2010 PARIS AUTO SHOW
Lotus product blitz coming with five new cars
The Lotus Eterne
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And Lotus is dusting off two of its memorable nameplates for these future cars -- Esprit and Elan -- and christening the sedan the Eterne.
Here's a quick rundown of the future for Lotus:
Lotus Elan
Due in fall 2013, the Elan is a two-seater or optional 2+2, with a 4.0-liter V6 mounted behind the seats. The KERS hybrid system will be an option. Lotus says the styling of the Elan is inspired by Mario Andretti's 1978 Formula One car. The V6 will be rated at 450 hp and will drive through the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Look for a curb weight of about 2,855 pounds and a price in the $120,000 range.
Lotus Esprit
Set to go on sale in spring 2013, the Esprit is a two-seat rear-driver with a 5.0-liter V8 tucked behind the seats. Lotus said the engine would make 620 hp. A kinetic-energy-recovery system, to make the Esprit a hybrid, will be an option. The transmission will be a seven-speed dual-clutch unit. Lotus says the car will weigh about 3,190 pounds and carry a price of about $173,000.
Lotus Elite
Due in spring 2014, the Elite is a front-engine, rear-drive 2+2 with an optional KERS hybrid system. Under the hood will be the 5.0-liter V8, rated at 620 hp. The car will weigh about 3,600 pounds. Look for a sticker price of about $181,000.
Lotus Elise
A redesign for the Lotus Elise is set to arrive in spring 2015. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, making 320 hp, sits behind the seats, driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. Lotus says a dual-clutch unit will be optional. The Elise powertrain will also have a start/stop function to reduce emissions. Curb weight will be about 2,400 pounds. The expected price is $55,000.
Lotus Eterne
Even with four doors, Lotus says the Eterne will be a true sports car. It will seat four people, carry a 620-hp, 5.0-liter V8 under the hood and will be available with rear drive or all-wheel drive. And there will be a KERS hybrid option. Lotus says the Eterne will weigh nearly 4,000 pounds yet make the run from 0 to 62 mph in 4.0 seconds. The car is expected to go on sale in spring 2015 with a sticker price of about $189,000.
