SNUBBED: U.S to Miss Out on New Lotus Europa

Lotus has revealed its new coupe, the Europa S. The car, which revives the famous 1960s nameplate, will plug the gap in its range between the two-seat Elise and Exige models and the forthcoming Esprit supercar.

But U.S. buyers will miss out on the car for the moment. Production will start in July 2006, but the United States and Canada are currently not scheduled to receive the car.

The two-seater Europa S uses the same lightweight construction techniques as its smaller siblings, but Lotus says it's a separate model and has given it a separate Lotus-type model number — 121 — to distinguish it from 111, the model number of the Elise and Exige.

The Europa is designed to give significantly enhanced levels of touring and cruising capability, although its low weight of just 2,194 pounds and its midmounted 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine give supercar performance, with a 0-to-60-mph time of 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 140 mph.

The low weight has been obtained through the use of advanced materials including an extruded and bonded aluminum chassis, composite body panels, and a very advanced composite energy-absorbing front crash structure.

The Europa S has a larger trunk/luggage compartment and easier cabin access, resulting from lower chassis sides and a higher roof line. Added luxuries include full leather interior, driver and passenger airbags, and carpets all standard. It will cost about $60,000 at current exchange rates.
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