New Luxury Lotus Not Expected for North American Market
Lotus, one of Britain's finest sports car makers has just announced the third model in its lineup, the all-new Europa S. A resurrection of
one of the first mid-engined grand tourers, none other than the lovely Europa of the '60s, the latest rendition looks to its historical roots to provide Lotus owners with an entirely new driving experience, different from what the current stripped-down, extra lean Elise and Exige offer.
Complementing the Elise/Exige, the Europa S offers much of the same performance capabilities in a more practical and less punishing package. The Europe S has a larger trunk and a roomier cabin, as well as wider doors and
lower door sills to make entry and exit easier. With leather-trimmed seats, full-carpeting, and driver and passenger airbags, Lotus describes the Europa as being 'Business Class' - an upgrade from the Exige's 'Freight' status, but a far ways from the 'First Class' that Porsche, BMW or Jaguar offer.
From a technical aspect, the Europa S relies on similar technology and materials currently used for its chassis and body to keep weight down and performance up. Extruded aluminum components are riveted and epoxied together for a rigid yet lightweight structure, which is clad in a more understated composite skin than the brand's sportier offerings. While Lotus is keen to stress that the Europa rides on a unique chassis called the Type 121, it is essentially a stretched and widened version of the chassis used in the Elise/Exige.
Lotus, one of Britain's finest sports car makers has just announced the third model in its lineup, the all-new Europa S. A resurrection of
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| Lotus, one of Britain's finest sports car makers has just announced the third model in its lineup, the all-new Europa S. (Photo: Lotus) |
Complementing the Elise/Exige, the Europa S offers much of the same performance capabilities in a more practical and less punishing package. The Europe S has a larger trunk and a roomier cabin, as well as wider doors and
 |
| With leather-trimmed seats, full-carpeting, and driver and passenger airbags, Lotus describes the Europa as being 'Business Class'. (Photo: Lotus) |
From a technical aspect, the Europa S relies on similar technology and materials currently used for its chassis and body to keep weight down and performance up. Extruded aluminum components are riveted and epoxied together for a rigid yet lightweight structure, which is clad in a more understated composite skin than the brand's sportier offerings. While Lotus is keen to stress that the Europa rides on a unique chassis called the Type 121, it is essentially a stretched and widened version of the chassis used in the Elise/Exige.