![](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/carpixel.net-2002-lotus-esprit-v8-us-42153-wide.jpg\"){kind=tracking}
<\/p>\n
Lotus Model List. Every Lotus Ever Made.<\/h2>\nNobody Does Lightweight Greatness Like Lotus<\/h3>\n
Colin Chapman was a canny Brit whose credo was that simplicity, lightness, and streamlining wins the race. After a modest start in the late 1940s souping-up tiny Austin Sevens, he formed Lotus Cars in 1952 and won fame with aluminum-bodied sports-racers that proved giant-killers despite small engines and somewhat fragile natures. Lotus soon expanded into road cars with the stark, speedy Seven roadster, followed in 1959 by the elegant Elite coupe, the world\u2019s first production car with fully unitized fiberglass construction. But the Elan would showcase Chapman\u2019s philosophy that lighter is better.<\/span><\/p>\n In 1962, Chapman changed the shape of racing with rear-engine Formula 1 and Indianapolis cars. They made Lotus the decade\u2019s dominant power in international open-wheel competition. That same year brought an equally revolutionary roadgoing Lotus, the Elan. Like the Elite, it was a petite fiberglass-bodied two-seater with a front four-cylinder engine, all-disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, and all-coil independent suspension with rear MacPherson struts. Also per Lotus tradition, the Elan was sold in both assembled and kit form (the latter avoiding high taxes in Britain). The carmaker continues to be a small volume manufacturer with a current lineup made up of only 3 models.<\/span><\/p>\n learn more<\/a><\/p>\n The Lotus Emiya (pronounced “eh-MEE-ya”) is poised to shake up the electric sports car world. Building on the design language established by the Evija hypercar, the Emiya promises to infuse the brand’s legendary agility and driver-focused philosophy into a sleek EV package. Developed in partnership with Geely and set to be built in China, the Emiya will sit on a dedicated sports car platform. Power output is predicted to range between 470-880 horsepower and it will likely feature all-wheel drive. The Emiya represents a massive leap for Lotus as it transitions to a fully-electric future. It’s a chance to prove EVs can be as thrilling as their gas-powered ancestors, and to redefine the sports car experience for the 21st century.<\/span><\/p>\n learn more<\/a><\/p>\n The Lotus Eletre marks a radical new chapter for the brand. As their first-ever SUV and a fully electric one at that, it challenges expectations of what a Lotus vehicle can be. The Eletre’s sculpted design language takes cues from the Evija hypercar, with sharp angles, dramatic vents, and a sculpted body that emphasizes its low, wide stance. Active aerodynamics, including deployable elements, are a key part of its focus on maximizing performance and range. With power output exceeding 600 horsepower, the Eletre aims to be one of the world’s fastest production SUVs. A focus on intelligent all-wheel drive and advanced torque vectoring will be crucial in delivering signature Lotus agility in this heavier package. The Eletre represents Lotus taking a calculated risk, betting on the growing luxury SUV market to secure its future. It’s a chance to attract a new customer base while proving that a Lotus SUV can still be a Lotus.<\/span><\/p>\n learn more<\/a><\/p>\n The Lotus Evija, pronounced “E-vi-ya,” marks a significant milestone not only for Lotus Cars but for the automotive world at large. As Lotus’s first foray into the electric hypercar market, the Evija represents the dawn of a new era, blending the brand’s storied heritage of lightweight sports cars with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology. Unveiled in 2019, the Evija is a bold statement of intent, showcasing Lotus’s ambition to lead in the realm of high-performance electric vehicles. This blog post explores the groundbreaking design, performance, and technological innovations that make the Lotus Evija a pioneering hypercar.<\/span><\/p>\n Learn More<\/p>\n The Lotus Seven was a small, simple, lightweight two-seater open-top sports car produced by the British manufacturer Lotus Cars (initially called Lotus Engineering) between 1957 and 1972. It was designed by Lotus founder Colin Chapman and has been considered the embodiment of the Lotus philosophy of performance through low weight and simplicity. The original model was highly successful with more than 2,500 cars sold, due to its attraction as a road legal car that could be used for clubman racing. After Lotus ended production of the Seven, Caterham bought the rights and today Caterham make both kits and fully assembled cars based on the original design. The Lotus Seven design has spawned a host of imitations on the kit car market, generally called Sevens or sevenesque roadsters.<\/span><\/p>\n Learn More<\/a><\/p>\n In October 1962, the Lotus Elan sports car, also known as the Type 26, was launched at the Earls Court Motor Show in London as the Elan 1500. Colin Chapman visualised the Elan as being a replacement for the Lotus Seven and the Elite, built as a glass fibre monocoque construction. By the time it reached the prototype stage, it was agreed that it would incorporate a steel backbone chassis construction, which meant that the Elan would be not only light and rigid, but also much easier to manufacture than its predecessor. The innovative folded-steel backbone chassis stiffened the shell while adding a minimum of extra weight. With light and tactile steering as well as soft, long-travel suspension the combination was that the Elan one of the best-handling cars ever, with a compliant ride too. It had all-disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, and all-coil independent suspension with rear MacPherson struts. For the engine, it used a new dual-overhead camshaft conversion of its new oversquare small \u2018four\u2019 and this Lotus 1558cc engine, developing 105 hp at 5,700 rpm. The Elan evolved over a dozen years, gaining a bit more power, a companion coupe, and nicer appointments, even a stretched \u201c+2\u201d coupe series. <\/span><\/p>\n Learn More<\/a><\/p>\n Produced in the U.K. between 1963 and 1970, the Ford Lotus Cortina or as most people knew it, the Lotus Cortina came about when Ford and Lotus decided to combine efforts to create a homologation special built to race. They wanted a small, high-powered sports saloon that could compete on track. Ford developed a new inline four, twin-cam engine with 1577 cc displacement and 110hp, four-speed transmission, and suspension tuning from Lotus. With its light, stiff monocoque shell, MacPherson strut front suspension and highly tunable oversquare engine it was an instant success. The Ford-Lotus Cortina was dominant in competition events, the peak being Jim Clark winning the British Saloon Car Championship in 1964. The production Lotus-Ford Cortina was sold through Ford dealers as \u2018The Consul Cortina Sports Special\u2019. Approximately 7,400 cars were made over its production life.<\/span><\/p>\n Learn More<\/p>\n 1964 was the year Colin Chapman set about creating the birth of one of the lowest slung coupes ever made \u2013 the Lotus Europa. With Lotus 7 production waning, Colin Chapman was looking for a car to replace the now legendary 7. To replace the it a similarly simple car was needed that could be serviced at non-specialist garages and to be relatively cheap to buy. The Europa became the first truly roadable mid-priced, mid-engined, street car produced. It was marketed as a low-cost alternative to the front-engine Lotus Elan. A glass-fiber body draped over a steel backbone chassis with 4 wheel independent suspension. Unbelievable handling and roadholding they were often described by motorcar journalists as the nearest thing to a Formula car for the street.<\/span><\/p>\n Learn More<\/a><\/p>\n In all there, were over 24 variants and derivatives of the Eprit between 1976 and 2004. The list below shows the production models (excluding the GT1 and GT2 cars). Lotus made 10,675 Esprit\u2019s in the car\u2019s 28 year history. There were 5,829 Giugiaro\u2019s style Esprit\u2019s and 4,846 Steven\u2019s Esprit\u2019s made. Below is a list of the Esprit models including production date, engine power, top speed, acceleration and production numbers and other distinguishable features. For more information, check out our ultimate guide to the Lotus Esprit.<\/span><\/p>\n LEarn More<\/a><\/p>\n The Lotus Elise introduced a range of technologies that revolutionised the automotive industry; such as a chassis made from extruded and bonded aluminium, a composite energy absorbing front crash structure and lightweight composite body panels. The whole car weighed in at half the weight of an average family saloon. This light weight bestowed the car with phenomenal acceleration and handling. In 1996 the Lotus Elise was easily pulling 1g in steady state cornering with standard production tyres and a 0-100km\/h in 5.9 seconds. The Elise was first unveiled at the Frankfurt Motorshow in 1995 before entering production with first deliveries in August 1996. That Elise introduced a range of technologies such as a chassis made from extruded and bonded aluminium, a composite energy absorbing front crash structure and lightweight composite body panels. In 2000 Lotus introduced the second generation Elise. This evolutionary car, arguably one of the most important cars in Lotus\u2019 fifty-two year history, added to the technology introduced on the Elise in 1996.<\/span><\/p>\n The Lotus Europa S was a Grand Tourer (GT) inspired two-seater. It was designed to be more a touring and cruising car with the same Lotus driving DNA Too. It had higher levels of practicality and refinement to complement the simplicity of the Elise and Exige models. While it was just 995 kg and had a decent engine, the car just wasn\u2019t that good and it sold poorly. An mid-life update called the SE was a big improvement but by that stage the Europa S\u2019s fate was sealed.<\/span><\/p>\n Learn More<\/a><\/p>\n The Lotus Exige is essentially the coup\u00e9 version of the Lotus Elise which has been in production since 2000. The first Exige was based on the Elise and was known as the Exige Mk1. The philosophy behind the Exige was simple: more power, more grip and more downforce for those looking for a real track car. <\/span><\/p>\n LEarn More<\/a><\/p>\n The Lotus Evora was the first all-new Lotus for nearly 15 years. It was built to take on the likes of the Porsche Cayman and 911 and when it launched in 2009 as a 2010 MY car the world took notice. The Evora was the world\u2019s only mid-engined 2+2. The Evora is constructed on a lightweight aluminum tub with an additional front crash structure also made from aluminum, along with a steel rear subframe which houses the drivetrain. The model was intended to be a more refined and practical version of the less-than-civilized Elise\/Exige. Retaining the important characteristics which make a Lotus car unique, the Evora is a balanced, mid-engined, lightweight car that is a pleasure to drive with a profile that is undeniably made-in-Hethel. In 2012, the Evora received its first major refresh \u2013 significant at the time, as the Elise\/Exige were phased out, making the Evora the only model in Lotus\u2019 lineup. With the launch of the Emira, the Evora now goes to the history books. <\/span><\/p>\nLotus Emeya<\/span><\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/2025-Lotus-Emeya-R-003-2100-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLotus Emeya<\/h2>\n
Lotus Emeya Variants<\/h3>\n
Lotus Eletre<\/span><\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/2023-Lotus-Eletre-002-1536.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLotus Eletre<\/h2>\n
Lotus Eletre Variants<\/h3>\n
Lotus Evija<\/span><\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Lotus-Evija-Fittipaldi-5.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLotus Evija<\/h2>\n
Lotus Evija Variants<\/h3>\n
Lotus Seven<\/span><\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/1963-Lotus-Seven.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLotus Seven<\/h2>\n
Lotus Seven Variants<\/h3>\n
Lotus Elan<\/span><\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/1964_Lotus_ElanS21-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLotus Elan<\/h2>\n
Lotus Elan Variants<\/h3>\n
Lotus Cortina<\/span><\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Cortina_1966_Silver_100.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLotus Cortina<\/h2>\n
Lotus Cortina Variants<\/h3>\n
Lotus Europa<\/span><\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/1098819-1024.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLotus Europa<\/h2>\n
Lotus Europa Variants<\/h3>\n
Lotus Elite, \u00c9clat & Excel<\/span><\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/1978-Lotus-Elite-503-Type-75-2.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLotus Elite, \u00c9clat & Excel<\/h2>\n
Lotus Esprit<\/span><\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/lotus_esprit_sport_350.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nLotus Esprit<\/h2>\n
Lotus Esprit Variants<\/h3>\n
Lotus Elise<\/span><\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Lotus-Elise-S1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLotus Elise<\/h2>\n
Lotus Elise Variants<\/h3>\n
Lotus Elise Special Editions & Race Model Variants<\/h3>\n
Lotus Europa S<\/span><\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/2006-Lotus-Europa-S-V1-1080.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLotus Europa S<\/h2>\n
Lotus Europa S Variants<\/h3>\n
Lotus Exige<\/span><\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/2016-Lotus-Exige-Sport-350-001-1080.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLotus Exige<\/h2>\n
Lotus Exige Variants<\/h3>\n
Lotus Exige Special Editions & Race Model Variants<\/h3>\n
Lotus Evora<\/span><\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/2020-Lotus-Evora-GT-005-1080.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLotus Evora<\/h2>\n
Lotus Evora Variants<\/h3>\n
Lotus Evora Special Editions & Race Model Variants<\/h3>\n
Lotus Concept Cars<\/span><\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/2013_Lotus_ElanPrototype1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/1964_Lotus-Climax_25.jpg\")
<\/p>\n