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Lotus SUV – Don’t Order The Designer ‘Wellies’ Just Yet

While some media reports have the ground-breaking first-ever Lotus SUV almost in production, the company’s CEO Jean-Marc Gales has hosed-down the speculation. Addressing the British media, Mr Gales confirmed a Lotus SUV concept is under developme


While some media reports have the ground-breaking first-ever Lotus SUV almost in production, the company’s CEO Jean-Marc Gales has hosed-down the speculation.

Addressing the British media, Mr Gales confirmed a Lotus SUV concept is under development but a decision on future production (if any) is a long way off.

He did confirm hybrid drivelines and electric power steering systems are off the table – they’re not compatible with the historic Lotus DNA (compact, lightweight etc).

Although the next-generation Lotus Elise will have hydraulic power steering.

As reported by TMR a couple of weeks ago, the all-new Lotus Elise will not arrive until 2020 and will continue its simple and lightweight philosophy… but otherwise details are scarce.

Mr Gales did however confirm the all-new Lotus Elise will be slightly wider than the current model (no doubt to appease North American buyers as the brand returns to that market).

The all-new Elise is tipped to weigh-in at 900kgs – the extra heft largely due to engineering requirements for North American crash regulations.

And reports also suggest a continuation of the engine supply deal with Toyota.

Image, top of page: 2006 Lotus APX concept

MORE: 2016 Lotus Evora 410 Unveiled - More Power, Less Weight
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