The next generation model revealed at the Paris Motor Show gains a bit of weight, but it also gets extra power to compensate. That comes courtesy of a four-cylinder 2.0 litre engine, which will be available with an optional start-stop system to improve fuel economy and cut down on emissions.
The styling is said to be ‘young, strong, confident [and] verging on ruthless’, but Lotus is also emphasising that the 2015 Elise will be more practical and much easier to get in and out of. Of course 2015 is a long way off, and so some of the design details included on the Paris concept are bound to change.
An estimated price of £35,000 puts it on a par with the top end of today’s Elise range. However, that’s still quite a jump from today’s entry-level 1.6, which in basic form costs nearer to £27,000. Clear evidence of the Lotus desire to shift upmarket then, but it could alienate some existing customers.
| 2015 Lotus Elise Concept Specification | |
|---|---|
| Layout | 2 seats, mid-engined |
| Engine | Petrol, 2.0 litre I4 |
| Hybrid technology | Optional stop-start |
| Power | 315 bhp / 235 kW / 320 PS |
| Torque | 330 Nm |
| 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) | 4.3 seconds |
| Top speed | 167 mph (270 km/h) |
| Weight | 1,095 kg |
| Transmission | 6 Speed manual, optional DCT |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Production starts | Early 2015 |
| On sale | Spring 2015 |
| Price | Around £35,000 |
Related posts:
Five new Lotus sports cars
2013 Lotus Esprit
2013 Lotus Elan
2014 Lotus Elite
2015 Lotus Eterne
