Autoblog

LA 2009: Lawsuit-happy U.S. kills chances for Lotus Exige Scura, but we'll get something similar

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Government/Legal, Lotus

Lotus Exige Stealth - Click above for high-res image gallery

We had a chance to chat with Lotus USA spokesman Kevin Smith at the LA Auto Show and he shared a bit of news with us. He confirmed that while we unfortunately won't be getting the limited edition Exige Scura/Stealth that debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show, we will will get something close. The problem is the special matte black paint on the Scura. We reported on the rubberized finish at the time after talking with Lotus vehicle engineering director Roger Becker. The matte finish can be marked up, and because of process used to apply it, it's not possible to do spot repairs on the affected area.

Because of the litigious nature of America when it comes to product liability, Lotus has apparently opted not to offer the special paint job. We will, however, get essentially the rest of the car including the new wheel design that debuted on the Scura. The rest of the mechanical bits are largely the same as the Exige 260 S that we had so much fun with a few months ago. Lotus is still finalizing the spec of the new limited edition model but Smith tells us that it will be available in four colors including Phantom Black. Approximately 20-30 units will be built for the U.S. market in two-to-three months with availability in early spring.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2010 Lotus Exige Scura

Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid, Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Lotus]

LA 2009: Lawsuit-happy U.S. kills chances for Lotus Exige Scura, but we'll get something similar originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus Evora gets a U.S. pricetag, starts at $73,200

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Lotus

2010 Lotus Evora - click above for high res image gallery

Now that the new Lotus Evora has been successfully launched in Europe, it's time to start delivering the new model to U.S. Lotus dealers. Production of U.S.-spec cars will be starting shortly so Lotus has finally defined a price point for the car beginning at $73,200. For that price you get the 276-hp Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V6 and a 6-speed gearbox.

Unlike the minimalist Elise and Exige, the Evora is fully trimmed out in a fashion someone might expect of a $73,200 car, including hand-stitched leather from Muirhead and aluminum trim that hints at the structure under the plastic skin. The tiller is adjustable for reach and rake, which, along with the larger size of the car, should make getting in and out much easier than in the Exige. Final EPA numbers haven't been published yet, but the Evora is expected to top 30 mpg on the highway while the 0-60 time will be just 4.9 seconds.

If you haven't yet seen the Evora in person, Lotus has just started a 44-city dealer open house tour around the U.S. The full schedule is in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Lotus Evora

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus Evora gets a U.S. pricetag, starts at $73,200

Lotus Evora gets a U.S. pricetag, starts at $73,200 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Lotus Exige Stealth, complete with soft-touch paint

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:22:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Technology, Tokyo Motor Show, Lotus

Lotus Exige Stealth - Click above for high-res image gallery

Lotus has unveiled the latest special edition of its maximum performance, minimum everything else Exige today at the Tokyo Motor Show. We took a moment to check out the Exige Stealth (known as the Scura in Europe) on the show floor and managed to curry some time with Lotus vehicle development director Roger Becker.

The new model gains a set of comely forged alloy wheels, but the big news with the car is the unique paint. We asked Becker about the Stealth and its special finish, and as it turns out, this is more than just a basic matte paint. Lotus has been experimenting for several years with matte finishes but was never satisfied with the results. The problem - as anyone who has ever done body repairs and worked on primer-finished cars can tell you - is that matte surfaces really show marks and stone chips. Lotus wanted something more durable before putting the car into production.

To create the Exige seen here, the entire car has to be sprayed in the base gloss coat seen on the central stripes. The stripe area was then masked off and the rest of the body abraded in order to get a surface that the matte paint will grip to. Finally, a newly formulated rubberized matte paint is applied. When you touch the car, the surface actually feels soft, and according to Becker, it is four- to five-times more resistant to marking and peeling than other finishes.

Just 35 examples are planned, so get your deposit in now.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2010 Lotus Exige Scura

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Lotus Exige Stealth, complete with soft-touch paint

Tokyo 2009: Lotus Exige Stealth, complete with soft-touch paint originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Preview: Lotus Exige Scura and Stealth cross over to dark side

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Lotus, UK

2010 Lotus Exige Scura - Click above for high-res image gallery

Depending on where you live, you might be able to get a new 2010 Lotus Exige Stealth or 2010 Lotus Exige Scura, but not both, and neither unless you get crackin'. In anticipation of its official coming out party at the Tokyo Motor Show, Lotus just dropped the deets on a new special edition blacked out Lotus Exige alternatively known as the Stealth or Scura (Italian for 'dark') depending on market. Whatever they call it, it is one badass car. Only 35 will be built worldwide and none of them appear headed to the States unfortunately.

This newest Exige special looks menacing with its matte black paint, contrasting gloss black stripes and carbon fiber highlights. It's powered by the 260-hp version of the ubiquitous supercharged 4-cylinder and comes standard with launch control, traction control and 2-way adjustable Ohlins dampers. And thanks to the prodigious amount of carbon fiber inside and out, this featherweight flyer drops another 10kg, allowing it to do the 0-60 sprint in 4 seconds flat. It should also reach 100 in less than ten seconds on its way to a top speed of 152 mph. Brits who hustle over to their local Lotus shoppe will have to plunk down £45,000, while EU customers can expect to pay around €61.000. Check out the gallery of high-res pics below and a long press release after the jump.

Gallery: Tokyo Preview: 2010 Lotus Exige Scura and Stealth

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Tokyo Preview: Lotus Exige Scura and Stealth cross over to dark side

Tokyo Preview: Lotus Exige Scura and Stealth cross over to dark side originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Lotus Exige S 260 offers even more power and lightness

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Lotus, UK, Reviews

2009 Lotus Exige S 260 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Over its 61-year history, Lotus Cars has spent a considerable amount of time clawing its way back from the brink of insolvency. The company's most recent bout with financial disrepair came in the early Nineties after the front-wheel-drive Elan proved a commercial failure (surprise!) and the Esprit toiled away in the shadows of newer, more powerful supercars. As hope for the historic marque's triumphant return began to fade, a group of Lotus engineers pooled their collective will to create an all-new, back-to-basics model that would revive Colin Chapman's company and give hardened enthusiasts the purist's driving tool they craved.

In September of 1996, the Elise was born, and four years later, its hard-top sibling - the Exige - came on the scene. Over the last decade, we've seen a raft of super-special-limited-edition variants follow in its lightweight wake, but the ultimate version is this: the 2009 Lotus Exige S 260. Packing more power and "more lightness" than the 240 Sport we sampled last year, there's no doubt it's a telepathic terror on track, but we wanted to know if it was up to the depravity of Michigan roads, so we set our chiropractor on speed dial and headed out...

Gallery: Review: 2009 Lotus Exige S 260

Continue reading Review: 2009 Lotus Exige S 260 offers even more power and lightness

Review: 2009 Lotus Exige S 260 offers even more power and lightness originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Lotus Elise Club Racer and Exige Cup 260 give us that special feeling

Noah Joseph — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Lotus

Lotus Elise Club Racer and Exige Cup 260 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Another show, another pair of special editions from Lotus. This time around it's the Elise Club Racer and the Exige Cup 260, two lightweight specials based on the company's core product range.

We brought you details and photos of both a few weeks ago in the ramp-up to the show, but stopped by to have a closer look at the pair while we were there checking out the race-spec Evora. Check 'em both out in the high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Lotus Elise Club Racer and Exige Cup 260

Frankfurt 2009: Lotus Elise Club Racer and Exige Cup 260 give us that special feeling originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harder Core: 2010 Lotus Exige Cup 260

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Lotus, UK

2010 Lotus Exige Cup 260 - click above image for high-res gallery

The Lotus Elise/Exige twins are quickly becoming the Porsche 911s of Britain. Or are they British Mustangs? In other words, totally fantastic sports cars with so many special variations that only the idiot savants among us can keep up and keep track. Case in point: meet the new for 2010 Lotus Exige Cup 260. What is it? A faster, stiffer and - you guessed it - lighter version of the already impossibly quick, nimble and skinny Exige S introduced in March of this year.

Power remains the same (257 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque from the supercharged 1.8-liter Toyota inline-four) but remember what Lotus founder Colin Chapman said: "Adding power makes you faster on the straights; subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere." With that in mind, the Cup 260 not only makes use of the 84 pounds of weight savingsthat the skeletal Exige S lords over the base Exige, but sheds further kilos of flab through some pretty aggressive dieting.

Extensive use of carbon fiber saves another 26 pounds, lightweight components (battery, wheels, subframe, fly wheel, rear-window delete, supercharger U-bend pipes) chop off a further 48 pounds. In fact, Lotus says the wheels are the lightest ever fitted to a production car. Ripping out other useless junk like the carpets, rearview mirror, sun visors and the like sheds another 10 pounds.

Add it all up and you're left with a car that weighs just 1,958 pounds, slightly more than half the weight of a Chevy Camaro SS (3,857 lbs). And where the 426 hp Camaro can hit 60 mph in five seconds, the lithe little Lotus can do it in four ticks flat, thanks in part to an all-new launch control system but also because it doesn't weigh anything. The 30% stiffer rear-end coupled with the two-way adjustable Ohlins dampers means the Exige Cup 260 should handle even better than all the numerous Exiges that came before it. Price? Nothing is set in stone (ha ha) about the U.S. MSRP but $80K seems about right - provided Lotus decides to import it. Full press release after the jump, high-res gallery splendor below.

Gallery: 2010 Lotus Exige Cup 260

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Harder Core: 2010 Lotus Exige Cup 260

Harder Core: 2010 Lotus Exige Cup 260 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus begins offering supercharger kits for all NA Elises and Exiges

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Lotus

Lotus Elise - Click above for high-res image gallery

Anyone who's picked up a Lotus Elise or Exige before the kids from Hethel began offering a factory supercharged engine, help is at hand. Drivers of normally aspirated Lotuses can now get a factory style blower kit from Lotus Cars USA. The system is completely emissions certified, warrantied and legal in all 50 states, and includes higher flow injectors, a supercharger with integrated intake manifold and new ECU calibrations. Any authorized Lotus dealer can sell and install the kit that bumps the output of the 1.8-liter Toyota engine from 189 hp/133 lb-ft to 218 hp/155 lb-ft. Although the torque gain is minimal, twist now peaks at a more usable 5,000 rpm rather than 6,800 rpm. You can get all the details in the press release below the fold, but don't look for a price -- Lotus hasn't announced the cost for the kit yet.

Gallery: Lotus Elise

Continue reading Lotus begins offering supercharger kits for all NA Elises and Exiges

Lotus begins offering supercharger kits for all NA Elises and Exiges originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus becomes title sponsor of Lotus Challenge Series

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Lotus

Lotus Challenge Series - Click above for a high-res image gallery

After attending the second event of the 2008 Lotus Challenge Series last May, we were convinced the up-start had potential. Lotus Cars USA seems to agree and has become the title sponsor for the 2009 season.

In its inaugural year, the series stuck to California for six of its events, along with two races at the Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Pahrump, Nevada. For 2009, the campaign is expanding to ten events in the western US, including stints at Laguna Seca and Infineon, with four more events planned in Texas.

The series - part track day and part time-attack - brings together Lotus enthusiasts of all stripes, divides the field according to experience level and vehicle model/modifications, and sets them loose for a weekend of down-and-dirty track action. You can get all the details, along with the 2009 schedule, in the press release after the break, and check out the Lotus Challenge website to sign up for any of the 2009 events.

Gallery: Lotus Challenge - Buttonwillow - April 2008

Continue reading Lotus becomes title sponsor of Lotus Challenge Series

Lotus becomes title sponsor of Lotus Challenge Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tesla Motors and Lotus announce matching recall notices

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 29 May 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Recalls, Safety, Lotus

Tesla Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

Tesla Motors has announced its first-ever recall, affecting all 345 Roadsters the Silicon Valley automaker produced in 2008. According to the official recall notice from the NHTSA, the rear hub flange bolts on some vehicles may not be torqued to proper specifications, which could lead to "degredation in vehicle handling and a rubbing noise from the rear of the vehicle." That, as you would imagine, would be bad, and if left unresolved could result in a crash.

The problem can be traced back to the Lotus factory in Hethel, England where the Roadster's main chassis is constructed before being shipped to the States to have its electric drivetrain installed. This being the case, Lotus has issued its own matching recall on the 27 Elises and Exiges that have shipped so far in 2009. As always, you are advised to contact the manufacturer as soon as possible if you've yet to be notified of the recall.

Gallery: Jason Calacanis' Tesla Roadster

[Source: NHTSA - Tesla | Lotus]

Tesla Motors and Lotus announce matching recall notices originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 May 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus Exige 270E Tri-Fuel to enter production?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 06 May 2009 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Lotus, Rumormill, Electric

Lotus Exige 270E Tri-Fuel - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Could the Lotus Exige 270E Tri-Fuel enter production? According to a post on Lotus Enthusiast, that's an entirely real possibility due to interest from Youngman Auto, which is the British automaker's Chinese partner. It seems that the Tri-Fuel was a big hit at the recent Shanghai Motor Show, leading Youngman to submit a formal application to Lotus requesting that the car be built for the Chinese market with the hope that sales could begin sometime before the end of the year.

First unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008, The Lotus Exige 270E Tri-Fuel is capable of running on gasoline, ethanol or methanol. In 2007, China became both the world's largest producer and consumer of methanol fuel. Last year, nearly one billion gallons of methanol were blended with gasoline in China, and many retail pumps offer various blends of methanol to consumers. Thanks for the tip, Taylor!

Gallery: Lotus Exige 270E Tri-Fuel

[Source: Lotus Enthusiast]

Lotus Exige 270E Tri-Fuel to enter production? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 May 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UK Garage creates V8-powered Lotus Extrema

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Europe, Supercars, Lotus

Click above for a high-res gallery of the UK Garage Lotus Extrema

The UK Garage (based in... Italy) and its Lotus Extrema has taken Colin Chapman's philosophy to a level the old man never could have imagined. Built atop a Mark I Exige, UK Garage widened the track, stretched the wheelbase and created a custom Mark II body kit to fit more rubber and make room for a range of mid-mounted engines.

On the low end of the spectrum, customers can equip their Extrema with a GM-sourced, turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 putting out 350 hp and tipping the scales at just over 1,800 pounds. A Superlight variant is also available, weighing in at 1,650 pounds and equipped with either a 2.6- or 3.4-liter V8, producing 360 or 450 hp, respectively. For those who want to go full (big) bore, the Extrema can be had with almost any GM-supplied V8, ranging from two LS3s producing either 420 or 500 hp, the 520-hp LS7 or the Corvette ZR1's 638-hp, supercharged LS9. With only 2,138 pounds to motivate, the range-topping Extrema is claimed to hit 60 in 2.9 seconds, blow through the 100 mph mark in under seven seconds and on to a top speed of 200 mph.

In addition to the engine upgrades, UK Garage can equip any model with a manual or sequential transmission, along with an Ohlins suspension, four-piston AP Racing brakes, roll cage and other safety systems. Both race-ready and road-legal versions are available with prices starting at €66,000.

Gallery: UK Garage Lotus Extrema

[Source: Autoblog.it]

UK Garage creates V8-powered Lotus Extrema originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: Lotus Exige S240

Dan Roth — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Coupe, Performance, Lotus

Lotus Exige S240 - Click above for high-res image gallery

"What is it?" people will ask. They'll keep going. "It's fast, huh? How fast does it go?" The answer will disappoint them. Yes, it is fast, but when driving the Lotus Exige S240, its 150-mph top speed is not at the forefront of one's mind. Lotuses are more classically described as accurate weapons of destructed mass; light cars that handle as an extension of the driver's body. True to the roots laid down by the Europa, the Exige is a composite monocoque, carrying 1800cc of supercharged Toyota fury admidships.

Many have glommed on to the Elise and Exige as track-day toys, but we wanted to see how this most raucous of Lotuses would do as a desert island car. If all you could swing were the payments for a single car, and you got your kicks by surgically trimming apices, could the Lotus hack it? It's certainly one of the most accurate-handling street cars we've had the pleasure of driving, and it does come with such comforts as power windows, air conditioning, and an Alpine audio system with iPod interface. Sounds like the perfect everyday car for a hardcore enthusiast, doesn't it?

Gallery: Review: Lotus Exige S240

Continue reading Review: Lotus Exige S240

Review: Lotus Exige S240 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus unveils even lighter 2009 Exige Cup 260

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Europe, Lotus

Click above for high-res gallery of 2009 Lotus Exige Cup 260

Lotus released its Exige Cup 260 for the 2008 model year to terrorize much larger and pricier cars on race tracks 'round the world. For 2009, the British automaker has spiced things up by 'adding lightness' in the marque's grand tradition. Weight drops by over 80 pounds this year to just under a ton thanks to copious use of carbon fiber. Coupled with a 257-horsepower 1.8-liter Toyota-sourced mill force fed through an intercooler by an Eaton M62 supercharger, the '09 Exige Cup 260 should hit 60 mph in less than 4 seconds. Electronic goodies such as launch control combined with variable traction control, plus 40 kilograms of downforce at 100 mph, do their best to keep the car planted on the track.

Race-ready bits like forged wheels wearing Yokohama A048 LTS tires, Eibach springs over one-way adjustable Bilstein dampers and cross-drilled and ventilated discs at all four corners highlight the serious intent of this car. Plus, a standard roll over hoop, dealer-installed full front roll cage and FIA compliant electronics are there to keep your track days safe.

Those masochists wishing to drive the Exige Cup 260 on the streets can do so anywhere in the European Union where it's road-legal, but that would be missing the point entirely. Get yours in the U.K for £45,995. Full specifications and ordering information are after the break.

Gallery: 2009 Lotus Exige Cup 260

[Source: Lotus via ConceptCarz]

Continue reading Lotus unveils even lighter 2009 Exige Cup 260

Lotus unveils even lighter 2009 Exige Cup 260 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2008: Newest Lotus Exige 270E will run on anything

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 04:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Green, Lotus

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lotus Exige 270E Tri-Fuel

We posted about this latest Exige a couple of days ago and just saw it in Geneva. Not a lot different on the outside really besides the paint scheme that helps us remember that this is in fact a Tri-Fuel capable Exige 270E. Even the inside has the green and yellow stripe motif slathered liberally throughout the cockpit. The base Exige was already a great example of how a high performance car could still be environmentally friendly by keeping it light and fun. Now Lotus is showing off their ability to take that concept and turn it up to eleven. Or 270, rather. This Lotus Exige 270E Tri-Fuel concept pumps out 270 hp on methanol, and can also run on gasoline or ethanol. So not only is it the most powerful Exige ever sold by Lotus, but it's also the most ambi-fuelish too. Anyway, look at the pics and remember that it's fast and fun and feel-good all in one, so ignore the colors if they bother you.

If you want to learn more about this technological marvel, the full press release is after the jump. Be warned however, the release is longer than the car.

Gallery: Lotus Exige 270E Tri-Fuel

Continue reading Geneva 2008: Newest Lotus Exige 270E will run on anything

Geneva 2008: Newest Lotus Exige 270E will run on anything originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 04:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus wants to be on the cutting edge of green

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Lotus

Lotus may already have one of the greenest line of vehicles, with both the Elise and Exige easily reaching into the 30-mpg range when driven with restraint, but Mike Kimberley wants Lotus to be pioneers of green engineering.

Lotus' CEO made comments alluding to the automaker's goal of providing environmentally friendly automotive technology after signing a deal to produce a research and testing facility in Saudi Arabia that would focus on green motoring. The center is part of Lotus' strategy to branch out both technologically and production-wise, with a manufacturing center based in the Middle East. Much of this shift will come with the advancement of hybrid development, although Kimberley didn't go into detail about how the hybrid drivetrains would be implemented in this new venture.

The CEO also went on to report that development of Project Eagle is well underway, saying that the Eagle team is doing a great job and that after driving a prototype late last year he was "very impressed".

[Source: BIZOnline]

Lotus wants to be on the cutting edge of green originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jan 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2007: Lotus blossoms from Elise/Exige to Eagle to Esprit

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:55:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Performance, Lotus

Large high-res gallery of all of the Lotus models available by clicking above

This week in LA, veteran Lotus development engineer Roger Becker told the assembled press about the changes we'll see in the Elise and Exige for 2008. He also talked a bit about some of the changes happening at the factory and even gave us some info about new models in the company's future.

The biggest recent news for Lotus was that the Elise SC and Exige S were given an optional power boost via a Magnuson-developed supercharger that raises horsepower from 190 to 218 or 240 depending on the application. Other changes were made to all 2008 model year cars in the lineup.

Aside from upgraded brakes and a few other tweaks, the biggest changes came inside, where a new security system has been installed that for the first time ever allows a single key for Lotus owners. As a nod to American driving habits, TPMS and a new information display were also added, because as Becker put it, we aren't too aware of when a tire is going down and need to have it pointed out. That line was delivered without missing a beat and expertly showed a typically dry British sense of humor. Funny guy. Follow the jump for individual model news and to hear more about the upcoming Eagle and Esprit replacement too!

[Source: Lotus]

Gallery: 2008 Lotus Elise and Exige

Continue reading LA 2007: Lotus blossoms from Elise/Exige to Eagle to Esprit

LA 2007: Lotus blossoms from Elise/Exige to Eagle to Esprit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus "Eagle" coming in 2008

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 12:43:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Lotus

Lotus has plans: the Elise is going to get a detuned Exige engine (220 BHP without an intercooler), a new Exige SR model will feature launch and traction control systems, California series Elise and Exige models are in the pipeline for the boulevard cruising crowd, and Lotus is also going to inject some luxury into the Europa.

But the big news -- which isn't the Esprit -- is the Lotus Eagle, which will be "a mid-engined four-seater" made of aluminum for the luxury lifestyle set. Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley said there will be seven (count 'em, seven) versions of the car, and in a crow-eating first for Lotus, the car will have paddle shifters. Lotus had previously sworn never to include them on a car, citing purity of the driving experience. But what does the market care for driving purity? (Insert maniacal laugh here.) The Eagle arrives at the end of 2008.

The much anticipated, exceedingly long-awaited Lotus Esprit was sent back for reworking by Kimberley, who said it didn't have enough Lotus heritage in it. In Lotus fashion, the car isn't trying to break any records by being a sub-200 MPH conveyance, but it will be powered by "a very high brand-image engine" and performance will be "exceptional" and "very usable." Lotus: stop dallying -- let's have it.

[Source: Channel 4]

Lotus "Eagle" coming in 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2007: Carbon Fiber Exige adds lightness

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Performance, Supercars, Lotus

Click image for high-res gallery from SEMA

The Lotus Elise and Exige are great little cars that personify Colin Chapman's original edict to maintain a light weight in order to allow maximum performance. Weighing in at under 2,000 pounds, they feature Toyota (or Honda) motors putting out around 200 HP, but still offer supercar acceleration and handling. Well, as we were whiling away the hours at SEMA, we came across a special CSF1 Exige built by Prototype Composites that takes that formula and cranks it up a notch. Out went the original Series 1 Exige fiberglass body and in its place Composite Master Craig Brewer laid out an exquisite carbon fiber replacement that sheds 82 pounds from the car's overall weight. While less is more on the weight side, the builder decided that more is more on the power side. Phong Thao replaced the original 4-banger with an Acura TSX mill that puts a generous 311 HP at the drivers beck and call. And that is wheel horsepower, so you can imagine how this little 1,700-lb. sportster will scoot. Made just a one-off for a client, we have to say we like the idea and execution a lot.

Gallery: Prototype Composites Lotus Exige CFS1

SEMA 2007: Carbon Fiber Exige adds lightness originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UK: Sussex police get Lotus Exige cruiser

Alex Nunez — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Lotus, Police/Emergency

Click image for photo gallery

Over in England, the East Sussex police department has a new machine in the motor pool, and there's no doubting it's the class of the bunch. The force recently took delivery of a fully-liveried Lotus Exige, right down to the flashing blue lights. While it sounds like the perfect speed enforcement/pursuit machine, the car's actual purpose is more diplomatic in nature. Speeding and generally obnoxious driving habits by teens have apparently become a bit of an issue, and the Lotus serves as a rolling ambassador to the lead-footed youth population. Brought out for public awareness campaigns and gatherings, the Sussex police department says that the car brings teens to them, and that makes it easier for the police to sell their safety message to the kids. If it works, good for them. Lord knows we'd be doing anything but setting an example if we were handed an Exige as our work vehicle. It'd be more like this: "Alright then, kids. Here's what not to do." Cue the squealing tires...

[Source: Auto Trader]

Gallery: Sussex Police Lotus Exige

UK: Sussex police get Lotus Exige cruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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