LOTUS built its reputation in motor racing and its recent road cars have followed founder Colin Chapman’s principles of light weight and racing-style dynamics. But the demand for a more user-friendly sports car than the track-ready Elise and Exige models has led to the development of the Europa. Though based on the Elise platform, the Europa coupe is more user-friendly for daily use, but is still a challenging ownership proposition. With a GM turbocharged 2.0-litre engine developing 147kW/272Nm, it has plenty of power but does not possess the refinement of its German rivals, the Porsche Cayman and BMW Z4 Coupe.
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Lotus Europa S1
Released: 1966
Ended: 1974
Family Tree: EuropaTHE Europa name was previously used on a mid-engine two-seater between 1966 and 1974. The Lotus Europa S1 used a modest Renault-sourced 62kW 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine installed in a mid-engine configuration. This engine was later replaced with a lively 1.6-litre Lotus/Ford twin-cam unit. The car’s windows and seats were fixed, with adjustable pedals. The bonded plastic body was built on to a sturdy backbone chassis. About 9300 were built between 1966 and 1974.
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