Introducing the Lotus Elite 5.0 V8

Written by Johnathan Bodily

European - Lotus

Lotus Elite

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

So here it is, the Lotus Elite, the first taste of whatʼs to come from Lotus in the future. Look up elegant in the dictionary and youʼll 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. Itʼs compact yet chic body is elegance incarnate. Itʼs not only exquisitely elegant, in keeping with Lotusʼ core values, itʼs 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: “Thereʼs no denying that the Elite is breathtakingly beautiful to look at but itʼs so much more than that, itʼs a car that over delivers in all other aspects as well. One could say itʼs a car of perfect contradictions, itʼs compact yet spacious, high performing yet low emitting, lightweight yet still reassuringly solid. Itʼs 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, thereʼs a definite market requirement for the Elite – itʼs 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 didnʼt take the decision to design something like the Elite lightly, itʼs based on months of careful research and planning. Itʼs 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 itʼs 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 frontmid 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.

Elite Specification
Layout: 2+2 seater, front-mid-engined, rear wheel drive
Dimensions:
Length: 4.60m
Width: 1.90m
Height: 1.32m
Engine: Petrol, hybrid optional
Hybrid technology: Hybrid gearbox, integrated electric motors and KERS
Capacity: 5.0 litre V-8
Power/Torque: 620 PS / 720 Nm
Rev limit: 8,500 rpm
0-100 km/h: 3.5 to 3.7 seconds
Top speed: 315 km/h
CO_ approx (CO_/km): 215 g/km*
Weight: 1,650 kg
Seats: 2+2
Transmission: Full Hybrid transmission
Drive: RWD
Start of production: Early 2014
Enters the market: Spring 2014
Price indication: Circa £115,000
* Using Optional Hybrid