First look: Lotus Stuns With APX Crossover

**ChevroletRevived** · 02-25-2006, 06:17 PM

Lotus Crossover: Production Ready

Hethel, England
Lotus has given a sneak preview of its APX crossover concept ahead of its official unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show next week.

The name APX stands for "Aluminium Performance Crossover." It is intended to show off the company's Versatile Vehicle Architecture, which will be the foundation for the midengined Lotus Esprit supercar. That one is due for a 2008 launch.

The APX is an aluminum-bodied 4WD crossover with "5+2" seating — the third row of seats is described as "occasional." It is powered by a Lotus-designed supercharged, front-mounted, 3.0-liter DOHC V6 that produces 300 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and makes the car capable of zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds. That makes it quicker than the new Lotus Europa S coupe, which will also be at Geneva.

More at link: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=109426

69Firebird400 · 02-26-2006, 12:22 AM

Good lord, what's next, a Porsche SUV?

Oops...

It's a shame that lower-volume speciality peformance car manufacturers find it necessary to fill their lineup with an SUV/CUV - or even consider it. I would have to believe there are plenty of car options for Lotus before a crossover.

Maybe I'm not giving them enough credit and they really are only doing it to show how flexible their new architecture is.

**ChevroletRevived** · 02-26-2006, 12:26 AM

Yeah, if they build it that's pretty low. Ferrari's next.

But, like you said, if they are doing it show how flexible their architecture is, it's not that big of a deal.

RWD60 · 02-26-2006, 01:20 AM

yeah, i'd say for now it's a "we could if we needed to" and maybe a "let's see what people think of us doing it" kinda thing. so far only nissan has pulled off a sports car and a sports ute on the same platfrom (350Z and the FX) so that would be pretty cool that little Lotus can do it.

**jro4566** · 02-26-2006, 08:58 AM

If it's priced around the FX and RX, why not?

Bravada · 02-26-2006, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69Firebird400

Good lord, what's next, a Porsche SUV?

Oops...

Just what I wanted to say!

PS. The thing in the pics looks like Merc R-class and Toyota Estima pieces got welded together by somebody.

AndrewGS · 02-26-2006, 09:35 AM

Why doesn't Lotus build a good sportscar to replace the Esprit? The Elise is a tiny novelty for the track, it's not a great car to drive off smooth tarmac, and it's microscopic. Lotus is the LAST brand I'd expect to see a crossover from.

Bravada · 02-26-2006, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewGS

Why doesn't Lotus build a good sportscar to replace the Esprit? The Elise is a tiny novelty for the track, it's not a great car to drive off smooth tarmac, and it's microscopic. Lotus is the LAST brand I'd expect to see a crossover from.

The Europa is said by Lotus to somehow replace the Espirit. I'd take an Espirit, of course, but Lotus ran out of old Renault 25 transmissions they used for it...

The next slew of concept cars should include:
- a Suzuki luxury limousine to rival Rolls Royce
- a Cadillac based on Suzuki Wagon R+
- a Jeep supersportscar based on Dodge Viper
- a Jaguar version of Ford Freestar
any more propositions?

Whirling_Dervish · 02-26-2006, 12:58 PM

Looks good, but its only a technology demonstrator. But, I'd like to see it built.

DanCBJMS1988 · 02-26-2006, 01:14 PM

G-d, let's hope it doesn't get built. What's next, a 4WD Pagani Zonda?

Redcoat · 02-26-2006, 05:29 PM

Its a not going to be produced, its part of Lotus' new business plan.

They have shown that their VVA (edit: VVA is Lotus' Variable Vehicle Architecture, on which the Elise, Europa and future Esprit are all built) can make anything from a lightweight Elise to a GT car like the next Esprit (the Europa is NOT the next esprit, that car is in development at Heathel and they are buying up the tooling for it atm). But more than that, they are showing it is flexible enough to build a family car.

I think Lotus want to be essentially a "boutique carmaker", the way they have been for GM with the Lotus Carlton and the VX220. This shows they can build something maintsream from their own platform and technologies.

I bet its the best handling family hauler ever made, however

**ChevroletRevived** · 02-26-2006, 06:06 PM

If my memory serves me correctly, isn't Lotus developing a successor to the Esprit? I thought I heard they had a few new sportscars in the works. A Jaguar version of the Freestar..lol. I really don't think Lotus is going to make it at this point..but you never know, Porsche has done it.....But, why would you like to see it built, Whirling_Dervish?

asim · 02-26-2006, 10:17 PM

I'm open to this stuff...but the people opposing this are probably the same that opposed the Cayenne and the 9-7x.

AndrewGS · 02-26-2006, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asim

I'm open to this stuff...but the people opposing this are probably the same that opposed the Cayenne and the 9-7x.

I wasn't really opposed to the Cayenne or 9-7, but it's still kinda dumb that every carmaker wants to be everything to everyone when they are in a niche. Still, Porsche and Saab have a line of other vehicles whereas currently Lotus has one tiny track day model. Not that it's a bad thing, this crossover concept, but I think putting a good Cayman competitor out would be more exiting and believable.

Whirling_Dervish · 02-27-2006, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChevroletRevived

If my memory serves me correctly, isn't Lotus developing a successor to the Esprit? I thought I heard they had a few new sportscars in the works. A Jaguar version of the Freestar..lol. I really don't think Lotus is going to make it at this point..but you never know, Porsche has done it.....But, why would you like to see it built, Whirling_Dervish?

Well I like driving fun cars, but I'm at a stage where I need a "cargo hauler" for my photo/video/lighting and computers. This would be great for me or someone with similar needs.

Coming from Lotus it would handle extremely well, perform well, and it'd be practical. I also don't think it would detract from Lotus' sport reputation considering all of the various vehicles they've lent their engineering and tuning services to. They've done far more than the Elise, Exige, Elan, and Espirit. So long as it keeps Lotus' engineering DNA, its all good.

Lastly its becoming harder for boutique builders to remain viable. Having a successful high volume motor would assure Lotus' existence.

02-25-2006, 06:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
ChevroletRevived GMI Staff Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: The Good Ol United States of America Posts: 8,848	First look: Lotus Stuns With APX Crossover Lotus Crossover: Production Ready Hethel, England Lotus has given a sneak preview of its APX crossover concept ahead of its official unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show next week. The name APX stands for "Aluminium Performance Crossover." It is intended to show off the company's Versatile Vehicle Architecture, which will be the foundation for the midengined Lotus Esprit supercar. That one is due for a 2008 launch. The APX is an aluminum-bodied 4WD crossover with "5+2" seating — the third row of seats is described as "occasional." It is powered by a Lotus-designed supercharged, front-mounted, 3.0-liter DOHC V6 that produces 300 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and makes the car capable of zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds. That makes it quicker than the new Lotus Europa S coupe, which will also be at Geneva. More at link: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=109426 __________________ GMI's Revitalization in Action Director Check out our latest lineup by Clicking Here If you've got inside news and would like to be a GMInsider, send me a private message or email me HERE.

02-26-2006, 12:22 AM	#2 (permalink)
69Firebird400 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Philadelphia Area Drives: 08 CTS DI RWD Nav, 08 Sienna Limited AWD Nav Posts: 5,638	Re: Lotus Crossover a Reality? Good lord, what's next, a Porsche SUV? Oops... It's a shame that lower-volume speciality peformance car manufacturers find it necessary to fill their lineup with an SUV/CUV - or even consider it. I would have to believe there are plenty of car options for Lotus before a crossover. Maybe I'm not giving them enough credit and they really are only doing it to show how flexible their new architecture is. __________________ Autosavant Cars and Technology

02-26-2006, 12:26 AM	#3 (permalink)
ChevroletRevived GMI Staff Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: The Good Ol United States of America Posts: 8,848	Re: Lotus Crossover a Reality? Yeah, if they build it that's pretty low. Ferrari's next. But, like you said, if they are doing it show how flexible their architecture is, it's not that big of a deal. __________________ GMI's Revitalization in Action Director Check out our latest lineup by Clicking Here If you've got inside news and would like to be a GMInsider, send me a private message or email me HERE.

02-26-2006, 01:20 AM	#4 (permalink)
RWD60 6.0 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Clemson SC or Irmo SC Drives: 2 legs and feet... sometimes the bus... Posts: 1,682	Re: Lotus Crossover a Reality? yeah, i'd say for now it's a "we could if we needed to" and maybe a "let's see what people think of us doing it" kinda thing. so far only nissan has pulled off a sports car and a sports ute on the same platfrom (350Z and the FX) so that would be pretty cool that little Lotus can do it. __________________ Push, dont pull.... cars are only better than carriages if the horses are in the rear!

02-26-2006, 08:58 AM	#5 (permalink)
jro4566 GMI Staff Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Dallas, Texas Drives: 2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette 2003 Suzuki XL-7 2005 Posts: 5,050	Re: Lotus Crossover a Reality? If it's priced around the FX and RX, why not? __________________ 2007 BMW 328i. Black sapphire metallic. Terra leather. Poplar wood. Automatic trans. Xenon adaptive headlights. BMW Assist. Bluetooth. Premium package. Heated seats. iDrive navigation system. Rear sonar. Comfort access. LOGIC7 surround sound. Sirius. 18" BMW wheels. Rear spoiler. 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury. Black onyx pearl. Beige leather. 4WD. Chrome hood vents, mirror covers, exhaust. Silver grille, taillight trim. Brushed metal bumper protector. Running boards.

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02-26-2006, 09:35 AM	#7 (permalink)
AndrewGS 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Spring, TX, MX (Houston) Drives: 1986 Ford RS200 EVO Posts: 6,916	Re: Lotus Crossover a Reality? Why doesn't Lotus build a good sportscar to replace the Esprit? The Elise is a tiny novelty for the track, it's not a great car to drive off smooth tarmac, and it's microscopic. Lotus is the LAST brand I'd expect to see a crossover from. __________________ Andrew - MySpace - KD5FHW 1995 Buick Roadmaster Limited - LT1, 4L60E, 2.93 Gears, 260HP, 4,200LBS, 15.4SEC 1/4-MI, 21MPG 2005 Chevrolet Silverado C1500 LS - LM7, 4L60E, 3.73 Gears, 300HP, 4,200LBS, 15.0SEC 1/4-MI, 19.0MPG "Gas mileage is fine, but keep in mind, the first question any car buyer asks themselves is, 'Will this get me laid?'"

02-26-2006, 12:58 PM	#9 (permalink)
Whirling_Dervish Banned Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: DC Drives: Something New Posts: 2,019	Re: Lotus Crossover a Reality? Looks good, but its only a technology demonstrator. But, I'd like to see it built.

02-26-2006, 01:14 PM	#10 (permalink)
DanCBJMS1988 5.3 Liter LS4 V8 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pawtucket, RI, USA and Ottawa, ON, Canada Drives: none Posts: 3,684	Re: Lotus Crossover a Reality? G-d, let's hope it doesn't get built. What's next, a 4WD Pagani Zonda? __________________ Weddings and funerals are the only two events that shouldn't be criticized.

02-26-2006, 05:29 PM	#11 (permalink)
Redcoat 3.8 Liter V6 Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 402	Re: Lotus Crossover a Reality? Its a not going to be produced, its part of Lotus' new business plan. They have shown that their VVA (edit: VVA is Lotus' Variable Vehicle Architecture, on which the Elise, Europa and future Esprit are all built) can make anything from a lightweight Elise to a GT car like the next Esprit (the Europa is NOT the next esprit, that car is in development at Heathel and they are buying up the tooling for it atm). But more than that, they are showing it is flexible enough to build a family car. I think Lotus want to be essentially a "boutique carmaker", the way they have been for GM with the Lotus Carlton and the VX220. This shows they can build something maintsream from their own platform and technologies. I bet its the best handling family hauler ever made, however

02-26-2006, 06:06 PM	#12 (permalink)
ChevroletRevived GMI Staff Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: The Good Ol United States of America Posts: 8,848	Re: Lotus Crossover a Reality? If my memory serves me correctly, isn't Lotus developing a successor to the Esprit? I thought I heard they had a few new sportscars in the works. A Jaguar version of the Freestar..lol. I really don't think Lotus is going to make it at this point..but you never know, Porsche has done it.....But, why would you like to see it built, Whirling_Dervish? __________________ GMI's Revitalization in Action Director Check out our latest lineup by Clicking Here If you've got inside news and would like to be a GMInsider, send me a private message or email me HERE.

02-26-2006, 10:17 PM	#13 (permalink)
asim Firebird Concept (the turbine one) Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 11,270	Re: Lotus Crossover a Reality? I'm open to this stuff...but the people opposing this are probably the same that opposed the Cayenne and the 9-7x. __________________ I'll make a new sig. Later.

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