Paris 2010: Lotus Elite

By Mark Nichol | Car Enthusiast – Fri, Oct 1, 2010 08:31 BST

- 2+2 coupé will arrive in 2014. - 612bhp V8 engine. - £110,000 Aston Martin DB9 rival.

This is the Lotus Paris debut we actually knew about before the show, but as it turns out it's part of a six-pack of stunning newcomers.

What's all the fuss about?

The stunning Elite is due in 2014 as a direct rival to the Aston Martin DB9 at around £110,000. Lotus says it will be "lightweight yet still reassuringly solid" and is "based on months of careful research and planning". Lotus is obviously aware that a proper, six-figure supercar is dangerous territory for a sportscar maker from Norfolk.

Any new technology?

Power will come from a 5.0-litre V8 with 612bhp, placed at the front. The 0-62mph sprint is said to be well under four seconds, and its top speed will nudge 200mph. There's also rumour of a hybrid version with technology borrowed from Toyota - the same as that used in Lexus hybrids.

Estimated release date: 2014

Estimated cost: From £110,000

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