We’ve already covered the news regarding the new Lotus Elite, but this time we have additional photos with its interior, as well as information regarding its price.
The new Lotus Elite represents a ‘new British expression of exclusivity’ and as you already know front-mid-engine, which is a 5.0-litre V8 unleashes 620 PS and 720 Nm of torque. The rev dial can go as high as 8,500 rpm and accelerating from 0 to 100 will only take 3.7 seconds. The new Lotus Elite has a top speed of 315 Km/h, and its CO2 emissions are of 215 g/Km.
The engine sends power to the rear wheels via a full hybrid transmission, and among optional features the automaker offers hybrid technology, and a hybrid gearbox with integrated electric motors and KERS.
The new Lotus Elite will be priced at around 115,000 GBP and production will start in 2014.
UPDATE :2014 Lotus Elite concept video added.
UPDATE: The Elite project was cancelled in July 2012.
2014 Lotus Elite video :
Lotus press release :
A New British Expression of Exclusivity
Look up elegant in the dictionary and you’ll find variations on the following 1. dignified grace in appearance, movement, or behaviour, 2. superb taste in design, style and 3. something elegant; the ultimate refinement.
The ground-breaking new Elite is exactly that. It’s compact yet chic body is elegance incarnate. It’s not only exquisitely elegant, in keeping with Lotus’ core values, it’s a car of substance incorporating some of the very latest technological innovations Lotus has to offer. The slick retractable hard top and the optional use of hybrid technology with KERS are typical examples of Lotus tailoring technology to deliver perfect performance.
Set for release in spring 2014, this is an innovative, exciting GT that will set a new benchmark in design, performance and emissions. And it’s not all about sleek lines and stunning bodywork with this particular 2+2, what hides beneath this shark like exterior perfectly does the aesthetics justice. A front-mid positioned 5.0 litre V8 engine delivering up to 620 PS meaning drivers can expect to go from 0-100 km/h in approximately 3.7 seconds.
Dany Bahar, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus, said: “There’s no denying that the Elite is breathtakingly beautiful to look at but it’s so much more than that, it’s a car that over delivers in all other aspects as well. One could say it’s a car of perfect contradictions, it’s compact yet spacious, high performing yet low emitting, lightweight yet still reassuringly solid. It’s a car that we are exceptionally proud of at Lotus and we truly believe that there is nothing else like it out there both in terms of styling and performance.
“Make no mistake, there’s a definite market requirement for the Elite – it’s the ultimate sports car feel with comfort and space. There will always be those who believe that Lotus should stick to small sports cars but we didn’t take the decision to design something like the Elite lightly, it’s based on months of careful research and planning. It’s worth noting that total 2+2 production represented over 20 per cent of Lotus build between 1948 and 1996 (pre small car platform) and 11 per cent over all, this sector has been very successful for us in the past and now the Elite raises the benchmark higher still.”
The Elite will redefine “modern classic”.
Elite Specification
Layout 2+2 seater, front-mid-engined, rear wheel drive
Engine Petrol, hybrid optional
Hybrid technology Hybrid gearbox with integrated electric motors and KERS
Cylinder V8
Capacity 5.0 litre
Power/Torque 620 PS / 720 Nm
Rev limit 8,500 rpm
0-100 km/h 3.7 seconds
Top speed 315 km/h
CO2 approx (CO2/km) 215 g/km**
Weight 1,650 kg
Seats 2+2
Transmission Full Hybrid transmission
Drive RWD
Start of production Early 2014
Enters the market Spring 2014
Price indication Circa £115,000
*Please refer to the ‘Further Information’ section in the Media Kit for information relating to this specification
**Using optional hybrid technology
