The Evora 414E is the first hybrid Lotus concept car and it shows how seriously the brand are taking hybrid and electric vehicle technology. Lotus already build the Roadster for Tesla, so have strong experience in the market, and also have class leading expertise in lightweight chassis technology.
The 414E is driven by 2 electric motors, driving the rear wheels independently and power is supplied by a series of Lithium Ion batteries, while a small capacity 1.2 litre 3 cylinder engine weighing only 85 kg is used as a range extender to generate extra power on the move, along with regenerative braking with a level of decelerative force that can be set by the driver.
A bit of a wacky one from Lotus, and not strictly a car, but interesting nonetheless. The Ice Vehicle is designed for Arctic conditions to act as a scout vehicle without sending heavier trucks over sheet ice.
The Ice Vehicle runs on 3 over sized skis and is driven by a propeller powered by a diesel engine, and it is light enough to be pulled along by 2 people over the bumpy stuff if required, thanks to its ultralight design by former F1 chassis engineer Kieron Bradley.
The Ice Vehicle is going to be put to use and is being sent for its first expedition in Antarctica with the Moon Regan Transarctic Expedition.
Lotus produced this great looking concept car in conjunction with Hot Wheels, the famous die cast car manufacturer to celebrate Hot Wheels 40th anniversary in 2007.
The car was made in a scale of 1:5 for the annual SEMA show and displayed there, with the plan that Hot Wheels would also produce a version for general sale at their more usual scale of 1:64. The car was designed to have strong proportions at that reduced scale which is why it is heavily tapered with a coke-bottle style waist and hue wheels relative to the size of the body.
Unfortunately there are no plans whatsoever to make a road going version which is a shame as to our eyes it is one of the best looking Lotus cars we’ve ever seen!
