Lotus moving beyond hardcore sportscars with new Elite
By Mark Atkinson, MSN Autos
We’re on the final countdown before the Paris Motor Show, and the previews coming from participating manufacturers are appearing rapidly. Perhaps not as rapidly as this next one, though... Lotus is at it again, looking to expand on its Elise, Exige and Evora sports car trio with the all-new Elite. Compared to the current offerings, though, the new car is a little out of left field.
Based on the mid-engined Evora platform, the Elite is much larger, and heavier too, eschewing Colin Chapman’s famous words about ‘adding lightness.’ The Elite will use a 5.0-litre V8 sourced from Lexus that will combine with an optional KERS-style hybrid system to deliver over 600 horsepower. The 0-100 km/h run is expected to be as low as 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 315 km/h.
It should handle well – the Evora has been recognized by many publications to be a wonderful car to drive quickly. But the Elite is aimed at the more relaxed Ferrari California, and Lotus will offer a folding-metal hardtop version too. Weight is expected to be around 1,650 kg, which is more than 300 kg heavier than the not terribly featherweight Esprit that ended production in 2004.
Expect the Elite to be available to customers around 2014, with a price tag substantially into six digits.
Justin Couture
Mark Atkinson
John LeBlanc
Posted by: nzR | 2010-09-23 1:23:23 AM
it's messed up... front and side kinda looks like Toyota Celica and Maserati combined, and the back resembles Porche..
We need supercars that look different from other cars. These new designers or whether the oldONESwhoCAN'Tthink designers don't have it anymore. If I had the money i'd buy an earlier model supercar for the looks of it. Performance aint just everything.
Hats off to Lamborghini and Ferrari who always are different and innovative with their designs.
Posted by: p k | 2010-09-23 4:43:23 AM
I thought it looked more like a Elise and a hyundia tubbourn hit a 350 Z. And thats sad the Elise was A exelecent/exceting looking car with a perfect ballance unique total out of the box thinking ..light low C of G enough hp, built for the street. Why do all manfactuers mess with a good thing. Instead of perfecting a all ready great thing? Bring back the elise at a lower cost and watch them roll off the showroom floor.
Posted by: Az | 2010-09-23 9:43:32 AM
the front really looks like a Honda S2000.....with combinations of Hyundai's genesis coupe...
Posted by: William Swanson Pic's | 2010-09-23 9:53:51 AM
I would like to own one looks like Fiesta
Posted by: Raj Nada | 2010-09-23 10:30:12 AM
I agree with nZr, and it also loks like a side of Hyundai Tiburon, I dont know if this shape was a smart idea to bring out.
Posted by: 48 Mick | 2010-09-23 1:15:27 PM
It looks like a friggin' sushi bucket.
Posted by: iamsuperdan | 2010-09-23 11:01:48 PM
Reminds me of an Aston Martin. Great looking car, no matter what it looks like. It's a moot point anyway, the car is still 4 years away, so the production model won't look like this anyway.
Posted by: JD | 2010-09-24 5:32:52 PM
Looks a lot like a Genesis Coupe. Similar rear window angle, a hint of rear lower valance, rear quarter fender flare, similar front fender into door character line, (same rear spoiler I bought for mine) even similar styled wheels. Hyundai hit a home run with this one.
Posted by: Mr. I Don't Know | 2010-09-26 2:53:04 PM
60% Hyundai Genesis Coupe
10% Porsche 911
10% Honda S2000
6% Lamborghini Murcielago
4% Maserati GranTurismo Coupe
Posted by: Mr. I Don't Know | 2010-09-26 2:58:02 PM
Ooops I forgot something!
60% Hyundai Genesis Coupe
10% Porsche 911
10% Honda S2000
10% Tesla Roadster
6% Lamborghini Murcielago
4% Maserati GranTurismo Coupe
Posted by: Liam | 2010-09-26 9:35:03 PM
AGRRRRRRRRRR essive styling . What a head-turner !