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May 23, 2012

The Lotus Elite

2014 Lotus Elite Concept

Ten days ahead of the official unveil at the Paris Motor Show the sun starts to rise for the dawn of Lotus’ new era – the Elite will redefine “modern classic”.

So here it is, the Lotus Elite, the first taste of what’s to come from Lotus in the future. 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 version and the optional use of hybrid technology with KERS are typical examples of Lotus tailoring technology to deliver perfect performance.

Dany Bahar, CEO 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 this sector has been very successful for us in the past and now the Elite raises the benchmark higher still.”

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 5.0l V8 engine delivering up to 620 PS meaning drivers can expect to go from 0-100 km/h in approximately 3.5 to 3.7 seconds.

Lotus Elite side top

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  • http://www.thelotusforums.com Bibs

    The rumour mill is pricing this at somewhere between £120k & £180k currently. Bit of a step upmarket from the current offerings!

  • tony

    Dont know about the front shape .. reminds me of a honda … Nissan GTR here I come …!!!

  • chandra

    The front reminds me of a Honda S2000 and the rear feels like the Maserati GT. If it is true that this car will be 280K USD, what will the new Lotus Esprit be priced at? 500K? I guess it will make the current Esprits more valuable.

    I do like the styling…I hope it carries over to the new Esprit.

    • Sky

      There ll be no new Esprit, if i see power of Elite, what must ve “Esprit” inside to be a Lotus flagship again.

  • Richardvg

    i am intregued by the mirrors . Can’t figure them out …

    • http://www.thelotusforums.com Bibs

      I’m guessing they’re rearward facing cameras and there would be small LCDs on the A pillars?

    • Da Spud

      Intrigued by mirrors? I suggest that hints at high tech on this car would indicate cameras not mirrors.

  • http://www.twitter.com/RacingPuma John McGregor

    Lotus quote the price as Circa £115,000 inc VAT at 17.5%, but of course VAT rises to 20% before it goes on sale. Also, Lotus don’t say which of the 2 versions (542bhp base or 612bhp “R” version) the price relates to.

    As the “on sale” date is Spring 2014, there is every possibility that the rear view cameras in place of door mirrors will be legal in the EU by then.

  • GGC

    As an Esprit owner, I am very disappointed. It will look very dated by the time it goes into production. Looks to much like a Hyundia with 911 rear? Just not what I would buy and at this price Lotus will lose Esprit owners to Ferrari, etc.

  • Paul71a

    This ex Esprit owner is already in a Ferrari having gone their via Aston……. given up waiting……

  • Mark Gooday

    It’s the detomaso they tried to make a year or so back in drag, i will find it in my magazines somewhere
    Never a hope at 115k

  • Mark Gooday

    There was a fantastic bertone esprit study a few years back, stunning and should be built.
    Interesting Italian directions happening here, not really right is it. But hey let’s see

  • sport3oo

    For me it looks more boring than exciting. It could be any model of any maker.
    A Ferrari design copy.

    Lotus never had a chance in the luxury market.
    Who knows the history and understands the market should know this !
    I don´t believe this will change in future.
    Very very difficult to make this car suceed.

  • Walter Geerinckx

    It looks like a Ferrari at the price of a Ferrari ,who will buy a copycat knowing the prestige and value will never match the Farrari’s.

    • R Mclachlan

      It was designed by the same designer who did the Ferrari 458.

      • http://www.thelotusforums.com Bibs

        Which is a beautiful car…

    • R Mclachlan

      It was designed by the same designer who did the Ferrari 458.

    • marti

      ferrari are to expensive to run. That’s where the Lotus comes in

  • Dom

    the original 1957 lotus elite was a delicate pretty car, amazing lines and technically way ahead of its time. I am not sure the latest incarnation does the name justice.

    • Kinasu

      A generic shape rather than the signature shape of say an Elise. It could be wearing any badge really….Maybe I’m getting old ??

  • Bnlower

    The side windows are *SO* Mitsubishi Eclipse…but I still like it. Of course if this is a concept for something coming in three years, I’m sure that the final product will be a bit different.

  • Esprit_matt

    Lamborghini never be in the F1, LeMans, or Indy before.
    Why they can be in the high marketplace?
    I think the historic Lotus can find its high marketplace not quite difficult.
    This world nowadays, it’s a matter of marketing and marketing … how you can position your product in addition to the value gained for your customers.
    The new Lotus CEO is a marketing guy so he knows how to be there, hopefully.
    Just give Lotus some space and time.
    Whatever come out, right now I feel that my Esprit gain a higher value than before Dany Bahar took over his CEO job.

  • Andycs3

    Does anybody know if their in house KERS system is going to be battery or flywheel storage?

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