[Year's_End]

Too many new Lotus concepts you think? They all look somewhat identical, and since they were introduced within a short period it's easy to mix them up. I decided to categorize them and put them side by side so you can understand where they all stand in Lotus's new lineup.

I'll list them in order by price (least to greatest):

Elise Concept
-Estimated Price: $55,000
-Weight: 2,409 lbs
-Engine: 320hp turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 sourced from Toyota
-Transmission: 6spd manual or 6spd automatic with paddles
-0-100km/h: 4.3s
-Overview: It's the hardcore car of the lineup, albeit heavier and more expensive than the outgoing Elise. It can seat two, and will later be available in less expensive variants without forced induction. It'll be offered in both hard and soft top form.

Elan Concept
-Estimated Price: $118,500
-Weight: 2,849 lbs
-Engine: 450hp supercharged 4.0L V6
-Transmission: 7spd DCT from Toyota
-0-100km/h: 3.5s (193mph max speed)
-Overview: Lotus's potential 911 fighter, this car is heavier, more powerful, and more expensive than the Elise. Lotus says it'll eventually be offered in hybrid form with KERS, and that rear "seats" (2+2) will be optional.

Esprit Concept
-Estimated Price: $175,000
-Weight: 3,190 lbs
-Engine: 620hp FI (TBA whether turbo/supercharged) 5.0L V8
-Transmission: ??? (My guess is the 7spd DCT)
-0-100km/h: < 3.4s
-Overview: "The ultimate supercar", according to Lotus's CEO. Imagine this as a high-end R8 fighter. Tons of power, superior dynamics, and a hefty pricetag. It's reviving the Esprit name (3rd gen to use it), and as such is a two seater, although this time no open-top version is available. It will also offer KERS.

Elite Concept
-Estimated Price: $180,000
-Weight: 3,600 lbs
-Engine: 611hp modified 5.0L V8 from the IS-F
-Transmission: ??? (Again, most likely the 7spd DCT)
-0-100km/h: ~3.5s
-Overview: The grand tourer of the bunch, this model offers a convertible hardtop. The engine is mounted up front, midship, this time, allowing for decent 2+2 accomodations. It's the comfy, sophisticated sportscar you'd rather drive day to day than the rest of the lineup. KERS will be on offer.

Eterne Concept
-Estimated Price: $190,000
-Weight: ???
-Engine: 620hp 5.0L V8 or a fully hybrid drivetrain (in both RWD and AWD)
-Transmission: ???
-0-100km/h: 4.0s
-Overview: Lotus's potential Aston Martin Rapide fighter, this is a hybrid sedan that doesn't have full production confirmation. It looks damn good, though.

I don't have a hotlink for the pics, so I can't line them up together, but I'll upload them in a way that you can compare them, going by order from the above list.

[MikeyV]

I think they all look great, with a development budget of 700 million pounds I guess some or maybe all will make production.

I wonder what happens to the Evora?

[dirtyylicous]

Nice post man.

I like the elite the best.

[BillLee]

good thread. i'll take one of each. thanks

[Das.Euro]

BADASS

[PINeely]

I want them all. MIND EXPLOSION.

[Sylon]

Thanks for grouping them all together. I love this new direction for Lotus. They are no longer a niche sportscar company, they are turning into a full blown supercar company.

[Alext]

The question is how many of these concepts will actually go into production and when? They all look TOO similar for all of them to be made. Plus Lotus does not have the developmental capacity of say BMW.

And what of the recently released Lotus Evora? Just shows how wrong Lotus got the Evora's weird styling (it looks nothing like these elegant beasts).

It appears that gone are the days that Lotus caters for the enthusiast with a minimal budget that wanted a light track car. Now it will more cater for those people that bought Lotus's because they are a bit of a flashy car that was different and can go fast but really wanted a Ferrari or Porsche. I view this new direction that Lotus has taken as a Ferrari-lite one. Personally I don't mind that, but I know the old guard, die-hard Lotus fans might.

As I said in another thread, the CEO of Lotus has a strong team behind him, with ex-Ferrari, AMG and Audi people. Let's hope they get it right....

[blue2fire]

The Elise will sell like crazy, a bit more in way of creature comfort is just what the doctor ordered. They will probably sell 10 each of the rest, people are just not going to take as well to a 120K Lotus.

[fatjoez]

nice man thanks for the effort

ELAN BABY

[hks786]

Originally Posted by blue2fire

The Elise will sell like crazy, a bit more in way of creature comfort is just what the doctor ordered. They will probably sell 10 each of the rest, people are just not going to take as well to a 120K Lotus.

I think we should wait and see what final prices are because these cars look amazing inside and out, and I'm sure will compare greatly to competition. I see good things happening at Lotus.

Thanks for making the mega thread. So much simpler.

[Hula-Hula]

Awesome thread. I think Lotus will do well if this is in their future!

[ianbiz]

do they realize they have 3 cars w/ the same price tag?

[Garduna]

Elan for me please

[OBI_agent]

Haha...good work OP. I thought HKS was going to make another thread on a lotus. Lol.

Anyway, seriously I don't blame HKS. These cars are stunning. Each one should have it's own thread.
Offtopic, but a more reachable target for me would be Toyota ELANE , I mean Lotus Elane.

[hks786]

Originally Posted by Alext

The question is how many of these concepts will actually go into production and when? They all look TOO similar for all of them to be made. Plus Lotus does not have the developmental capacity of say BMW.

And what of the recently released Lotus Evora? Just shows how wrong Lotus got the Evora's weird styling (it looks nothing like these elegant beasts).

It appears that gone are the days that Lotus caters for the enthusiast with a minimal budget that wanted a light track car. Now it will more cater for those people that bought Lotus's because they are a bit of a flashy car that was different and can go fast but really wanted a Ferrari or Porsche. I view this new direction that Lotus has taken as a Ferrari-lite one. Personally I don't mind that, but I know the old guard, die-hard Lotus fans might.

As I said in another thread, the CEO of Lotus has a strong team behind him, with ex-Ferrari, AMG and Audi people. Let's hope they get it right....

All good points, but I dont think Lotus will change their target consumers completely instead they are just diversifying at the moment. I think because the Elise has moved up a class and the Elan/Esprit have been revived etc. Lotus can now make a new small car like the Elise for enthusiasts.

It's kinda like BMW. The 3 series has grown a lot and now there is a slot for the 1 series. It works.