Geneva motor show 2010: Evora hybrid is 'tech showcase'

The Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid concept, unveiled today at the Geneva motor show, is a technology showpiece rather than previewing a production car.

Based on the Lotus Evora platform, the 414E's standard drivetrain has been removed and replaced with a plug-in series hybrid drive system.

Power for the Evora 414E is provided by a pair of electric motors – one located at each rear-wheel – with a single-speed reduction transmission allowing torque vectoring between each unit. Each motor produces 204bhp or 207bhp, which explains the 414 name.

The concept’s lithium ion batteries can be charged via a typical household plug or the car’s onboard generator – a 47bhp 1.2-litre three-cylinder Lotus Range Extender petrol engine.

Lotus claims the car hits 0-60mph in less than 4.0sec.

Lotus says the Evora 414E can travel up to 35 miles on all-electric power.

Lotus is hoping to sell this technology, and is using the Geneva motor show to showcase it to clients.

Also aiming to sell the Evora's chassis architecture as did with VX220 so expect to see another sports car with this chassis.

To improve the driving sensation, the concept also includes a sport mode that simulates a seven-speed transmission at work.

This is activated via a flappy paddle system that makes the noise of a gear change, and puts a jolt through the motors if you 'downchange' while decelerating using engine braking.

It also features Lotus’ HALOsonic Internal and External Electronic Sound Synthesis, a system designed to improve pedestrian safety through an external sound system.

In addition to proving an audible warning to those outside the car, the system also simulates four engine sounds for the driver, including a V6, V12 and a futuristic propulsion sound.

A Lotus source also confirmed the company is aiming to sell the Evora's chassis architecture as it did with the VX220, so expect to see another sports car with this chassis.