AutoblogGreen

Lotus Exige to get V6 power, Esprit gets optional hybrid

Autoblog Staff — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:54:00 EST

Autocar has the skinny on the next-generation Lotus Exige and Esprit. Dany Bahar, Group Lotus chief executive, dropped a few details on both models while speaking to the publication about the renewal of his contract with the sports car maker.

Bahar has signed on with Lotus for another four years, which means he'll be around to see the launch of the 2013 Esprit. The vehicle is crucial to Bahar's five-year plan for Lotus and should give the company a legitimate halo vehicle when it goes on sale. Motor Authority reports the vehicle will be available as a hybrid that uses an in-house V8 engine paired with an electric motor.

Meanwhile, additional Esprit models will provide no-compromise performance. Speaking of performance, word has it Lotus will work up its own V6 engine in the near future for use in the company's next-generation Exige. Currently, Lotus relies on Toyota to supply its powerplants.

Bahar has also made it clear that Lotus will expand its motorsport endeavors in the near future as part of his quest to make Lotus a British version of Porsche. We certainly can't complain about that.

Lotus Exige to get V6 power, Esprit gets optional hybrid originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Team Lotus extends Formula One engine deal with Renault, will use KERS in 2012

Eric Loveday — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Lotus, Renault, Racing

Team Lotus of Formula One confirmed it will extend its F1 engine deal with Renault through to the end of 2013. The team, headed by entrepreneur Tony Fernandes, announced at the Singapore Grand Prix that it will employ a Red Bull-developed KERS system starting in 2012. Fernandes said the Team Lotus-Renault-Red Bull deal will put the team on a more even playing field:

We have done the very best job we can this year but without that extra power we are always competing on a different level to the teams ahead, so to give our drivers that boost is a key element of helping us catch the cars ahead, and compete with them when we do so.

Renault Sport F1 head Jean-François Caubet said KERS - a system which transforms kinetic energy into useable power, providing Formula One racers with a six-second, 80-horsepower boost - is essential to competitive performance in F1.

Team Lotus extends Formula One engine deal with Renault, will use KERS in 2012 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus Ethos plug-in minicar headed to U.S. in 2013?

Eric Loveday — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:14:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, MPG, Lotus, Lightweight

It's time to start gearing up for the possible 2013 arrival of a $45,000 plug-in minicar with a Lotus badge. We haven't heard much clamor for such a car, but if it's truly your dream, then you'd be thrilled to know that the extended-range Lotus Ethos will reportedly hit U.S. dealerships in late 2013 as a Model Year 2014 vehicle.

Unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, Lotus' minicar concept, now called the Ethos, will enter the production cycle in 2013. That's official. However, word of the Ethos coming to the U.S. has not been confirmed by the automaker.

In production form, the plug-in Ethos is expected to employ a range-extending 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine. Lotus claims the Ethos will have an electric-only range of 37 miles before that range extender swings into action and adding 270 miles of gas-burnin' action. Top speed checks in at a reported 76 miles per hour and the 0 to 62-mph dash takes nine movements of the second hand. The more important number is that $45k, which we're willing to bet will be a bit of an issue when it comes to racking up sales here in the States.

Lotus Ethos plug-in minicar headed to U.S. in 2013? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus green lights plug-in hybrid Ethos, production scheduled for 2013

Eric Loveday — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:55:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, MPG, Lotus, Lightweight

Lotus has reportedly confirmed it will turn its pint-sized hatchback concept into a production vehicle by 2013. Unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, Lotus' city car concept, now called the Ethos, is confirmed for production. Lotus spokesman Alastair Florance told The Sydney Morning Herald:

It's being worked on right now - people out in Malaysia are working on that. It's bigger than a Smart or Toyota iQ, but it's still pretty small - it's probably a similar size to a Toyota Aygo.

The Ethos will reportedly be offered as a plug-in hybrid-only vehicle. In production form, the Ethos is expected to pack the same powertrain seen in the concept version. The concept employed a range-extended setup with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine packaged within the vehicle's tight confines. Lotus says the Ethos will have an electric-only range of approximately 37 miles before that range extender swings into action, delivering occupants at least 165 miles further on down the road.

Throw in some dazzling looks, a top speed in excess of 100 miles per hour and a flex-fuel-capable engine and Lotus' Ethos appears set take the city car segment by storm, if it doesn't get slapped with an exorbitant, Lotus-like price tag.

Lotus green lights plug-in hybrid Ethos, production scheduled for 2013 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geek Group to electrify Lotus Esprit, you can help [w/VIDEO]

Domenick Yoney — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 18:55:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Lotus, USA

Geek Group takes delivery of 1997 Lotus Esprit - Click above to watch video after the jump

The Geek Group - a self-described non-profit organization focused on science, technology, engineering, math, and arts education - has decided to take on the task of making a Lotus Esprit, vintage 1997, run on electricity instead of gasoline. Those familiar with the group, perhaps better known for blowing things up then putting them back together, might question why they are taking on the project. The answer lies mostly in the fact that they were given the car, minus its non-functional Type 918 all-aluminum twin-turbo V8, and that they have a new large work space in Grand Rapids, MI to serve as their "vehicular sciences lab."

The project aims to give the Lotus performance equal to that of the combustion-powered original - excluding range - and serve as their flagship Geekmobile. If you have an interest in helping them out by either donating or joining the group and getting your hands dirty, hop onto their website to hook up. They will be making videos of the build as they go, so subscribe to their YouTube channel or Facebook page to follow along. Hit the jump for the first episode, which features the car's arrival and outline of the plan.

[Source: The Geek Group via El Moto.net]

Continue reading Geek Group to electrify Lotus Esprit, you can help [w/VIDEO]

Geek Group to electrify Lotus Esprit, you can help [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saft supplying five Formula 1 KERS cars with VL li-ion batteries [w/video]

Eric Loveday — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Ferrari, Lotus, Renault, Racing

Sebastian Vettel on KERS - Click above to view video after the jump

Saft has revealed that it will supply its "state-of-the-art" batteries based on its VL lithium-ion cells to five of the 12 Formula 1 (F1) teams competing this season, including Ferrari and Lotus Renault GP. The batteries are a vital part of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) that is being deployed in response to regulations that encourage the development and use of energy-saving technology in F1.

When a KERS-equipped F1 racecar brakes, a portion of its kinetic energy is captured and converted into electrical energy, which is stored in the VL li-ion cells. When extra power is needed, the battery pack releases the stored energy. The Saft setup provides 60 kW (approximately 80 horsepower) of boost, which the driver can use for up to seven seconds each lap. Saft has worked closely to develop tailor-made solutions for each team's unique KERS system. The battery maker says that its VL li-ion cells offer the "optimum combination of performance, power-to-weight ratio, reliability and safety."

Click past the jump for Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel's explanation of the benefits of KERS. Hint: it makes things faster.

[Source: Saft]

Continue reading Saft supplying five Formula 1 KERS cars with VL li-ion batteries [w/video]

Saft supplying five Formula 1 KERS cars with VL li-ion batteries [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Azure Dynamics selects Lotus for Transit Connect Electric upfits in Europe

Eric Loveday — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Ford, Lotus, Europe/EU

Ford Transit Connect Electric - Click above for high-res image gallery

On Tuesday, Ford announced that it had signed a deal to deliver 20 Transit Connect Electrics to the Norwegian Post. Two days after that, Azure Dynamics, the automotive firm that supplies the Connect's ForceDrive electric powertrain, revealed that Lotus Lightweight Structures, a division of Lotus Cars, will tackle the task of electrifying Transits for the European market.

Here's how it'll work: Lotus will receive empty Transit shells, called gliders, from Ford's manufacturing facility in Turkey. Lotus will take the empty gliders and marry them to the ForceDrive powertrains at its Worcester facility in the UK. From there, the electrified Transits will ship out to paying customers throughout Europe. The electrification of these Europe-bound Transit Connects will kick off this June.

Gallery: Ford Transit Connect Electric

[Source: Azure Dynamics]

Continue reading Azure Dynamics selects Lotus for Transit Connect Electric upfits in Europe

Azure Dynamics selects Lotus for Transit Connect Electric upfits in Europe originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus: 3 automakers express "significant" interest in our range-extending engine

Eric Loveday — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 10:06:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Lotus

Lotus Proton Concept - Click above for high-res image

Lotus claims that three undisclosed automakers have shown "significant" interest in its dedicated range-extending three-cylinder gasoline-fueled engine that was unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. To date, the Lotus engine has appeared in the Proton Emas, the Jaguar Limo Green and Lotus Evora 414E hybrid, but odds are we'll see it powering at least one more vehicle soon.

Lotus' chief project engineer, Lee Jeffcoat, told Inside Line that, "no one has signed up yet," but says that "several OEMs" have shown interest in ordering "5,000-10,000 units annually, for a potential annual output of 30,000 engines."

Lotus' three-cylinder gasser was optimized from the get-go as a generator. As such, it's most efficient when operating between 1,500-3,500 revolutions per minute. Lotus' range-extender has been significantly redesigned since its initial introduction. It now features a more conventional layout and is claimed to be cheaper to manufacture and easier to service.

[Source: Inside Line]

Lotus: 3 automakers express "significant" interest in our range-extending engine originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Lotus range-extended city car coming in 2013

Eric Loveday — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, MPG, Lotus, Lightweight

Lotus City Car Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

In spectacular fashion, Lotus unveiled six vehicles at the Paris Motor Show. The reveals included the Elite, Espirit, Elise, Eterne hybrid, Elan and one that escaped our cameras: the City Car concept. According to CAR Magazine, Lotus has approved the range-extended City Car and will wheel out a production version near the end of 2013. The automaker will apparently produce three distinct City Car models; one for the Asian market, one for Europe and, at some later point, a sportier version.

The City Car concept is not your typical urban runabout. It employs a plug-in hybrid powertrain packed with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder range extender engine. Lotus claims an electric-only range of 37 miles before that gas-powered range extender swings into action delivering at least 165 miles more. The automaker states that the vehicle's CO2 emissions are under 60 grams per kilometer wile 0-60 miles per hour comes in at less than ten seconds. The City Car is certainly not as flashy as some of Lotus' other offerings, but it's definitely one of the greenest vehicles that the automaker has ever displayed.

Gallery: Lotus concept city car

[Source: CAR Magazine]

Report: Lotus range-extended city car coming in 2013 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus unveils range-extended electric city car concept in Paris

Eric Loveday — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Lotus, Green Daily, Lightweight

Lotus City Car Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

After a spectacular showing at the Paris Motor Show made up of five breathtakingly awesome reveals, Lotus has decided we can't get enough of a good thing and is rolling out one more. First, let's recap the five concept vehicles we've already laid eyes on: Elite, Espirit, Elise, Eterne hybrid and Elan. What's number six? The new Lotus City Car concept, which we assume has to be the last of the company's breathtaking unveilings scheduled for this year's show. Right?

The City Car concept, as its name implies, is an economic urban runabout. But there's much more to it than that. The concept employs a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder range extender engine carefully packaged within the tight confines. Lotus claims an electric-only range of 37 miles before that joyous range extender swings into action delivering at least 165 miles more. With a total range exceeding 300 miles, a CO2 emissions rating below 60 grams per kilometer and 0-60 accomplished in less than ten seconds, the Lotus City Car concept combines remarkable efficiency with performance above what's expected in its segment.

Throw in some dazzling looks, a top speed in excess of 100 miles per hour and a flex-fuel-capable engine, Lotus' concept appears more than capable enough to capture the city car segment, if the price is kept in check. Lotus has not revealed firm plans to offer its City Car concept to the public, but if the automaker decides to give it the nod, then production is at least a few years away.

Gallery: Lotus concept city car

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus unveils range-extended electric city car concept in Paris

Lotus unveils range-extended electric city car concept in Paris originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 02 Oct 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2010: Lotus debuts Eterne hybrid sedan concept [w/video]

Autoblog Staff — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 18:56:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Lotus, Paris Motor Show

Lotus Eterne concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

When we think of Lotus, the words "hybrid" and "sedan" aren't exactly the first words that come to mind. Now, though, Lotus is changing all that with the introduction of its Eterne concept, a four-door sedan with an optional hybrid powertrain. This may be a big step in a different direction for Lotus, but it's nothing new. The Eterne takes the same shape as the Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin Rapide and Audi A7 Sportback.

Like the new Esprit concept, the Eterne is powered by a 620-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 sourced from Toyota. The optional hybrid drivetrain uses a Formula 1-style KERS energy recuperation system, and the Lotus sedan will be available in both rear- and all-wheel drive. Of course, this is still a Lotus, so good performance numbers are an absolute must, and we're told that the Eterne will run to 60 miles per hour in just 4.0 seconds on its way to a top speed of 196 mph.

While merely a concept at this point, Lotus says that the Eterne is slated for production in 2015 and that the sedan will cost around $190,000. Enjoy the live photos direct from the Paris Motor Show floor and a video after the jump.

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading Paris 2010: Lotus debuts Eterne hybrid sedan concept [w/video]

Paris 2010: Lotus debuts Eterne hybrid sedan concept [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: 2014 Lotus Elite to feature Toyota's hybrid tech

Eric Loveday — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 19:06:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Lotus, Toyota, Green Daily

2014 Lotus Elite coupe concept

In 2014, Lotus plans to offers a production version of it $179,000 Elite coupe concept to the public (well, to the members of the public with a pile of unwanted cash, anyway). Lotus has dished out a load of details about its Elite prior to its official unveiling in Paris, so here's what we now so far: The 3,637-pound Elite comes packing a 5.0-liter V8 engine that puts out 611 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque, which Lotus claims is good for a 0-60 run in the 3.5-second range. We also know that Lotus plans to offer an optional hybrid system, utilizing the KERS setup. Lotus left us in the dark regarding the company responsible for supplying the Elite's hybrid hardware, but now a report suggests that the automaker providing the bits is none other than, yep, you guessed it, Toyota.

Surprised? You shouldn't be. Toyota has fashioned hybrid deals with numerous automakers and if you're in need of some gas-electric parts, Toyota is the go-to company. The Elite will reportedly feature a hybrid gearbox with integrated electric motors and the aforementioned KERS setup. Automotive News (sub. req.) quotes a Lotus official who apparently revealed the tie-up with Toyota, stating:

We are working with Toyota on powertrain solutions for our future cars, and this is part of the development but it is not an existing system.

Toyota, as expected, would not comment on future plans, but the company did admit that it welcome deals with other automakers, "because we would like to see environmental technologies adopted and used as widely as possible."

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: 2014 Lotus Elite to feature Toyota's hybrid tech originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 19:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Lotus Elite coupe to offer optional KERS hybrid system

Eric Loveday — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 12:55:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Lotus, Green Daily

2014 Lotus Elite coupe concept

Admittedly, 2014 is a long time away and a lot of things could happen between now and then to squash Lotus' plan to offer a production version of its Elite coupe concept. But, if nothing is dramatically altered within four year's time, then we'd expect to see the KERS hybrid system attached, at least as an option, to the company's 3,637 pound Elite. Lotus claims that pricing for its two-plus-two Elite will start around $179,000, but the optional KERS will likely command a premium over the base model.

The front-mid-engined Elite comes packing a 5.0-liter V8 engine that puts out 611 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque, which Lotus claims is good for a 0-60 time in the 3.5-second range. When equipped with the optional KERS system, though, the vehicle's CO2 emissions comes in at a claimed 215 g/km. Yeah, we're aware that an emissions rating of 200-plus isn't exactly spectacular, but the Lotus Elite does fall into supercar territory, so you didn't really expect to see sub-100 numbers now, did ya?

[Source: Inside Line, Lotus]

Continue reading 2014 Lotus Elite coupe to offer optional KERS hybrid system

2014 Lotus Elite coupe to offer optional KERS hybrid system originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time for REEVolution - Think will help power up UK plug-in vehicle program

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, MPG, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lotus, Nissan, Th!nk (Think)

Lotus, Nissan, Think and Jaguar Land Rover.

Four different auto companies, all working together in the UK electric car consortium (along with Axeon, EVO Electric and Xtrac) called REEVolution. As the name kind of gives away, the goal is to "expand and enhance technology" used in extended-range electric vehicles in the premium sector (these plug-in hybrids are called range extended electric vehicles, thus REEV, in the UK). The UK government announced yesterday that REEVolution, part of the UK's Integrated Delivery Programme Competition for Low Carbon Vehicles, would be given £9.5million.

The makers of the little Think City fit into the consortium through Think's experience with electric powertrains. The automaker will supply the electric vehicle drivetrain controller and other advanced components to the consortium. Think spokesman Jon Harmon said, "This is an important step forward in global EV development and Think is right in the thick of it."

The program's goals are to improve the results of a previous project that Jaguar Land Rover and Lotus Engineering did called Limo Green (pictured). That extended-range electric Jaguar XJ got around 47 mpg (U.S.) on the EU combined cycle with a 30-mile electric range and CO2 emissions under 120 grams per kilometer. REEVolution will "develop components and systems, as demonstrated on Limo Green, onto global levels of quality and reliability as required by production vehicles." Who wouldn't want all that in a production Jaguar XJ?

[Source: Think]

Continue reading Time for REEVolution - Think will help power up UK plug-in vehicle program

Time for REEVolution - Think will help power up UK plug-in vehicle program originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus Engineering gets $2m from California for lightweight vehicle study

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:38:00 EST

Filed under: Lotus, Lightweight

Lotus Elise aluminum chassis

Since the earliest days of Lotus, founder Colin Chapman lived by the philosophy of "Simplicate and add lightness." Over the last 60 years, that has manifested in cars from the Seven and Elan to the Elise and Evora. We can look for more of the same from the company, now that the California Air Resources Board has awarded Lotus Engineering a $2 million grant to conduct a study into future lightweight vehicles.

The new study is a follow-up to an earlier program that saw Lotus build a prototype vehicle capable of being built in volumes of 50,000 units a year. The mass of this earlier vehicle was slashed by 38 percent while the cost was only increased by 3 percent. More importantly, fuel consumption of the lightweight vehicle would be reduced by 23 percent. Unlike many lightweight concepts constructed from carbon fiber, the Lotus-designed vehicle was built mainly from more conventional materials like aluminum, magnesium and high-strength steels.

The goal of the new program, due to be completed by April 2011 and led by the Lotus Engineering office in Ann Arbor, MI, will be to demonstrate that the lightweight vehicle can meet all U.S. crash standards. If anyone can do it, we think Lotus has a shot.

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus Engineering gets $2m from California for lightweight vehicle study

Lotus Engineering gets $2m from California for lightweight vehicle study originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Lotus bringing a pair of front-engine hybrids to Paris Motor Show

Autoblog Staff — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 07:56:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Lotus, Paris Motor Show

Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

In addition to the pair of Evoras being introduced at this year's Paris Motor Show, Lotus will also be unveiling two front-engine hybrid vehicles, in keeping with the automaker's promise to offer more gasoline/electric sports cars. Green Car Advisor reports that one of these hybrid cars will be a four-door hatchback and the other will be a two-door coupe.

Lotus debuted its hybrid concept earlier this year in the form of the Evora 414E Hybrid (pictured), but unlike the mid-engine concept, the two front-engine models will utilize a 47-horsepower 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine specifically designed to provide power to electric-drive hybrids. We'll have the full details direct from the Paris show later this month, so stay tuned.

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

Report: Lotus bringing a pair of front-engine hybrids to Paris Motor Show originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Wind car is almost finished! No, for real this time.

Domenick Yoney — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Lotus, UK

Nemesis "wind car" under construction - Click above to watch video after the jump

Remember that "wind car" we were telling you about a while back? You know, the one that started out as a Lotus Exige before being stretched and having its gasoline-drinking powertrain replaced by twin electric motors and that answers to the name of Nemesis. Well, it's almost finished.

Yes, it's a bit behind schedule. Many months actually. Something to do with the difficulties of designing a battery management system (BMS) to keep it from bursting into a ball of flames while being properly put through its sports car paces - what's somewhat euphemistically referred to as a thermal runaway situation.

It's not that the matte black beauty has been sitting tucked away in a garage somewhere collecting dust instead of miles. Indeed, Dale Vince, purveyor of wind-generated electricity and the man behind the project, has had the pleasure of putting it to some light use while waiting (and waiting) for the BMS to be completed.

Finally, Vince made the executive decision to pass along the more sophisticated electronics and software work to a team with experience in the area. The result, after a few more months, is a project that's just a paint job and final touches away from completion. For real this time. Hit the jump to be entertained and informed by what might possibly be the second last video in the Nemesis series.

[Source: Zerocarbonista]

Continue reading Video: Wind car is almost finished! No, for real this time.

Video: Wind car is almost finished! No, for real this time. originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus and Fagor Ederlan Group to produce range-extender engine

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:03:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Lotus, Geneva Motor Show

Lotus Engineering has reached an agreement with the Spanish Fagor Ederlan Group to develop and produce a small engine for use as a range extender in electric vehicles - a system similar to that found in the Chevrolet Volt. Lotus first showed its 1.2-liter inline-three engine at the Geneva Motor Show in the Evora 414E and Proton Emas concepts.

Both cars used a similar series hybrid powertrain architecture, where an electric motor provides the drive torque and the engine only drives a generator to sustain the battery after the plug-in charge has been depleted.

Because this new engine is designed specifically for use as a range extender rather than a primary power source, Lotus has been able to optimize the efficiency and reduce the weight. An adapted off-the-shelf engine like the one in the Volt is still designed to hold accessories like the alternator, air-conditioning compressor and power steering pump. Lotus has left out these structures for a lower cost and mass.

Lotus and Fagor Ederlan will take the 47 horsepower engine to production and offer it up to any automaker that wants to build an extended range electric vehicle, but no production timing or customers have been announced yet.

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus and Fagor Ederlan Group to produce range-extender engine

Lotus and Fagor Ederlan Group to produce range-extender engine originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus comes out swinging for lighter, more efficient vehicles

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:54:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Lotus, Lightweight

2020 Toyota Venza as realized by Lotus - Click above to enlarge

When General Motors got to work seriously changing the Chevrolet Volt from blocky concept to sleek production model, company engineers discovered that by improving the aerodynamics by 80 counts, the car netted a six mile per gallon improvement in its highway fuel economy rating (Note: a "count" is a thousandth of a point of a Cd number, so reducing a Cd of 0.150 by 50 counts would give you a Cd of 0.100). On the flipside, taking out 400 pounds of stuff only improved the car's highway mpg by one mile a gallon, though that's largely because of the Newtonian "an object in motion tends to stay in motion unless acted upon by an outside force" hubbub. The lesson for the Volt? Aerodynamics beats weight reduction as a way to increase efficiency.

Not everyone agrees that aerodynamics are key to better cars, however. On the performance side of things, let's not forget Enzo Ferrari's famous (and wrong) quote: "Aerodynamics are for people who can't build engines." When it comes to building more fuel efficient cars, weight reduction can play a big role. Lotus, in particular, is a big proponent of shaving pounds from its sportscars. The Elise Club Racer, to cite just one example, weighs less than 2,000 pounds.

Today, Lotus Engineering and the International Council on Clean Transportation released a study that found that weight reduction should not be forgotten and is, in fact, a cost-effective way to improve fuel efficiency. Specifically, the engineers calculate that you can have a "vehicle mass improvement" of 38 percent compared to a conventional mainstream vehicle (in this case, a Toyota Venza) and that it can be achieved with "only" a three percent increase in component costs. One important detail: this is "using engineering techniques and technologies viable for mainstream production programmes by 2020." Even though 2020 is a decade away, it's interesting to see how much fuel might this save. The DOE estimates that reducing a vehicle's mass by 33 percent means a 23 percent drop in fuel consumption. Not bad. Find more details after the jump.

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus comes out swinging for lighter, more efficient vehicles

Lotus comes out swinging for lighter, more efficient vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus celebrates after 2011 Elise is rated at 46.7 mpg

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Lotus

2011 Lotus Elise - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Tesla Motors wanted a lightweight sports car body for its Roadster electric vehicle, the company turned to Lotus. Why? Because Lotus has, for a long time, made some of the best light and small sports cars in the world. That history once again comes alive in the new 2011 Lotus Elise with an official rating of 46.7 miles per gallon (U.S.) on the European cycle in a car that weighs just 876 kg (1,931 lbs.). Along with the lower weight, when the new Elise was unveiled in Geneva, we learned it had improved aerodynamics (up four percent) and that the car will be available with a new 1.6-liter 4-cylinder VVT-I engine. Lotus says that this powerplant in the new Elise will have CO2 emissions of 149 grams per kilometer, a number it says is "outstandingly low." Some might quibble with this, but it is 16 percent lower than the previous Lotus Elise S. 149 grams per kilometer gives the Elise "the lowest CO2 for its performance level for any gasoline sportscar in the world." The performance numbers include a 0-60 time of 6 seconds. All that in a car that looks like the Elise and gets better mileage than a Honda Insight? Outstanding.

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus celebrates after 2011 Elise is rated at 46.7 mpg

Lotus celebrates after 2011 Elise is rated at 46.7 mpg originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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