Sports car maker Lotus took the wraps off its revised Europa coupe range for 2008 at the Geneva Motor Show. The popular “S” model gets a fresh look for the new year, and an all-new SE model enjoys its world debut.
These new Europa variants have been designed especially for Europe and will be sold exclusively there from June 2008. There is no indication of plans for U.S. availability.
The Europa has a mid-mounted 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, tuned in the SE to 222 horsepower and with 221 pound-feet of torque. Even though the Europa is engineered with more relaxed driving characteristics than the Elise and Exige, it manages to spring to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and 100 mph in 13.0 seconds. The SE will hit a top speed of 143 mph (estimated).
The Europa offers increased levels of comfort over the Elise and Exige. The S and SE models are both equipped with race-derived double wishbone suspension for good handling and ride quality. The sleek bodywork, together with the assistance of a flat underbody, generates positive downforce to provide balance.
The Europa SE has new lightweight wheels, which are wrapped in wider high-performance tires, for increased grip. These new performance wheels are larger with 17-inch rims up front, and larger 18-inch rims on the rear. The new wheels house high performance AP Racing four-piston brakes and larger 12-inch diameter discs.
The SE interior has been updated to feature four hides of soft, lightweight high-grade leather, to cover almost every surface. As with all 2008 Lotus road cars, the Europa and Europa SE come with driver and passenger airbags and an engine start button as standard. The interior also included leather sports seats and comes as standard with a high quality stereo system.
