The Lotus Emira has been unveiled as the company’s final model with a mid-mounted internal combustion engine.
In fact there’s a choice of two power units, the familiar 3.5V8 or AMG 2.0 i4 giving 360 to 400hp, a maximum 180mph and choice of manual or automatic transmissions and on the road from next spring from under £60,000.
All-new mid-engined sports car perfectly embodies ongoing transformation of iconic British sports car manufacturer. Striking design, delivering exotic supercar appeal in sports car segment and taking inspiration from Lotus Evija hypercar clear in fluid surfaces and crisp feature lines.
It’s developed on Lotus’ recently announced Sports Car Architecture with choice of two petrol engines available, including new-to-Lotus 2.0-litre turbocharged ‘i4’ from technical partner AMG while the much-loved and characterful 3.5-litre supercharged V6 from Exige and Evora to feature as ‘First Edition’ range-topper.
Manual, automatic and Dual Clutch Transmission maximise global appeal and power outputs range from 360 to 400 hp at launch giving a 0-62mph (0-100km/h) in less than 4.5 seconds with top speed of up to 180mph.
The newcomers follow Lotus drive towards lightness and efficiency with a target weight of 1,405kg in its lightest form and expect prices will start from under £60,000
An altogether heavier proposition which is aiming at efficiency is the new Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid.
It’s the next step in the car maker’s Beyond100 strategy to achieve an end-to-end carbon neutral organisation and journey towards electrification
The new powertrain delivers the renowned luxury and performance of a Flying Spur, without compromise and produces combined power of 536 bhp (544 PS) and 750 Nm (553 lb.ft) provided by a 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine and advanced electric motor giving a total driving range of over 700 km and an expected all-electric range of greater than 40 km EU (WLTP) pending certification.
Subtle exterior badging and additional hybrid information is presented via the heads up display, infotainment screen and instrument cluster and an expanded suite of My Bentley connected services using embedded SIM with Hybrid specific content.
The new 2.9-litre V6 engine achieves 410 bhp (416 PS) and 550 NM (406 lb.ft) of torque up to 5650 rpm, sharing similar design methodology as the 4.0-litre V8. The twin-scroll turbochargers and primary catalytic convertors are positioned within the V of the engine.
Fuel injectors and spark plugs have been centralised within each combustion chamber to ensure optimal spray patterns and combustion paths, and the camshafts are variable by up to 50 degrees. The engine delivers over 150 bhp per litre, even higher than the Flying Spur V8.
The advanced electronic motor is located between the transmission and the engine and provides up to 134 bhp (136 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb.ft) of torque. The permanent magnet synchronous motor delivers full torque instantly for silent acceleration from standing start. The rapid response of torque minimises any perceived delay often associated with turbocharger lag.
The E-motor is powered by a 14.1 kWh lithium ion battery and can be charged to 100 per cent in as little as two and a half hours (region specific). The power electronics convert the energy stored from the high voltage battery to supply the E-Motor or supplement the existing 12v vehicle electrical infrastructure.
The combined powertrain propels the Flying Spur Hybrid from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds (Flying Spur V8: 4.0 secs) and on to a top speed of 177 mph. Reduced CO2 values and lower fuel consumption are pending certification and will deliver the most environmentally focused powertrain of the range.