As brilliant as its chassis dynamics are, Lotus has been in need of a design revolution for some time now. And now you're looking at it. These are the first images and details released on the much anticipated new Lotus Elite, set to be unveiled in a little over a week from now at the rapidly approaching Paris Motor Show.

You can plainly see from the photos that the Elite marks a styling departure from the language spoken by the likes of the Elise and Evora. This svelte GT's lines represent what recently hired designer Donato Coco has planned for future Lotus vehicles, and comes wrapped around a front/mid-engined 2+2 shape. The show car actually showcases a retractable hardtop – a first for Lotus and a potential shocker to company founder Colin Chapman's ethos of extreme weight savings, the car tipping the scales at 1650 kg (3600 lbs).

Underneath that front hood sits a version of the 5.0-liter V8 from the Lexus IS F, coupled to unique automatic transmission with optional integrated hybrid boost. With a massive 611 horsepower on tap, Lotus estimates 0-62 mph times in a scant 3.6 seconds (give or take) and its 315 km/h (195 mph) top speed should be enough to propel it into the supercar leagues. The car you see here is a conceptual preview of the production model, slated to hit the market in 2014 with an approximate £115,000 ($180k) price tag.

Follow the jump for the full press release, check out the initial images in the gallery below and watch this space for more as we set sail for the Port de Versailles next week.


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While I think the car looks amazing, this concept seems so... mainstream, which is why it bothers me that it is a Lotus.

It seems as though Lotus is getting away from their "add lightness" mythos- I mean this car weighs 3600 lbs. Now while compared to its competition it may seem light, this car may be ushering in a new era for Lotus, one that was mentioned earlier about them becoming more mainstream.

Not sure how I feel about that...

 

They're really gunning for Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini now. I guess "The World's Most Affordable Exotics" won't apply to Lotus in a few of years.
I like it; however, I do wish they had stuck with the "add lightness" regimen.

 

I have mixed emotions too. I'm over the add lightness mantra because honestly they can't survive as a niche brand. I think the car is way ahead of the Evora in styling. I think it will be a cool car and pricepoint is good because of undercutting the competition.

 

Cool Mazda 599.

 

I'm waiting for the inevitable "Resembles an S2000" statement.

 

this car wont happen. with the production of the new espirit given the go-ahead, i doubt this car will have any place in their lineup.

the new espirit is given the v8 from the IS-F , why would they need 2 rwd V8 coupes?

 

Why would Toyota give/sell them their flagship billion $$$ invested V10 to sell in a car that is almost half of price of the LF-A??? This makes no sense.

 

car doesnt "look" worth 180k maybe 100 at the most...

 

where did you get v-10?

"5.0-liter V8 from the Lexus IS F"

 

I stand corrected. This makes more sense than the V10. It does look good but this goes against the ethos of Lotus. I don't expect it to go into production.