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2010 Paris Auto Show: Lotus Elite

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The Lotus Elite is the only concept announced by Lotus before the 2010 Paris Auto Show.

The vehicle is a 2+2 Grand Tourer with a front mid-mounter engine and rear-wheel-drive that is focused on offering top driving dynamics as well as a high level of refinement and elegance.

Under the bonnet, we find a 5.0-liter V8 powerplant that delivers 620 hp and a peak torque of 720 Nm. Lotus offers an optional hybrid gearbox with integrated electric motors and a Kinetic Energy Recuperation System (KERS) that allows the unit to emit only 215 grams of CO2 per km.

The GT, which weighs 1,650 kg, deals with the 0 to 62 mph sprint in 3.7 seconds and can keep accelerating up to195 mph (315 km/h).

The Lotus Elite is scheduled to enter production in early 2014, with sales debuting soon after that. Potential customers should be prepared to pay around 115,000 pounds (EUR133,700 or $182,500) for the vehicle.

Make no mistake, there’s a definite market requirement for the Elite – 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 that total 2+2 production represented over 20 per cent of Lotus build between 1948 and 1996 (pre small car platform) and 11 per cent over all, this sector has been very successful for us in the past and now the Elite raises the benchmark higher still,” explained Dany Bahar, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus.
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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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