Lotus Elite Concept (2010)

Lotus Elite Concept

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 Lotus 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 Lotus 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.

"Make no mistake, there's a definite market requirement for the Lotus Elite - it's the ultiimate sports car feel with comfort and space. 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 Lotus 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 Lotus Elite raises the benchmark higher still."

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.

Lotus Elite Specification

• Layout: 2+2 seater, front-mid-engined, rear wheel drive
• Dimensions
  • Length: 4.60m
  • Width: 1.90m
  • Height: 1.32m
• Engine
  • Type: Petrol, hybrid optional
  • Hybrid technology: Hybrid gearbox with integrated electric motors and KERS
  • Cylinder: V8
  • Capacity: 5.0 litre
  • Power: 620 PS
  • Torque: 720 Nm
  • Rev limit: 8,500 rpm
• Performance
  • 0-100 km/h: 3.5 to 3.7 seconds
  • Top speed: 315 km/h
• CO2 Emissions: 215 g/km (using optional hybrid)
• 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: ca. £115,000