Lotus has disclosed...

Lotus has disclosed its first step into the hybrid market but it"s not what you might expect! The new Range Extender engine is designed specifically to work in a series hybrid vehicle by either powering the electric motor directly or by charging the vehicles battery.

The 1.2-litre three cylinder engine, which produces 47hp at 3,500rpm is described by Lotus as a monoblock construction with the cylinder head and block integrated into the engine reducing the amount of parts needed and decreasing weight to just 56kg.

This low weight and small engine size means lower costs, improved emissions and a longer lifespan making the Range Extender an ideal choice for hybrid vehicles. The first car to get the new engine will likely be a prototype in association with Jaguar, MIRA and Caparo as part of the "limo-green" project to develop a luxury saloon with emissions of under 120g/km of CO2.

The Range Extender, which can be run on either petrol or ethanol, will be officially unveiled at next week"s Frankfurt Motor Show.