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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Technology, Lotus
2010 Lotus Evora - Click above for high-res image gallery


Lotus is considering offering up its latest sports car platforms to other automakers, and this isn't the first time. When the Elise debuted in the mid-90s, Lotus sold the chassis to form the basis of new lightweight coupes with different powertrains, the most notable of which included the Opel Speedster/Vauxhall VX220 and, of course, the Tesla Roadster.



According to recent reports, Lotus has received inquiries from several automakers about using the new Evora in similar ways. While the Evora is all-new, the chassis is built using similar, Elise-like aluminum extrusions riveted and bonded together for a light, strong structure. Since the Evora has been designed around a V6, automakers have the potential to fit a range of larger, more powerful engines. The upsized chassis could also provide a better platform for electric motors, with far less modifications than those required to turn an Elise into a Tesla. However, if any automaker does develop something off the Evora, it's likely to be a few years away.



Us? We're thinking about a 3.5-liter Ecoboost-powered, mid-engine mini-Ford GT. How about you?





Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lotus Evora

Photos by Michael Harley / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.



[Source: Autocar]

Lotus willing to build Evora-based sportscars for other automakers? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Tags: evora, Lotus, lotus elise, Lotus Evora, lotus evora platform, lotus evora platform sharing, LotusElise, LotusEvora, LotusEvoraPlatform, LotusEvoraPlatformSharing

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Lotus willing to build Evora-based sportscars for other automakers? was originally published by Autoblog. Read the full story by clicking here.