Geneva 2010: Lotus Evora Carbon Concept Makes Evora Lighter, More Awesome

Normally one of the quietest automakers when it comes to announcements and new products, Lotus has plenty to say these days and of the four vehicles on display at the Geneva Auto Show, all of them are new. Along with the restyled 2011 Elise, the Evora 414E Hybrid and Evora Cup Car, Lotus is also displaying the Evora Carbon Concept.

Taking the light-weight Lotus philosophy to new heights, the Evora Carbon Concept has a reduced overall weight (although we don’t know by how much) thanks to a structural carbon fiber roof as well as a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser. A set of forged 19-inch wheels also help to keep weight to a minimum, while the interior is a carbon fiber and Alcantara oasis, with carbon door trim and even a carbon fiber steering wheel.

If we’re lucky, perhaps this concept car is a look ahead at a higher-performance Evora, or a new line of light-weight options for the Lotus flagship sports car.

Official release after the jump:

Evora Carbon Concept Makes Motor Show Debut
The multi-award winning Lotus Evora provides the basis of the stunning
carbon design concept unveiled at the 80th Geneva Motor Show. The car
boasts a stylish carbon fiber, leather and alcantara interior, aggressive
carbon diffuser and an evocative high tech composite body.

The Evora Carbon Concept car emphasizes Lotus’ motorsport pedigree, utilizing
beautiful high quality materials with exposed carbon fiber and plush alcantara. The
striking white concept car is finished in an advanced water based pearlescent paint that
contrasts with the exquisitely finished weave on the carbon fiber panels.

The head turning looks of the Evora Carbon Concept car provide a more purposeful,
planted stance with the car looking lower and more aggressive. This styling direction is
continued with a structural carbon fiber roof, Lotus Motorsport influenced carbon
diffuser and carbon splitter. The Evora Carbon Concept car retains the same class
leading handling and high tech aluminum bonded and extruded chassis of the
production car.

The contemporary interior of the Evora Carbon Concept car combines the luster of the
carbon panels with perforated leather and matt alcantara. The bespoke interior uses
swathes of sumptuous grey alcantara to cover the footwell, dashboard and roof. The
soft texture of the leather and alcantara are juxtaposed with the hard surfaces of the
carbon fiber panels to provide a satisfying sensory experience.

The Evora Carbon Concept car has diamond cut forged 19” alloy wheels front and rear,
shod with Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires (235/35 wide front and 285/30 wide rear). The
wheels and tires give the Evora real presence filling the wheel arches and giving the
car a purposeful appearance.

Donato Coco, Director of Lotus Design commented, “The design of the Evora Carbon
Concept car features exotic, high tech materials that offer a good synergy with the
Lotus brand image, expressing our motorsport heritage and history of stylish sports
cars for which Lotus are renowned.”