Geneva Preview: More on the Lotus Europa S

February 24, 200620 yr

Geneva Preview: More on the Lotus Europa S

Date posted: 02-23-2006

HETHEL, England — Lotus has revealed more information about its forthcoming Europa S, which will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next week.

The new midengined two-seater, true to Lotus tradition, is the lightest-weight car in its class at only 995 kg (2,193 pounds), says the company. Production will start in July.

The Europa S has an extruded and bonded aluminium chassis and composite body panels, along with a composite front energy-absorbing crash structure, Lotus says. But it's not all about slimness; the Europa S's 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbo engine produces 90 percent of maximum torque from low revs and boasts an estimated 0-to-60-mph time of 5.5 seconds.

Lotus is calling the Europa S a "business class" car, saying it fills out the Lotus product line by offering a less extreme model for everyday driving to sit alongside the Elise and Exige. Still, only about 500 of the Europa S are intended to be built per year, the carmaker says. Prices have not yet been announced but are expected to be just north of $50,000. Unfortunately, the Europa S is not planned to be sold in the United States or Canada.

What this means to you: A Lotus daily driver? Put it on your expense account…if you live outside North America, that is!

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