Lotus Elite Supercar Revealed With 612-HP

[AutoGuide.com]

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Lotus has just revealed what it claims is just the start of a “new era” for the historic British sports car maker; a 612-hp supercar dubbed the Elite. Output comes from a 5.0-liter V8 (likely sourced from the Lexus IS-F), but rather than that car’s 400+ horsepower number, the Elite makes an incredible 612-hp at 531 ft-lbs of torque.

Lotus will officially take the wraps off its new flagship model at the Paris Auto Show on September 30th, where it will also showcase several other new models.

This 2+2 seater (based on a modified version of the Evora platform) will also be available with a KERS-style hybrid system that allows for added boosts of electric power. That power will be stored in a battery pack and created by converting the heat from braking into energy.

Also of note, Lotus will offer the car with a retractable hardtop.

“Make no mistake, there’s a definite market requirement for the Elite,” said Lotus CEO Dany Bahar, “it’s 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 didn’t take the decision to design something like the Elite lightly, it’s based on months of careful research and planning. It’s worth noting this sector has been very successful for us in the past and now the Elite raises the benchmark higher still.”

Those interested in owning the new Lotus supercar will have to be patient, however, as Lotus promises it won’t be for sale until the Spring of 2014.

[Bodhii]

Hate seeing Lotus go to a front engine design for their flagship. To me that is a regressive technology for sportscars.

[Arin@APR]

I hate to admit, it kinda looks like a sexy honda element.