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.
03/04, 9:23 AM
posted by:
cwwilson
Please send them stateside.
03/04, 9:27 AM
posted by:
edgeguy
Cool little roadster.
03/04, 9:34 AM
posted by:
Veda
A Lotus that can actually be used for everyday cruising? Cool…
03/04, 10:04 AM
posted by:
global_lightning
It’s a shame. Ironically, that 2.0T engine is GM’s ECOTEC! This car would slot nicely between the Elise and the upcoming Esprit. A bigger, more comfortable car would be popular among Americans.
03/04, 10:23 AM
posted by:
agent09
ew to gm’s motor. why not use honda’s k20a…
otherwise a decent sports car.
03/04, 10:25 AM
posted by:
SS4LIFE
Oh I forgot about the Europa. It’s a very nice car and definitely a nice compromise between performance and comfort as apposed to its Elise and Exige sisters that are more performance and track oriented. I’d take one for a daily driver if I lived somewhere that was nice all year round.
I read somewhere that the Europa won’t be making it stateside some time ago due to it being too costly to make it compliant with U.S crash safety requirements. Although I’m sure the Engineers at Lotus could accomplish that with some time. But look how long it took for them to bring over the Elise?
03/04, 10:27 AM
posted by:
meanpants555
Ugly outside, perfect inside.
03/04, 11:00 AM
posted by:
affliction
headlights look like they jacked them straight off the acura rsx
03/04, 11:26 AM
posted by:
buytheredcar
Something on the exterior isnt working.
Has a Chrysler vibe to me.
03/04, 3:21 PM
posted by:
SoLoveLA
This was supposed to be a sportscar for Proton in Malaysia. The styling is appalling. Lotus doesn’t need this car it damages the brand.
03/04, 3:21 PM
posted by:
gtv6
I’d prefer the elise
03/04, 3:29 PM
posted by:
stick2clutch
The design on this thing is all over the place. It looks like it was mended together.
03/04, 7:20 PM
posted by:
C6Racer
If Lotus uses the Ecotec then there must be SOMETHING good about them.
03/04, 7:47 PM
posted by:
MurcieMe
I think this looks like a junky kit-car. It looks very cheap and platicky on the outside, and only a little nicer than the Elise on the inside. EU can keep it.
03/04, 10:02 PM
posted by:
autonut
For enthusiast it is what doctor ordered. I drove Elise and love it. I don’t like getting in or out. I could live with it 7 days a week behind the wheel. It is as fast as Porsche and handles better then anything else with 4 wheels. Based on looks of Europa it is easier to get in and out and more comfortable. It is luxury car of Lotus. The sad part, it will not come here, unless Lotus will be able to source anther engine from Toyota (or Honda).
03/05, 12:00 AM
posted by:
sharpie
Front looks like a last-gen Miata with the Acurs RSX headlights. Not saying it is ugly, just not very original, especially when it is a Lotus!
03/05, 5:20 AM
posted by:
The Stig
Still requires gymnastic flexibility to get in and out of but delicious otherwise.
03/06, 12:19 PM
posted by:
bigp
it almost looks like an r8 with an quick veiw it nedds an duoble take.