Lotus fans are set for a somewhat rude awakening, as understood by CAR UK. In an interview, company boss, Jean-Marc Gales, has revealed that a Lotus Evora-based crossover is already in the works. While it remains rear-wheel drive, the new car is said to receive a hike in ride height and revised styling to suit.
The move was hinted earlier on when Gales mentioned plans of a SUV and sedan being in the pipeline. Fast forward and it seems as though certain bits of said plan are in motion – not surprising when Lotus is aiming to widen its appeal in markets where “soft-roaders” are the cars to be seen in such as North America and China.
Enthusiasts need not worry, though. A cluster of models, in the mould of more traditional Lotus cars, are set for an appearance including a hardcore model – similar to the Lotus 2-Eleven. The long-awaited refreshed Lotus Evora is also due to debut at the 2015 Geneva motor show.
Boasting more power and (get this!) lower and narrower sills to ease accessibility, the new Evora “will be faster. There’s nothing this side of £100,000 that will beat it on a track – unless it’s another Lotus,” claims Gales. A roadster variant is also hinted with Gales commenting that it “is the easiest thing in the world to do.”
While the latest Elise and Exige models have undergone a rather stark aesthetic revamp, the new Evora crossover – completely unrelated to the Lotus APX concept pictured above – should possess a new look that’s more evolutionary than revolutionary.
The reappointment of Russell Carr as head of design at Lotus means that the man responsible for the Evora in the first place should see to it that his initial design receives a more contemporary look rather than trying to ape the more unconventional design cues employed by rival companies.
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“there’s nothing this side of £100,000 that will beat it on a track – unless it’s another Lotus.” What a statement, got to like this.
Where Lotus find the big money to do it?
Tax payers and Proton supporters lah
Lotus malaysia have no business with Lotus UK.
Tell you something, Lotus R&D are all do in UK not Malaysia. Proton only buy Lotus Malaysia. Not the whole Lotus.
The Regional Growth Fund (RGF) has awarded Lotus £10.44 million
http://www.lotuscars.com/gb/news/corporate/multi-million-pound-boost-lotus
http://malaysiagazette.com/ms/ekonomi/geran-%C2%A31044-juta-untuk-lotus-plc
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/car-manufacturers/lotus/10473952/Lotus-receives-10-million-Government-grant.html
It’s worth.
If Lotus does not come with Toyota engine.. I wonder who will buy Lotus.
it will be expensive yet not reliable.
I wonder who will buy lotus for toyota engine instead of their Lotus Handling technology
Why didn’t Lotus use Proton engine?
How the fxxx I know? Ask proton or Same Lorrrr
LOL, Proton engine can’t even enter Europe market (not Euro 5 compliant).
If you don’t know, ask politely. Being ignorant shows you have No more Value.
The answer is simple – Proton’s engine is not up to “global” standard. Either it is not reliable enough or the performance is too low. Supporters just don’t want to admit it. Even Proton cannot syiok themselves to put the engine in Lotus. Haha
Continue your story and you will become next PM. Like I dont know proton’s engine have no europe standard.
I see fire, consuming proton, by its pride and ego
Those are pretty big statements. Let’s hope they have more omph to back up its bark. It wasn’t long ago when a BMW 1M coupe would out run its Evora.
I wonder what Nissan would say about that……. I was never a fan of the Skylines… Being too big and heavy GTs than small lightweight sports cars but credit is rightfully due, the R35 is an engineering marvel.
Wake me up when Lotus starts developing their own engine instead of using Toyota’s.
Can’t they use CamPro? Tak layak kah?
Even American jet figther use British Royce Roll engine, so what?
When it is good and reliable, everyone wants it.
Not like the powerless and fuel hunger self-developed 1.6l engine. Tun and fanboys excited for nothing, no one buy that car also.
Err, nope. Since when any american plane uses a wholly british engine? Never.
Some Mustangs uses Packard-Merlins but these are Americanised versions of the famed British pistons.
On the other hand, Anglised jets like the Brit F4 Phantoms uses a compatible British engine such as Rolls Royce Speys.
So nope I will have to call BS on your statement.
Check out: http://www.rolls-royce.com/northamerica/na/markets/defense_aerospace/
“Today, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is the company’s largest government customer worldwide.”
Who is bullshitting?
I consider myself a military plane otaku. So if u will indulge me, I will take down your argument bit by bit. Starting from your source of RR website, looking through their product range, those involved in US military are: LiftSystem in the F-35 but which was a collaborated effort with GE so that’s not wholly British. The Pegasus used in AV-8’s but which is basically an Americanised British Hawker Harrier, so it doesn’t count. Next would be the ex-Allison range of engines, T56, AE2100, M250, T406/AE 1107C, AE 3007. FYI, Allison was a wholly American company when they designed these engines before RR buy-out. Lastly the LHTEC T800 which is a collaboration with Honeywell (again an American affiliate). While I can’t say for the future, current US planes are designed around US engines (or at least with major collaboration, not CKD mind you).
Reason is because their defence industries are like our automotive, which prioritise local makes, even if others have an advantage, as long as there’s a local equivalent. Case in point, the RR Nene engine was much better that US equivalents but was not adopted to spur the US engine makers. In time, the US makes improved themselves and came out with some notable powerplants: GE F110 in F-16’s, P&W F100 in F-15’s upto F119 in F-22’s. As long as there’s major improvement in each generation.
So again I will call BS on your statement. I do look forward to your counter-argument if any.
Please do.
NEW ENGINE
To meet the challenges of emissions legislation, market demand for cleaner vehicles and the potential of emerging alternative fuels, Lotus Engineering design and develop new engine architectures for clean, efficient engines with series production in mind.
We have a history of pioneering new designs and incorporating new technologies for both road and track. Our knowledge of combustion, engine design, calibration and production places us at the forefront of downsized engine development.
As a manufacturer and integrator, Lotus has a track record of developing high and low volume production engines but also, we understand and ensure that the engine is integral to a positive driving experience.
Our service offering includes feasibility and concept engineering as well as full, turnkey solutions. OMNIVORE and the Lotus Range Extender engine are two recent examples of Lotus Engineering once again pushing the boundaries of engine technology.
Malunya, Proton own Lotus need to use Toyota engine
Hahaha.. So what if it uses Toyota engines. The ZZ series in the Elise is actually designed by YAMAHA. Now, that’s some pedigree.
RANGE EXTENDER ENGINES
Lotus Engineering can develop and integrate range extender engines into hybrid vehicles.
The concept Lotus Range Extender is an extremely compact, lightweight, low-cost engine and generator, designed specifically for hybrid electric vehicles. This concept engine was fitted to the Jaguar Limo Green research vehicle.
The Lotus Range Extender is also used in the Evora 414E Reevolution and is on show in the cutaway hybrid Evora 414Evolution exhibit. The 1.3 litre, three cylinder Lotus Range Extender engine offers high efficiency and low mass, which will enable the downsizing of expensive batteries, whilst maintaining vehicle efficiency and range of hybrid electric vehicles.
Designing the engine specifically for hybrid applications has provided a number of opportunities to significantly reduce the mass of the engine. This mass optimisation has resulted in an engine weight of 58 kg for the supercharged version and 51 kg for the naturally aspirated variant.
Lotus has experience of using a hydrogen fuel cell as a range extender, in the Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicle.
Lotus Evora crossover = Lotus Exora?
Potong first SUV… watchout CRV & CX5…this potong will kick your a__..
Make it good-looking, fast, and powerful; people will start buying.
Will Proton supporters buy if it came with Toyota engine?
Will Toyota supporters buy if Vios came with Lotus tuned chassis and superb ride and handling?
Of course!
Toyota’s reliability + Lotus handling = Best combination
great! hope this will b a success! use lah whatever engine, all the best to Lotus!
Cannot, must use Proton engine. If not, supporters mana letak muka?
T dun know what is malu, even roof is zinc alike!
Use same engine and gear then declare new cars, and that for generations!
We learn from Proton mah! Old Saga declare to be “New Saga”
ACTIVE VALVE TRAIN (AVT™)
The AVT system was developed to support research into advanced combustion techniques including Low Temperature Combustion, Controlled Auto Ignition and Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI). Where there is a need to develop camshaft and valvetrain designs, AVT simulations eliminate the need to change engine hardware thus dramatically speeding up the testing and development of engines and combustion. The Lotus AVT system is used on single cylinder engines in the research department of vehicle manufacturers and universities around the world who benefit from the ability to independently control each valve with cycle to cycle variation and operating speeds up to 8,000 RPM.
Same old people,
Same old comments, criticizing Proton..
Grow up!
[Off-topic] I have respect for Lotus Engineering and rich history of achievements in engineering, but it had debt problems. However all those of 18 years (since 1996) Protons ownership, Proton cars acquired Lotus handing plus Campro engine was claim to be by Lotus but they cannot used the badge “Handling and Engine by Lotus” only “Handling by Lotus”. Not sure how much IRIZ engines comes from brain power of Lotus Engineering.
New CEO has to show results and revamp the team, so right direction increase revenue and sales for the survival of Lotus after 18 years already.
The Lotus EPX is such an ugly and cheap looking car!!!
You must be fan of Almera and Dugung designs
Aren’t they building the coachwork for Proton’s new D segment?
I would suggest that they preplan the thing to have a more upmarket 4wd version for Lotus and lower spec 2wd and 7 seater ver for Potong.