Lotus to call new 2+2 model "Europa"

[SlickDizzy]

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...cleId=106800#1

HETHEL, England — British sports carmaker Lotus will revive the Europa nameplate for its new 2+2 coupe, which will be unveiled at next March's Geneva Motor Show. The Europa is based on a widened and lengthened Elise chassis, giving it two small rear seats and easier access. It will fit between the rough-and-ready Elise/Exige sports cars and the planned new Esprit coupe. It will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0- or 2.2-liter GM engine from the "hot hatch" Opel Astra — making between 200 and 240 horsepower. According to the company, it will be quieter, more luxurious and less harsh-riding than the Elise, which will give it greater appeal in the U.S. The Europa will be built at Lotus' Hethel plant; the Esprit, due in 2007, will be made in Malaysia. The all-aluminum Esprit will have a midengine V8 power plant and composite body panels. The previous Europa was built between 1967 and 1975, and was Lotus' first midengine production car. Around 9,000 were made. What this means to you: The Elise and Exige are fine, if you're 5 feet 2 and weigh less than 130 pounds. The Europa will offer more comfort — while keeping the Lotus DNA.