Lotus Challenging Porsche With Lightweight SUV - Are You Making Space In YOUR Garage For The First One?

A revolutionary Lotus five-door crossover is being developed at top speed at the company’s Hethel design studios.

It is described by CEO Jean-Marc Gales as “a real Lotus” and “the world’s first lightweight SUV” and will be made in an all-new Lotus factory in south-east China.

The new car is tipped for production in 2019 and is very likely to become the best-selling model in Lotus’s 67-year history.

However, Gales is clear that Hethel will remain Lotus’s management and design hub and continue as the manufacturing centre for its three-tier sports car range. Sales of improved Elise, Exige and Evora models expanded by 55% to just over 2000 last year and are tipped to beat 3000 this year.  
 

CarCrazedinCali - 4/28/2015 1:45:43 PM

+1 Boost

as much $$$ as they will charge for it and they still need/chose to make it in China, puke!

TheSteve - 4/28/2015 2:46:33 PM

+2 Boost

I'm wary of Lotus. My understanding is they don't have a reputation for being a reliable daily drive, which is the domain of an SUV. Also, a 2-door SUV will limit its appeal, and the Artist's Deception shown us looks like it has some Infiniti styling, which has proven to be less than popular in North America.

I don't see it as a winning combination, though I could be wrong.

PUGPROUD - 4/28/2015 4:57:54 PM

+1 Boost

Let's see...a small, ultralite, super handling, real steering feel, utility vehicle...what's not to like...sign me up!

MDarringer - 4/28/2015 10:25:34 PM

+1 Boost

read the article

TheSteve - 4/28/2015 6:17:11 PM

+2 Boost

According to this article (released 1 hour ago)...

http://www.leftlanenews.com/lotus-confirms-plans-to-launch-a-crossover-88329.html

...the crossover will be built, and it's aimed to compete with the Porsche Mecan. It also aledges it'll be built to suit "Chinese Tastes," whatever that means. I assume styling.

MDarringer - 4/28/2015 9:06:58 PM

+1 Boost

Nope! The only way Lotus can do this is to badge engineer a Chinese product. Take a Chinese counterfeit Macan, change the styling, and throw on the Lotus emblem and you probably have the reality.