Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

HETHEL, England — Lotus Engineering has created what the U.K. firm calls a "high-performance technology demonstrator" in the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid. The Lotus shares elements of its plug-in series hybrid drivetrain with a Giugiaro-designed concept from Lotus' Malaysian parent, Proton. Both will be at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show.

The Evora 414E Hybrid shares its 47-horsepower 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline "range extender" engine with the Proton hybrid concept.

But the emphasis on the Evora 414E Hybrid is on performance. It can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than 4.0 seconds and has a range of 35 miles on pure battery power and an extended range of more than 300 miles from the hybrid system.

The car's muscle is housed in the twin electric motors, each of which drives one of the rear wheels. The motors generate a combined 408 hp and 590 pound-feet of torque.

Through the magic of electronics, the single-speed transmission is linked to a column-mounted paddle shifter designed to simulate upshifts and downshifts in a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Lotus also created a synthesized engine sound that changes frequency with the "virtual" gear selection, as well as a modulation in drive torque to simulate a gearshift "jolt."

Lotus says the simulated seven-speed paddle shift is aimed at hybrid owners who desire "greater driving involvement." The fake shifter also can be switched off "for more relaxed driving," the company says.

As part of what Lotus describes as "noise solutions," the company also has created four different driver-selectable engine sounds, including two designed to emulate the sound of V6 and V12 engines.

The car's advanced lithium-polymer battery pack can be recharged overnight from a conventional household circuit.

Inside Line says: Lotus may be overdoing it a bit with the electronic tricks. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent