2006/7 Lotus Europa- GT Coupe

 

The new Lotus Europa S - 'Business class by Lotus'

 

The new Lotus Europa S, a Grand Tourer (GT) inspired two-seater will

provide Lotus customers with a spectacular sportscar with significantly

enhanced levels of touring and cruising capability. It will provide drivers

with higher levels of practicality and refinement to complement the

simplicity of the Lotus Elise and Exige models.

 

The Lotus Europa S follows the core Lotus philosophy of performance

through light weight enabling this refined and very high performing GT car

to weigh just 995 kg. This low weight has been obtained through the clever

use of advanced and high tech materials including an extruded and bonded

aluminium chassis, composite body panels and a very advanced composite

energy absorbing front crash structure.

 

When compared to the award winning Lotus Elise, the Europa S has a

larger boot / luggage compartment and easier cabin access, resulting from

lower chassis sides and a higher roof line. Coupled with luxuries such as

full leather interior, driver and passenger airbags and carpets all as

standard, Lotus has created a "Business Class" driving experience.

 

However, the Europa S is not a derivative of the Elise or the Exige

and has been allocated a separate Lotus type number of Type 121 - the Elise

and Exige are both Type 111.

 

The new mid-engined coupe will deliver high levels of performance

from a high torque (263 Nm or 194 lbft at 4200 rpm) 2.0-litre turbo engine

producing 149 kW (200 hp or 203 PS) at 5400rpm. The Lotus Europa S achieves

around 90% of its maximum torque at only 2000 rpm to give "super car" levels

of acceleration from low engine speeds, propelling the car from 0 -96 km/h

(60 mph) in around 5.5 seconds, and 160 km/h (100 mph) in around 14 seconds.

Maximum speed is approximately 225 km/h (140 mph). Being a Lotus, the Europa

S has a phenomenal power to weight ratio of 201 hp / tonne (204 PS / tonne

or 6.68 kg / kW).

 

Tony Shute, Head of Product for at Lotus Cars explains the concept

behind the new product: "The Lotus Europa S has allowed Lotus to exploit its

extensive capabilities in developing a sophisticated GT car which

successfully complements the range of existing cars. The 'Grand Tourer'

concept underpinning the Europa S provides the driver with a refined

environment, incorporating innovative styling features which do not

compromise the superior performance and handling that is synonymous with the

Lotus marque."

 

Describing the Lotus Europa S, Russell Carr, Chief of Design for

Lotus says: "The form of a design should reflect the spirit of the car, and

the Lotus Europa S is no different. Where the rebellious track-focused

personality of the Exige is characterised by shrink-wrapped athletic forms

communicating agility and power, the Europa S has a more fluid, understated

language reflecting its more sophisticated persona."

 

The introduction of a GT car, represents both an important and

unique addition to the Lotus product range, as Clive Dopson, Managing

Director of Lotus Cars, explains: "The launch of the Europa S re-affirms our

position as an innovative player in the highly competitive sportscar

marketplace. It allows Lotus to extend its product appeal beyond our

traditional customer base, and provides yet another demonstration of the key

Lotus brand attributes and high levels of quality for which we are

particularly proud."

 

Production of the Lotus Europa S is scheduled to commence in July

2006 at the award winning and world leading Lotus manufacturing facility at

the Lotus Headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk, UK. The Europa S will be sold in

all markets where the Lotus brand is present, except for the USA and Canada.

Final pricing and full specifications will be announced closer to

the on-sale date, but the price is expected to be the region of ?33000

(49000 Euros) depending on individual market taxation.

 

Predicted Performance figures:

Target acceleration

0 to 96 km/h (60 mph): 5.5 seconds (approximately)

0 to 160 km/h (100 mph): 14.0 seconds (approximately)

Maximum speed: 225 km/h (140mph) (approximately)

 

Source: Supercars.net Forums

I'm sorry, but that looks horrendous! No where near as exotic as the Esprit! Looks like some Vauxhall.