Vauxhall Astra GTC

This time it will be the Astra GTC, whereby Buick will benefit from a 3-door coupe/hatch variant based on that model that it could use to battle the likes of the Hyundai Veloster in the United States market.
The report also says that a convertible/cabriolet GTC-based variant for Buick may also be in the cards.
Opel-based models have a mixed record in the United States. There were failures such as the Saturn Astra but the recent Insignia-based Buick Regal is a success.
The engine for the Buick-badged Astra GTC would likely be the same as the Opel variant - a turbocharged 2.0-liter unit that produces 250 PS (213 kW / 286 hp). The Opel Astra GTC will come with a six-speed manual transmission and a limited slip differential for the front-axle which drives the car. The GTC also comes with a FlexRide suspension with a compound crank rear axle and a Watt's link.

That tech package would make for a smooth-riding Buick in the North American market. But the cost/benefit balance of producing a relatively small car in Europe to be sold in North America is still a proposition that is difficult for most automakers to achieve.

Lotus Range Extender

This week’s Geneva show brought a production-ready version of the company’s range-extending motor/generator setup and the announcement that Lotus developed the powertrain for Rolls-Royce’s Phantom EV.

Announced in late 2009, the three-cylinder range extender has now sprouted a supercharged variant and is ready for sale to automakers as a drop-in solution for EV battery charging. Lotus is able to use a simple two-valve-per-cylinder design since the motor is designed for use in an optimized speed range. This, along with the integrated intake and exhaust manifolds, helps keep weight down. Power from the 1.3-liter engine is rated at 47 hp at 3500 rpm for the naturally aspirated model and 67 hp for the supercharged version. Both drive a generator supplied by Fagor Automation, providing power for the batteries of the OEM’s choosing. In Geneva, Lotus showed the system installed in its Evora 414Evolution hybrid concept.

Lotus Esprit

Why it matters: It’s a mid-engine, aluminum supercar designed to take on Ferrari and Lamborghini. Lotus’s move upmarket is a huge gamble for the brand.

Platform: A new alloy structure that shares a number of components with its somewhat less extreme sister model, the Lotus Elan.

Powertrain: Mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive platform with a V-8 engine of as-yet-undetermined origin. The V-8 is expected to make about 550 horsepower; a hybrid system should lift output to 620 horsepower.

Competition: Ferrari 458 Italia, Lamborghini Gallardo, Porsche 911 Turbo.

What might go wrong: Everything. This is Lotus, after all. Minor elements such as the source of the engine are still up in the air.

Estimated arrival and price: Lotus says the Esprit will appear in dealerships in early 2013 at a price of
about $175,000.

V6 Lotus Exige 2012 Car Picture

After a nine-month hiatus, our spy photographers have once again caught up with Lotus’ mysterious Exige prototype. This crafty camouflage is hiding the next Exige – but nothing was able to hide the evidence of the 3.5-liter V6 from our spies.

With the Exige now in its 10th year of production, Lotus is developing an all-new model to replace the aging coupe. But a new body isn’t all that’s in store for the next Exige as Lotus engineers are readying a more powerful engine package for the two-door sports car.

The current Exige is available with a few variations of Toyota’s 1.8L four-cylinder, with the most powerful version putting out 243 horsepower. However, the prototype seen here is powered by the same 3.5L V6 found in the Evora, generating 276 horsepower.

future lotus exige 2012

The company Lotus car maker has introduced new concept at the 2010 Paris Auto Show, the concept named it’s Lotus Elise was joined by several other concept and car future 2015 year. The Lotus Elise due for release in 2015 is a sexy, agile beast of a car. Finally the Lotus Elise comes of age.

Lotus Elise Concept Powered is a 2-liter supercharged four-cylinder engine delivering 320 horsepower. It has a six-speed manual gearbox with an optional paddle-shifted automatic setup. Zero-to-sixty takes just 4.3 seconds.


“We worked very hard on getting the Elise 2015 exactly right, it’s our entry level car so it needs to give a proper introduction to the Lotus driving experience.” and “The Lotus Elise you can buy now is still a fantastic car, make no mistake, Lotus remain very proud of it, but this is a natural progression for us moving forward. The Elise 2015 will also be class-leading in terms of performance and efficiency but it will do more than that it will take the Lotus Elise model to the forefront of its class across the board.”said Dany Bahar, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus

Lotus Elise and Exige in 2012

While little is known about the concept, AutoExpress (the UK automotive press's equivalent of a gossip rag) reckons it will sit alongside a new roadster concept and a new front-engined GT car.

Of course, it remains to be seen if there's any truth to these reports and it will likely be September before any further details are known.

Lotus is known to be focusing its energies on breaking into the cashed-up luxury performance market, with an ultimate goal of tripling sales from around 2000-2500 cars per year to 7000.

Lotus has offered little else on what we can expect to see at Paris, describing its new concept as "the future evolution of an iconic British brand".

2011 Lotus Exige V6

And we got the news earlier this … which is more than obvious: Lotus piecework now at the launch of the Evora, while preparing the Esprit, the Evora convertible, the Elise and Exige. Will they be able to cope with so much work?

Then think so, because according to previous information, the Hethel company plans to start producing in 2012 the next generation of its legendary mid-engine roadster. The replacement of the M-111, El Salvador in the house created by Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman, is expected to frame an evolution of extruded aluminum, better designed, with a slightly larger size, while maintaining the lightness, and thrusters Toyota’s latest generation.

Demands for variant even expect a dual-clutch box, and a 100% electric version of Lotus itself is also on the planning table. We make your mouth water!