The Italian company UK Garage has built one interesting Exige hybrid. Starting out life as an S1 Exige, the chassis was modified to provide a wider track and longer wheel base…so that a turbocharged General Motors 2.8 liter V6 could be installed. Well, that’s just one option. I expect many people will instead opt for the optional V8s (again, from GM), among which the options include the Corvette ZR1′s 638hp supercharged LS9! Yikes. The car also receives a modified front clamshell with styling lifted from the S2 Elise/Exige. (via AutoBlog)

The new Lotus Europa S, a Grand Tourer (GT) inspired two-seater will
provide Lotus customers with a spectacular sportscar with significantly
enhanced levels of touring and cruising capability. It will provide drivers
with higher levels of practicality and refinement to complement the
simplicity of the Lotus Elise and Exige models.

The Lotus Europa S follows the core Lotus philosophy of performance
through light weight enabling this refined and very high performing GT car
to weigh just 995 kg. This low weight has been obtained through the clever
use of advanced and high tech materials including an extruded and bonded
aluminium chassis, composite body panels and a very advanced composite
energy absorbing front crash structure.

When compared to the award winning Lotus Elise, the Europa S has a
larger boot / luggage compartment and easier cabin access, resulting from
lower chassis sides and a higher roof line. Coupled with luxuries such as
full leather interior, driver and passenger airbags and carpets all as
standard, Lotus has created a “Business Class” driving experience.

However, the Europa S is not a derivative of the Elise or the Exige
and has been allocated a separate Lotus type number of Type 121 – the Elise
and Exige are both Type 111.

The new mid-engined coupe will deliver high levels of performance
from a high torque (263 Nm or 194 lbft at 4200 rpm) 2.0-litre turbo engine
producing 149 kW (200 hp or 203 PS) at 5400rpm. The Lotus Europa S achieves
around 90% of its maximum torque at only 2000 rpm to give “super car” levels
of acceleration from low engine speeds, propelling the car from 0 -96 km/h
(60 mph) in around 5.5 seconds, and 160 km/h (100 mph) in around 14 seconds.
Maximum speed is approximately 225 km/h (140 mph). Being a Lotus, the Europa
S has a phenomenal power to weight ratio of 201 hp / tonne (204 PS / tonne
or 6.68 kg / kW).
Tony Shute, Head of Product for at Lotus Cars explains the concept
behind the new product: “The Lotus Europa S has allowed Lotus to exploit its
extensive capabilities in developing a sophisticated GT car which
successfully complements the range of existing cars. The ‘Grand Tourer’
concept underpinning the Europa S provides the driver with a refined
environment, incorporating innovative styling features which do not
compromise the superior performance and handling that is synonymous with the
Lotus marque.”

Describing the Lotus Europa S, Russell Carr, Chief of Design for
Lotus says: “The form of a design should reflect the spirit of the car, and
the Lotus Europa S is no different. Where the rebellious track-focused
personality of the Exige is characterised by shrink-wrapped athletic forms
communicating agility and power, the Europa S has a more fluid, understated
language reflecting its more sophisticated persona.”

The introduction of a GT car, represents both an important and
unique addition to the Lotus product range, as Clive Dopson, Managing
Director of Lotus Cars, explains: “The launch of the Europa S re-affirms our
position as an innovative player in the highly competitive sportscar
marketplace. It allows Lotus to extend its product appeal beyond our
traditional customer base, and provides yet another demonstration of the key
Lotus brand attributes and high levels of quality for which we are
particularly proud.”

Production of the Lotus Europa S is scheduled to commence in July
2006 at the award winning and world leading Lotus manufacturing facility at
the Lotus Headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk, UK. The Europa S will be sold in
all markets where the Lotus brand is present, except for the USA and Canada.

Final pricing and full specifications will be announced closer to
the on-sale date, but the price is expected to be the region of £33000
(49000 Euros) depending on individual market taxation.

Predicted Performance figures:
Target acceleration
0 to 96 km/h (60 mph): 5.5 seconds (approximately)
0 to 160 km/h (100 mph): 14.0 seconds (approximately)
Maximum speed: 225 km/h (140mph) (approximately)
==========

Of particular interest are, first of all, the chassis – the side rails are not cut down at the doors like in the Elise as, well, there ARE no doors in this version. This should improve rigidity. Second, they managed to squeeze the intercooler into the space that would otherwise be occupied by a trunk on a standard Elise.

Lotus “Circuit Car” – Prototype Specifiations and Pictures:

The prototype Lotus “Circuit Car” will run for the first time at the
oldest motorsport venue in the world, the Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb, during
the Centenary celebrations.
Based on the strong, stiff and lightweight aluminium chassis first
seen on the Lotus Elise, and weighing in at around 650 kg, the single-seater
car (with an option of two seats) has been designed and engineered solely
for Track Days and Club Racing. The prototype car was designed and built in
an incredible eleven weeks and production versions are scheduled to be built
from mid 2006 in the world class production facilities at the Lotus
headquarters in Hethel Norfolk.

The Following Information Describes the Prototype Lotus “Circuit
Car”
The visually dramatic open-topped prototype “Circuit Car” has
lightweight composite bodywork and a very powerful supercharged and
intercooled 1.8 litre engine.
The innovative and technologically advanced extruded and bonded
aluminium chassis has high side sills that reduce the complexity of the
chassis structure.
The engine with VVTL-i (Variable Valve Timing and Lift -
intelligent) is mated to a Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger with air-to-air
intercooler to give a maximum power output of 243 hp (181 kW) at 8000 rpm
and a maximum torque of 174 lb ft (236 Nm) at 7000 rpm. On production
versions, an entry-level naturally-aspirated VVTL-i engine will also be
available with 190 hp (141 kW) at 8000 rpm and 138 lbft (181 Nm) at 7000
rpm. Engine management control is provided by the bespoke – mapped Lotus T4
system and a drive-by-wire electronic throttle.
The 6-speed C64 close ratio gearbox is linked to an open slip
differential and a prototype traction control system perfect for the tight
and twisty Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb course.
The power to weight ratio, of course a key Lotus engineering
principle and core brand value, for the supercharged engine is around 373
hp/tonne (278 kW/tonne) with a torque to weight ratio of 267 lbft per tonne
(363 Nm/tonne). It is estimated to achieve the 0 – 100 mph (160 km/h) sprint
in less than 9.0 seconds. This exciting combination has allowed for a
dynamic racing package producing higher performance to that of existing
Elise-based products, powering the car from 0 – 62 mph (0 – 100 km/h) in
under 4 seconds.
Braking is provided by a servo-assisted, track tuned 4-channel
Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Lotus/AP-Racing twin-piston fixed
aluminium alloy front brake calipers, Brembo single-piston sliding rear
calipers and 282 mm diameter, 26 mm thick front and rear, cast-iron
ventilated & cross-drilled discs.
The lightweight GRP composite bodywork is bolted to the chassis for
easy removal for maintenance and race / track preparation. The bodywork has
been designed by the Lotus Design team led by Russell Carr, Chief of Design
for Lotus. Russell Carr, explains the design philosophy of the new Lotus
“Circuit Car”: “The design captures the essence of the other Lotus based
products and combines it with a functionally correct bodywork to give a
racecar that is not only beautiful to look at but aerodynamically and
structurally as effective as it possibly can be,”
The small frontal area with no windscreen is combined with flat,
unsculptured sides with no air-intakes, for minimal drag; and a deep front
splitter and a large rear wing (single plane as standard and dual element as
an option) and a rear diffuser to attain maximum aerodynamic downforce.
For the Shelsley Walsh Event, the “Circuit Car” uses Lotus Sport 5
spoke forged wheels, which are shod with Yokohama A005 Hill Climb
specification racing slicks (Yokohama A006 racing wet tyres are an option).
For production versions, other tyre options will also be available.
Suspension and damping is provided by fully independent unequal
length wishbones, Eibach coil springs, Ohlins 2-way adjustable dampers and
an adjustable front anti-roll bar.
Tony Shute, Head of Product Development at Lotus Cars will be
driving the Lotus “Circuit Car” for its premier at the Shelsley Walsh
Centenary celebrations. Tony explains what makes the Lotus “Circuit Car” a
leading high performance track car:
“This new product has allowed Lotus to once again apply its key
“performance through lightweight” philosophy. This is in order to achieve an
innovative product for the track day and club racing Lotus enthusiast whilst
staying true to the key design attributes of the Elise and Exige products.
They are considered to be amongst the finest existing road and track day
cars by thousands of owners around the world, and the “Circuit Car” will
build on this formidable reputation, helping to further underline Lotus as
the ultimate driver’s choice.”
The Lotus “Circuit Car” is scheduled to go on sale by mid 2006 with
volumes of approximately 100 units per year.
The name of the “Circuit Car” and the Manufacturer’s Suggested
Retail Prices will not be confirmed until closer to production but it is
expected that the production versions of the Lotus “Circuit Car” will start
at around £25,000 for the 190 hp version in the UK. Prices in other markets
will be release over the next few months.

Technical Specifications of Prototype Lotus Circuit Car
Engine
Supercharged – 240:
* 2ZZ-GE Supercharged engine, developed by Lotus Engineering
* Capacity: 1,796 cm3
* Max Power 243 hp (181 kW) @ 8000 rpm (DIN 70020)
* Max Torque: 174 lb ft (236 Nm) @ 7000 rpm (DIN 70020)
*
Option – 190:
* 2ZZ-GE, 4 cylinder, dohc 4 valves per cylinder with variable valve
timing and lift
* Capacity: 1,796 cm3
* Max power: 190 hp (141 kW) @ 7800 rpm (DIN 70020) Integral ducts to
provide engine air feed and cooling
* Max Torque: 138 lb ft (181 Nm) @ 6800 rpm (DIN 70020)
*
Transmission
* C64 Gearbox, all aluminium lightweight construction
* 6-speed
* Close ratio
* Constant mesh helical gears
* Open differential
* Limited Slip differential (optional)
*
Chassis
* Lotus designed lightweight structure of epoxy bonded aluminium alloy
extrusions and lightweight steel rear subframe
*
Bodywork
* Lightweight composite body shell
* Bolt on exterior body panels for ease of service and repair
* Integral ducts to provide engine air feed and cooling
*
Aerodynamics
* Flat bottom with front aero splitter and rear diffuser
* Aerodynamically designed body shape with minimal drag and frontal
area
* Single plane rear wing, high downforce, carbon composite, dual
element rear wing (optional)
*
Suspension
* Fully independent suspension utilising unequal length wishbones
* Coaxial mono-tube gas damper
* Eibach coil springs at each corner
* Front anti roll-bar
* Bilstein dampers
* Ohlins 2-way adjustable dampers (optional)
*
Braking System
* F&R Cross drilled disc brakes
* AP racing front brake calipers
* Brembo rear brake calipers
* ABS
*
Wheels
* 8 x Y spoke Cast wheels
* 7 – Twin spoke Lightweight Forged Wheels (optional)
* Lotus Sport 5-spoke Lightweight Forged Wheels (optional)
*
Tyres
* Yokohama Advan AO48
* Yokohama A006 racing wet tyres (optional)
* Yokohama A005 racing slick tyres (optional) Passenger seat and
safety equipment
* Yokohama A005 racing slick tyres – Hillclimb Spec (optional)
*

Electrical System
* Lotus T4 engine management system – with Drive-by-wire throttle
control
* Lightweight dry cell battery
*
Interior
* Nardi Steering Wheel
* Single Sports Seat
* Passenger seat and harness (optional)
* 6-point harnesses (optional)
*
Options
A variety of options will be available including:

SPORTS PACK:
* Optional dynamics improvement package
*
TRACK PACK:
* Passenger seat and safety equipment
*
SVA PACK:
* Offering parts required to convert the Lotus Circuit Car to meet UK
Single Vehicle Approval.
*
RACE PACKS
* Options packages to tailor the car for entry into race series of the
FIA and MSA regulations.
*
STANDALONE OPTIONS
A variety of options to tailor your vehicle to you, including:
* Limited Slip differential
* Traction control
* Race exhaust (105db)
* Racing tyres and wheel options
* Protective cover
*
Notes:
The Shelsley Walsh Centenary Festival Meeting will run from Friday
19th to Sunday 21st August, with the Lotus “Circuit Car” turning out for
practice on the Friday ahead of its racing debut on the Sunday. Tony Shute,
Head of Product Development at Lotus Cars, will be in the driving seat.

EDIT: Pistonheads has an article discussing this further (link). They speculate that the car in the spy shots is a version of the Elise that will be sold as a Proton (the Malaysian company that owns Lotus).

EDIT: upon further review and feedback from others, it seems more likely that this is a sports car destined to be sold under the Proton nameplate (Proton owns Lotus). It doesn’t appear to offer enough space for rear seats, it has what appears to be a removable top, and the styling just doesn’t make sense for a Lotus.

The new Esprit should be introduced sometime around January of 2007.