Lotus unveils it's latest sports car, the Emira

As we know, Lotus is a builder of sports cars. Good ones too, but Lotus is also an engineering company creating designs and doing engineering work for other automakers. Some of these car companies cannot afford extensive internal engineering departments. Lotus even creates platforms for others to use, like Tesla did with the original Roadster. It has been reported that Lotus has designed three EV platforms, one for their upcoming SUV, one for sports cars, and one that is offered to other automakers. Geeley, Lotus' parent, will use this platform for an upcoming EV. It has also been reported that the Emira will be Lotus' last model with an internal-combustion engine (ICE). Lotus calls the Emira their most accomplished Lotus ever made, which is saying something. The mid-engine design will feature two engines. At launch, the first cars will be available as limited-production ‘First Edition’ models powered by the Lotus-honed supercharged 3.5-litre V6 that creates 400hp. The V6 engine is source from Toyota and breathed on (heavily) by Lotus. The second engine is a four-cylinder engine that was developed by AMG and Lotus that produces 360 hp. AMG is the performance division of Mercedes Benz, so Lotus is hangin' with good company. A manual, an automatic, and a dual-clutch automatic are the transmission choices. The Emira is loaded with safety equipment and tech like the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) which includes adaptive cruise control, anti-collision system, fatigue alert, road sign information, vehicle speed limiter, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, lane change assist and much more. Click on "read more" below for all the details and an extensive (read long) video of the Emira reveal. Like most Lotus offerings, the cars can be extensively personalized. For example, Emira will be available with six exterior paint colors – Hethel Yellow, Shadow Grey, Magma Red, Nimbus Grey, Dark Verdant and the launch finish of Seneca Blue (shown). Seven interior colours are available – Black Nappa leather, Red Nappa leather, Grey Nappa leather, Tan Nappa leather, Black Alcantara with grey stitch, Black Alcantara with red stitch and Black Alcantara with yellow stitch. There are five wheel choices – cast 10-spoke, gloss black 10-spoke, silver forged V-spoke, gloss black forged V-spoke and diamond cut forged V-spoke) – with four brake caliper colours – black, red, yellow and silver. Choose away at their digital visualiser showcasing the car’s striking design which can be found at www.lotuscars.com. Prices should be just under six figures, but can go higher with lots of checks on the options sheet. Emira will be available early next year. No word on US deliveries. Enjoy.

Source: Lotus - Media release, pics, spec sheet, and video

Lotus wins UK Government funding to develop next-gen EV architecture

Lotus and its Engineering Group along with Brunel University London and Sarginsons Industries, has  won a UK Government competition to develop an all-new generation of light-weight EV architecture. "The successful application is called LEVA, which stands for Lightweight Electric Vehicle Architecture. Led by Lotus, it is targeting the acceleration of and innovation behind new lightweight structures for next-generation BEVs (battery-electric vehicles). Incorporating cutting-edge UK-based engineering and digital manufacturing expertise, LEVA will be a showcase for pioneering new BEV chassis and powertrain concepts." Matt Windle, Executive Director of Engineering, Lotus, commented: “This is great news for our industry and its transition to electrification. As a collaboration between Lotus, Sarginsons Industries and Brunel University London there is a wealth of talent involved, and we are excited to have already begun the project work. Following the launch of the Lotus Evija, our all-electric hypercar, this project is a key building block in our vision to deliver a full range of electrified Lotus performance cars ‘For The Drivers’. Funding of this nature is critical to stimulate the automotive industry and supply chain as both continue to adjust to a rapidly changing landscape.” Let's not forget that Tesla's first vehicle, the Roadster, rode on and utilized a Lotus platform and body. And yes, this is more of an FYI post. It's good to see government funding for this type of endeavor. This could give the UK EV industry a boost, which was probably the point.

Source: Lotus - Logo and Media release