LONDON — It's clear that the automotive world is obsessed with the green movement when Lotus unveils an Eco Elise with such unusual features as a spoiler made out of hemp. The Lotus Eco Elise, a vehicle that the British marque describes as a "technology demonstrator," was unveiled Wednesday, ahead of next week's 2008 British Auto Show.
The Eco Elise is designed to "showcase new affordable green technologies," said Lotus in a statement. The project uses sustainable materials, hemp, eco wool and sisal for the body panels and trim, as well as "hi-tech water-based paint." The Eco Elise is noteworthy because it weighs 70.5 pounds less than a standard Elise S, making it more fuel efficient with what Lotus says is "even better performance."
Hemp, which has been used in rope-making for centuries, is the material du jour in this green concept. In addition to the composite body panels and spoiler, Lotus uses hemp fibers in the Eco Elise's seats. "Solar panels have been set into the hemp hardtop to help power the electrical systems and give a means of renewable energy generation," Lotus said. The seats are upholstered in biodegradable woolen fabric that "does not use any dyes or harmful processing."
In a final green touch in the cockpit, the red shift lights have been switched to a green gearshift display, to further underscore the environmentally friendly nature of the Eco Elise.
"This Eco Elise is a great example of the advanced and affordable green technologies Lotus is developing," said Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus.
What this means to you: In the not-too-distant future, you may be bragging to your buddies about the hemp spoiler and hardtop on your next Elise. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
The Eco Elise is designed to "showcase new affordable green technologies," said Lotus in a statement. The project uses sustainable materials, hemp, eco wool and sisal for the body panels and trim, as well as "hi-tech water-based paint." The Eco Elise is noteworthy because it weighs 70.5 pounds less than a standard Elise S, making it more fuel efficient with what Lotus says is "even better performance."
Hemp, which has been used in rope-making for centuries, is the material du jour in this green concept. In addition to the composite body panels and spoiler, Lotus uses hemp fibers in the Eco Elise's seats. "Solar panels have been set into the hemp hardtop to help power the electrical systems and give a means of renewable energy generation," Lotus said. The seats are upholstered in biodegradable woolen fabric that "does not use any dyes or harmful processing."
In a final green touch in the cockpit, the red shift lights have been switched to a green gearshift display, to further underscore the environmentally friendly nature of the Eco Elise.
"This Eco Elise is a great example of the advanced and affordable green technologies Lotus is developing," said Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus.
What this means to you: In the not-too-distant future, you may be bragging to your buddies about the hemp spoiler and hardtop on your next Elise. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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