Lotus Eterne Directly Attacks Porsche Panamera And Aston Martin Rapide

Lotus has unveiled at Paris Auto Show 2010 the concept that will derive the first sedan in the history of the British brand. This promises a lot at performance and design chapters.

Lotus introduced at the Paris Auto Show the concept of the first sedan from the history of the British company. Officially called Eterne, the model has four-doors, but comes with a coupe silhouette, will thus become a fierce rival for Aston Martin Rapide, Porsche Panamera and Audi A7 Sportback, more acquaintances rivals already launched on the market.

Under the Lotus Concept hood is a V8 5.0-liter Lexus engine that develops 620 HP and a maximum torque of 531 lb-ft. In these circumstances, the British model is announced – at least in performance chapter  - one of the performers segment: 4.0 seconds for 0-60 mph and 196 mph maximum speed. These figures are based from the fact that Lotus has a mass of only 3,968 pounds, while the competitors do not stop under 4,400 pounds.

As an alternative to the heat engine, Lotus promises and the emergence of a hybrid system based on two electric motors, but also the possibility to equip the new sports sedan with a four-wheel drive system.

According to preliminary estimates, the sale price of the series model that will derive from the Lotus Eterne concept will be about $190,000.