Save 80% on International Calls from Your Cell Phone
No PINs and No Monthly Fee. Prepay or pay-as-you-go.
Autoblog
- Report: Lotus bringing a pair of front-engine hybrids to Paris Motor Show
Filed under: Hybrid, Paris Motor Show, Lotus
Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery
In addition to the pair of Evoras being introduced at this year's Paris Motor Show, Lotus will also be unveiling two front-engine hybrid vehicles, in keeping with the automaker's promise to offer more gasoline/electric sports cars. Edmunds' Green Car Advisor reports that one of these hybrid cars will be a four-door hatchback and the other will be a two-door coupe.
Lotus debuted its hybrid concept earlier this year in the form of the Evora 414E Hybrid (pictured), but unlike the mid-engine concept, the two front-engine models will utilize a 47-horsepower 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine specifically designed to provide power to electric-drive hybrids.
We'll have the full details direct from the Paris show later this month, so stay tuned.
[Source: Green Car Advisor]Report: Lotus bringing a pair of front-engine hybrids to Paris Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Lotus Evora GT4 and Cup cars take to the 'Ring and Laguna
Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Lotus, Racing
Lotus Evora Cup Car GT4 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Lotus has set about proving that the Evora is more than just a pretty face, just recently putting its Evora Cup GT4 and 2-Eleven GT4 racers through their paces at the infamous Nürburgring and most recently at Laguna Seca. Both cars were hooned 'round the Green Hell by none other than Olie Hancock, the Lotus rookie test driver. The company didn't release any lap times for either car, but we're guessing the two are plenty quick. Lotus has entered the Evora Cup GT4 in the European GT4 Championship, where it will campaign against the best and brightest of the sports car world.
In order to get the car fit for battle, the company trimmed a total of 441 pounds from the car's curb weight, landing the track-going Evora at just 2,623 pounds. Throw in a 360 horsepower V6 and you've got yourself a recipe for tarmac glory.
Meanwhile, a total of four 2-Eleven GT4 racers will be entered into the same championship, two of which will be campaigned by NFS Racing Dubai. The other two will be flying under the Scuderia Giudici banner - the team that currently leads the GT4 Super Sports category.
Hit the jump for the full press release.
[Source: Lotus]Continue reading Lotus Evora GT4 and Cup cars take to the 'Ring and Laguna
Lotus Evora GT4 and Cup cars take to the 'Ring and Laguna originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Rumormill: Lotus Esprit to use LFA V10, V8 in lesser spec
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Lotus, Rumormill, Luxury
Now this is a rumor. According to the crafty crew at Inside Line, Lotus is set to release details on its planned resurrection of the long-dead Esprit at this year's Paris Motor Show. Even better? There's some indication that the top-of-the-line model may pack the same heavenly V10 found in the current Lexus LFA. Oh yes, we're excited. Inside Line spoke with someone at Lexus who's cozy with the deal who hinted that the 552-horsepower 10-pot would find its way into the car in order to help it better compete with the likes of Ferrari. That's right, kids; Lotus is movin' on up.
There's also word that lower-rung trims will receive the same 5.0-liter V8 found in the Lexus IS-F. With 416 horsepower, that lump is no slouch. Both engine choices would seem to dovetail with the close partnership we've seen between Lotus and Lexus parent company Toyota in the past, and with new Lotus CEO Dany Bahar (formerly of Ferrari) clamoring for ever more powerful, upscale models, all of the puzzle pieces seem to be falling into place.
Still, that's almost way too much awesome for most manufacturers to handle. Fortunately, the Paris show is just a handful of weeks away, so we should know which parts of this rumor are solid in short order.
[Source: Inside Line]Rumormill: Lotus Esprit to use LFA V10, V8 in lesser spec originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Lotus reveals Evora S and Evora IPS ahead of Paris debut
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Lotus
Lotus Evora S and Evora IPS - Click above for high-res image gallery
Not long after Lotus accidentally leaked its plans to unveil two new Evoras at this year's Paris Motor Show, we now have the full details weeks before the dynamic duo make their public debut. The Evora S and IPS (which stands for "Intelligent Precision Shift" or "automatic transmission" in layman's terms) will nicely fill out the Evora range, and we're aching to get our hands on the former.
For the Evora S, Lotus has tweaked the Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V6 to produce 345 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque - gains of 69 hp and 37 lb-ft over the standard car. The run from 0-60 happens in just 4.8 seconds and top speed has been raised to 172 miles per hour. What's more, the Evora S comes standard with a sport button that allows the driver to control the throttle response and activate an exhaust bypass valve. On top of that, pressing the magic switch increases the rev limiter and changes the stability control settings, and we imagine that the end result is more than pulse-quickening.
On the tamer side of things, Lotus is also offering the Evora IPS with its new six-speed automatic transmission, featuring both fully automatic and manual shift modes. The two-pedal Evora uses paddle shifters to control gear selection, and buttons are housed on the center console to switch between the standard PRND drive modes. Power has not been changed for the Evora IPS, and thankfully, Lotus has managed to develop a slushbox that doesn't add any weight to the Evora. After all, lightness is key.
We anticipate a full raft of high-resolution photos to be released closer to the official Paris show debut, but for now, scroll through the small gallery below and follow the jump to read the official release from Lotus.
[Source: Lotus]Continue reading Lotus reveals Evora S and Evora IPS ahead of Paris debut
Lotus reveals Evora S and Evora IPS ahead of Paris debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Lotus Evora Hybrid waiting on UK government funds
Filed under: Coupe, Government/Legal, Lotus, UK, Electric
Lotus Evora 414E - Click above for high-res image gallery
How many prototypes Lotus builds of the Evora 414E will depend on whether it gets money from the British government's Technology Strategy Board. The TSB funds and supports forays into a broad range of initiatives, including working with Peugeot on fuel cells and Ford on electric vehicles. Lotus, in partnership with three other companies, created the 47-horsepower range-extending engine in the Evora 414E as part of a winning project for the TSB's Limo-Green initiative.
Reports indicate that Lotus awaits a £23 million ($35.5M U.S.) disbursement for that project and another, part of which will go to fund development of the 407-horsepower concept car. If it gets the money it will be able to build two cars, otherwise there will only be one. That's good because this sounds more like a matter of timeline and not a risk to the project itself - the possibilities of Lotus adding its expertise to the pool of electric-car engineering is too good to let die.
[Source: Autocar]Lotus Evora Hybrid waiting on UK government funds originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Lotus willing to build Evora-based sportscars for other automakers?
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Technology, Lotus
2010 Lotus Evora - Click above for high-res image gallery
Lotus is considering offering up its latest sports car platforms to other automakers, and this isn't the first time. When the Elise debuted in the mid-90s, Lotus sold the chassis to form the basis of new lightweight coupes with different powertrains, the most notable of which included the Opel Speedster/Vauxhall VX220 and, of course, the Tesla Roadster.
According to recent reports, Lotus has received inquiries from several automakers about using the new Evora in similar ways. While the Evora is all-new, the chassis is built using similar, Elise-like aluminum extrusions riveted and bonded together for a light, strong structure. Since the Evora has been designed around a V6, automakers have the potential to fit a range of larger, more powerful engines. The upsized chassis could also provide a better platform for electric motors, with far less modifications than those required to turn an Elise into a Tesla. However, if any automaker does develop something off the Evora, it's likely to be a few years away.
Us? We're thinking about a 3.5-liter Ecoboost-powered, mid-engine mini-Ford GT. How about you?
Photos by Michael Harley / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Autocar]Lotus willing to build Evora-based sportscars for other automakers? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Spy Shots: Lotus Evora S looks great in red
Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Paris Motor Show, Lotus
Lotus Evora S - Click above for high-res image gallery
The Paris Motor Show in just over a month is shaping up to the be one of the biggest shows for Lotus in many decades. While the highlight is expected to be a new supercar successor to the departed Esprit, it apparently won't be alone. At least two additional occupants of the Lotus stand have been accidentally confirmed, including an Evora Automatic and a hotted-up Evora S.
This second iteration of the newest Lotus is expected to receive a supercharger bolted to its 3.5-liter Toyota V6 boosting it up to 350 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. The brakes and thermal requirements of the base Evora have reportedly been sized for more powerful models so they won't need upgrading for the S.
A prototype of what's believed to be the Evora S was caught outside the Nürburgring this week preparing for its public debut. The only notable visual difference for the S appears to be a more prominent rear diffuser. Check out the little red devil by taking a closer look at our high-res gallery below.
[Source: CarPix]Spy Shots: Lotus Evora S looks great in red originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Lotus accidentally confirms Evora automatic and S variants for Paris through email snafu
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Lotus
2010 Lotus Evora - Click above for high-res image gallery
Lotus seems to have quite a hit on its hands in the form of the Evora. We were quite taken with it ourselves when given the chance to put the car through its paces in Southern California, and we've yet to hear a nasty word uttered in its general direction. But that doesn't mean Lotus can't find a way to improve the breed yet further.
Apparently, a couple of those improvements are headed to the Paris Motor Show later this year. Buried within the automaker's stand will be both a hotted-up S version of the Evora and one bestowed with an automatic transmission. How do we know? Well, an errant email recently went out to everyone on Lotus' media list (ourselves included) that promised the two machines along with the other "new car(s) not yet announced."
As if the thought of a Lotus Evora S (forced induction?) and an automatic for the clutch averse among you wasn't enough, it seems the British specialists have plenty more up their well-tailored sleeves. There's been plenty of postulation regarding what else we may see - most notably the rumored return of the Esprit - but we're content to just take a wait-and-see attitude on this one. Paris just can't come soon enough.
Photos by Michael Harley / Copyright (C)2010 AOL
[Source: Lotus via iCars Singapore]Lotus accidentally confirms Evora automatic and S variants for Paris through email snafu originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Monterey 2010: Lotus Evora Cup GT4 has us shaken and stirred
Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Lotus, Racing
2010 Lotus Evora Cup GT4 - Click above for high-res image gallery
While the Lotus booth at the Jet Center Party in Monterey had several outstanding cars on display, two of them had us drooling more than the rest. The first was the all-new, million-dollar Lotus Exos T125 single-seat racer and the other was the car you see here - the Lotus Evora Cup GT4 car. The Evora's shape is pleasing enough in stock form, but add a few wings and scoops and it is totally bad-ass...especially in British Racing Green.
This Evora will be used in a new single-make series along the lines of the long-running Porsche Cup. The car is also eligible for GT4 class racing against the likes of the Audi R8 LMS and Porsche 911s. While the 4.0-liter, Toyota-based V6 has been bumped up to 400 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, that's still not earth-shaking power. It's hoped that the Evora's relatively light weight and Lotus's handling expertise, however, will be enough to keep it in the hunt against those more powerful machines.
Lotus hinted it will be lapping Laguna Seca in this puppy later in the week, and we've already penciled it in. If that happens we'll be sure to bring you more pics, but for now, check out the gallery of photos from Wednesday night's Jet Center Party below.
Photos Copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOLMonterey 2010: Lotus Evora Cup GT4 has us shaken and stirred originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Monterey 2010: Lotus Exos Type 125 debuts in front of crowd that can afford it
Filed under: Motorsports, Lotus, Racing
2011 Lotus Exos T125 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Our first stop during the annual classic and exotic car feast up in Monterey every year is always the Jet Center Party, more formally known as McCall's Motorworks Revival. This year was no exception and aside from the copious amounts of food and drink available, there were of course some cars to sate our appetites.
One that immediately caught our eye was sitting right in the middle of the centerpiece Lotus display. It was the just-announced Lotus Exos T125 single-seat racer. Even alongside Takuma Sato's current Indy Racing League Lotus Dallara, the Exos draws a huge crowd.
This customer car will be available to a select few enthusiasts who wish to part with a million dollars or more to experience the thrills of Formula 1 racing for themselves - or at least a reasonable fascimile. The 650-horsepower Cosworth engine is limited to just 10,300 RPM for longevity, but that should be more than enough to keep the 25 projected customers happy.
We're hoping Lotus takes this Exos out on the track this week so we can see it in action. If that happens we'll be sure to bring you more pics, but for now, check out the gallery of photos from Wednesday night's Jet Center Party below.
Photos Copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOLMonterey 2010: Lotus Exos Type 125 debuts in front of crowd that can afford it originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Lotus Exos Type 125 revealed as quasi-F1 car
Filed under: Motorsports, Lotus, Racing
Lotus Exos Type 125 - Click above for high-res image gallery
When Lotus hinted that its Exos Type 125 track-day car would deliver the ultimate customer track experience, we had no idea they meant this ultimate. The 125 was revealed to a few of Lotus' friends at the Monterey Motorsports Pre-Reunion, and it's about as close as many of its buyers will get to a Formula 1 car.
Powered by a 650-horsepower Cosworth V8 that runs up to 10,300 rpm, the 650-kilogram open-wheeler is no doubt awesome fast. With a starter motor and a tear-down interval of 4,000 kilometers, it should go relatively easy on budgets as well. Lotus says it will be offering 25 of them for one million dollars each, and will develop a training and racing program around them.
At least one Autoblogger has wondered if there isn't more to this car than merely promoting Lotus cars and owner experiences. Ferrari was viewed askance earlier this year when it put Alonso in an F10 for some "promotional" work at Fiorano, since it looked a lot like contravening Formula 1's testing ban. The Type 125 is so close to this year's T127 - it's even named as if it were last year's F1 car, although Lotus wasn't in F1 last year - that you should win a prize for spotting the minor differences. Or that could be just some silly tinfoil hat talk right there...
[Source: GGLotus | Images: Rahul Nair]Lotus Exos Type 125 revealed as quasi-F1 car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Lotus 125 track car to debut at Pebble Beach
Filed under: Performance, Lotus, Racing
Lotus Evora Cup - Click above for high-res image gallery
Lotus will be more active than usual during next week's festivities around the Monterey historic races and Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Along with the North American Debuts of the Evora Cup race car (above) and Elise RGB edition, Lotus will give us the world debut of the 125 track car.
The new 125 will be unveiled at the Monterey Motorsports Pre-Reunion at Laguna Seca this weekend and then reappear several times during the week at various events. Lotus hasn't given any hints of what to expect from the 125 other than it will be the ultimate customer track and racing experience. Stay tuned next week as we'll share all the details as soon as we have them.
[Source: Lotus]Continue reading Lotus 125 track car to debut at Pebble Beach
Lotus 125 track car to debut at Pebble Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - eBay Find of the Day: 1979 Lotus Esprit Turbo w/Buick Regal GNX power is inky hotness
Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Buick, Lotus, Luxury
1979 Lotus Esprit with Buick GNX turbo V6 - Click above for high-res image gallery
What happens when you're head over heels for the lethal wedge styling and superb handling of the 1979 Lotus Esprit, but find yourself smitten with the all-out grunt of the turbo 3.8-liter V6 in the Buick GNX? If you're the intrepid creator of the particular car you see above, you mate the two, forging your very own take on the Esprit Turbo. On paper, the mashup seems like a match made in the lofty spires of the Lotus engineering department. Whereas General Motors' conservatively rated 276-horsepower six pot tended to suffer by being bolted into the heavy GNX platform, the lithe Esprit could have always used a bump in power over its smaller four-cylinder. At least one creative soul has opted for a sexier looking Yamaha SHO swap to solve the Esprit's power woes, but we're big fans of this particular recipe.
If your mouth is already watering at the thought of a mid-engine turbo V6 terror, we're about to sweeten the deal. The car is currently for sale, and looks about as mint as mint can be. The engine bay is clean, the paint spotless and the attention to detail unmatched for a Frankenstein creation of this caliber. Perfection? Thy name just might be GNEsprit. The running bid is a shave over $16,000 at the time of writing with the reserve not met, so get to bidding. You just might take this sucker home. Thanks for the tip, Al!
[Source: eBay Motors]eBay Find of the Day: 1979 Lotus Esprit Turbo w/Buick Regal GNX power is inky hotness originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Report: Lotus to increase involvement in Indy
Filed under: Motorsports, Lotus
Lotus is back in IndyCars, and it's there to stay. After launching its own F1 team (in name, anyway) and announcing its intentions to expand further into other forms of motorsport, the legendary British firm revealed its sponsorship - together with engine partner Cosworth - of one of KV Racing's cars in the IndyCar Series, which former F1 driver Takuma Sato has been piloting (with limited success) this season.
Now Lotus is hinting at increased involvement in the series for next season and beyond, but has not indicated just what that might entail. The car it currently fields is neither built by Lotus nor powered by Cosworth: it's a Dallara chassis and a Honda engine, as per the series regulation. In fact, Lotus doesn't even run the car itself - that it leaves up to KV Racing Technology, the team run by former Champ Car chief Kevin Kalkhoven.
The Indy Racing League just recently revealed a new formula that will take effect beginning in 2012, using a Dallara chassis open to aerodynamic development by each team. The new engine formula, meanwhile, has been opened up to any manufacturer interested in pitching in, ostensibly opening the door to a Cosworth engine package. Lotus, meanwhile, may decide to develop its own aero package, but whether it would be the Malaysia-based F1 team or the England-based automaker that would spearhead the project remains to be seen.
[Source: Autosport | Image: Nick Laham/Getty]Report: Lotus to increase involvement in Indy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Rumormill: Lotus to show off next Esprit, two new GTs, one roadster in Paris
Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Lotus, Rumormill, Luxury
Getting closer to the Paris Motor Show, more is being revealed - or rumored, perhaps - about what will be on show. AutoExpress is predicting the appearance of five Lotus concepts at the end of September: a roadster, two front-engined grand tourers, and the new Esprit. Last month, we postulated that a supercharged or convertible Lotus Evora convertible might make the scene, and there's a slight chance of seeing the 2012 Lotus Elise. The two front-engined GTs are the real surprise, seeing that there hasn't been much said about them previously. If these concepts do, in fact, exist and end up going into production, they, combined with the new Esprit would double Lotus' current line.
As excited as we'll be to finally see the Esprit, we'll be just as glad to sate our curiosity about Lotus' engine line-up. A widened Elise prototype has folks wondering about a V6, the Esprit has been imagined with a BMW engine as well as a couple of Lexus powerplants, and Lotus and Cosworth have been further developing powertrains for the brand. With Lotus aiming to join the scalpel-edged sports car party, we expect its Paris showing to be something special - we just hope it doesn't look like AE's rendered version shown at right.
[Source: AutoExpress]Rumormill: Lotus to show off next Esprit, two new GTs, one roadster in Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Report: Lotus terminating entire European dealer network
Filed under: Lotus
Not the shape of Lotus things to come? - Click above for high-res image gallery
Lotus plans to reinvent itself, and in addition to a range of new products, a dealership makeover is in the cards. PistonHeads reports that Lotus CEO Dany Bahar sent out a letter to the company's European dealers informing them that their contracts will be terminated as of July, 2012. Why the long notice? The company's current contract with its dealers stipulates that Lotus must give two years notice prior to contract termination. The move will likely result in many dealers losing their ability to sell Lotus' wares, but current dealers will reportedly be given the opportunity to re-apply for a new contract.
Back in June Lotus announced to the world that it was entering the "Dawn of a New Era." Lotus has reportedly been spending its time and money picking up ex-Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin employees in an effort to build up its brand as a high-performance luxury make.
[Source: PistonHeads]Report: Lotus terminating entire European dealer network originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Video: Goodwood 2010 - Taking the hill
Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Performance, Ford, Lexus, Lotus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Ferrari, UK, Racing
Porsche 908/3 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, 2010 - Click above to watch video after the jump
There are plenty of reasons to get excited about the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The annual shindig is a mecca for metal from all over the world - old and new. Motorsports events from across the go-fast spectrum make it onto the schedule and there's even plenty of auto-themed art to keep the masses entertained when they aren't huffing tire smoke. In a word, the event is bliss for anyone with even a passing interest in the automobile.
But the grand daddy of it all has to be the Hill Climb. At 1.16 miles, the course features nine turns, a looming stone wall and enough hay to feed all the cows in Wisconsin for a week. Last year brought out a rash of new high-dollar supercars, including the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and the Lexus LFA, and as a result, there were plenty of manufacturers on hand to show off their newest hardware. While we were lurking the grounds and looking at all the shiny conveyances, drivers were blasting across the grounds and recording their exploits. We've rounded up 10 of the best videos from the hill and arranged them in no particular order. Sure, some of them are more entertaining than others, but all of them are better than what you're doing at work, right? Hit the jump to get started.Continue reading Video: Goodwood 2010 - Taking the hill
Video: Goodwood 2010 - Taking the hill originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Report: Bob Lutz, Tom Purves to advise Lotus?
Two anonymous sources have told Automotive News that Lotus is courting both Bob Lutz and retired BMW executive Tom Purves to become advisors to the British brand.
As previously reported, Lotus' Malaysian parents at Proton are on a kick to increase both volume and model mix to take on its exotic rivals at Aston Martin, Ferrari and Porsche. In order to boost production to around 8,000 units annually, Lotus needs to take a long, hard look at what it's offering and how it can expand the brand to take on Europe's elite - possibly at the expense of Lotus' core values. Or not.
To that end, Lotus could be looking at both Lutz and Purves for their product knowledge, which in the case of Maximum Bob is as wide and varied as it is successful. Lutz has already said he's open to future gigs and he's already accepted a board position at Transonic Combustion. But at this point, however, formal bids for both retired execs have yet to provided by Lotus.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]Report: Bob Lutz, Tom Purves to advise Lotus? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Report: Lotus to target Europe's best, evolve from lightweight to luxury
Filed under: Performance, Europe, Lotus, Luxury
Not the shape of Lotus things to come? - Click above for high-res image gallery
Yesterday Lotus did something rather... odd. The Malasian-owned British sports car maker sent the entire automotive world a high-res picture of Stonehenge and announced it represented the, "Dawn of a new era." We initially interpreted this to mean that the new Lotus Esprit would show up in Paris. We still think we're right about that part, but Lotus might have been letting a little bit more cat out of bag than they intended.
According to a report from Malaysia, Lotus owner Proton has hired a plethora of ex-Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin employees (including Frank Tuch, the former Director of Quality Management at Porsche) in hopes of transforming the brand away from Toyota-engined track day novelties (hello, Exige!) into a full-fledged Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin fighting luxury, high-performance brand. Of course that entails abandoning Colin Chapman's maxim, "Simplify, then add lightness," in favor of the German mandate to, "Complexify, then add steel." If you think the Italians are any better, realize that every new Ferrari ships with eighteen miles of wiring. But look on the bright side, the new cars (which will have some sort of hybrid-ness cooked in) could draw power from Chapman spinning his grave.
As we speculated yesterday, the new Esprit will need something resembling a V8 engine (at least) to not only fill the shoes of the old, long-loved Esprit, but also to compete with the world's best luxury/performance machers. Luckily for both Lotus and Lotus fans, engine-supplier Toyota has just such a motor in the form of the IS F's 416 horsepower, 371 pound-feet or torque 5.0-liter V8. Of course, if you want to play in the stratosphere with the likes of Ferrari, Porsche and/or Aston Martin these days, you're going to need at least 500 horsepower. But where would Lotus get an engine like that?
According to the report, the Lexus LFA's 552 hp, 9,000 rpm 4.8-liter V10 could be made available for Esprit duty, though it might be slightly detuned. Still, an aluminum and composite V10 is an aluminum and composite V10. While that might sound odd at first blush, Toyota (no doubt) spent a sick amount of yen coming up with the LFA's V10, but they're only building 500 (or so) LFAs. So why not recoup the pricey development costs elsewhere? Like say in a Lotus range-topper? The question then becomes: Does the world want a 500+ horsepower Lotus dolled up with enough electronic whizbangery to compete with Europe's finest? Only time and the marketplace will tell.
[Source: Paul Tan]Report: Lotus to target Europe's best, evolve from lightweight to luxury originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Lotus and Fagor Ederlan Group to produce range-extender engine
Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Lotus
Lotus Evora 414E Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
Lotus Engineering has reached an agreement with the Spanish Fagor Ederlan Group to develop and produce a small engine for use as a range extender in electric vehicles - a system similar to that found in the Chevrolet Volt. Lotus first showed its 1.2-liter inline-three engine at the Geneva Motor Show in the Evora 414E and Proton Emas concepts.
Both cars used a similar series hybrid powertrain architecture, where an electric motor provides the drive torque while the engine only drives a generator to sustain the battery after the plug-in charge has been depleted.
Because this new engine is designed specifically for use as a range extender rather than a primary power source, Lotus has been able to optimize the efficiency and reduce the weight. An adapted off-the-shelf engine like the one in the Volt is still designed to hold accessories like the alternator, air-conditioning compressor and power steering pump. Lotus has left out these structures for a lower cost and mass.
Lotus and Fagor Ederlan will take the 47 horsepower engine to production and offer it up to any automaker that wants to build an extended range electric vehicle, but no production timing or customers have been announced yet.
[Source: Lotus]Continue reading Lotus and Fagor Ederlan Group to produce range-extender engine
Lotus and Fagor Ederlan Group to produce range-extender engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments
_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg)
Two Souls As One
100% Free -- AlwaysDomain Offerings
Premium Domain SalesEncryptian
Encrypt/Decrypt Like an EncryptianLatitude Longitude Distance
Pinpoint Geographic Coordinates of any location on Earth, Measure Distances Aerially, Much More...Online Dating Forum
Share, Live, Love, LearnValue Vault
Coupon Syndication NetworkRelated Sites:
Vintage VW Parts
Jaguar X-Type Parts
Isuzu Car Parts
Audi Auto Parts
Insurance Property Casualty
Kia Sedona Parts
Mercedes Benz Car Parts
Jaguar X-Type Parts
Isuzu Car Parts
Audi Auto Parts
Insurance Property Casualty
Kia Sedona Parts
Mercedes Benz Car Parts
Nissan Altima Accessories
Audi A6 Parts
Hyundai Accent parts
Toyota Yaris Parts
Isuzu Wheels
Toyota Camry Accessories
VW Passat Parts
Audi A6 Parts
Hyundai Accent parts
Toyota Yaris Parts
Isuzu Wheels
Toyota Camry Accessories
VW Passat Parts