Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Lotus shopping Evora chassis to other automakers?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/lotus-shopping-evora-chassis-to-other-automakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/lotus-shopping-evora-chassis-to-other-automakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/lotus-shopping-evora-chassis-to-other-automakers/#commentsFiled under: ,



Back in the Nineties, shortly after Lotus introduced the original Elise, the company made it known that its new sportscar platform was designed to be easily adapted to different applications - including different powertrains. Companies that were interested in a platform for a niche products using their own powertrains were welcome to contract with Lotus for use of the Elise's underpinnings. Over the years, it spawned several race and concept cars, to say nothing of the production Opel GT, Vauxhall VX220, and of course, the Tesla Roadster.

Now that Lotus finally has its first all-new car in 14 years and several hundred Evoras have been delivered to customers, the same offer is again on the table. In fact, this time the presentation from Lotus Engineering even shows the Evora chassis carrying an electric powertrain.

The versatile vehicle architecture is made largely from aluminum extrusions which can be cut off in different sizes, allowing the chassis to readily be adjusted for length and width as needed. To date, no company that we're aware of has adopted the Evora's architecture. However, given Tesla's relative success in using the Elise as a starting point - and the increased size of the Evora - it should be even more attractive to potential customers. You can check out the full presentation after the jump.


Gallery: LA 2008: Lotus Evora


[Source: LotusEnthusiast]

Continue reading Lotus shopping Evora chassis to other automakers?

Lotus shopping Evora chassis to other automakers? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carElectricCarEVEvoraextrusionextrusionsLotusLotus EngineeringLotus Evoralotus evora chassislotus versatile vehicle architecturelotus vvaLotusEngineeringLotusEvoraLotusEvoraChassisLotusVersatileVehicleArchitectureLotusVvamodular chassisModularChassisWed, 28 Oct 2009 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Let us help you with that: Lotus develops off-the-shelf range extender engine]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/let-us-help-you-with-that-lotus-develops-off-the-shelf-range-ex/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/let-us-help-you-with-that-lotus-develops-off-the-shelf-range-ex/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/let-us-help-you-with-that-lotus-develops-off-the-shelf-range-ex/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The Lotus ethos has always been about efficient performance. "Simplicate, and add lightness" is an oft-echoed mantra coined by founder Colin Chapman. While the company is most known for its sports cars and racing endeavors, it's got a history of engineering for hire, as well. Embracing a definition of high performance that has protracted to include alternative propulsion technologies, Lotus has brought its experience to bear for series hybrids.

Bowing at Frankfurt Motor Show, the Lotus Range Extender engine has been designed for driving a generator optimally without the compromises of conventional engines. Reducing cost, parts count and emissions were all part of the design dossier. This 1.2-liter three-cylinder that produces 47 bhp at 3,500 RPM is being described by Lotus as a monoblock - the cylinder head and exhaust manifold are integral with the engine block, reducing separate parts and potential failure points. Low mass, more thermal efficiency and a low build cost are other superlatives used to describe this powerplant with a more focused purpose than traditional car engines. Lotus appears to have a keen eye on the future of autodom, involved as it is with ventures such as Tesla, and working with Jaguar, MIRA and Caparo on this engine as part of the UK Technology Strategy Board's "Limo-Green" project.

Lotus has spent its lifetime innovating with technology and making light and efficient cars. While the thrill of series hybrid sport driving may have a different soundtrack, the exhilaration will likely be the same. Press release posted after the jump.

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Let us help you with that: Lotus develops off-the-shelf range extender engine

Let us help you with that: Lotus develops off-the-shelf range extender engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falsefrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt auto showfrankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShowFrankfurtMotorShowlotuslotus engineeringlotus frankfurtlotus hybridlotus range extenderLotusEngineeringLotusFrankfurtLotusHybridLotusRangeExtenderMon, 07 Sep 2009 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Lotus and Harman partner on noise-cancelling, noise-creating tech]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/lotus-and-harman-partner-on-noise-cancelling-noise-creating-tec/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/lotus-and-harman-partner-on-noise-cancelling-noise-creating-tec/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/lotus-and-harman-partner-on-noise-cancelling-noise-creating-tec/#commentsFiled under: ,



Lotus Engineering and Harman International have announced a partnership to develop Active Noise Control (ANC) technology for cars. Lotus will continue to develop their existing range of ANC technologies, and Harmon Becker will be the exclusive manufacturer of the systems, which could be customized and sold to OEMs as upscale infotainment sytems. ANC technologies currently being developed by Lotus include Road Noise Cancellation, Engine Order Cancellation, and Electronic Sound Synthesis.

There's a full press release after the jump, but basically Road Noise Cancellation and Engine Order Cancellation help reduce cabin noise without adding performance-sapping weight in the form of sound deadening material. Using microphones and speakers in the cabin, they monitor engine and road noise and produce soundwaves that counteract those unwanted waves, effectively eliminating the sounds and making the cabin quieter.

The external Electronic Sound Synthesis (ESS) technology produces artificial vehicle noise for quiet-running electric and hybrid vehicles to help with pedestrian safety. An internal ESS can make those same vehicles mimic the traditional driving experience by producing artificial engine speed and throttle sounds. We've reported on this tech before, as the soundtrack could be customizable to simulate everything from a sci-fi spaceship to a classic petrol-burning internal combustion engine.

Continue reading Lotus and Harman partner on noise-cancelling, noise-creating tech

Lotus and Harman partner on noise-cancelling, noise-creating tech originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Active Noise ControlActiveNoiseControlharman internationalHarmanInternationalLotusLotus EngineeringLotusEngineeringThu, 16 Apr 2009 18:31:00 EST<![CDATA[New Jaguar XE sportscar to ride on bobbed XK platform? ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/24/new-jaguar-xe-sportscar-to-ride-on-bobbed-xk-platform/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/24/new-jaguar-xe-sportscar-to-ride-on-bobbed-xk-platform/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/24/new-jaguar-xe-sportscar-to-ride-on-bobbed-xk-platform/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Autocar is reporting that the compact Jaguar XE sports car due in about two years time will be based on a shortened version of the XK's extruded and cast aluminum frame. The dimensions are supposedly going to challenge those of the Mercedes SLK, and that narrower chassis created for the XE could then be lengthened something that would "compete in the compact premium segment."

Engines - which would go up front, not in the middle - could include an outsourced and blown four-cylinder, or a V6 developed from Jaguar's new 5.0-liter V8. Lotus is again tipped to be helping Jaguar sort out the car's dynamics, and might even manufacture the car.

[Source: Autocar]

New Jaguar XE sportscar to ride on bobbed XK platform? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coupejaguarjaguar xeJaguarXelotuslotus engineeringLotusEngineeringrumormillsports carSportsCarTue, 24 Feb 2009 10:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Jaguar turns to Lotus for development of new XE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/09/jaguar-turns-to-lotus-for-development-of-new-xe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/09/jaguar-turns-to-lotus-for-development-of-new-xe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/09/jaguar-turns-to-lotus-for-development-of-new-xe/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to view the 2000 Jaguar F-Type concept in high resolution

According to recent reports, Lotus has its hands filled with more than just Kia. Jaguar is supposedly outsourcing some of the initial development of its anticipated upcoming sportscar to Lotus Engineering. The two British marques, both owned by Asian automakers based just across the Bay of Bengal from each other, recently collaborated on the suspension tuning for the latest Jaguar XKR. But Lotus' involvement in the project, tentatively known as the XE, may be more involved, with Jaguar entrusting Lotus to assess production feasibility before the go-ahead is given and possibly producing the car at its Hethel plant if approved.

If Jaguar and Lotus undertake the partnership to produce the XE, sources suggest a potential debut at the 2011 Geneva show, but it's far too early to tell at this point. Adding another level of intrigue to the debate over what form Jaguar's new sportscar could take, the report suggests that outsourcing the production of a mid-engine supercar was also considered. The plot thickens.

[Source: Autocar]

Jaguar turns to Lotus for development of new XE originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jaguarjaguar lotusjaguar xeJaguarLotusJaguarXelotuslotus engineeringLotusEngineeringMon, 09 Feb 2009 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Kia brings in Lotus to give their suspension some Soul]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/20/kia-brings-in-lotus-to-give-their-suspension-some-soul/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/20/kia-brings-in-lotus-to-give-their-suspension-some-soul/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/20/kia-brings-in-lotus-to-give-their-suspension-some-soul/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Kia Soul

In addition to making its own sportscars that are renowned for their sublime handling, Lotus has helped a wide variety of other automakers - Dodge, Ford, Isuzu, Talbot, Tesla, Toyota, and Vauxhall to name a few - adjust the suspensions on their cars to Lotus standards. Kia is slated to become the next to benefit from the combined experience of Lotus' chassis experts, as the Korean automaker recently contracted the services of the British engineering firm.

The first car to benefit from Lotus' input will be the new Kia Soul, but the partnership is slated to extend to all of the Korean brand's future models. Although reports suggest that the collaboration is earmarked specifically towards setting up Kia products for British roads, we certainly hope that Lotus can help Kia's ride and handling dynamics across the board. This isn't the first time Lotus and Kia have collaborated, either, as Kia sold rebadged versions of the Elan for a couple of years after Lotus discontinued the model in 1995.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Kia Soul


[Source: CAR]

Kia brings in Lotus to give their suspension some Soul originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kiakia lotusKiaLotuslotuslotus engineeringLotusEngineeringTue, 20 Jan 2009 17:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Lotus annouces new Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Group]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/23/lotus-annouces-new-hybrid-and-electric-vehicle-group/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/23/lotus-annouces-new-hybrid-and-electric-vehicle-group/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/23/lotus-annouces-new-hybrid-and-electric-vehicle-group/#commentsFiled under: ,



Behind the scenes, Lotus is much more than a low-volume manufacturer of sporty little roadsters. Along with Lotus Cars, Group Lotus houses Lotus Engineering. With decades of motorsports experience, Lotus Engineering offers consulting expertise to automotive suppliers and OEM manufacturers. They've even made their mark in the intense world of cycling. More recently, their close work with Tesla as the supplier of the Roadster's chassis must have had some influence on the next direction of the firm, as they have now announced the creation of a new Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Group. Lotus hopes the move will further expand its consulting reach.

The newly-anointed Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Group is already busy with project Low CO2. The initiative is a collaborative effort with automotive supplier Continental. The engineers have reduced the CO2 emissions of the already low-emitting 1.5L gasoline-powered Opel Astra by 15 percent while also bumping up its power output. Their achievements are accomplished through improved exhaust manifold design, injector placement, altered valve lift and timing, increased fuel pressure and the implementation of a mild hybrid drive. Follow the jump for the official press release.

[Source: Lotus via AutoblogGreen]

Continue reading Lotus annouces new Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Group

Lotus annouces new Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Group originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Feb 2008 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LotusLotus EngineeringLotusEngineeringLow CO2LowCo2Opel AstraOpelAstraSat, 23 Feb 2008 15:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Lotus Engineering to play key role for Chinese automaker]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/20/lotus-engineering-to-play-key-role-for-chinese-automaker/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/20/lotus-engineering-to-play-key-role-for-chinese-automaker/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/20/lotus-engineering-to-play-key-role-for-chinese-automaker/#commentsFiled under: ,

Lotus Engineering has agreed to help Chinese car company Jinhua Youngman develop a range of cars under a new brand over the next five years.

The Lotus press release (in full after the jump) gives few details about the lineup, but does say the first car to be developed would be a four door saloon. Work on that vehicle is expected to begin early next year.

Lotus is owned by Malaysian company Proton Holdings, which has worked with numerous other Chinese companies, including Chery, in the past.

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus Engineering to play key role for Chinese automaker

Lotus Engineering to play key role for Chinese automaker originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Nov 2006 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheryjinhua yomanjinhua youngmanJinhuaYomanJinhuaYoungmanlotuslotus cherylotus chinalotus engineeringlotus jinhua youngmanlotus protonLotusCheryLotusChinaLotusEngineeringLotusJinhuaYoungmanLotusProtonprotonproton cheryproton jinhua youngmanProtonCheryProtonJinhuaYoungmanMon, 20 Nov 2006 09:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Robo-exotica: NC State snags Lotus Elise for '07 DARPA Challenge]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/19/robo-exotica-nc-state-snags-lotus-elise-for-07-darpa-challenge/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/19/robo-exotica-nc-state-snags-lotus-elise-for-07-darpa-challenge/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/19/robo-exotica-nc-state-snags-lotus-elise-for-07-darpa-challenge/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lotus Elise

Now this is what we call an upgrade: NC State University's Insight Racing team has scored a new set of wheels for the upcoming 2007 DARPA Grand Challenge. The team's Chevrolet Suburban, dubbed "Desert Rat" for the last DARPA challenge, which sent vehicles across the Mojave in the final event, will sit this one out. Instead, Insight will field "Lone Wolf," the new Lotus Elise which was presented to them by the automaker last week. In addition to the car, Insight will be receiving support from Lotus Engineering, who will help transform the sports car into the autonomous machine it needs to be to make it through the preliminary rounds and into the final Urban Challenge event. That task is made even more difficult when you consider that an Elise offers a fraction of the on-board space that was available in the Suburban. Expect to see plenty of innovation as they cram all the required technology into the Lotus' compact package.

The cruelest irony of all is that the Insight Racing team has to rig the Elise -- a driver's car if there ever was one -- to be completely driverless. We have a feeling that, given the chance, this is one instance where the engineering students would gladly forego the high-technology and get behind the wheel themselves. The 2007 DARPA Grand Challenge finale is scheduled for November 2007.

[Sources: NC State Technician Online & PhysOrg.com]

Robo-exotica: NC State snags Lotus Elise for '07 DARPA Challenge originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Nov 2006 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DARPAdarpa grand challengedarpa urban challengeDarpaGrandChallengeDarpaUrbanChallengeinsight racingInsightRacingLotus Eliselotus engineeringLotusEliseLotusEngineeringnc stateNcStateSun, 19 Nov 2006 18:15:00 EST