Geneva: Lotus to debut new car that embodies ‘lightness, performance, and driving purity’

By Andrew Hard January 21, 2015

Lotus Evora — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Life as a low-volume car manufacturer is a combustible cocktail of joy, anxiety, and murky futures.

You will find few better examples of this than Lotus, a British brand that exclusively makes track-focused sports cars.

New safety regulations, expired exemptions, and outdated airbags have pushed many of Lotus’ prized models out of the U.S. market recently, so the brand desperately needs momentum.

A new model might be just the ticket for that type of turnaround. The Norfolk-based automaker has announced that “an exciting new car” is headed for the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.

Lotus didn’t reveal any details about the vehicle, only saying, “The product will remain true to its core pillars of lightness, performance and driving purity by embodying all of them in a most desirable package.”

Industry rumors, however, point toward an Evora-based crossover.

As we reported in December, Lotus may lean on the profitable SUV market to boost company revenues, similar to how Porsche’s Cayenne helps finance the German brand’s low-volume models.

The manufacturer will reportedly build the crossover off the current Evora platform (shown), adding more ground clearance and beefier proportions to the coupe. Whether or not the powertrain layout or two-door layout will change is unknown, but the vehicle a celebration (and hopeful continuation) of the automaker’s short-term success. Lotus has posted a 54-percent increase in global sales over the first nine months of the financial year.

As far as the normal Evora is concerned, a refreshed 2016 version is expected grace exhibition halls in Geneva.

Wearing new safety updates, tweaked styling, and a lighter overall package, the Evora will again be available to purchase in the U.S. The current iteration weighs just over 3,000 pounds and offers two V6 options: a 3.5-liter, 276-horsepower unit and a supercharged, 345-hp version in Evora S guise.

The 2015 Geneva Motor Show commences on March 5th.

Editors' Recommendations

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.