Yesterday, the interwebs were awash with the (unsurprising) news that Lotus had axed its exciting Esprit project that it unveiled back in 2010. With the recent turmoil of lawsuits pummeling the company, the departure of former CEO Danny Bahar, and the persistent rumors of the company being sold, it wasn’t much of a shock to hear that the Esprit wouldn’t see the light of day.
EVO has learned that due to the sale by the Malaysian government of its stake in Proton, Lotus is being forced to enter a three month “lockdown” period where research and development and much of it’s production is either being halted or significantly reduced.
Lotus has presented a convertible version of its hardcore, supercharged, V-6-powered Exige S at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Fitted with a manual soft-top roof, the Exige S Roadster should deliver all the fun of the blown Exige while adding a healthy dose of fresh air.
Fabled British sports car manufacturer Lotus, which is currently owned by the Malaysian conglomerate DRB-Hicom, is rumored to be seeking a buyer to the tune of $785 million, reports MotorAuthority. Lotus was acquired by manufacturing company Proton, which also makes economy cars for the Asian market, and hasn’t actually created a profit for Proton since they purchased Lotus back in 1996.
Lotus continues to make waves on the auto show circuit, unveiling three versions of the Elise to the Frankfurt crowds. The first model is the S version of a Winding Road favorite, the Exige. Power now comes from a 3.5-liter V-6, which generates an impressive 345 horsepower. That hefty piece of metal does add some weight, with the new car weighing in at 2380 pounds. Acceleration should still be brisk, though, as the weight-to-power ratio remains at a very respectable 6.89 pounds per horsepower. Other enhancements include a new front splitter and rear spoiler for added aerodynamics.
Lotus will debut the Exige Matte Black Final Edition at Pebble Beach to mark the end of the Exige’s production. This car, limited to 25 units, will only be sold in North America.
Before its debut on Wednesday, August 17 at Pebble Beach, Lotus is teasing the Evora GTE Road Car Concept. Based on the GTE racecar, this concept is meant to feel at home on the circuit or on public roads.
Got a European vacation planned in the near future? Wondering what kind of highway robbery you’ll be subjected to, just to gain the use of some one-liter-diesel powered, most-likely French city car? Think that you might want to splash out on something just a bit more, um, enthusiastic instead?
While the last Lotus Esprit to grace our shores was powered by a very un-Colin-Chapman-like (but still super quick) twin-turbo V-8, the third-generation model sported a small, 2.2-liter turbocharged four-pot. Initially available with 215 horsepower, by the time our 1990 model rolled out of the factory, it was sporting a new water-to-air intercooler. This granted the newly dubbed Esprit SE 264 horsepower, with an additional 16 horsepower coming in on overboost.
Lotus is different. And, if we’re completely honest about it, Lotus is mostly better, too. Not better as a manufacturer, or as a “brand,” or as a cultural force; though the company could probably make interesting claims on all three of those fronts as well. No, Lotus is better at building engaging, high-performing, exactly-as-you’d-build-it-yourself-if-you-could sports cars.
Replicas of the Lotus 7 just may be the ultimate kit cars. The lightweight, open cockpit design is iconic, to say the least, and there are a fair share of manufacturers to choose from. Whether you want to build it from scratch, or buy a fully functioning racecar, there are lots of Lotus 7 kits to choose from, depending on your budget, time commitment, and thirst for power.
Ahead of its official debut in Geneva, Lotus has given up the details on the lightweight Elise Club racer. The racy stripper is more than 50 pounds lighter, thanks in great part to a lightweight battery and the removal of sound-deadening materials.
As plans go ahead for Lotus to launch its reinvented model range, the UK-based manufacturer of lightweight sportscars has announced plans for an upmarket clothing range. Named Lotus Originals, the clothing range is a “natural step in the reinvention of Lotus as a lifestyle brand.”
Renault Formula 1 has signed a partnership with Group Lotus that will see the racing outfit renamed Lotus Renault GP for the 2011 season. The partnership, a product of a deal worked out by Group Lotus plc and Genii Capital (a European investment firm that owns a large portion of Renault F1), will include a technology share between the two entities, both on and off the track.
This is the Master Landing Page for the Lotus Evora GT4. From now on, as we further review this car, we will be updating this page with whatever fresh content we create. Future drive reviews, updated specifications, videos, and other relevant information will all be found right here, in one convenient spot.
Over the weekend, Lotus gave a preview of the Paris Motor Show unveiling of the Lotus Elite. Reviving the old name, the Elite is a 2+2 that is an interesting upmarket addition to the brand’s lineup.
Earlier, Lotus “leaked” an email discussing the Lotus Evora S and Evora “Auto.” Soon after that, our spy shooter caught the Evora S in testing. Now, Lotus has dished on the two models debuting at the Paris Motor Show, the Evora S and Evora IPS (Intelligent Precision Shift).
Remember that clever email we received from Lotus, discussing the new Evora models that would be revealed in Paris? Here are the spy photos of the Lotus Evora S.
Today, we received an odd email in our inbox from Lotus Cars, appearing to be an internal note (a likely story), but “accidentally” sent to media outlets. Within the email were some details about upcoming versions of the Evora, and its presence at the Paris Motor Show.
As I stepped into the Lotus Evora, it occurred to me, as it might to you, that I knew the car had received its share of plaudits, but I wasn’t exactly sure what character was really being delivered. “Well”, thought I, “let’s see.”
Proof that the new mid-engine V-6 Lotus can do it all in good hands.