The last model in Lotus->ke49' display at the Paris Auto Show is the Elan, a 2+2 sports car that will go on sale in the autumn of 2013 at a price of £75,000 ($118,000 at the current rates).

The 2013 Elan is powered by a 4.0 liter V6 engine that delivers 450 HP and 465 Nm of torque. The engine will be combined with the new KERS system and will sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in 3,5 seconds, while top speed will be 192 mph.

"If there was ever a car to make you drive the long way home, it’s the Elan. Perfect for both road and track, the Elan not only ticks all the boxes, it creates new ones too. The Elan will convert people to Lotus, I would challenge people not to become addicted to driving it. It will also go a long way towards dispelling the old misconceptions about this class, that in order to have high performance you must sacrifice usability – those days are gone."

Updated 10/13/2010: Lotus has unveiled today new images of the new Elan concept car. Check them out!

Updated 12/22/2010: Lotus has revealed today new studio photos of the Elan. Check the picture gallery!

UPDATE 01/25/11: If there ever was any doubt about Lotus' intention to become more upscale to compete with the big boys of the auto industry, this spy video - courtesy of PaulTan and the boys - of the Elan Concept's instrument panel should hush all those skeptics. Even if its not a full-blown production ready vehicle yet, the Elan's instrument panel features a large LCD screen flanked on both sides by two smaller components. It's pretty nifty, if you ask us, one that paints a pretty clear picture as to where Lotus' heads are at these days. No more small sports cars, people. Lotus is playing with the big boys now. Video after the jump.

Press release after the jump.

2013 Lotus Elan

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Lotus Elan
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Press release

As the old saying goes, you can’t have your cake and eat it. In the past we were educated to believe we can’t have it all. But that was the past. Today’s driver demands more and the Elan delivers.

The Elan is the beating heart of the new Lotus line-up. It’s a high performance sports car, that much is clear, it’s a Lotus after all, but thanks to some clever innovations the Elan also has everyday usability too.

With a 2+2 variant, the Elan should be the only car you need.
Set for release during the second half of 2013, the Elan features a 4.0 litre V6 pressure charged engine capable of delivering up to 450 PS and taking into consideration its relative light weight of 1,295kg, the Elan’s performance edges on supercar.

From a styling perspective, the Elan is built like an athlete with a muscular physique and perfect poise. It’s a thoroughbred, rigid with tension, ambitious and addictive, nothing but best in class will suffice for this car.

It’s not enough to simply provide performance and exceptional looks, innovation is also integral to the Elan’s appeal. In keeping with the rest of the new Lotus range, the Elan features optional hybrid technology with KERS.

Dany Bahar, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus, said: “If there was ever a car to make you drive the long way home, it’s the Elan. Perfect for both road and track, the Elan not only ticks all the boxes, it creates new ones too.”

“The Elan will convert people to Lotus, I would challenge people not to become addicted to driving it. It will also go a long way towards dispelling the old misconceptions about this class, that in order to have high performance you must sacrifice usability – those days are gone.”

“Once you drive an Elan you won’t look back, it will give you things you didn’t even realise you were missing – that’s the essence of Lotus and the Elan perfectly captures that spirit.”

One car, zero compromise.

Specifications

 

  • Layout     2 seater (optional 2+2), mid-engined, rear wheel drive
  • Engine    Petrol, hybrid optional
  • Hybrid technology    Optional KERS
  • Cylinder    V6
  • Capacity    4.0 litre
  • Power/Torque    450 PS / 465 Nm
  • Rev limit    7,800 rpm
  • 0-100 km/h    3.5 seconds
  • Top speed    310 km/h
  • CO2 approx (CO2/km)    199 g/km**
  • Weight    1,295 kg
  • Seats    2
  • Transmission    7 Speed DCT
  • Drive    RWD
  • Start of production    Summer 2013
  • Enters the market    Autumn 2013
  • Price indication    Circa £75,000