Driving Sports

Lotus has announced details on the Evora 414E Hybrid concept. This car features a plug-in series hybrid drive system and new technologies for enhanced driver involvement.

• 0-60 mph (97 kph) in under 4 seconds
• Total hybrid range of over 300 miles (483 kilometers)
• Eco mode or Sports mode featuring realistic 7-speed paddle shift with energy recuperation
• HALOsonic Internal and External Electronic Sound Synthesis
• Torque vectoring for improved dynamic stability
• Integrated glass roof and engine cover and interior concept from Lotus Design

The Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid is so-named because this latest environmentally focused technology demonstrator from Lotus Engineering produces 414 PS of power (408 horsepower).

The range extended electric drive of the Evora 414E Hybrid consists of two 204-horsepower electric motors, each driving one of the rear wheels independently via a single speed geartrain. The motors are integrated into a common transmission housing, thus enabling torque vectoring for stability control of the vehicle.

The vehicle energy storage system is made up of the latest Lithium Polymer battery chemistry providing 17 kWH energy storage capacity. The battery pack is optimized for energy density, efficiency and high power demand, with over 100 kW discharge capability. Being Lotus, they mounted the batteries in the center of the vehicle for stability and safety.

Additional driving range is provided by the Lotus Range Extender engine, an optimized 1.2 liter, three-cylinder engine, designed specifically for series hybrid vehicles. The engine uses an optimized two-valve, port-fuel injection combustion system to reduce cost and mass and can be operated on alcohol-based fuels and/or gasoline. The generator converts mechanical energy to electrical energy to replenish the battery pack charge and provides additional vehicle range in a small lightweight package.

The Evora 414E Hybrid also showcases a brand new technology from Lotus Engineering, a sports mode that simulates a 7-speed, paddle shift transmission that combines exceptional driver involvement for a hybrid sports car and optimized energy regeneration.

The virtual gearshift simulation, like a conventional gearbox, is used to change the driving characteristics and response of the vehicle. The most significant aspect that this offers the driver is the ability to control the vehicle deceleration by simulating engine braking through a virtual downshift in gears. Unlike true engine braking, the Lotus system does not dissipate the energy of the moving vehicle through internal engine friction but uses the electric motors to regenerate the energy back into the battery. The simulated gearchange capability can be selected for greater driving involvement or switched off for more relaxed driving.

For everyday commuting journeys, thenew Evora hybrid can drive up to 35 miles using only battery power. The battery can be charged overnight using a conventional domestic main supply through a socket concealed by the rear license plate. This permits the vehicle to operate with zero tailpipe emissions. For longer journeys, exceeding the battery capacity, the highly efficient range extender engine is used as a generator to supply the motors with electrical power and top up the battery.

One factor has raised our eyebrows on the new Lotus - it uses speakers to make engine sounds. Really.

The Evora 414E uses the Lotus Engineering and Harman International developed HALOsonic suite of noise solutions. The first of which is Electronic Sound Synthesis. This generates engine sounds inside the vehicle through the audio system where it provides an exciting sports sound in line with the brand and nature of the vehicle together with a high level of driver feedback in an intuitive manner. In addition, it also generates sound on the outside of the vehicle through speakers mounted at the front and rear to provide a warning to increase pedestrian safety, which is especially important for electric and hybrid vehicles which can be difficult to hear at slower speeds.

There are four driver selectable engine sounds currently on the vehicle, two of which have been designed to have characteristics of a multi-cylinder conventional V6 and V12 engine. There is also a futuristic sound and a combination of a conventional engine and a futuristic sound, enhancing the brand identity of the vehicle as a step forward in electric vehicle design.

It's a brave new world out there.