The new Lotus Europa S, a Grand Tourer (GT) inspired two-seater will
provide Lotus customers with a spectacular sportscar with
significantly enhanced levels of touring and cruising capability. It
will provide drivers with higher levels of practicality and refinement
to complement the simplicity of the Lotus Elise and Exige models.
The Lotus Europa S follows the core Lotus philosophy of performance
through light weight enabling this refined and very high performing GT
car to weigh just 995 kg. This low weight has been obtained through
the clever use of advanced and high tech materials including an
extruded and bonded aluminium chassis, composite body panels and a
very advanced composite energy absorbing front crash structure.
When compared to the award winning Lotus Elise, the Europa S has a
larger boot / luggage compartment and easier cabin access, resulting
from lower chassis sides and a higher roof line. Coupled with luxuries
such as full leather interior, driver and passenger airbags and
carpets all as standard, Lotus has created a "Business Class" driving
experience.
However, the Europa S is not a derivative of the Elise or the Exige
and has been allocated a separate Lotus type number of Type 121 - the
Elise and Exige are both Type 111.
The new mid-engined coupe will deliver high levels of performance from
a high torque (263 Nm or 194 lbft at 4200 rpm) 2.0-litre turbo engine
producing 149 kW (200 hp or 203 PS) at 5400rpm. The Lotus Europa S
achieves around 90% of its maximum torque at only 2000 rpm to give
"super car" levels of acceleration from low engine speeds, propelling
the car from 0 -96 km/h (60 mph) in around 5.5 seconds, and 160 km/h
(100 mph) in around 14 seconds.
Maximum speed is approximately 225 km/h (140 mph). Being a Lotus, the
Europa S has a phenomenal power to weight ratio of 201 hp / tonne (204
PS / tonne or 6.68 kg / kW).
Tony Shute, Head of Product for at Lotus Cars explains the concept
behind the new product: "The Lotus Europa S has allowed Lotus to
exploit its extensive capabilities in developing a sophisticated GT
car which successfully complements the range of existing cars. The
'Grand Tourer'
concept underpinning the Europa S provides the driver with a refined
environment, incorporating innovative styling features which do not
compromise the superior performance and handling that is synonymous
with the Lotus marque."
Describing the Lotus Europa S, Russell Carr, Chief of Design for Lotus
says: "The form of a design should reflect the spirit of the car, and
the Lotus Europa S is no different. Where the rebellious track-focused
personality of the Exige is characterised by shrink-wrapped athletic
forms communicating agility and power, the Europa S has a more fluid,
understated language reflecting its more sophisticated persona."
The introduction of a GT car, represents both an important and unique
addition to the Lotus product range, as Clive Dopson, Managing
Director of Lotus Cars, explains: "The launch of the Europa S
re-affirms our position as an innovative player in the highly
competitive sportscar marketplace. It allows Lotus to extend its
product appeal beyond our traditional customer base, and provides yet
another demonstration of the key Lotus brand attributes and high
levels of quality for which we are particularly proud."
Production of the Lotus Europa S is scheduled to commence in July
2006 at the award winning and world leading Lotus manufacturing
facility at the Lotus Headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk, UK. The Europa
S will be sold in all markets where the Lotus brand is present, except
for the USA and Canada.
Final pricing and full specifications will be announced closer to the
on-sale date, but the price is expected to be the region of £33000
(49000 Euros) depending on individual market taxation.
Predicted Performance figures:
Target acceleration
0 to 96 km/h (60 mph): 5.5 seconds (approximately)
0 to 160 km/h (100 mph): 14.0 seconds (approximately)
Maximum speed: 225 km/h (140mph) (approximately)
I quite like it!! 
)
