An Elise it isn’t, but Lotus is going into the hybrid and electric car market with the opening of a research and design facility.
The latest concept car uses a Vauxhall Astra body, housing a three-cylinder 1.5-litre engine integrated with a hybrid drive, and a 12kw electric motor. The car utilizes the three-cylinder combustion engine in parallel to the electric motor, allowing for extra performance and fewer emissions.
Electric-powered fuel and water pumps help cut fuel consumption, and an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head uses fewer components and weight reduction.
This isn’t the first venture into electric by Lotus, having worked with ZAP cars in developing the seven-seat 635bhp electric crossover.
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