2011 Lotus Evora

Powered by a Lotus-tuned 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280PS/ 206 kW / 276 hp @ 6400 rpm, and weighing just 1382 kg, the Lotus Evora delivers an exhilarating experience true to the Lotus DNA characteristics.

With the zero to 60 mph sprint taking just 4.9 seconds (100 km/h in just 5.1seconds) a top speed of 162 mph (261 km/h) and an Official European Combined Cycle fuel economy just 33.2 mpg (8.5 litres / 100 km) and emissions of just 199 g/km CO2 the Evora stays true to the ethos of performance through light weight. The other economy figures are equally impressive with Official European Urban Cycle of 23.4 mpg (12.1 litres / 100 km) and 44.8 mpg (6.3 litres / 100 km) for the Official European Extra Urban Cycle all combined with exceptional ride and handling.

2011 Lotus Elise SC

Making its debut at the 80th International Geneva Motorshow, the 2011 model year Lotus Elise introduces a number of changes and improvements to maintain its class leading position.

For the 2011 model year, the Elise range will consist of the following variants:

• Lotus Elise – 136 PS, less than 155 g of CO2 /km – new 1.6 litre engine *
• Lotus Elise R – 192 PS, 196 g of CO2 /km – 1.8 litre engine
• Lotus Elise SC – 220 PS, 199 g of CO2 /km – 1.8 litre supercharged engine

Key changes and improvements to the whole of the 2011 model year Elise range: New evolution body design incorporating new front clamshell, rear bumper and engine cover, New all in one integrated headlights including LED day light running lights and LED direction indicators, Improved aerodynamics with a reduction in Cd by 4%, resulting in better fuel economy, New cast and forged wheels and Vehicle warranty increased from 2 years to 3 years and 36, 000 miles

Additional changes for the 2011 model year entry level Lotus Elise: New high technology 1ZR-FAE 1.6 litre engine with Valvematic and Dual VVT-I technology to optimise the performance and efficiency of the engine, Less than 155 g of CO2 per km (an improvement of over 13% compared to the 2010 Elise S)*, Combined fuel consumption 6.14 litres / 100 km (46 mpg)*, New 6 speed close ratio gearbox and Cruise control available as part of the Touring pack

LOTS of LOTUS on the way

Elise, Elan, Esprit and Elite. Famous names revived for what is possibly the boldest strategy undertaken by any sports car manufacturer in the last twenty years. Under the plans laid down by Danny Bahar, Lotus will have a whole new model range on sale within the next five years.

Elise: the current model will be replaced by one that has 296bhp as standard from a 2.0-litre forced induction engine, upped to 345bhp for an R version. Expect a Cayman rival. A convertible will also be available

Elan: Aimed squarely at the Porsche 911, the £75,000 Elan is a mid-engined 2+2 with a 4.0-litre transverse V6, producing 395bhp or 463bhp depending on whether you opt for standard or R models. Coupe and convertible choices will be offered

Esprit: The super car returns. Equipped with Lexus IS-F’s 5.0-litre V8. Expect 0-60mph in 3.5sec and 200mph max.

Elite: The first car announced last week, a front engine GT

Eterne: A four door Porsche Panamera and Aston Rapide rival, common with the Elite, being front engined and using the same Esprit powerplant.

Road cars are not just the big news. They are also going racing BIG TIME.

It’s developing a brand new LMP2 car for the 2012 Le Mans 24 Hours as part of a massive expansion of its motorsport strategy.

The GT4 version of its Evora model will be followed by GT2 and GT3 variations set to be made too.

Its LMP2 coupe is being designed by Paolo Catone, who was the chief engineer behind the Le Mans-winning 908 HDi FAP, and will begin testing late next year.

“This very special project is under the expert direction of technical genius Paolo Catone,” said a Lotus statement.

“The car is being developed to meet new ACO rules, it will have a closed cockpit and is due to be on-track late 2011, with an assault on the 24 Hours of Le Mans planned for 2012.”

Lotus has also promised that in addition to the GT2 version of the Evora, it will create an all-new GT2 car “based on one of our eagerly anticipated future road cars, set to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show.”

Single seater racing is also part of the plan with a partnership with multiple champion team ART for GP2 and GP 3. Expansion in the US with its IndyCar involvement, as well as building a new test track at its Hethel factory in Norfolk that the company says “will be ideal for customer experiences, GT racing and F1 testing.”

Lotus Motorsport boss Claudio Berro said: “Lotus is motorsport and racing is in our DNA. We have a special place in motorsport history and now as we unveil the beginning of our future plans it’s important for people to realise just how committed we are to doing our heritage justice.

“There is no better platform to demonstrate the transfer of technology from track to road car than a full range of pure motorsport activity, we have to tick all the boxes.”