Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino
ICONIC Lotus cars have finally reached the Philippine soil with three of its world-class, high-performance sports cars—the Elise, Exige and Evora. Famous for its Esprit, Elan and Europa, the British manufacturer of sports and racing cars is also successful in putting up Team Lotus in Formula One racing.
Automotive giant Autohub Group, importer of similarly well-known British cars like Rolls-Royce and MINI, brought in the renowned marque as an addition to its growing lineup of English cars to cater to the Filipino sports-car enthusiast.
“We’re pleased to announce this newest and, so far, the biggest milestone for Autohub Group, and it is with great pleasure that we’re given the chance to be part of this revolution to keep pace with the increasing customer demand and deliver the unique Lotus Pure Driving experience here in the Philippines. So, expect bigger things to happen in the near future,” Autohub Group President Willy Tee Ten said.
As a sneak preview, four Lotus cars were showcased during the recently concluded Globe Slipstream 2.0 event in Bonifacio Global City.
Excitement was evident among spectators as they witnessed in the flesh the fine craftsmanship and designs of Lotus cars. On display were three models that lured everyone to take pictures, catch a closer look and scrutinize them. In fact, even this writer was overwhelmed by their presence. Being up-close and personal with these cars was sheer pleasure.
For one, Lotus is well-known for producing lightweight cars with fine handling. Another interesting fact is that Lotus cars utilize Toyota high-performance engines paired with Lotus-manufactured engine-management systems with a different fuel mapping.
Also, the smaller displacement engine installed in the car’s midrear creates a well-balanced car with optimum power-to-weight ratio.
First on display was the compact Elise S with a striking light bluish tone combined with matte black accents. The two-seater roadster weighs only around 924 kg and is fitted with a supercharged 1.8-liter engine capable, of producing 217 hp and 250 Nm of torque. Lotus claims it can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds and is able to reach a top speed of 145 mph.
Next was the Elise 220 Cup variant in a radiant red color and accessorized with an aerodynamic package based on a racecar concept. Its front splitter, lateral barge boards, wing spoiler and rear airflow diffuser only add a total of 19 kg to its total weight.
It can reach a top speed of 140 mph and is, likewise, able to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. It has the same powertrain as the Elise S and produces the same amount of power and torque.
There was also the award-winning Evora S, which exuded a stylish, race-inspired aura via a rear-wing spoiler with bottom air diffuser, complementing the prominent center-mounted exhaust pipe. The two-seater Lotus flagship is powered by a supercharged 3.5-liter V6 engine rated at 345 hp and a forceful 400 Nm of torque. Weighing in at only 1,437 kg, it can reach a top speed of 178 mph and can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.
Last, the two-seater Exige S roadster variant that paraded alongside other supercars on the streets of Bonifacio Global City also went on exhibit for the first time. Driven by no other than champion race driver Mike Potenciano, it became an instant crowd drawer.
Potenciano was very impressed with its acceleration and handling. He even shared how it kept up with a Lamborghini on a stretch.
Employing the same powertrain as the Evora S and weighing less at 1,166 kg, the Exige S can dash from zero to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds.
One of the fascinating things this writer noted was the interior design and layout of the Lotus cars. Undeniably, they are fabricated in such a way that the driver can feel the performance and handling. Manually operated stick shifts come standard with the Elise and Exige, while the Evora is endowed with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
Lotus Cars Manila will officially launch the Elise, Exige and Evora in their new showroom next month.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino