The Evora 414E Hybrid is powered by two electric motors driving each of the rear wheels independently via a single speed geartrain, helped by a three-cylinder 1.2l engine. The electricity is stored in a lithium polymer battery pack.
The electric motors develop each 152 kW (207 PS/204 hp) and 400 Nm of torque, with an additional 35 kW (48 PS/47 hp) of power at 3,500 rpm being squeezed from the internal combustion engine.
The battery pack, capable of storing 17 kWH and providing a 100 kW discharge capability, allows for a range of up to 35 miles. Beyond that, the range extender engine is used as a generator to recharge the battery. The total hybrid range in estimated at 300 miles (483 km).
According to Lotus, all the tech incorporated into the 414E hybrid allows it to reach 60 mph in under 4 seconds.
Unlike most manufacturers, which provide hybrid or electric vehicles without considering the troubles a driver will have to go through before getting used to the new commands, Lotus provides what it calls "a simulated paddle shift gear change."
Reminiscent of a dual clutch transmission (despite the fact it only has a single speed), the system simulates a 7-speed, paddle shift transmission. It manages to trick the driver into believing he/she is driving a regular car by using the column mounted paddle shift to simulate the gear change, while synthesized engine sound changes frequency with virtual gear selection.
But there's more to it than that, as the system also has real life effects. By simulating engine braking through a virtual downshift in gears, the vehicle can be slowed down just as would a normal vehicle when using the engine brake. The braking also comes with its distinct sound, with noise for both gear noise change and the retardation of the vehicle. And, on top of everything, even the drive torque is modulated to simulate a physical feeling of a gearshift jolt.
There are four different sounds available for the driver, two of which mimic the sound of multi-cylinder conventional V6 and V12 engine. The other two are a futuristic sound and a combination of a conventional engine and a futuristic sound.
autoevolution will be attending the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, so stay tuned for some real up close and personal shots of the vehicles, as well as for first-hand details of the motorized contraptions presented at the event.
Google News