Lotus introduces group dedicated hybrid and electric cars

Lotus announced today that it has created a new research and development group focused solely on electric and hybrid vechiles. Lotus says that the introduction of the group shows Lotus’s interest in the increasing importance of hybrid and electric cars.

The group will be led by Phil Barker, who has been with Lotus since 2003 as an Executive Engineer working on hybrid and electric vehicles. CEO, Mike Kimberley said that he is very pleased with the formation of the new team and said that it will support the company’s...
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ILikeLambo - 2/23/2008 12:51:19 AM

+2 Boost

good idea but will it work?

Bored - 2/23/2008 4:31:07 PM

+2 Boost

No sound bites, Josh.
But this might not be a bad ideal (the Toyota sourced 1.8 L plus Hybrid Synergy Drive) as long as it doesn't add too much weight to the vehicle and it remains balanced.
Tesla motors uses the Elise platform and suspension for its electric sports car, although the 2 speed transmission that it uses seems kinda of odd.

FerrarisR4me - 2/23/2008 1:05:32 PM

+4 Boost

Well what isn't Josh? What isn't?

S4cabriofoxone - 2/23/2008 4:57:01 PM

+2 Boost

Shoes?

...

No... I forgot about the Toyota Solara...

Alec - 2/23/2008 1:41:16 PM

+3 Boost

i think lotus should be at where they are now. super lightweight performance with a hint of eco friendliness. more weight with its hybrid tech means more power is needed. besides, lotus cars are quite pricey so i dont know who really wants a hybrid version of a elise when the standard elise gives a above decent mpg.

Bored - 2/23/2008 4:17:00 PM

+2 Boost

Is anyone else getting a '403 Forbidden' error message when you click the link to read the article?