The return of Lotus to Formula One racing was an announcement that all motorsport enthusiasts welcomed with open arms. Afterwards, Lotus and Renault announced a strategic alliance with the creation of Lotus-Renault GP. So what better way to celebrate than by making a special limited edition model?

The Lotus Evora S GP Edition is a commemoration of the new partnership between the two automakers in Formula One. The special edition model is based on the Evora S model and uses the same supercharged 3.5-liter V-6 with 345 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 295 lb-ft. of torque at 4,500 RPM to accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 172 mph.

The new GP Edition will wear a coat of black, gold, and red livery just like the Lotus-Renault GP team. Inside, the Lotus Evora S is fitted with the Suedetex base package and Premium Package with Suedetex upholstery and custom red stitching. The Tech Package with DVD player, upgraded sound system, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity is also standard along with a reverse camera. The exterior changes include Diamond Cut Design forged wheels in a 19-inch front, 20-inch rear fitment.

The Lotus Evora S GP Edition will be limited to just three examples. The Lotus Evora S price will start at £69,950 (+/- 110,100 USD) and be available through Bell & Colvill Lotus in the UK.

Lotus Evora S GP Edition Specifications

Engine:
Displacement: 3.5 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-6
Aspiration: Supercharged
Maximum Horsepower: 345 (257.5 kW) at 7,000 RPM
Maximum Torque: 295 lb-ft. (400 Nm) at 4,500 RPM

Transmission:
Type: Six-speed manual
Drive: Rear-wheel

Performance:
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds
Top Speed: 172 mph

Exterior:
-Gold, Black, and Red Lotus/Renault Formula One paint scheme
-Diamond Cut Design forged wheels (19” front, 20” rear)

Interior:
-Premium Pack Suedetex
-Suedetex Base Pack
-Technology Package
-Reversing Camera

Lotus Evora S GP Edition Gallery

Lotus Evora S GP Edition

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Lotus Evora S GP Edition

[Source: Bell & Colvill Lotus]

What do you think of the Lotus Evora S GP Edition? Leave a comment and let us know!

After Lotus successfully entered the GTE global racing category, it introduced the Evora GTE as a special edition model for the Asian market. After the model was quickly sold out, Lotus decided to expand the offering to the global market and increase production of the most powerful production car the automaker has ever built.

“The response to this model in China has been so incredible, within days we had sold out with 114 orders,” said Dany Bahar, Group Lotus CEO. “In response we decided that the only logical step from a business perspective was to increase production and widen our reach.”

The hardcore Lotus Evora GTE is essentially an endurance racecar that is built for street use. Behind the cockpit sits a Toyota 3.5-liter V-6 tuned by Cosworth producing 438 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 310 lb-ft. of torque at 4,500 RPM. The extra power boost over the other Evora IPS and Evora S models comes thanks to a Harrop HTV 1320 supercharger and performance exhaust with two-way catalytic converters. Power is transmitted though a six-speed sequential racing AMT (Automated Manual Transmission).

“What is unique about this car, is not just that it’s a serious race car – it’s a serious car,” exclaims Bahar. “People get so excited when they see and especially hear it for the first time. It’s a very special car and will appeal to a very special type of driver – and they won’t be disappointed!”

The Lotus Evora GTE features much of the same technology as the endurance racecar version. The new aerodynamic bodywork such as the larger rear wing, front spoiler, side skirts, and both bumpers are all made from lightweight carbon fiber. This helps contribute to a 231 lbs. (105 kg) reduction in weight over the base Evora model. Weight was even shed at the wheels. The original rims were replaced with center-locking GTE forged wheels measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear. For extra grip, they wear bespoke 235/35 R 19 and 275/30 R20 Pirelli P-Zero Corsa LS tires on the front and rear.

The interior is essentially the closest you can get to a racecar cockpit for the road without sacrificing comfort completely. Remember, this is an endurance racecar; your butt will get tired. Leather and carbon fiber are used throughout the cockpit to add a touch of racecar class. Both driver and passenger, or in this case navigator, are hugged by carbon fiber Recaro racing seats.

The Lotus Evora GTE will be available for order at the end of 2011 and beginning of 2012. Pricing, performance, and fuel consumption figures have not been released by Lotus yet, but expect a sub 4.6 second 0-60 mph time.

Lotus Evora GTE Specifications

Engine:
Displacement: 3.5 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-6
Aspiration: Supercharged (Harrop HTV 1320)
Compression Ratio: 10 : 1
Bore x Stroke: 94 x 83 mm
Maximum Horsepower: 438 (444 PS) at 7,000 RPM
Maximum Torque: 310 lb-ft. (420 Nm) at 4,500 RPM

Transmission:
Type: Transverse six-speed sequential with sports ratios and open differential
Drive: Rear-wheel

Wheels and Tires:
Wheels: Forged GTE with central locking
Front Wheels: 19 inches
Rear Wheels: 20 inches
Tires: Bespoke Pirelli P-Zero Corsa LS
Front Tires: 235/35 R19
Rear Tires: 275/30 R20

Lotus Evora GTE Gallery

Lotus Evora GTE

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Lotus Evora GTE

[Source: Lotus]

Is the GTE your favorite version of the Lotus Evora? Leave a comment and let us know!

For quite some time the Porsche 911 Carrera has been the standard for the sports car world. But, Lotus is looking to challenge the Porsche with the new supercharged Evora S. To see which one is the fastest, Fifth Gear’s Vicki Butler-Henderson took both models to the Assen TT Circuit in the Netherlands for dueling hot laps.

So, who wins? Check out the Porsche vs Lotus video and see for yourself!

Porsche 911 vs Lotus Evora S Video

[Source: Fifth Gear and Youtube]

Would you choose the Lotus Evora S or the Porsche 911 Carrera? Leave a comment and let us know!

It all started in 1976 with the S1 Esprit, a two-door coupe that replaced the Europa and showcased Lotus’s philosophy of performance through light weight. After 28 years and a production run of more than 10,000 units, Lotus ended production of the Esprit in 2004. But, after much anticipation the “ultimate Lotus” has been revived at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and is slated to enter production at the end of 2012.

In order to expand the Lotus lineup and bring the automaker back to producing superior supercars, the company believes the new Esprit is a step towards the future. “One has to be very careful when taking on the challenge of reinventing such an iconic classic as the Esprit,” said CEO of Group Lotus, Dany Bahar. “There’s a fine balance between acknowledging the greatness of the past whilst at the same time rapidly leaping forward to the future and ensuring that this car not only does the name Esprit justice but also the Lotus brand.”

The overall design of the new Esprit remains sleek and low, becoming a modern evolution of the historic model. The goal was to create a car that was aggressive and powerful, but also emphasized class and exclusivity. Thin headlights and sharp lines shape the bold fascia, while smooth and graceful lines along the sides create a more graceful appearance and help to redirect airflow. The rear is dominated by thin taillights and a large carbon fiber diffuser that helps keep the Esprit planted to the road.

The same mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout that the Esprit has been known for is again featured in the newest concept. The new Esprit will use a high-revving supercharged 5.0-liter V-8, similar to the one found in the Lexus IS F that will produce 612 horsepower and 531 lb-ft. of torque. Lotus will also be offering a hybrid model and feature a KERS system – just like in Formula 1 – that will allow for short bursts of additional power. The optional hybrid technology will further reduce CO2 emissions down to just 250 g/km, as Lotus aims towards a greener lineup. Power will be sent through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and coupled with the 3,190-lb. weight, help to propel the Esprit to 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds and to a top speed of 205 mph.

Inside, Lotus aims to retain a minimalistic design while still incorporating comfort and class. The overall design is very driver-oriented with all the controls ergonomically positioned towards the driver. A modern gauge cluster displays the tachometer and speed at the center, while important information and navigation is shown alongside.

The new Lotus Esprit will begin production at the end of 2012, with sales starting in the spring of 2013. Pricing is estimated to start at £ 110,000 (+/- 174,000 USD).

Engine:
Displacement: 5.0-liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Position: Mid-layout
Aspiration: Supercharged
Maximum Horsepower: 612
Maximum Torque: 531 lb-ft.
Maximum Engine Speed: 8,500 RPM
Optional: Hybrid system with KERS

Transmission:
Type: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Drive: Rear-wheel

Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.4 seconds
Top Speed: 205 mph

Additional Information:
Weight: 3,190 lbs.
Seats: Two

[Source: Lotus]

How do you think the new Esprit will compete with other supercars when it is released in 2013? Leave a comment and let us know!

Since its debut, the Lotus Evora has stormed onto the world sportscar stage and taken home numerous awards such as Evo Magazine’s 2009 Car of the Year, Top Gear’s 2009 Sports Car of the Year, and Car Magazine’s 2009 Performance Car of the Year. The mid-engined 2+2 brought everyday driving comfort to a balanced driver-oriented chassis that is synonymous with Lotus. The evolution of the Evora continues with two new variants set to debut at the Paris Motor Show, each branching off in opposite directions on the driver enthusiast scale. The new Evora S packs a more powerful punch and responsive chassis, while the Evora IPS (Intelligent Precision Shift) features a new six-speed automatic – a word that can only be found in the Lotus vocabulary by going back to the Lotus Excels of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s.

After such a successful introduction of the Evora, the next logical step for Lotus was to unveil a performance version that pushed the limits of the chassis and engine. Weighing in at only 3,161 lbs. (1437 kg), the Lotus Evora S still retains the principal of lightweight performance that Lotus is known for. “The Evora S is a natural progression for us but more than that, it’s a taste of what people can come to expect from the next generation of Lotus cars,” said Lotus Chief Commercial Officer Andreas Prillmann. “It retains core Lotus values such as performance through lightweight but it also gives more than that. It’s the perfect combination of top performance, style and comfort.”

Differentiating the Evora S from the base Evora are new, performance-oriented upgrades. For the Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V-6, Lotus has squeezed an additional 70 horsepower and 37 lb-ft. of torque, bringing the total output to 350 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque. A Sport Pack also comes standard on the Evora S, which installs a sport button on the dashboard. When pushed, the sport button raises the rev-limit, opens up the exhaust bypass valves, and adjusts the dynamic stability control settings. The chassis has also been tuned to handle the increased power and provide better feedback at the limit, while new cross-drilled brakes improve cooling. The additional power and chassis upgrades result in an improved 0-60mph time of just 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 172 mph – take that Cayman S!

While the Evora S offers customers a more enthusiastic driving experience, the new Lotus Evora IPS (Intelligent Precision Shift) takes the drivability and comfort not found in the rest of the Lotus model line, and improves it with a new automatic transmission. While hearing the phrase “automatic transmission” and “Lotus” may come as a shock to enthusiasts, the option opens up the Evora to a larger market. The new six-speed automatic still retains much of the Evora’s dynamic character, allowing drivers to select either full automatic or manual paddle shift control. At the touch of a button, drivers can also select the “sport” mode, which gives the driver more control over the car and transmission. The Evora IPS will come standard with the Evora’s 280 horsepower, and make the 0-60 sprint in 5.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph.

The new Evora S and Evora IPS variants will make their debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show on September 30th. Both models broaden the market for not only the Evora, but for Lotus as well. So, while an “automatic” Lotus may seem blasphemous, the Evora S only shows that the automaker has not lost its way. Don’t forget, by Lotus selling more cars it allows the automaker to fund projects like the new Esprit and Seven!

Lotus Evora S:

Engine: Mid mounted, transverse 3.5 liter DOHC V-6 VVT-I
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Chassis: Modular lightweight bonded aluminum structure
Steering: Lotus tuned hydraulically-assisted power steering
Suspension: Forged aluminum double wishbone suspension
-Bilstein high performance gas dampers
-Eibach coaxial coil springs
Vehicle Mass (unladen): 3161.4 lbs (1437kg)

Performance:
Maximum Horsepower: 350 HP at 7000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 295 lb-ft. at 4500 rpm
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 4.8 seconds
Top Speed: 172 mph

Lotus Evora IPS:

Engine: Mid mounted, transverse 3.5 liter DOHC V6 VVT-I
Transmission: Electronically controlled six-speed automatic
Chassis: Modular lightweight bonded aluminum structure
Steering: Lotus tuned hydraulically-assisted power steering
Suspension: Forged aluminum double wishbone suspension
-Bilstein high performance gas dampers
-Eibach coaxial coil springs
Vehicle Mass (unladen): 3159.2 lbs. (1436 kg)

Performance:
Maximum Horsepower: 280 HP at 6400rpm
Max torque: 258 lb-ft. at 4700rpm
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 5.3 seconds
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 5.5 seconds
Top Speed: 155mph

[Source: Lotus]

What do you think of the new Evora S? What about Lotus introducing an automatic transmission? Leave a comment and let us know!

The design of the 2011 Elise is more contemporary while still maintaining its sporty character; a design principal utilized in the Evora. The front of the Elise is cleaner, the result of a new bumper and front clam with revised air intakes, giving the car a clean-cut appearance. New headlights featuring LED lights that act as both daytime running lights and directional indicators, run down along the outside of the headlamps. Lotus’ attention to detail can be found in the new LED side markers, which incorporate an Elise graphic. At the rear, the same clean, sculpted forms are used to create a dynamic stance. The rear bumper has been redesigned to include a rear license plate holder and a more aggressive diffuser. Sitting over the mid-mounted engine is a new “twin spine” engine cover. With the new design, the drag coefficient has been reduced by four percent.

Two new lightweight wheels are available for the 2011 model year. Newly designed cast wheels are standard for the Elise. Optionally, a set of forged alloy wheels are available and weigh just 64.5 lbs. (4.7 lbs. less than the cast wheels). Both sets of wheels are available in a silver or black finish. High performance vented and cross-drilled 11.1-inch disc brakes with AP Racing calipers at the front and Brembo calipers at the rear peek through the new multi-spoke wheels. A track tuned ABS system is standard, and is programmed to only intervene in emergencies.

The same lightweight engines are carried over for the 2011 Elise and Elise SC. The Toyota 2ZZ-GE (no sticky gas pedal recall) engine produces 189 hp at 7,800 RPM and 133 lb-ft. of torque at 6,800 RPM for the Elise model. The Elise SC receives the Lotus-designed supercharger system for 218 hp and 156 lb-ft. of torque. The system operates without the use of an intercooler, allowing for rearview visibility and a 17.6 lbs. weight reduction. Both engines are mated to the Toyota-sourced C64 six-speed manual transmission, producing fast and slick gear changes.

The new 2011 Elise and Elise SC models will be available in both the U.S. and Canadian markets in late summer of 2010. Pricing for both models has not been released, but expect the Elise to start at just under $50,000, while pricing for the Elise SC is expected to start in the mid-$50,000 range.

Lotus Elise

Engine:
Type: 2ZZ-GE Toyota inline 4
Displacement: 1.8 liters
Engine Management System: Lotus T6 Engine Management Control System
Horsepower: 189 @ 7,800 RPM
Torque: 133 lb-ft. @ 6,800 RPM

Drivetrain:
Transmission: Toyota C64 six-speed manual
Drive: Rear wheel

Wheels and Brakes:
Wheels: Standard cast alloy, optional forged alloy (black or silver)
Front Brakes: 11.1” vented and cross-drilled iron discs with AP Racing calipers
Rear Brakes: 11.1” vented and cross-drilled iron discs with Brembo calipers
ABS system: Track tuned

Pricing: Approx. < $50,000

Lotus Elise SC

Engine:
Type: Supercharged 2ZZ-GE Toyota inline 4
Displacement: 1.8 liters
Engine Management System: Lotus T6 Engine Management Control System
Supercharger: Eaton rotor pack, non-intercooled
Horsepower: 218
Torque: 156 lb-ft.
Acceleration 0-60 mph: mid – 4 second range

Drivetrain:
Transmission: Toyota C64 six-speed manual
Drive: Rear wheel

Wheels and Brakes:
Wheels: Standard cast alloy, optional forged alloy (black or silver)
Front Brakes: 11.1” vented and cross-drilled iron discs with AP Racing calipers
Rear Brakes: 11.1” vented and cross-drilled iron discs with Brembo calipers
ABS system: Track tuned

Pricing: Approx. $55,000

Do you see yourself getting behind the wheel of a 2011 Lotus Elise? Let us know your thought!

Developed by Lotus Motorsport, the Evora Cup is a GT4-spec racer that is also eligible for a number of national and international race series. The Evora’s mid-engine design, stiff chassis, and double wishbone suspension made the transformation from production car to a racecar an easier task for Lotus Motorsport.

The mid-mounted 3.5-liter Toyota V-6 in the production Evora displaces 4.0-liters in the Cup car, and receives a performance air filter, dry sump system, and motorsport ECU. The new 4.0-liter produces 400 hp at 7,000 RPM and 295 lb-ft. of torque at 6,000 RPM, and sends power to the rear wheels through a Cima six-speed, sequential paddle shift transmission. Six-piston front brake calipers with two-piece aluminum bellied brake discs provide unrivaled stopping power. The Evora Cup is also fitted with adjustable motorsport dampers, allowing for optimum handling.

A lightweight aerodynamics package developed by Dallara utilizes carbon fiber parts to increase downforce for optimal handling, and redirect air for improved cooling. Over 440 lbs. has been shed from the Evora with the use of high performance parts and removal of unnecessary equipment, bringing the weight down to a mere 2,645 lbs. The Evora Cup will have a fire extinguisher standard along with an electrical cut off, traction control, and FIA compatible equipment.

The 2010 Evora Cup Series will be held in Europe, concluding with two Lotus festivals in Donington Park in the UK (October 16–17, 2010) and the second at Vallelunga in Italy (November 21-22, 2010). Five points will be awarded for entering each race, with an additional five points for a first place finish, down to one point for a fifth place finish. Double points will be awarded at both Lotus festivals. The driver who is awarded the most points from a maximum of six races will be crowned champion. A prize fund of at least €100,000 will be available.

The Evora Cup will be available for £120,000 before taxes, and will be presented at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March. Buyers may register their interest at http://www.lotusevoracup.com Availability for the North American market is yet to be determined.

(more images coming once they become available)

Performance:

Max Power: Approx. 400 hp @ 7000 rpm*
Max Torque: Approx. 295 ft.-lbs. @ 6000 rpm*
Max Engine Revs: 7250 rpm*
Fuel Rating: 98 RON Minimum
Engine Position: Transverse Mid Mounted
Unladen Vehicle Mass: 2,645 lbs.

Powertrain:

Engine: Mid-mounted, transverse 4-liter DOHC V6 VVT-i 2GR-FE Naturally Aspirated with Dry Sump
Engine Management: Motorsport ECU
Diagnostics: Service Only
Gearbox: Sequential 6-speed, driving rear wheels, transverse layout dog, reverse and neutral engagement, protected semi dry sump, force feed lubrication, internal gerotor pump, external oil cooler, reverse cut directly onto the primary shaft. Lock adjustable from min 60% to max 90%
Gear Shift: Paddle shift, hydraulic actuation with flat shift and autoblip systems
Clutch: Twin plate sintered clutch
Gear ratios / forward: 13/38, 18/34, 21/30, 23/27, 25/25, 26/23
Gear ratios / final drive: 17/57
Exhaust System: Competition exhaust manifold, competition silencer
Exhaust Noise: 110 dB (A) at 3800 rpm (FIA)*
Induction System: Performance Air Filter

Exterior:

Body Panel: Carbon Fiber Front Splitter, Diffuser, and Rear Wing
Color: Standard Lotus Colors

Interior:

Steering Type: Rack and Pinion, Power Assisted, quick release wheel
Instruments/Controls: Motorsport Instrument Pack/Dash, Gear indicator, traction control, fire extinguisher, and electrical cut out
Seat: FIA Approved competition seat on fixed mounting frame – HANS approved
Seat Belts: FIA Approved 6-point competition harness – HANS compatible

Vehicle:

Chassis: Modular lightweight bonded aluminum structure
Suspension Front/Rear: Forged aluminum double wishbone suspension, Bilstein multi-position single-point adjustable dampers, Eibach coaxial coil springs, uprated bushes, uprated anti roll bar
Braking System: Servo Assisted with race tunable ABS, steel braided lines
Brakes Front: Six piston front calipers, two-piece aluminum belled discs, race pad
Brakes Rear: Four piston front calipers, two-piece aluminum belled discs, race pad
Brake/Clutch: Fluid Competition Fluid
Wheels: Front – 18 x 8.5 Rear – 18 x 10
Tires: Front – 235/625-18 Rear – 285/645-18
Fuel System: FIA FT3 Approved with internal high pressure pump, regulator and filter
Fuel Tank / Capacity: 120 liters
Fuel Tank / Filler: FIA Approved Quick Fill
Engine Cooling: Uprated Radiator, Laminova oil/water heat exchanger

* Subject to development testing
Specifications provided by Lotus