At the stand of Paris Auto Show Lotus Elite was shown like prototype, and representatives of the company inform that the serial model will appear only four years later. Nevertheless, all basic technical characteristics are already declared. The engine will deliver Toyota. It is 5-liter V8 with a supercharger which in the base version will give out 542 h.p., and as alternative more powerful version developing 612 forces will serve. Dispersal to hundred will occupy 3,5 sec, and the maximum speed will be – 314 km/h.
Experts in automobile history can reproach Elite like artificial Lotus. Which were always the British sport cars? First of all – in a racing way lungs. And consequently mad dynamics was reached even with not the most powerful motors. And Elite will weigh 1 650 kg.
Company Lotus was many years in long crisis, and on one tiny sport cars business won't hoist. Classical Lotuses are calculated on the automobile gourmets which are an expert in ascetic Elise and Exige. And for elite public hardly probable not a leading role, the impressive figure in the column plays capacity.
And the main argument which British plan to win buyers from Ferrari and Lamborghini, is the price. Ferrari California now in Europe costs about 200 000 euros. And the preliminary price for much more powerful Lotus Elite – 137 000 euros.
