Used Sports Cars - Lotus Europa S - Sports Cars

Used Sports Cars - Lotus Europa S - Sports Cars

The Lotus Europa S shares the same DNA as the Elise, but boasts better finish and more comfort.

Before arrival Evora, the role of "Comfortable Lotus", sorry for the oxymoron, was at its best'Europe S... Of course, the concept of comfort for Lotus is relative, and driving pleasure comes first on the priority scale. Launched in 2006 and based on the Elise, the Europa S is rear-wheel drive, weighs less than a ton (995 kg dry) and a mid-engine. However, instead of 1.8, Elise has 2.0-liter GM turbocharged engine capable of 200 hp. and 272 Nm of torque, enough to run it from From 0 to 100 km / h in 5,5 seconds to a top speed of 230 km / h. A more twin and round motor is supplied, more suitable for a tour guide.

Rigid suspension, reduced space to the marrow, the noise level and low-level driver's seat remain the same as the Elise, but the Europa S boasts "luxuries" such as ABS, sat nav, dual airbags, climate control, power windows and leather upholstery all come as standard.

Lo steering however, it still lacks a servo amplifier and also lacks traction control. IN trunk? 154 liter just more than Eliza (115 liter).

It is noteworthy that Lotus tried to "expand" Europe S for make it more livable, but a Maybach definitely cannot be made from an Elise chassis.... However, Europa is longer (almost 12 cm) and better finished: there is room for a mobile phone in the central tunnel (it seems not enough, but it is not), there is much more leather, and some carry additional items.

DRIVING EUROPE S

With his eyes closed it seems that heEliza: direct, precise, hyper-communicative steering, monumental clutch and the same imprecise gearbox that gets stuck... The feeling of being in the center of a car with the engine behind you is great, and as you race down a mountain road, you feel more secure than you might imagine. If you overdo it, the car starts to understeer.especially if you accelerate a little earlier in the middle of a turn and are overwhelmed by the sudden torque of the 2.0 turbine.

However, the anger at high revs, characteristic of 1.8 toyotabut the generous torque in high gears partially compensates for this deficiency. It's a little nicer at any speed, but it's not a GT at all, on the contrary, it is as tough and clean as its little sister. That's for sure“Elise turbo with a small boot and extra comfort, that's all.

PRICES

La Lotus Europe S quite rare: There are not many pieces in circulation, and although this is not one of the sexiest models of the House of Hetel, it retains its value quite well. In the secondary market, there are copies with a mileage of several kilometers for about 30.000 40.000 euros, but also reaches XNUMX XNUMX euros in the most recent and equipped versions. Why buy one? Since there are very few of them in circulation (about 500), you can put a truly exclusive object in your garage, designed for maintenance and price increase, and capable of giving you magical driving moments. But if you're looking for a comfortable Lotus, the Evora might be a better bet.