Lotus displayed a naked...
Lotus displayed a naked chassis on its Geneva stand, designed to show off the engineering department"s Variable Vehicle Architecture. But the most interesting aspect was the admission by staff that it will form the basis of three new cars. The first is a crossover SUV for China, while the second and third are the new V8-powered Esprit and a 2+2 GT Lotus supercoup탩.
It"s the electric dream...
It"s the electric dream that could soon become a reality. This is the P1-E ò€“ a sports car that can do 0-60mph in 2.9 seconds without emitting any carbon dioxide at all.
The work of ex-McLaren F1 designer Jim Dowle, the P1-E is powered by a combination of lithium-ion batteries and twin electric motors. Although it"s still on the drawing board at the moment, Dowle predicts that as well as offering storming acceleration, the four-wheel drive machine will be able to cover 230 miles before it needs to be re-charged.
Weighing in at just 1,055kg, the P1-E features gullwing doors and a stunning bodyshell, while the batteries and motors are mounted as low down in the chassis as possible. Together with wishbone suspension front and rear, the P1-E is said to have brilliant handling.
The first working prototype is expected to be revealed before the end of 2009. Sales could kick off in 2010 with a projected price tag of Ò£55,000.