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! Link: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=109392
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