Lotus Revives Europa Nameplate for New GT Sports Car

New Luxury Lotus Not Expected for North American Market

Lotus, one of Britains finest sports car makers has just announced the third model in its lineup, the all-new Europa S. A resurrection of one of the first mid-engined grand tourers, none other than the lovely Europa of the 60s, the latest rendition looks to its historical roots to provide Lotus owners with an entirely new driving experience, different from what the current stripped-down, extra lean Elise and Exige offer.

Complementing

Lotus, one of Britains finest sports car makers has just announced the third model in its lineup, the all-new Europa S. (Photo: Lotus)

the Elise/Exige, the Europa S offers much of the same performance capabilities in a more practical and less punishing package. The Europe S has a larger trunk and a roomier cabin, as well as wider doors and lower door sills to make entry and exit easier. With leather-trimmed seats, full-carpeting, and driver and passenger airbags, Lotus describes

With leather-trimmed seats, full-carpeting, and driver and passenger airbags, Lotus describes the Europa as being Business Class. (Photo: Lotus)

the Europa as being Business Class - an upgrade from the Exiges Freight status, but a far ways from the First Class that Porsche, BMW or Jaguar offer.

From a technical aspect, the Europa S relies on similar technology and materials currently used for its chassis and body to keep weight down and performance up. Extruded aluminum components are riveted and epoxied together for a rigid yet lightweight structure, which is clad in a more understated composite skin than the brands sportier offerings. While Lotus

The Europe S will get GMs 2.0-liter inline-four Ecotec turbo engine has because of its lightweight design, high output and tractable torque curve. (Photo: Lotus)

is keen to stress that the Europa rides on a unique chassis called the Type 121, it is essentially a stretched and widened version of the chassis used in the Elise/Exige.
For power, Lotus has turned back to General Motors, the supplier of original Esprits engine. The Opel/Vauxhall 2.0-liter inline-four Ecotec turbo motor has been selected for its lightweight design, high output and tractable torque curve. A total of 200-horsepower and 194 lb-ft of torque is available, 90 percent of which is produced at just 2,000 rpm. This is a much more relaxed character than the high-revving Toyota VVT-L engine found in either the Elise or Exige. It is mated to none other than a proper six-speed

Production of the Europa will start in July, 2006 at Lotus factory in Hethel, Norfolk, UK. (Photo: Lotus)

manual gearbox.

Despite the growth in size and increase in equipment the Europa S still weighs just 2,194 lbs, just 297 lbs more than the U.S.-spec Elise roadster. As such, the power to weight ratio is an extremely impressive 201 hp/ton. This enables the Europa S to enter supercar territory. The dash to 60 mph takes a scant 5.5 seconds, while 100 mph is reached in 14 seconds flat. Top speed is 140 mph.

Production of the Europa will start in July, 2006 at Lotus factory in Hethel, Norfolk, UK, alongside the Exige and Elise. Pricing for the Europa will start at �33,000 (E49,000), which is the equivalent of $57,500 USD. Unfortunately at this point, Lotus has decided against selling its new sports car in the U.S., and currently has no intention to - seemingly another fantastic sports car has been killed by overly-strict emissions and bumper regulations.

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