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Mansory and Lotus will team up to show off a customized version of the Lotus Evora.

In a short press release, Lotus was quick to point out that it will not be showing a facelift to the Evora, which has recently been rumored on the Internet.

“Let’s be clear on this: contrary to media reports, what you’ll see in Geneva is NOT an Evora facelift,” Lotus said. “It’s a taste of the future of Lotus product customisation. Merely the first toe in the water and a showcase of the potential future.”

An upgraded, redesigned Lotus Evora is expected to be revealed before the end of 2011.

Mansory Lotus Evora:

- By: Omar Rana

2010 Lotus Evora

Lotus is working hard and fast on a new Evora model to bring life to sluggish sales and connect the styling gap between the current model and the new wave of Lotus supercars due to hit the market in 2013.

The new Lotus Evora will carry a similar aggressive design theme to the 5 concept cars we saw at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and the 2010 LA Auto Show. The next Evora will also get an upgraded interior and higher level of standard equipment. The revised Lotus Evora is expected to debut later this year as a 2012 model year.

Click here for more news on the Lotus Evora.

Lotus new design boss, Donata Coco, who is also ex-Ferrari design boss, said that the new styling will be very similar to the theme already design for upcoming Lotus models. Coco said he believes that the current Lotus is ‘too weak’ looking for a modern performance cars.

“Even many economy cars look more aggressive,” he said.

2010 Lotus Evora:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

Lotus Evora S

Just because Lotus is planning a slew of new supercars that will allow it to compete with the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini and Aston Martin vehicles, it doesn’t mean that the British automaker is ditching its current lineup. According to AutoCar, Lotus is planning a range of updates to existing models including the Exige and the Evora before it reveals the new Esprit.

CEO Dany Bahar has hinted that a new Exige model could debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March.

Sources say that the Evora will get a refresh sometime in 2012 and could also get new variants besides the recently launched Evora S.

Lotus is going to outsource some it engineering to German company CSI, which has engineered the cabins of the Audi R8, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and the Porsche Panamera. We guess the guys at Lotus Engineering are to busy working on the 6 upcoming supercars, which were revealed at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

Lotus Evora S / Lotus Evora IPS:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

Lotus Elan Concept

* Updated with video.

Joining Lotus Cars five car unveil at the 2010 Paris Motor Show is the Elan concept. Fitting in somewhere next to the Lotus Evora, the Elan concept shows what the successor of the 1962 Lotus Elan will look like when it hits markets in the summer of 2013.

Power for the Lotus Elan comes from a 4.0L V6 engine making 450-hp. Mated to a 7-speed transmission and weighing in at 2,489 pounds, the Elan runs from 0 to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds while hitting a top speed of 193 mph.

Like the Evora, the Elan features 2+2 seating, suggesting that the new Evora may not really have a long life at Lotus. Prices for the production Elan are estimated to start around $118,500.

Click through for the high-res image gallery.

Lotus Elan Concept:

Lotus Elan Concept Video:

Lotus Elan Concept:

- By: Zain Haq