With a plethora of new cars set to make their debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Lotus is taking a different route by bringing with them their newly-developed engine designed for future hybrid-drive vehicles.

The new engine, which comes in a revolutionary aluminum encasing that integrates the cylinder block, cylinder head, and exhaust manifold into one solid casting, which results in the car being extremely lightweight – weighing no more than 56 kilos – while also improving emissions and engine durability.

Likewise, the engine also comes with a 1.2 Liter, 3 cylinder Range Extender that, as Lotus claims, is the first of its kind built to cater specifically to the hybrid market. The new Lotus engine also features a two-valve port fuel injection system that can release a maximum output of 15kQ from 1,500 RPM to 3,500 RPM.

The new Lotus engine, which was developed as part of a project by the U.K. Technology Strategy Board, is a revolutionary achievement by Lotus in producing hybrid engines that are both highly-efficient and affordable.

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According to Paul Newsome, Lotus Engineering’s Managing Director, “The Lotus Range Extender engine is another example of Lotus Engineering developing new technologies for efficient engine performance, this time in the area of series hybrid vehicles. The engine concept we have created with its optimized combustion and compact, low mass, low cost construction is a clear demonstration of the expertise and progressive approach Lotus takes for its own research and for its clients.”

It seems like while the whole world is waiting with baited breath on the unveiling of a number of concept cars at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Lotus engine, with all its state-of-the-art details, could be in-line to upstage even the most –eagerly anticipated cars to be released on the show.

For what it’s worth, it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on.