Lotus pulls a world first by unveiling entire new product line-up

[Dinesh]

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It might sound like a breeze but unveiling an entire new product line-up as well as a new lifestyle and image to accompany the new products is no walk in the park but Lotus have pulled it off. All in all, the five models that will soon find their way to the showroom floors are the Esprit, Elan, Elite, Elise and Eterne.

Lotus Elan

The Elan name makes a comeback in the form of a 2+2 seater with a 4-liter V6 featuring forced induction. Power will stand in the region of 448hp, that coupled with its anorexic weight of 1,295kg, should see it graze the supercar performance boundaries. It’ll also be available with the option of KERS hybrid tech. It’s being touted as an everyday car and with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, we can’t argue. Expect it to be available in 2013.

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Lotus Elise

Next up we have the new Elise that will enter the market in 2015. It seems like the current Elise has been around forever and the all-new model will see some drastic improvements without sacrificing on the chuckability that the Elise has carved a name for itself. One major improvement would be the ingress and egress aspect of the car that ensures you don’t have to be an acrobat to get in or out. Power will still be courtesy of a supercharged 2-liter inline-four that will deliver up to 318hp and deal with the century sprint in 4.5-seconds. Power reaches the rear wheels through a six-speed manual but a dual-clutch tranny is available as well. It gets some mild hybrid assistance in the form of start/stop tech.

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Lotus Elite

The Elite follows that with some supercar aspirations. Featuring a 2+2 seater layout, the Elite hides a 5-liter V8 under its gorgeous sheet metal that delivers 618hp and a century sprint time of 3.7-seconds. This time around, the engine sits up front, albeit behind the front axle, and sends the power to the rear wheels via a hybrid gearbox with integrated electric motors and KERS. Expect this to hit the market in 2014.

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Lotus Esprit

Think James Bond as the Esprit will be making a comeback in 2013. The model that all Lotus fanboys have been waiting for, the Esprit will get a 5-liter V8 supercharged to 618hp. Lightweight will be a key aspect of the Esprit and the main contributor to its supercar status. Aiding that will be a seven-speed dual-clutch tranny and optional KERS tech.

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Lotus Eterne

Finally, the Eterne strays from the Lotus norm as it is a four door four seater sports saloon. Power comes from the same 5-liter V8 found in the Elite and Esprit and pumps out an identical 618hp through supercharging. The engine will be located at the front, behind the rear axle for optimum weight distribution, but the catch is that the front axle might be spinning too. That’s right, all-wheel drive would be optional on this four door salon. Once again, the transmission is a hybrid gearbox with integrated electric motors and KERS as well. This family hauler/track killer will find its way to showrooms in 2015.

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So there you have it folks, an entire new line-up unveiled by Lotus for the next five years. We’re pretty sure everybody agrees that this is one of the most exciting pieces of news for the year and we can’t wait until all the models hit the road.

 

[freeman1314]

Personally don't really like every new model, specially view from rear.
Elite still nice, the rest, ugh...lost the style of Lotus/

 

[balmung69]

hmm its kinda bored with it. all 5 cars looks similairly which isnt too exciting. worst is it isnt original. more like a honda CRZ lol sad effort for lotus. and the engine size for malaysia?? come on 4-5 litre is not really affordable here. pity

 

[koolspyda]

hmm its kinda bored with it. all 5 cars looks similairly which isnt too exciting. worst is it isnt original. more like a honda CRZ lol sad effort for lotus. and the engine size for malaysia?? come on 4-5 litre is not really affordable here. pity

more closer to
http://wp-content.rpmware.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/honda-s3000.jpg

but as they said. Lotus wants to join the big boys. no more (that) 'affordable'. its going up-market.
the lowest range would be the 2.0 turbo 2015 Elise but its gonna hover >RM500K (my guess)

 

[neokenzo]

I agree with all 5 cars looks very similiar. Not much imagination from the designer. Looks like that took 1 design and just play around with that to make 5 cars.

 

[Ratbit]

素敵な車,
希望Iは1つを買うことができる...

 

[xtremeleo]

looks like an astin ler pulak..

 

[hafidz_moro]

They look alike because they were formed from a single similar aluminum chassis...and that is LOTUS,we have to understand their background 1st..that's why u saw Elite, Exige & Evora actually came from the similar base..

So again we have to understand, to replace all the original chassis which dated back almost 20 years ++..they need to come up with new design for new market and fto fit all the new end user requirement..

Personally to me,they have lost their design icon which is their 'grasshopper headlamp' ..their icon pillar...and this must be par of the design practice as well..but again,most of supercars did apply the same process like Mclaren F1 even Ferrari 599...except Porsche which still retain their shape and design icon since their 1st car..

 

[SundayDriver]

the esprit has alot similar to a lambo...
agree wit the looks.. very futuristic/ japanese kinda

 

[Dayline668]

They all look very sexy n desirable.. Future is the future, everything will change, down side is no affordable model to buy.. they missing some 3liter force induction spec that is way more affordable then the 4liter in malaysia, maybe the road tax will go cheap as they r hybrid. hehe...

 

[balmung69]

no way. roadtax will still be the same. price will definitely be rm 300k for the lower cc and till a minimum of 500k for the higher ones. look at evora (600). i think for that price. everyone would rather take a porshe cayman or boxter i think.

 

[Charles]

Notice all the 5 models have a similar front? new company signature perhaps?

 

[sfcc80]

still prefer the current model ........

 

[klgauto]

Can any of these submerge in water:stupid:

 

[hilfi]

i dont know about the you guys...but i love 4 out of 5...well done guys...as long as u can match with the performance these cars will sell

 

[-sky-]

i love all the design but was wondedring will there be the left hand drive for malaysia market later on.....

 

[skazareth]

coz it has Proton on their back...everybody bashing...if this car badge with Lamborghini, perhaps a little credit we might see in this comment box...got what i'm saying?

 

[minivan]

Damn.. you lot are a tuff bunch to please.. I think they look awesome! Lotus needs these new futuristic design ques, and i personally love em. More so as they want to compete with the 'big boys'..

---------- Post added at 01:44 PM ---------- 6 hour anti-bump limit - Previous post was at 12:59 PM ----------

coz it has Proton on their back...everybody bashing...if this car badge with Lamborghini, perhaps a little credit we might see in this comment box...got what i'm saying?

The could be some truth to dis..

 

[HKS-GT2835R]

Damn.. you lot are a tuff bunch to please.. I think they look awesome! Lotus needs these new futuristic design ques, and i personally love em. More so as they want to compete with the 'big boys'..

agreed. they look GOOD!

 

[midship]

They'll pull another first when NONE of the models make production...