Lotus - the current models

Currently the page focuses on three main themes:

Lotus Esprit variations in Geneva 1995


New Lotus Esprit S4S in Geneva
The official press release:
The new Lotus Esprit S4S made its European debut at the 1995 Geneva Salon. The Esprit range thus grows to three with the new model positioned between the successful Lotus Esprit S4 and the competition-oriented Lotus Esprit Sport 300.

The new Lotus Esprit S4S provides a peak of 224 kW from its turbocharged and intercooled 2.2 litre engine, thanks to a new turbocharger and engine management programme. The torque peak and spread is also increased considerably, improving the flexibility and driveability of this already renowned powertrain. 80% of the 394 Nm maximum torque is available between 2500-6500 rpm.

Externally, the bodyshell is distinguished from the Lotus Esprit S4 with wheel-arch extensions to cover the new tyre and wheel package. This comprises 23 5/40x 17" (front) and 285/3 5x 18" (rear) Michelin Pilot SX MXX3 tyres on OZ alloy rims. (Note - this is the first application for Michelin tyres on the Lotus Esprit). The graceful yet dramatic rear wing from the Esprit Sport 300 is employed to complement the increased performance and to match the aggressiveness ofthe wheel/tyre package. New S4S badging completes the package.

Internally, the S4S benefits from the improvements to the interior package and braking system introduced on the 1995 Lotus Esprit S4. New larger instruments from Caerbont are surrounded by a wood-veneered binnacle with matching trim panels on the doors. The upholstery design to the seats, centre console, tunnel top and door trims is also new for 1995.

Under the skin, suspension settings have been developed to suit the new wheel/tyre package, giving high levels ofgrip with well-mannered ride. In addition, a new brake package comprising four-wheel ventilated discs and calipers from Brembo is now standard fitment.

Colin Gething, Head of Sales for Lotus Cars: "We've introduced this third variant to our Esprit range because many customers wanted the performance ofthe Sport 300 with the sophistication ofthe S4. The S4S delivers this package with style and value."

Note: Due to Swiss homologation laws, the S4S will be sold in Switzerland without the rear wing. An unobtrusive extended rear lip spoiler will be fitted instead, which will deliver similar aerodynamic performance. The Sport 300 is not available in Switzerland.
Brief Specification:

Body:
* Mid-engined high-performance two-seat sports car.
* Galvanised steel backbone chassis with composite bodyshell including "Sport 300" rear wing (where homologated) and unique wheelarch extensions.
Powertrain:
* Lotus 2.2litre charge-cooled aluminium alloy 16-valve engine with enlarged inlet valves and specially modified cylinder head for improved gas flow.
* Hybrid Garrett AiResearch T3/60turbocharger.
* High-torque 5-speed transaxle from Renault, with short-shift gearchange and hydraulic clutch.
Suspension Systems:
* Independent front suspension by upper and lower wishbones with specially-developed coil springs and dampers.
* Independent rear suspension by upper and lower transverse links and radius arms,with specially-developed coil springs and dampers.
* Dual circuit ABS brakes by Delco with ventilated discs,(296mm front,300mm rear) and Brembo calipers.
* 5-spoke OZ alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot SX MXX3 tyres, ZR-rated (235/40x17" front, 285/35x18" rear).
* Lotus/Saginaw power steering (standard)
Interior:
* Burr walnut veneer to instrument surround and door trims
* New instrument pack by Caerbont with large-diameter
speedometer and tachometer
* New design for leather upholstery on seats, centre console, tunnel top and door inner panels
Performance:
* 213kW continuous @ 6400 rpm (ISO) - peak transient of 224kW available under acceleration
* 394 Nm @ 4100 rpm
* Maximum speed 260 km/h
* 0-100 km/h in 5. 0 seconds, 0-160 km/h in 11. 4 seconds

Image about the car:
esprit.jpg 52 KB
Another photo about the Esprit S4S



The Esprit 300



The official press release:
The stunning Lotus Esprit Sport 300 is a lightweight ultra-high-performance road-going derivative of the Lotus Esprit X180R racecar campaigned in the USA. It is hand-built in limited quantities to special order.

In keeping with the Lotus heritage of competition, the Sport 300 features aggressive yet elegant and essential body modifications, covering a chassis with all the features of a winning racecar. With 225 kW from the chargecooled 2.2 litre engine, in a vehicle weighing approximately 35kg less than the Esprit S4, the Sport 300 has performance to match its looks.
Not only is the Sport 300 derived from several years' experience with the XI 80R racer - it is suitable for track use itself with the addition of a LotusSport competition pack comprising rollcage (for which mountings have been provided), full harness, and fire extinguisher. Its potential in motorsport has already been clearly demonstrated with an outright victory in the 1994 British National GT Series. Plans are in place for expanding the motorsport programme through to 1996 and 1997 in long-distance events.

Patrick Peal, Head of Communications for Lotus Cars Ltd, commented "At Lotus, competition not only improves the breed - with the Sport 300, it has started a whole new generation, to add to our heritage of sporting road cars. "

Measured performance : 0-100 km/h 4. 5 s
Maximum speed 261 km/h (TUV certified)
Measured fuel economy : City : 15. 01/ 100km
90 km/h 8. 21/ 100km
120 km/h 10. 31/ 100km

Note: Lotus Esprit Sport 300 is not homologated for Swiss market
Full Technical Specification:
Body:
The Esprit S4 exterior is restyled to create a more aggressive, but elegant, visual statement in keeping with the Lotus racing heritage. This achieves increased aerodynamic downforce balanced front-to, and reduced overall weight.
Chassis and suspension
The standard Esprit galvanised steel chassis is modified as follows:
Front suspension
Front spring frequency increased.
Larger dampers have revised settings, new rubber mounts and steel retainers

Rear suspension
Top links modified to provide camber adjustment Spring frequency increased Larger dampers have revised settings,new rubber mounts and steel retainers Hub carriers machined to accept uprated brake specification

Chassis
Increased torsional stiffness achieved by modifications to gearlever access hole, front crossmember and backbone, and addition of engine bay crossbrace Competition rollcage mounts added
And the image:
espr300.jpg
Back of the Esprit Sport 300




Lotus Elan S2



The Lotus Elan made its final major motor show appearance in production at the Geneva Salon. "Customer reaction has been very positive, with over 70% of the total production already sold."

Extracts from the press release:
The Lotus Elan S2 features over 100 improvements to the original Elan, which was introduced to critical acclaim in 1989. Significant new standard features include a new tyre/wheel package with associated suspension detail changes, and a comprehensive alarm and immobiliser system. The majority ofthe changes have been developed in response to customer feedback, and the result is an exclusive sports car with outstanding road manners and performance.
Production of the 800 Lotus Elan S2's, at the maximum of 72 vehicles per month, is expected to be completed shoirtly. Total production of this sports car both in its original guise and as the Lotus Elan S2 will not exceed 5000 units - a classic in the making?

Go back to the Geneva page!

Lotus Elise


 The unveiling of the Lotus Elise. At the wheel sitting Elise, the granddaughter of Romano Artioli
The first official pictures about the Elise: Front view
Rear view

And a new picture about the Elise arrived during Nov. 1995
Everybody talked about it, everybody awaited the big moment and on the 12th of September a few minutes after 11 AM at the IAA on Hall 3.1, Stand B 24 Lotus showed to the world its first new car since they are under the umbrella of Bugatti. As it is widely known the car was codenamed M111 (following the Bugatti typing logic) but a director change and the current financial troubles of Bugatti forced Romano Artioli to change the name of the car. It's named after his granddaughter. I attended the premier with the Autocar staff (John McCormick, Peter Robinson and Julian Rendell). The latter mocked about the German of Artioli. They generally liked the car, but the rear was too retro for them.
At the press conference first the new Lotus boss, Rod Mansfield spoke a few words, introducing the lightweight frame, then Romano Artioli said something in German, which I don't speak!
In real the car looks awesome. It's small and the form has a deja vu feeling but I like it very much. Someone scanned the press release so I'll add that (I don't have to type mine :-))
I didn't take over the scanned Elise pictures (from Autocar) as I don't use scans from magazines, books etc.


Go back to the IAA 95 report page!
... or Go back to my main page !

Copyright September, 1995