UPDATE: First 2014 Lotus Elite video added
We conclude the new Lotus line-up with the 2014 Lotus Elite, which has already been presented a few days ago. Today however, the company’s released the full 2014 Lotus Elite specs and the first images of its interior. As previously announced, the 2014 Lotus Elite will be a 2+2 seater, front-mid-engined, with rear wheel drive powered by a petrol engine, or, as on option, a hybrid system. The 2014 Lotus Elite hides under its hood the 5.0 liter V8 with 620 PS and 720 Nm of torque that revs until it reaches the 8,500 rpm mark. The top speed of the 2014 Lotus Elite is rated at 315 km/h, the 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time at 3.7 seconds and the CO2 emissions at 215 g/km.
The engine of the 2014 Lotus Elite is coupled
with a full hybrid transmission with integrated electric motors, not like the other new models. The car is also fitted with KERS.
The 2014 Lotus Elite price has been set at 115,000 GBP for when the new model goes on sale in 2014.
Lotus Press Release:
Look up elegant in the dictionary and you’ll find variations on the following 1. dignified grace in appearance, movement, or behavior, 2. superb taste in design, style and 3. something elegant; the ultimate refinement.
The ground-breaking new Lotus 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 liter 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 Lotus 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 Lotus Elite – it’s the ultimate sports car feel with comfort and space. There will always be those who believe that
2014 Lotus Elite video:
Lotus should stick to small sports cars but we didn’t take the decision to design something like the Lotus 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 Lotus Elite raises the benchmark higher still.”
The Lotus Elite will redefine “modern classic”.
