Lotus Cars has released more information about its new Europa S – a more refined daily driver to
complement its minimalist Elise and Exige models. Lotus will debut the new model at the Geneva Motor Show next week.
While still following the Lotus philosophy of achieving performance through “adding lightness” (the
car only weights 2,189 lb), the Europa is much more liveable than the Exige and Elise, with more luggage space and
easier access to the interior, courtesy of a higher roofline and lower chassis side rails. Inside, a full leather
interior, built-in navigation/audio system, electric windows and door locks, and air conditioning add an unusual (for
Lotus) level of touring-class luxury to the Europa.
The 2-liter Ecotec turbo puts out a modest 200 hp, but a
broad torque band (90 percent of maximum at only 2,000 rpm) with a peak of 194 lb-ft at 4200 rpm helps hustle the
lightweight car from 0-60 mph in a respectable 5.5 seconds.
Lotus forecasts production of only 500 per
year, with no exports to North America planned at present. The Europa will be available in the U.K. later this year,
for about $57,500. More pics after the jump.
[Source: Group Lotus]