2010 Paris Preview: Lotus Elite GT to start production in 2014
This isn’t the first time Lotus is using the ‘Elite’ badge – the first time was in 1958 with the Lotus Type 14, an ultra-light two-seater coupe and the second time was in 1974 when it produced a considerably larger Type 75 and later the Type 83 4-seat Elite II. Well, it is now 2010 and Lotus has resurrected the ‘Elite’ badge for a new era for the British sports car manufacturer.
“Make no mistake, there”s a definite market requirement for the Elite ““ it”s the ultimate sports car feel with comfort and space,” said Dany Bahar, CEO of Group Lotus. “There will always be those who believe that Lotus should stick to small sports cars but we didn”t take the decision to design something like the Elite lightly, it”s based on months of careful research and planning. It”s worth noting this sector has been very successful for us in the past and now the Elite raises the benchmark higher still.”
Power for the Lotus Elite comes from a front-mid positioned 5.0L V8 engine making 611-hp and a maximum torque of 531 lb-ft. Mated to a hybrid gearbox with optional integrated electric motors and KERS, the Elite is capable of going from 0 to 62 mph in 3.5 to 3.7 seconds. Top speed comes in at 196 mph.
The rear-wheel-drive, 2+2 Lotus Elite is scheduled to start production in early 2014 and should be on sale a couple months after. Prices are estimated to start at £115,000 ($179,044 USD).
Click through for the press release.
Lotus Elite Concept:
Press Release:
Ten days ahead of the official unveil at the Paris Motor Show the sun starts to rise for the dawn of Lotus” new era – the Elite will redefine “modern classic”.
So here it is, the Lotus Elite, the first taste of what”s to come from Lotus in the future. Look up elegant in the dictionary and you”ll find variations on the following 1. dignified grace in appearance, movement, or behaviour, 2. superb taste in design, style and 3. something elegant; the ultimate refinement.
The ground-breaking new Elite is exactly that. It”s compact yet chic body is elegance incarnate. It”s not only exquisitely elegant, in keeping with Lotus” core values, it”s a car of substance incorporating some of the very latest technological innovations Lotus has to offer. The slick retractable hard top version and the optional use of hybrid technology with KERS are typical examples of Lotus tailoring technology to deliver perfect performance.
Dany Bahar, CEO of Group Lotus said: “There”s no denying that the Elite is breathtakingly beautiful to look at but it”s so much more than that, it”s a car that over delivers in all other aspects as well. One could say it”s a car of perfect contradictions, it”s compact yet spacious, high performing yet low emitting, lightweight yet still reassuringly solid. It”s a car that we are exceptionally proud of at Lotus and we truly believe that there is nothing else like it out there both in terms of styling and performance.
Set for release in spring 2014, this is an innovative, exciting GT that will set a new benchmark in design, performance and emissions. And it”s not all about sleek lines and stunning bodywork with this particular 2+2, what hides beneath this shark like exterior perfectly does the aesthetics justice. A front-mid positioned 5.0l V8 engine delivering up to 620 PS meaning drivers can expect to go from 0-100 km/h in approximately 3.5 to 3.7 seconds.
Elite Specification*
Layout: 2+2 seater, front-mid-engined, rear wheel drive
Dimensions:
Length: 4.60m
Width: 1.90m
Height: 1.32m
Engine: Petrol, hybrid optional
Hybrid technology: Hybrid gearbox with integrated electric
motors and KERS
Cylinder: V8
Capacity: 5.0 litre
Power/Torque: 620 PS / 720 Nm
Rev limit: 8,500 rpm
0-100 km/h: 3.5 to 3.7 seconds
Top speed: 315 km/h
COâ‚‚ approx (COâ‚‚/km): 215 g/km**
Weight: 1,650 kg
Seats: 2+2
Transmission: Full Hybrid transmission
Drive: RWD
Start of production: Early 2014
Enters the market: Spring 2014
Price indication: Circa £115,000
– By: Omar Rana
