Specifications

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Engine Type: Inline-4, Turbocharged
Displacement cu in (cc): 122 (1996)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 200(149) / 5400
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 194(263) / 4200
Redline at RPM: n.a.

Brakes & Tires

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Brakes F/R: ABS, vented disc/disc
Tires F-R: n.a.
Driveline: Rear Wheel Drive

Performance

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Acceleration 0-60 mph s: Approx. 5.5
Top Speed mph (km/h): Approx. 140 (225)
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): n.a.

 

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The New Europa S: Business Class by Lotus

The new Lotus Europa S, a Grand Tourer (GT) inspired two-seater will provide Lotus customers with a spectacular sportscar with significantly enhanced levels of touring and cruising capability. It will provide drivers with higher levels of practicality and refinement to complement the simplicity of the Lotus Elise and Exige models.

The Lotus Europa S follows the core Lotus philosophy of performance through light weight enabling this refined and very high performing GT car to weigh just 2193 lb. This low weight has been obtained through the clever use of advanced and high tech materials including an extruded and bonded aluminum chassis, composite body panels and a very advanced composite energy absorbing front crash structure. When compared to the award winning Lotus Elise, the Europa S has a larger boot / luggage compartment and easier cabin access, resulting from lower chassis sides and a higher roof line. Coupled with luxuries such as full leather interior, driver and passenger airbags and carpets all as standard, Lotus has created a "Business Class" driving experience. However, the Europa S is not a derivative of the Elise or the Exige and has been allocated a separate Lotus type number of Type 121 - the Elise and Exige are both Type 111.

The new mid-engined coupe will deliver high levels of performance from a high torque (194 lb-ft at 4,200 rpm) 2.0-litre turbo engine producing 200 bhp at 5,400 rpm. The Lotus Europa S achieves around 90% of its maximum torque at only 2,000 rpm to give "super car" levels of acceleration from low engine speeds, propelling the car from 0 to 60 mph in around 5.5 seconds, and to 100 mph in around 14 seconds. Top speed is approximately 140 mph. Being a Lotus, the Europa S has a phenomenal power to weight ratio of 201 bhp / tone.

Tony Shute, Head of Product for at Lotus Cars explains the concept behind the new product: "The Lotus Europa S has allowed Lotus to exploit its extensive capabilities in developing a sophisticated GT car which successfully complements the range of existing cars. The 'Grand Tourer' concept underpinning the Europa S provides the driver with a refined environment, incorporating innovative styling features which do not compromise the superior performance and handling that is synonymous with the Lotus brand."

Describing the Lotus Europa S, Russell Carr, Chief of Design for Lotus says: "The form of a design should reflect the spirit of the car, and the Lotus Europa S is no different. Where the rebellious track-focused personality of the Exige is characterized by shrink-wrapped athletic forms communicating agility and power, the Europa S has a more fluid, understated language reflecting its more sophisticated persona."

The introduction of a GT car, represents both an important and unique addition to the Lotus product range, as Clive Dopson, Managing Director of Lotus Cars, explains: "The launch of the Europa S re-affirms our position as an innovative player in the highly competitive sportscar marketplace. It allows Lotus to extend its product appeal beyond our traditional customer base, and provides yet another demonstration of the key Lotus brand attributes and high levels of quality for which we are particularly proud."

Production of the Lotus Europa S is scheduled to commence in July 2006 at the award winning and world leading Lotus manufacturing facility at the Lotus Headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk, UK. The Europa S will be sold in all markets where the Lotus brand is present, except for the USA and Canada. Final pricing and full specifications will be announced closer to the on-sale date, but the price is expected to be the region of 49,000 Euros, depending on individual market taxation.