Lotus has bagged the prize for the least revealing unveil in the run-up to the Geneva show with this image of its show star, the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid concept.
Fortunately, Lotus is a little more forthcoming on the details of the Evora 414E Hybrid. The concept, which lotus describes as a 'high performance technology demonstrator', provides 408bhp (or 414ps, hence the name) and 590lb ft of torque via a combination of twin electric motors and Lotus's clever 1.2-litre three-cylinder Range Extender internal combustion engine.
The two electric motors power each rear wheel separately, but via a single-speed geartrain integrated into a common transmission housing. The juice for the motors are stored in a lithium polymer battery pack mounted amidships. The internal combustion engine provides no direct motive power, but its 47bhp at 3500rpm converts mechanical energy to electrical energy via the integrated electrical generator to replenish the battery pack charge and provides additional vehicle range.
Thanks to an innovative 'monoblock' design that integrates the cylinder block, cylinder head and exhaust manifold in one casting, the three-cylinder internal combustion motor is small and light (the whole shebang weighs in at just 85kg), and will work on either alcohol-based biofuels or conventional petrol. In combination, the electric motors can get the concept to 60mph in less than four seconds, while the range extender can get the Evora 300 miles before a recharge is required.
For those wishing for a little combustion-style aural excitement, the Evora 414E Hybrid is fitted with what Lotus calls HALOsonic sound technology. As we revealed when we first wrote about the Lotus artificial engine noise system, the fake engine noises have been developed in conjunction with Harman International, and consist of synthetic engine noises both inside the cabin and outside, via speakers mounted at the front and rear of the car.
On the Evora 414E hybrid, there is a range of four 'engines' to choose from, including V6 and V12 options.
But if that sounds weird get this: despite having a single-speed drivetrain, the Evora hybrid concept has a virtual gearbox that simulates seven distinct ratios. The driver can operate these via steering column-mounted paddles. The torque is even modulated when you shift to simulate a gearshift jolt. Apart from feeding the denial of drivers, the system does have a significant real advantage - it can help stabilise the car under deceleration by simulating engine braking.
A serious contender for a 'Weirdest Lotus Ever' award, the Evora 414E will be unveiled in the metal at the Geneva show at the beginning of March.