Autoblog UK

The Lotus Exige has developed a certain cult status amongst a dedicated fan base because it transfers the technology of the racetrack to the ordinary highway. In the new Lotus special edition Exige Scura, the British constructor has shown that its cars also have a wicked streak. Only 35 Scuras are to be built. They will have a matt black finish with glossy black go-faster stripes down the side. The visual impression is further accentuated by components made of dark carbon fibre. This diminutive yet aggressive-looking Lotus is powered by a 260bhp engine capable of propelling the less than one-tonne lightweight from 0 to 62mph in 4.1 seconds. The vehicle is beautiful in a spine-chilling sort of way and is sure to raise a few goose pimples at the forthcoming Tokyo Motor Show.

Dany T. Bahar has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the British sports car manufacturer, Lotus, effective from1st October 2009. He replaces Michael J Kimberley, who retired in July. Bahar was formerly Senior Vice President at Ferrari. In his role with Ferrari, Bahar was responsible for worldwide sales and after-sales, all marketing activities, including Formula1, as well as licensing, and merchandising. Bahar, who is Swiss, worked previously as an executive for drinks giant, Red Bull.

The Lotus Elise is to be launched as a limited-edition model in racing car guise in the middle of September. Lotus Elise fans will be pleased with the new club racer. The light-weight sports car painted in the classic colours of yellow, grey, blue and Old English white can be had for 33,125 euros. The 136BHP 1.8litre engine from the Lotus Elise S will provide the power. The limited edition roadster is to be premiered at the IAA in Frankfurt (17th-27th September).

This car, weighing in at only 900 kilos, has remained true to the guiding principle of the Lotus pioneer, Colin Chapman: a small engine in a light car. That's why the only thing you'll find room in the car for is a pair of shades. Driving a Lotus Elise is truly pleasurable work.

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In May, the waiting will be over. That's when the Lotus Evora arrives in the showrooms. This low-slung runabout is significantly bigger than the Elise and other previous models. At just over 4.3 metres in length, the Evora is falling into line with its competitors. The visual aspect with the typical air vents at the front is on the one hand traditional Lotus, whilst at the same time being entirely original. The low nose with its integrated headlights has relatively little in common with the familiar look of the Elise and Exige, resembling more the Ferrari F430. Overall, the new model gives the impression of being far more sophisticated than the previous funmobiles.

Under the bonnet is a Toyota-sourced 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 276bhp with six-gear manual transmission. Lotus are planning production levels of up to 34 units per week in July, assuming of course that the economic conditions permit a corresponding demand.

It was for 13 years that Lotus cognoscenti had to wait for the British manufacturer to bring a new model to market. Next spring this will apparently happen and the new Lotus Evora will take its bow.

With the Evora, there is supposed to be promising writing on the wall for family men. Indeed, looking at the spec, one rather thinks more of a rapid family saloon than of a dynamic sports car. Its 206 kW/276 HP are delivered from a 3.5 litre V6 engine and the CO2 emissions are stated at 225 gms per kilometre. Acceleration from 0 to 60 is supposed to take less than five seconds and the top speed of the Evora - weighing in at 1.3 tonnes - is said to be 155 MPH. Having said all which, the visual appearance tells a different story. With a wheelbase of 2.58 metres, it is just 4.34 metres long in total and its height of 1.22 metres means that it just about reaches the average driver's belt buckle.

You could well say: just right on the outside, but pretty tight on the inside. One may well ask just how much consideration Lotus is showing for customers with families, an additional spare tyre and a bad back? With its new Evora, Lotus would like to address a new customer base that does not want to do without a minimum level of creature comforts. This is also reflected in the price, as the 4-seater will cost around 70.000 euros. But all Lotus enthusiasts that still have a fixation with the legendary Esprit - James Bond's company car - can take comfort in the fact that a new model eight cylinder model is planned for 2011.