The Evora 414e Hybrid is a 414bhp Lotus performance car that just so happens to be a plug-in hybrid too!
What’s more, says the firm, while production has not been confirmed, it IS a concept that we’ll be driving. Within 6 months, too, a spokesman told Car Dealer Magazine.
It packs two high-power electric motors that drive the rear wheels. These are powered by a lithium ion battery pack, that is recharged by plugging the car in.
This gives a range of around 35 miles. But what happens then? Well, power is generated onboard, by a 1.2-litre three cylinder motor that recharges the batteries. This stretches the range to around 300 miles.
Lotus says the lifetime CO2 of the car, including building it, will be lower overall than a fully electric car of comparable performance. The drivetrain is also fully transferable to other models – indeed, it’s also seen beneath a Proton concept car at the show, too.
Other than losing the rear seats to house the batteries, no other changes to the standard Evora chassis have been required. Meaning it is both a viable AND realistic eco concept sports car.
Mind you, the firm will be going some to make it massively more economical than the cars it has now. It is showing the new 2011 Elise range, with high-eco engines that emit just 155g/km CO2. Proving that there is indeed still life in the Elise yet.
Away from the road, we’re all aware of the F1 re-entry. Well, this is to be joined by a Lotus Indycar entry, too. Yes, Lotus is going back to the scene of its success in the 1960s, and open-wheel track racing in the US.
With the Cosworth-engined Lotus Evora Cup Race car also proudly being shown on the stand (fresh from a shakedown test by new Lotus F1 driver Jarno Trulli), there’s no end of motorsport-related kudos for Lotus car dealers to fully exploit this year.
By Richard Aucock
Car Dealer Magazine Geneva 2010 coverage
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