Cars for the future. This is a new environmentally-friendly engine for the cars of the future, which will allow a significant reduction in the CO2 emissions of modern cars.
The engine named Lotus Range Extender will be offered in two versions, the naturally aspirated 35 kW version, and the supercharged 50 kW variant, which was the one on show in the Evora 414 Evolution series hybrid model at the International Motor Show in Geneva.
The engine offers high efficiency and low mass, which will enable the downsizing of batteries, whilst maintaining vehicle efficiency and range. It also offers the market a quick solution as it is an option specially designed for series production. Specifically designed for series hybrid electric vehicles, the 1.3 litre, 3-cylinder engine enables a significant reduction in weight and mass in the vehicle: 58 kilos for the supercharged version and 51 kilos for the naturally aspirated version.
The engine is optimised to generate power at engine speeds between 1500 and 3500 rpm allowing a simple 2 valve per cylinder architecture compared to options with a complex 4-valve per cylinder design. Moreover, the integrated intake manifold is another design element that gives a significant reduction in weight and mass.
So it is a consolidation of commitment made by Fagor Ederlan in the context of the Citycar/Sustainable mobility project to develop a new business based on the design, manufacture and marketing of eco-engines. Therefore the collaboration agreement between Fagor and Lotus Engineering is now entering a new phase, the aim of which is to build a number of functional prototypes.