You may remember Lotus as Roger Moore’s submarine, or perhaps as you know it as the chassis provider of your ultimate high-tech Tesla roadster, but either way the brand is alive and kicking. It’s currently running a four-car range, with the Elise, Exige, 2-Eleven, and the 2+2 Evora.
Known as a pioneer of lightweight construction, thanks to the philosophy of founder Colin Chapman, Lotus is preparing a full hand of cars for the next decade. At the recent Paris Motor Show, the carmaker has shown off its program for the next decade: five new cars that are set to compete in a limited but diverse segment of the sports car market.
Elan
Past: The Elan was the quintessential British roadster: simple, lightweight, and extremely agile. It’s no secret that Mazda based the MX-5 on the Elan template, even in the car’s very looks.
Future: The new Elan is a mid-engined two-seater, with optional 2+2 seating. Engine will be a 4.0-liter V6 with up to 445 bhp. This should be quite sufficient, given the target weight of 1295kg: 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, on to a 310 km/h top speed. A hybrid drivetrain featuring Formula One KERS regenerative brake-and-boost system, will be optional.
Lotus calls it “the beating heart of the new Lotus line-up.” Dany Bahar, CEO of Group Lotus says that the Elan “will convert people to Lotus. With a 2+2 variant, the Elan should be the only car you need.”
The new Elan will bow in autumn 2013, at £75,000 (About P5.13 million).
Eterne
Following the success of the Mercedes CLS and Porsche Panamera, no self-respecting supercar maker will be without a four-door sedan in its lineup. Lotus will be readying the Eterne, a four door “super saloon.” Styling aims for grace, not just aggressiveness, according to Lotus. The Eterne will be front-engined and rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive as an option.
It will be powered by a turbocharged 5.0-liter V8, capable of 614 bhp. Projected 0-100 km/h is 4.0 seconds, with a top speed of 315 km/h. With four seats, we are reminded of a previous tag line featuring our favorite British super spy, “Bond cannot be faithful to just one.” (A BMW ad, ironically.)
With a 5.0 litre pressure charged V8 engine delivering up to 620 PS the Eterne is aiming for best in class performance and efficiency. A hybrid option will also be offered.
Elise
Past: The Elise planted Lotus on the sports car map throughout the 1990s and 2000s and is apparently doing well until now. Its lightweight design allowed superb performance even with humble Rover and Toyota-sourced engines. Its steering feel is reportedly second to none.
Future: The 2015 Elise retains the formula of light weight and modest power equaling excellent performance. The 1095 kg curb weight will be propelled by a turbo 2.0-liter inline-four. With 314 bhp and 330 Nm, that’s enough for a 4.5-second 0-100 km/h time, and 270 km/h at the top end.
The Elise will be the entry-level Lotus, at about £35,000 (A steal, at About P2.4 million)
Elite
The Elite will be a 2+2 with retractable hard top, somewhat shocking for a company that used to shave off every gram possible. Well, Mazda succumbed to placing a folding hard top on the MX-5, so it’s about time Lotus repaid the favor. Besides, Lotus tallied 20% of its sales in the 2+2 segment, so they couldn’t pass this up.
Power will not be an issue, with a front-moutned 5.0 liter V8 delivering 614 bhp. 0-100 km/h will pass by in a mere 3.7 seconds, with top speed of 315 km/h.
Lotus Esprit
Past: The Esprit had a long 28-year run as the brand’s icon. The original weighed less than 1000 kg but with moderate 2.0-liter power, performance was not that scorching. Later turbo and V8 versions really did deliver.
Future: As the ultimate Lotus, the Esprit has a lot to live up to. A low, wide stance and aggressive styling does the name justice. The Esprit will be turbo V8 powered, and will have a top speed of 330 km/h. The Esprit will be on sale by 2013.
How successful will all of this be? The Lotus name is still revered for its purity of chassis technology. The cars’ styling makes them look like Lamborghinis, with all the aggressive angles and sharp edges. We always thought that Lotus cars should look more approachable and friendly—kind of like Roger Moore.
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