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2010 Paris Auto Show Prototypes: Lotus Elite

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Khatir Soltani
Lotus engineer Colin Chapman achieved near-immortality with his legacy of small, light-over-power sports cars. But one wonders if the Prince of Lightness rolled over in his grave at the recent Paris auto show's unveiling of the Lotus Elite.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com

The Elite is a complete departure from Lotus's traditional less-is-more ethos of producing small and agile two-seaters. A substantial four-seater in the Grand Tourer style, the Elite tips the scales at a hefty 3,600 lb. with the extra handicap of a retractable, folding hardtop.

Yet this Lotus is no porker. Gorgeous, with sexy flowing lines, the Elite has the sort of exotic beauty worthy of a James Bond car.

A powerhouse that aims to challenge such supercars as the Ferrari 612, the Elite packs a walloping 612 hp, 5.0 litre V8 under that long nose. Power is channelled through a 7-speed automatic transmission. The front mid-engine layout should provide excellent balance.

The engine is a modified version of the Lexus IS-F powerplant, and can propel the Elite from 0-100 km/hr in 3.2 seconds. Yet Lexus's supercar (the LF-A) sports a whopping $375,000 price tag, while the Elite, to be released in 2014, is estimated to cost less than half that.

"Make no mistake, there's a definite market requirement for the Elite" said Lotus CEO Danny Bahar at the Paris introduction. "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".

Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com


Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada