2010 Geneva Motor Show: Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid Concept

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Despite being one of the most performance-oriented auto brands in the business, Lotus also happens to be a leader when it comes to fuel-saving hybrid technology. Having already established a hybrid and electric vehicle group years ago, as well as building several concept and engineering mules for other firms, Lotus is now finally showing off an advanced hybrid powertrain in one of its own production models.

In this case, the concept vehicle is the new Lotus Evora sports car, which has been fitted with a range-extending plug-in hybrid system in its rear-mounted engine bay. The new concept is called the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid and is on display this week at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

The Evora 414E Hybrid is so-named because of its 414 horsepower output, which is derived from two electric motors driving each of the rear wheels independently via a single speed geartrain that’s integrated into a common transmission housing. In this way, the vehicle is able to vector torque to either of its rear wheels for additional stability. Each of the electric motors is rated at 295 pound-feet of torque, which should provide for some exhilarating acceleration action--expect the 0-60 mph sprint to take less than four seconds.

Electrical power is stored in a lithium polymer battery pack but if these start to get depleted, a fuel-efficient 1.2-liter gasoline three-cylinder fires into action and starts charging them. The engine uses a two-valve port-fuel injection combustion system to reduce cost and is fully flex-fuel ready.

For everyday commuting journeys, up to 35 miles can be traveled using battery power alone and the batteries can be charged by any household power outlet. With the range-extender kicking in, the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid can drive more than 300 miles.

Other interesting features include Lotus’ unique HALOsonic vehicle sound generators designed to improve pedestrian safety outside the vehicle while also reducing noise within the cabin. The vehicle also debuts a pseudo sports mode system that simulates a seven-speed paddle shift transmission.

Also on show in Geneva is supermodel Naomi Campbell and her series of special edition Haiti Evoras, which are being presented to their respective charitable buyers.

http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1...hybrid-concept

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

We got sneak peek of the first ever Lotus Hybrid a couple of days ago, and now we've seen the Evora 414E Hybrid in the metallic flesh. Just a slight refresher on the technology, the 414E makes 408 horsepower and a skull-popping 590 pound-feet of torque via electricity.

That's right, this is not your Prius-style hybrid. Like Chevy's Volt, the Evora 414E is an extended-range electric vehicle. Meaning that it runs on batteries (for up to 35 miles) before a 47-hp three-cylinder engine kicks on to provide power. Also, instead of one electric motor, the 414E has two. One for each rear wheel. And since most of the time the car will be running off lithium-ion batteries, Lotus is employing HALOsonic Internal and External Electronic Sound Synthesis systems to make the 414E sound like a "real" car.

On the outside, the 414E looks like your "standard" Evora, except that this here show car is covered in faux-electric circuitry. Plus it's painted in a gorgeous shade of matte copper. The real story though, is inside. Talk about Black and Gold! Even if the Evora 414E Hybrid never makes it to production (we hearing it will in two to three years) we hope they offer those seats as an option. Yes, we're odd people. Deal with it.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/02/g...s-old-and-new/

[Midship Runabout]

I actually really like that poop brown

[vh_supra26]

^eh it looks alright

[Lexicon101]

I'm just imagining it in black with green metal flake.

[vh_supra26]

^wrd, this car would look sweet in black.