Technology showcase to revolutionise sports car brand

An incredible new Lotus Evora looks set to revolutionise the Lotus brand when it’s unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March.

The Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid concept is capable of 0-60mph in less than four seconds and has a range of over 300 miles – all with minimal impact on the environment.

Power is provided by two 204bhp (295lb/ft) electric motors, providing 408bhp (590lb/ft) in total, and capable of varying torque between the rear wheels to help the car handle even better.

Charge its advanced lithium polymer batteries from the mains at night and the Evora 414E is capable of around 35 miles on electricity alone.

After this a range-extending 47bhp engine chimes in, acting purely as a generator to charge the batteries and extend the car’s range to its full potential. It can be run on bioethanol or normal petrol.

While the transmission is actually single-speed, the Evora 414E will be fitted with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, which simulate a seven-speed DSG transmission, for better driver interaction.

The ‘virtual gearbox’ will also simulate engine braking, so the driver may shift down through the gears, on approach to a corner for example.

And, the braking effect of the electric motors is used to generate electricity to help top up the batteries.

If the driver wants the effect of a relaxed, fully-automatic car, the ‘virtual gearbox’ feature can be turned off and the Evora returns to its single-speed gear ratio.

Unlike the near-silent Tesla Roadster, the Evora 414E Hybrid should sound like a hair-raising sports car.

Its Electronic Sound Synthesis hardware generates engine sound, and you can choose if you want to enjoy the howl of a V6, V12 or experience a futuristic sound which is unique to the Lotus.

For better pedestrian safety, it’s also played through speakers at the front and rear of the Evora, to warn people of your presence.

All these changes need to be reflected on the outside too, so the Evora 414E Hybrid has been finished in copper paint, with circuit board-inspired graphics inside and a glazed roof panel.

Lotus Naomi for Haiti

Meanwhile, Lotus has teamed up with Naomi Campbell and the White Ribbon Alliance to raise money for Fashion for Relief’s Haiti appeal.

By auctioning eight special edition “Naomi for Haiti” Lotus Evoras the British manufacturer aims to make a big contribution – the first car fetching an amazing £320,000.

To bid for the cars, which feature a unique paint scheme and interior, visit www.naomiforhaiti.com.

by Andy Goodwin