GENEVA — Lotus Engineering is unveiling the first component of its Project Eagle technology at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show. The front module of the chassis is on display, showcasing the new Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) that will grace a forthcoming top-end Lotus product in 2009.
Lotus says the project "is hitting key gateway, timing and technical objectives" prior to its full unveiling at the British motor show in July. The project "draws heavily" on Lotus Elise's technology and, of course, Lotus's APX concept from the 2006 Geneva show, which pioneered use of Lotus' VVA.
VVA is intended to allow for development of a range of vehicles using the same platform without the compromises in design and performance that a standard platform-sharing arrangement can mean. Lotus' VVA can be "stretched" in length, width and height and modified in strength and stiffness — and be used for front- and midengine, hybrid and electric or standard vehicles.
The VVA system is made of three discrete parts: a large center occupant section, a rear subframe and an aluminum front module. It's designed for "practicality" and "built-in serviceability," says Lotus.
Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley commented that the display of the front module proves "that the new Lotus is a reality" as the cornerstone of a "true multiplatform lineup over the next five years." Cold-weather and ride-and-handling testing is underway on prototypes in Northern Europe and at Lotus' headquarters in Hethel, England.
What this means to you: A tantalizing glimpse of a New World Order in niche-vehicle engineering from an expert. — Laura Sky Brown, Correspondent
Lotus says the project "is hitting key gateway, timing and technical objectives" prior to its full unveiling at the British motor show in July. The project "draws heavily" on Lotus Elise's technology and, of course, Lotus's APX concept from the 2006 Geneva show, which pioneered use of Lotus' VVA.
VVA is intended to allow for development of a range of vehicles using the same platform without the compromises in design and performance that a standard platform-sharing arrangement can mean. Lotus' VVA can be "stretched" in length, width and height and modified in strength and stiffness — and be used for front- and midengine, hybrid and electric or standard vehicles.
The VVA system is made of three discrete parts: a large center occupant section, a rear subframe and an aluminum front module. It's designed for "practicality" and "built-in serviceability," says Lotus.
Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley commented that the display of the front module proves "that the new Lotus is a reality" as the cornerstone of a "true multiplatform lineup over the next five years." Cold-weather and ride-and-handling testing is underway on prototypes in Northern Europe and at Lotus' headquarters in Hethel, England.
What this means to you: A tantalizing glimpse of a New World Order in niche-vehicle engineering from an expert. — Laura Sky Brown, Correspondent
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