Two years ago Lotus used the Geneva Motor show to launch its new “Grand Tourer” model and it is using this year’s event to launch a refreshed version. Essentially a modified Elise, the Europa aims to address the shortcomings of the Elise. The Elise is a no compromise 2 seater driver’s car. It comes with few creature comforts in the view that comfort generally equals added weight, and weight is something the little Elise doesn’t have much of. This lack of weight is a crucial design element which is key to “Eliseness”, aiding the cars sublime performance and road holding.

So the Europa is Lotus’s answer to those that require a little more luxury and practicality. It shares much with the Elise and its close cousin, the Vauxhall/Opel VX220. The glasshouse is instantly recognisable as being derived from Elise and the engine is taken straight out of the VX220. For this years refresh, the 2.0L Vauxhall/Opel turbocharged 4 cylinder unit has been tweaked to provide and extra 25 bhp bringing the total to 225bhp in SE form. Torque is up too, at 300Nm.

Acceleration times are impressive with a 0-96kph sprint coming in at 5.5 seconds and a top speed of over 225kph. Lotus will be keen to stay in the spotlight ahead of their forthcoming Lotus Eagle headline model which is scheduled to be revealed at the British Motorshow in July of this year.


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pictures updated

 

looks nice.

 

I have not seen door sills like that since late 60's racers....