Lotus is gearing up for the largest and most important automotive event of the year that takes place in Frankfurt next month with the presentation of three brand-new models, one special edition version and two new options for its current lineup.
The British company announced that one of the new models is the Elise S that replaces the Elise SC with a more capable 1.8-liter supercharged engine delivering 220-horsepower, while also returning lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
For the other two “new models”, we’ll have to wait until the Frankfurt Motor Show opens its doors on September 13 to find out. However, Lotus did reveal that one of them will be “one of the quickest road cars” it has ever built while the other marks the return of the brand to “another adrenalin filled motorsport discipline”.
The Evora GTE limited edition road car that is inspired by the race-developed version of the same name will join the three new Lotus models.
The British automaker originally planned to offer the GTE in a limited edition exclusively for Asian markets but has now announced that production will be expanded to all regions.
“The response to this model in China has been so incredible, within days we had sold out with 114 orders,” said Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar. “In response we decided that the only logical step from a business perspective was to increase production and widen our reach.”
The street-legal Evora GTE is powered by the racing model’s modified 444PS V6 engine coupled to a sequential AMT gearbox. An abundant use of carbon fibre parts throughout the exterior and interior of the car including the doors, bumpers and rear wing, contributes to the 105kg (232 pounds) weight reduction over the standard model.
“What is unique about this car, is not just that it’s a serious race car – it’s a serious car. 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!,” commented Bahar.
Finally, Lotus will use the Frankfurt Show to exhibit two new options, including the introduction of the SPS (Serial Precision Shift) robotised automated manual transmission for the 1.6-liter Elise, and the IPS (Intelligent Precision Shift) automatic gearbox on the Evora S which is powered by a 350-horsepower, 3.5-liter supercharged V6.
