From Classic to Cutting-Edge: The Design Transformation of Lotus Supercars
Lotus has always been a brand creating iconic supercars for over six decades. The automaker embodies the very essence of high-performance sports cars. Since its inception in the 1940s, Lotus has been pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering and design, manufacturing excellent supercars of all time. In this blog by the Prestige Imports in Miami, FL, let’s discuss how the design of Lotus supercars evolved over the years.
Unveiling the Design Journey: Lotus Supercars Through the Ages
Lotus Seven Series 1 (1957-1960)
With racing in mind, Colin Chapman designed the first Lotus car, Seven Series 1, in 1957. It was a functional design, with a tubular spaceframe chassis and a live rear axle. Additionally, its bodywork was minimalist, with a simple aluminum skin and exposed front suspension.
Lotus Elite (1957-1963)
Introduced in 1957, the Lotus Elite was a departure from Lotus’ previous designs. It was a closed, two-seat coupe with a sleek, aerodynamic body. It was a radical departure from the norm, with a monocoque body and a lightweight fiberglass shell.
Lotus Elan (1962-1973)
Manufactured in 1962, the Lotus Elan was a sports car best fitted for the road. This lightweight vehicle had a two-seat convertible with a sleek, aerodynamic body.
Lotus Europa (1966-1975)
A mid-engine sports car, Lotus Europa was introduced in 1966 to compete with brands like Porsche and the Ferrari. It was a sleek, wedge-shaped car with a low, streamlined body and a distinctive rear spoiler. The design was a significant departure from Lotus’ previous designs, with a more modern and aggressive look.
Lotus Esprit (1976-2004)
A sleek, angular car with a low, wide body and a distinctive rear spoiler, the Lotus Esprit was introduced in 1976. It comes with a more aggressive and futuristic look.
Lotus Elise (1996-present)
In the 1990s, Lotus introduced the Elise, a lightweight sports car designed to be agile and responsive. This vehicle is powered by a 1.8-liter engine with a top speed of 126 mph. Its minimalist design has a stripped-down interior and a body made of aluminum and composite materials.
Lotus Evora (2009-present)
In the 2000s, Lotus continued to push the boundaries with the Exige. The Exige is a high-performance version of the Elise, with a more powerful engine and a stiffer suspension. Its more aggressive design has a larger rear wing and a more prominent front splitter.
Read More: What is Project LEVA in Lotus’ EV Architecture?
New Lotus Vehicles
Lotus has continued to innovate with Evora and Evija. The Evora is a mid-engine sports car designed to be luxurious and high-performance. It looks sleek and modern, with a low-slung body and sharp angles.
On the other hand, the Evija is a fully electric hypercar meant to be the fastest production car in the world. It is powered by four electric motors that produce a combined 2,000 horsepower and has a top speed of over 200 mph. Besides being futuristic and aerodynamic, it has a sculpted body that looks like it was designed for space travel.
Read More: Does Lotus Carry Advanced Aerodynamics?
Shop Lotus Cars from Prestige Imports in Miami, FL
It must not be too much to say that the design of Lotus supercars has evolved magnificently over the years. Each model brings its unique style and character to the table. Lotus has always been at the forefront of automotive design. So, if you want to get your hands on Lotus vehicles, stop by Prestige Imports in Miami, FL.
Read More: What Used Lotus Models are Available for Purchase in Miami, FL?
