Meet the Lotus Elite, the new convertible GT sports car that comes with a folding hardtop, seven-speed dual clutch transmission and actual weight.
The model is touted to be a compact 2+2 GT and will mark a new ear for the British brand. The seven-speed dual clutch tranny will be the only transmission option, no manual on hand. And get this, the competition that it’s lining up against is none other than a Ferrari 599.
Motivation comes from a mid-mounted 5-liter V8 pumping out 542hp in the standard version and 611hp in R-tuned spec. Torque stands at an earth twisting 717Nm. All that combines for an approximated century sprint of a blistering 3.6-seconds. Further reports suggest that Formula One tech could find its way in there too with a KERS-like hybrid system providing 50hp bursts.
It’s a good thing too because apparently the Elite is going to tip the scales at a porky 1.6-tons. Just to put it in perspective, that’s almost two Lotus Elises.
Price wise, it’s going to cost you quite a bit of coin. An Elite is going to set you back about $180,000, which is about $30,000 below a Ferrari California but with the power of a 599. Phrased like that, it actually resemblance financial logic.
A 10-year $1.2 billion development plan is in the works that will see Lotus brought up to compete directly against competition such as Aston Martin and Maserati.
“Lotus can't survive as a niche brand. It needs to be more appealing and has to exceed its rivals with better quality, class-leading emissions and performance at a better price,” Said Lotus Chief Executive Officer Danny Bahar.
Source: Jalopnik
