Lotus Elite For Sale

Lotus Elite From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search The Lotus Elite name was used for two vehicles from Lotus Cars. Contents 1 1957 2 1974 3 2014 4 Notes 5 External links [edit] 1957 Lotus Elite Manufacturer Lotus Cars Production 1958–1963 Successor Lotus Elan Class Sports car Body style(s) 2-door coupé Engine(s) 1.2 L Coventry Climax Straight-4 Transmission(s) 4-speed manual Wheelbase 2,242 mm (88.3 in)[1] Length 3,759 mm (148.0 in)[1] Width 1,506 mm (59.3 in) [1] Height 1,181 mm (46.5 in)[1] Curb weight 503.5 kg (1,110 lb) The first Elite or Lotus Type 14 was an ultra-light two-seater coupé, produced from 1958 to 1963. Making its debut at the 1957 London Motor Car Show, Earls Court, the 14 spent a year in development, aided by "carefully selected racing customers",[2] before going on sale. The Elite's most distinctive feature was its highly innovative fiberglass monocoque construction, in which a stressed-skin unibody replaced the previously separate chassis and body components. Unlike the contemporary Chevrolet Corvette, which used fiberglass for only exterior bodywork, the Elite also used this glass-reinforced plastic material for the entire load-bearing structure of the car, though the front of the monocoque incorporated a steel subframe supporting the engine and front suspension, and there was a hoop at the windscreen for mounting door hinges and jacking the car up.[3] The first 250 body units were made by Maximar Mouldings at Pulborough, Sussex.[4] The body construction caused numerous early problems, until manufacture was handed over to Bristol Aeroplane Company.[2] The resultant body was both lighter, stiffer, and provided better driver protection in the event of a crash. Sadly, the full understanding of the engineering qualities of fiberglass reinforced plastic was still several years off and the suspension attach points were regularly observed to pull out of the fiberglass structure. The weight savings allowed the Elite to achieve sports car performance from a 75 hp (55 kW) 1216 cc Coventry Climax FWE all-aluminium Straight-4 engine. Most Lotus Elites were powered by the FWE engine. This engine, derived from a water pump engine usually found bolted to a fire truck, was used by Lucas Electric for electrical component life testing in the presence of intense vibration. A Lotus Elite in racing trim. Like its siblings, the Elite was run in numerous formulae, with particular success at Le Mans and the Nürburgring. Elites won their class six times at the 24 hour Le Mans race as well as two Index of Thermal Efficiency wins. Les Leston, driving DAD10, and Graham Warner, driving LOV1, were noted UK Elite racers. In 1961, David Hobbs fitted a Hobbs Mecha-Matic 4-speed automatic transmission to an Elite, and became almost unbeatable in two years' racing - he won 15 times from 18 starts. New South Wales driver Leo Geoghegan won the 1960 Australian GT Championship at the wheel of a Lotus Elite.[5] The car had independent suspension all round with transverse wishbones at the front and Chapman struts at the rear. (The latter is essentially the same as a MacPherson strut, though Chapman pioneered the use of this form to suspend driven wheels). The Series 2 cars, with Bristol-built bodies, had triangulated trailing radius arms for improved toe-in control. Girling disc brakes, usually without servo assistance, of 9.5 in (241 mm) diameter were used, inboard at the rear. Advanced aerodynamics also made a contribution, giving the car a very low drag coefficient of 0.29 — quite low even for modern cars. This accomplishment is all the more remarkable considering the engineers did not enjoy the benefits of computer-aided design or wind tunnel testing. The original Elite drawings were by Peter Kirwan-Taylor. Frank Costin (brother of Mike, one of the co-founders of Cosworth), at that time Chief Aerodynamic Engineer for the de Havilland Aircraft Company, contributed to the final design. The SE was introduced in 1960 as a higher performance variant, featuring twin SU carburettors and fabricated exhaust manifold resulting in 85 bhp, ZF gearboxes in place of the standard "cheap and nasty MG" ones,[2] Lucas PL700 headlamps, and a silver coloured roof. The Super 95 spec, with more power,[2] from a higher-tuned engine with raised compression and a fiercer camshaft with 5 bearings. A very few Super 100 and Super 105 cars were made with Weber carburettors, for racing use. Among its few faults was a resonant vibration at 4000 rpm (where few drivers remained, on either street or track)[6] and poor quality control, handicapped by overly low price (thus losing money on every copy) and, "[p]erhaps the greatest mistake of all", offering it as a kit, exactly the opposite of the ideal for a quality manufacturer.[2] Many drivetrain parts were highly stressed and required regreasing at frequent intervals. When production ended in 1963, 1030 had been built.[7] A road car tested by The Motor magazine in 1960 had a top speed of 111.8 mph (179.9 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 11.4 seconds. A fuel consumption of 40.5 miles per imperial gallon (6.97 L/100 km; 33.7 mpg-US) was recorded. The test car cost £1966 including taxes.[1] [edit] 1974 Lotus Elite Types 75 and 83 Manufacturer Lotus Cars Production 1974–1982 2535 made Class Sports car Body style(s) 2-door station wagon Engine(s) 2.0 Litre I4 2.2 litre I4 (from 1980) Transmission(s) 5-speed manual 4 speed automatic Wheelbase 2,490 mm (98 in) Length 4,470 mm (176 in) Width 1,820 mm (72 in) Height 1,210 mm (48 in) Curb weight 975 kg (2,150 lb)[8] (approx) Related Lotus Eclat From 1974 to 1982, Lotus produced the 4-seat, considerably larger Type 75 and later Type 83 Elite. Lotus' first saloon car was front engined with rear wheel drive. Like all production Lotuses since the Elan, the Elite used fiberglass for the hatchback bodyshell, mounted on a steel backbone chassis evolved from the Elan and Europa. It had 4-wheel independent suspension using coil springs. Power steering and air conditioning were optional from 1974. The Elite was the basis for the Eclat, and the later Excel 2+2 coupes. The Elite was Lotus' first car to use the 907 aluminium-block 4-valve, DOHC, four cylinder, 2.0 L engine. (The 907 engine had previously been used in Jensen-Healeys.) The 907 engine ultimately became the foundation for the 2.0 L and 2.2 L Lotus Esprit powerplants, the naturally aspirated 912 and the turbocharged 910. Elites were available with a 5-speed gearbox standard; from January 1976 an automatic transmission was optional. Regarding performance, the Elite and the related Éclat are notable in that the stock curb weight is not much over 2,000 lb (907 kg). Once the motors reach their power band, both acceleration and handling are impressive for cars of the era. [edit] 2014 On September 20, 2010 Lotus unveiled photos of an an Elite concept that will be publicly unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.[citation needed] 2014 Elite at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The vehicle will go into production in 2014 and sell for ₤115,000.[citation needed] The power train will be a mid-front mounted V8 engine, chosen to distribute weight evenly to all four wheels. This power train will optionally use a KERS hybrid system, a kinetic energy recovery system that feeds electricity generated by braking to motors in the transmission. The car will feature a 5.0-litre V8 sourced from Lexus, delivering over 600 hp. The 0-100 km/h time is reported to be as low as 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 315 km/h. [9] The vehicle also features a GT body with a 2+2 seating configuration. [edit] Notes ^ a b c d e "The Lotus Elite". The Motor. May 11, 1960.  ^ a b c d e Setright, L. J. K., "Lotus: The Golden Mean", in Northey, Tom, ed. World of Automobiles (London: Orbis, 1974), Volume 11, p.1227. ^ Setright, p.1226. ^ Colin Chapman - The Man and His Cars, Gerard Crombac, Patrick Stephens Ltd., 1986, Page 93. ^ Australian Titles Retrieved from www.camsmanual.com.au on 16 April 2009 ^ It was cured by substituting a diaphragm clutch spring. Setright, p.1227. ^ Ortenburger, Dennis "The Original Lotus Elite, Racing Car for the Road" Newport Press, 1977 p.135. ^ Daily Express Motor Show Review 1975 Cars: Page 28 (Lotus Elit4e 501). October 1974.  ^ http://www.thepassinglane.ca/2010/09/lotus-moving-beyond-hardcore-sportscars-with-new-elite.html The new, 2014 Lotus Elite [edit] External links Lotus Elite at the Internet Movie Cars Database v â€¢ d â€¢ e Lotus production car timeline, 1950–present Road cars 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Sports racer Mark VIII Mark IX Eleven 15 17 19 23 30 40 Mark VI Seven 340R 2-Eleven Roadster Elan Elan M100 Elise Coupé Elite Elan Exige Eclat Excel Evora Saloon Elan +2 Elite Grand tourer Europa Esprit Europa S Race cars Mark I Â· Mark II Â· Mark III Â· Mark IV Â· Mark V Â· 12 Â· 16 Â· 17 Â· 18 Â· 20 Â· 21 Â· 22 Â· 24 Â· 25 Â· 27 Â· 29 Â· 31 Â· 32 Â· 33 Â· 34 Â· 38 Â· 39 Â· 41 Â· 42 Â· 43 Â· 44 Â· 48 Â· 49 Â· 56 Â· 59 Â· 61 Â· 63 Â· 64 Â· 69 Â· 70 Â· 72 Â· 73 Â· 74 Â· 76 Â· 77 Â· 78 Â· 79 Â· 80 Â· 81 Â· 86 Â· 87 Â· 88 Â· 91 Â· 92 Â· 93T Â· 94T Â· 95T Â· 96T Â· 97T Â· 98T Â· 99T Â· 100T Â· 101 Â· 102 Â· 107 Â· 109 Â· 112 Â· 114 Â· 115 Â· 119 Â· T125 Â· T127 Related cars Caterham Seven Â· Ford Lotus Cortina Â· Talbot Sunbeam Lotus Â· DeLorean DMC-12 Â· Isuzu Piazza Â· Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 Â· Vauxhall Lotus Carlton Â· Kia Elan Â· Vauxhall VX220 Â· Tesla Roadster Â· Proton EMAS Concept cars M90 Â· APX Â· CityCar Key figures Colin Chapman Â· Tony Rudd Â· Michael Kimberley Â· Romano Artioli Group Lotus Official Website Â· Lotus Cars Â· Lotus Engineering Â· Team Lotus Â· Lotus Racing || Skip to content Skip to navigation Skip to search Homepage Accessibility help Access keys help Change Country United Kingdom Australia United States Top Gear Account Login Register Top Gear Site search Search topgear.com for Go Site Navigation Home News Car News First Drives Formula One Latest from the Top Gear TV Show Video: Porsche 911 GT2 RS on track Most powerful road-going Porsche ever built hits SilverstoneMore Cars Car Reviews Car Chooser Galleries Ford Mondeo Titanium X Sport driven Still one of the greatest cars in the (real) world and now cheaper to runMore The Show The Top Gear blog Series Guide Latest from Clarkson Latest from Hammond Latest from May Latest from The Stig Who is the Stig? Top Gear over Christmas: more details! We’ve got two new episodes for you, including a rather special festive journey...More Videos Full Video Archive Road Tests The Stig Star In A Reasonably-Priced Car The Big Films Exclusive Online Extras Series 15, episode 3... Rubens rags the Liana Stig-beating F1 ace blitzes TG track in old Reasonably Priced CarMore Games Online Games Cool Wall A Reasonably Brilliant Driving Game How quickly can you get round the test track in the Kia cee’d?More Shop Top Gear Magazine Top Gear Live Top Gear on Amazon Tickets to Top Gear New look mag out now The Top Gear Awards 2010, plus free supercar calendar More Lotus’s DB9 rival revealed Norfolk firm shows off 610bhp V8 supercoupe ahead of 2014 launch. Ambitious, much? Posted by: Sam Philip, 21 September 2010 Back to Car News Related content Car Verdict Lexus IS-F Manufacturer Lotus - Car Reviews Manufacturer Aston Martin - Car Reviews Under new boss Dany Bahar, Lotus has big plans. Many big, fast, expensive plans. And this is perhaps the biggest, fastest and most expensive of the bunch. This is the Lotus Elite (read it carefully), a front-engined, 2+2 super-coupe to rival the Aston Martin DB9 and due to launch in 2014. See more pics of the Lotus Elite The Elite will be officially revealed at the Paris Motor Show next week, and spearheads a slew of new Lotuses aiming to take on Porsche, Ferrari and Aston in the next few years. That's a big aim, but the Elite has some big credentials. Under that long bonnet, though behind the front axle, is a Toyota-sourced 5.0-litre V8 - the engine found in the mighty, and mighty sounding, Lexus IS-F - developing 610bhp at 8,000rpm. And, unlike the IS-F version, which is awesome enough, this one is supercharged. Lotus says it'll haul to 62mph in around 3.5 seconds which, if true, puts the Elite in some pretty serious company. The shape is by a team operating under Lotus’s new head of design, Donato Coco. He began at Lotus in January 2010, and it’s no coincidence that he came from Ferrari, where he was head of Concept Design & Development. No coincidence for two reasons. One, the boss of Lotus, Dany Bahar, also came from Ferrari. Two, Coco was at Ferrari when the California was taking shape. There's tech here, too. The full 610bhp Elite will, says Lotus, use an optional full complement of hybrid gubbins - integrated electric motors and an F1-style ‘KERS' regeneration system. In hybrid guise, it weighs 1,650kg, about 100kg less than the DB9 but portly by Lotus's own featherweight standards. The Lotus is 10cm shorter than the Aston, but the most significant gap between the two cars comes in the form of the CO2 emissions: the Elite is predicted to cough out just 215g/km of CO2, a massive 40 per cent less than the DB9. One more ambitious figure for you: £115,000. That's the price that Lotus has tagged on the Elite, and a clear indication of its intention to head upmarket, although note that's the base price for the non-hybrid version, which is predicted to put out a slightly meeker 550bhp (to be fair, that's still officially "a lot"). The Norfolk firm will have to raise its game hugely in terms of interior fit, finish and cabin gizmos to justify that price tag and tempt buyers away from their Porsches, but Bahar sounds confident. "Make no mistake, there's a definite market requirement for the Elite," says the ex-Ferrari man. "It's the ultimate sports car feel with comfort and space. There will always be those who believe Lotus should stick to small sports cars, but we didn't take the decision to design something like the Elite lightly. This sector has been very successful for us in the past, and now the Elite raises the benchmark higher still." What do you reckon? Can Lotus really take on the big boys at their own game? Or should it stick to lightweight, no-frills track monsters? More Related Tweet Category: Car News Tags: Lotus Elite Lotus Paris Motor Show 2010 Aston Martin DB9 Aston Martin Ferrari Porsche Lexus IS-F Lexus Car reviews Car news News from the show New Lambo hits LA Meet the Gallardo Spyder Performante SUVs: a potted history From wartime 4x4 to SUV posing pouch YouTube car clips TG’s top 20 videos F1 2010: the crashes See the chaos and fire! What do you think? Want to comment on this? popov-egor commented on this article at 03:34 pm on 20 September 2010 this looks totally awesome!!! FIRST Link to this comment Report this comment You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct. Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said. This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page. I want to report this comment for: Defamation, copyright infringement, incitement to commit a crime Abuse, offensive comments, attacks Commercial misuse Other (please specify below) Use this box to give us any specific details: Robert... commented on this article at 03:36 pm on 20 September 2010 It's even prettier than the DB9, this is, or at least as good looking as one. Really, only two questions remain to decide the fate of this car: 1. Why doesn't it come sooner? 2. What will Ferrari do in the mean time Link to this comment Report this comment You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct. Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said. This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page. I want to report this comment for: Defamation, copyright infringement, incitement to commit a crime Abuse, offensive comments, attacks Commercial misuse Other (please specify below) Use this box to give us any specific details: TheFastest commented on this article at 03:38 pm on 20 September 2010 mm.. nice not being mean but this looks like to Toyota FT86 Link to this comment Report this comment You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct. Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said. This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page. I want to report this comment for: Defamation, copyright infringement, incitement to commit a crime Abuse, offensive comments, attacks Commercial misuse Other (please specify below) Use this box to give us any specific details: EU-niqe commented on this article at 03:39 pm on 20 September 2010 well whatever lotus seems to do these days turns to gold, so there's no reason this shouldn't. besides, a DB9-sized car with lotus handling? what more could you possibly ask for??? Link to this comment Report this comment You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct. Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said. This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page. I want to report this comment for: Defamation, copyright infringement, incitement to commit a crime Abuse, offensive comments, attacks Commercial misuse Other (please specify below) Use this box to give us any specific details: wineandcheese commented on this article at 04:25 pm on 20 September 2010 I don't want Lotus to loose this reputation of agility and lightness... T-T Link to this comment Report this comment You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct. Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said. This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page. I want to report this comment for: Defamation, copyright infringement, incitement to commit a crime Abuse, offensive comments, attacks Commercial misuse Other (please specify below) Use this box to give us any specific details: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 next To post a comment: Log In | Register More from Top Gear Advertisement Get more Top Gear: Top Gear The Stig BBC_TopGear iPhone apps Magazine Google widgets Advertisements Best of Top Gear Most Viewed Top Gear’s Hot Hatch Power League It’s been all change in the hot hatch league table in 2010. But which of today's fast hatches is packing the biggest bhp? BMW 1 Series M Coupe: revealed The baby of the M range has finally landed. This, people of the world, is the new 1M Coup’ Cayman S versus the road of 3,000 curves Alpine passes are so last year. 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Open Car Bar Car Chooser Compare Car Bar fullx Click to add cars to the Car Bar Close Help Advertisement || MSN HomeHotmailMy MSNSign Inhimmoneytech & gadgetsvideoHotmailMessengerMy MSNMSN DirectoryCareers & JobsCarsCelebrityDating & PersonalseBayGamesHimHoroscopesLife & StyleLocalMaps from BingMobileMoneyMoviesMusicNational LotteryNewsShoppingSportTech & GadgetsTravelTVVideoWeatherWindows Live carsBing search: Make MSN UK your homepageHomeNewsFeaturesCar ReviewsCar GuidePhotosVideoUsed Car ListingsInsuranceFinanceNumber PlatesWarrantiesMotorsportBlogDan Trent, contributor, 20/09/2010 09:14Lotus Elite - new 620hp supercar unveiledPlayPauseSlowMediumFastView first imageLotusThe Lotus Elite is an all-new front-engined supercar, announced today ahead of a debut at the Paris motor show at the end of the month. And the Elite is just the start, says Lotus.A stunning front-engined GT, the new Lotus Elite boasts a 620hp V8 engine, F1 inspired KERS technology and more besides and sees Lotus taking on the likes of the Ferrari 599, Aston Martin DBS and Mercedes SLS AMG.Bold stuff for a relatively small, specialist car builder from Norfolk. But the Elite is just one of whole new range of Lotus cars due to be unveiled at Paris and indicates an aggressive new policy of expansion.The original Lotus Elite of 1957 used ground-breaking fibreglass technology, this new concept version - a 'production intent prototype according to Lotus' - similarly innovative and due on sale in 2014. But it marks an important step-change for Lotus and a decisive move away from the minimalist and lightweight Elise-based line-up which has sustained it in recent years. And an attack on the supercar elite. PlayPauseSlowMediumFastView first image Rate this page: Poor Thank you for rating. ExcellentYour rating helps other users gauge the value of a page Thank you for rating. PrintE-mailShare it:Del.icio.usDiggFacebookGoogleLive SpacesMySpaceNewsvineRedditStumbleuponTechnoratiTwitterYahoo! My Web... opens a new window Join the discussion!Add a commentShow commentsSort by: 1-10 of 21PreviousNextvetwosix #126 September 2010 11:08:33£115,000, its very pretty but like all supercars not for the masses. I could live on that money for a good few years and get healthy enough to be able to go back to work. Sort of puts things into perspective on just how the other half live.ReplyReport AbuseEx army72 #224 September 2010 23:06:33Where are the wing mirrors? Lotus helped design the nissan gtr which has far less horse power and goes like a rocket so carn't wait to see how well it goes.ReplyReport AbuseCrazy-Nibbler #324 September 2010 06:13:16actually you're wrong cos the Lotus uses a V8, as mentioned in the picturesReplyReport Abuserich evans #422 September 2010 18:23:46nice stats but why does picture 7 strike me as a hyudai coupeReplyReport Abusecheshire guy #522 September 2010 08:44:24actually your wrong mate.. the is-f runs a v8 ..i sell the bloody things  lolReplyReport AbuseRick 96 #622 September 2010 06:39:53Loads Of Trouble Usually Serious Hope its better than my EspritReplyReport AbuseWTSBOB #721 September 2010 13:26:49I hope Lotus will still be building an Elise or it's ilk to cater for us PlebsReplyReport Abuseflyitfast #821 September 2010 11:26:52@HHCKZDK The Lexus IS-F runs a V8. Not a V10, you are confusing the IS-F with the LFA. So why don't you get your facts straight?ReplyReport Abuseaquil #921 September 2010 05:24:51looks like a mazda to meReplyReport AbuseStef Gamble #1020 September 2010 22:59:55Cool Car. And it will be loved by many if not the flat earth "its not a Lotus if it's not unreliable and uncomfortable" brigade. Those lines did not just pop into being from a caffine-driven Stylist's hyper active imagination, they are descended from Physics and a long line of undisputed classic cars. The flow is what helps it go, and the Corvette is hiding in its aerodynamic flanks. (Did you know that water acts very like air at high speeds ? It makes sense to shape a fast car like a shark.)  At the price, (who really  thinks that its price is a bargain ?, you can buy a Micra AND a house for that much !), Lotus better have reliability fixed but with their new parent company I have great hopes for them. Lotus may not be a British owned business, but its genius still is.  ReplyReport Abuse1-10 of 21PreviousNextAre you sure you want to delete this comment?Report AbusePlease help us to maintain a healthy and vibrant community by reporting any illegal or inappropriate behaviour. If you believe a message violates theCode of Conductplease notify us using the Report abuse form below. We will investigate your report and take appropriate action against offenders. 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Telephone (0953) 608000 Telefax (0953) 606884 LOTUS ELITE (1974 - 1982) As new safety and environmental regulations came on line Lotus anticipated the need of a car that would address these future concerns. The new Elite was a four place car with a glass-fiber body and a steel backbone chassis. Ride and handling was superb from a 4 wheel independent suspension system. Power was provided by Lotus' own 907 twin cam 4 valve per cylinder all aluminum engine. This engine was the first 4 valve production engine sold on the open market. || Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Help Sign In New User? Sign Up Yahoo! Search Web Search Yahoo! Cars Search Yahoo! Cars Photos Search Yahoo! Cars New & Used HomeBuy New & UsedNewsReviewsFeaturesPhotosVideoMotor ShowsParis Motor Show 2010British Motor Shows 2010Geneva Motor Show 2010Detroit Auto Show 2010LA Auto Show 2009Tokyo Motor Show 2009Frankfurt Motor Show 2009ParisGreenHomeNewsPhoto GalleriesFeaturesStar CarsConcept CarsSupercarsGreen CarsParis Motor Show 2 - 17th October 2010 Show more Photos Related Content » Lotus plans £770m expansion» Paris 2010: Lotus Evora S and IPS» Paris 2010: Lotus Elan Photos : Lotus Shock Paris debut for Lotus Elite Lotus has sensationally revealed an all-new supercar called the Elite, which will debut at the Paris Motor Show in October. The hybrid show car has a 612bhp 5.0-litre V8 engine incorporating electric motors, although a conventional petrol model will be available too. It uses a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) to charge a battery pack powering twin electric motors. The motors will boost acceleration, but it's not known whether the car will be able to drive on electricity alone.However, considering its vast power output, and estimated 0-62mph sprint of just 3.5 seconds, its 215g/km likely CO2 output is remarkable. The pictures you see here - which were first revealed on Facebook - reveal a dramatic new styling direction from the British company as it takes direct aim at Aston Martin. The Elite is a 2+2 coupé, which means it has a pair of small rear seats, and Lotus has already indicated it will cost around £115,000 when it's released in 2014. That makes it a direct rival to the Aston Martin DB9.Initially the car will be a fixed roof coupé, though a version with an electric convertible top has also been confirmed. Lotus CEO Dany Bahar said: "One could say it's a car of perfect contradictions, it's compact yet spacious, high performing yet low emitting, lightweight yet still reassuringly solid. "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."News of the Elite comes as something of a shock because Lotus was expected to unveil an Esprit replacement in Paris. It is rumoured that car will hit showrooms as early as 2012, priced higher than the Elite to compete with the two-seat Ferrari 458 Italia.Mark Nichol Buzz up! Send by Messenger Email this article Print Shock Paris debut for Lotus Elite pictures Videos More on Yahoo! Cars Motoring news Car features Car reviews Search new and used cars Yahoo! Cars Cars home News Reviews First Drives Features Photos Themed galleries Video Forum Green motoring Paris Motor Show Car sales scam Also on Yahoo! Answers Finance Flickr Games Mobile Movies Music News Premier League Sport Travel Video » All Y! 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