Catalog / Lotus
Lotus Cars, founded in 1948 by engineering genius Colin Chapman, has a rich history steeped in motorsport and innovative car design. The company's philosophy, often summarized as 'simplify, then add lightness,' has guided Lotus through decades of producing some of the world's most acclaimed sports cars.
Chapman's engineering prowess first gained attention in the 1950s and 1960s through success in Formula One. Lotus cars won the F1 World Championship seven times between 1963 and 1978. This racing success translated into road car production, with early models like the Elite and Elan setting new standards for handling and performance.
The 1960s and 1970s saw the introduction of iconic models like the Lotus Cortina, a collaboration with Ford, and the Lotus Europa, one of the first mid-engined road cars. However, it was the Lotus Esprit, introduced in 1976, that would become one of the company's most recognized models. The Esprit's wedge-shaped design, penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro, epitomized the supercar aesthetic of the era.
In 1982, Chapman's sudden death marked the end of an era for Lotus. The company faced financial difficulties in the following years but continued to produce innovative cars. The 1996 Elise, named after Chapman's granddaughter, marked a return to Lotus's core principles of lightweight construction and exceptional handling. The Elise's bonded aluminum chassis was a game-changer, providing incredible rigidity at a fraction of the weight of traditional construction methods.
The turn of the millennium saw Lotus expanding its range with models like the Exige (a more hardcore version of the Elise) and the Europa S. In 2008, the company unveiled the Evora, a larger, more practical sports car aimed at a broader market.
A significant change came in 2017 when Chinese automotive group Geely acquired a majority stake in Lotus. This injection of capital has allowed Lotus to embark on an ambitious expansion plan. In 2019, Lotus unveiled the Evija, an all-electric hypercar producing nearly 2,000 horsepower, signaling the company's intentions to be at the forefront of electric performance cars.
In 2021, Lotus announced the end of production for its long-standing models - the Elise, Exige, and Evora - marking the end of an era. However, this paved the way for a new generation of Lotus cars, starting with the Emira, the company's last petrol-powered sports car, which combines elements of Lotus's heritage with modern technology and usability.
Looking to the future, Lotus is set to expand beyond its traditional sports car realm. The company has announced plans for a range of lifestyle vehicles, including SUVs and four-door models, all of which will be fully electric. This includes the Eletre, Lotus's first SUV, unveiled in 2022.
Throughout its history, Lotus has remained true to Colin Chapman's vision of lightweight, agile cars that prioritize driver engagement. As the company moves into the electric era, it aims to translate these principles into a new generation of performance vehicles, blending its rich heritage with cutting-edge technology.
Sweden
VIN: BH95
11 km
29.11.2024
The cost of Lotus vehicles varies widely, reflecting the brand's range from lightweight sports cars to ultra-high-performance electric vehicles. In Europe, new Lotus prices typically start around €70,000 for entry-level models and can exceed €2 million for limited edition hypercars.
Factors influencing Lotus prices include:
For example, the Lotus Emira, the brand's latest sports car, starts at approximately €75,000 to €95,000, depending on the engine and specification. The Evora, which has recently ended production, was priced similarly in its final years.
At the higher end, the all-electric Lotus Evija hypercar has a price tag of around €2 million, reflecting its limited production run and extraordinary performance capabilities.
The upcoming Lotus Eletre, the brand's first SUV, is expected to be priced from around €95,000 to €150,000, depending on the specification.
It's worth noting that while Lotus vehicles are priced as premium products, they often offer exceptional performance and driving dynamics for their price point, staying true to the brand's heritage of lightweight, driver-focused vehicles.
The most affordable vehicle in the current Lotus range is the Emira, which serves as the brand's entry-level model and the last petrol-powered sports car from Lotus. In Europe, the base model of the Lotus Emira starts at approximately €75,000 to €80,000, though this can vary slightly depending on the specific market and current exchange rates.
However, the final price of the cheapest Lotus model can depend on several factors:
It's important to note that while the Emira represents the entry point into the Lotus range, it still comes with high-performance capabilities and the brand's signature handling characteristics. The price reflects its positioning as a premium sports car, competing with models from manufacturers like Porsche and Jaguar.
The most expensive Lotus model currently available is the Evija, an all-electric hypercar that represents the pinnacle of Lotus's engineering capabilities. The Lotus Evija is priced at approximately €2 million (about £1.7 million or $2.3 million), making it not only the most expensive Lotus but also one of the most expensive production cars in the world.
The high price of the Evija is influenced by several factors:
It's worth noting that while the Evija is an extreme example, it represents Lotus's ambitions in the electric vehicle space and serves as a technology showcase for future models. For those seeking a more 'affordable' high-end Lotus, the upcoming Eletre electric SUV is expected to top out at around €150,000 for the highest specification models.
The Evija's price reflects its position as an ultra-exclusive, limited-production hypercar, competing with models from brands like Bugatti, Koenigsegg, and Rimac. It represents a significant departure from Lotus's traditional focus on lightweight, affordable sports cars, demonstrating the brand's ability to compete at the very highest echelons of the automotive world.
