Lotus to euthanize Europa this year

Given the recent launch of the more practical Evora, it shouldn't come as surprise that Lotus will be ceasing production of the ill-fated Europa later this year. According to our sources, European dealers have stopped taking orders for the Elise-based coupe and production will wind down within the next few months to fill what few orders remain.

Just as a refresher, the Europa launched in 2006 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four putting out around 200 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque, and in hindsight, it was likely a stopgap used by Lotus to fill the need for a larger, more compliant coupe before the Evora debuted last year. Three variants were available, including the S and SE, the latter of which got a boost in output to 220 hp and an equal amount of torque in early 2008. We never got a shot behind the wheel, but judging by our drive of the all-new Evora, there's no love lost.