Lotus rebirths GT-inspired two-seater Europa

The light weight of the Lotus Europa S contributes to the high performance braking capability through Lotus/AP-Racing twin-piston fixed aluminium alloy brake calipers at the front and Brembo single-piston sliding calipers at the rear. The 282 mm diameter ventilated discs are linked to a servo-assisted, 4-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Interior

First and foremost, the Europa S is a car that is the Lotus take on the GT concept. As a high performing sportscar it needs the driving tools to help it be a leader in its class. The driving position is the same as in the Elise and Exige, a small ergonomically shaped steering wheel is located to hand and the lightweight steel and extruded aluminium pedals are positioned to make heel and toe changes easy. ProBax seats help to significantly improve the postural position of the driver and passenger by maintaining the natural curvature of the spine, so improving comfort and improving the body's blood flow.

The interior of the Europa S is a luxurious environment for a Lotus. A leather interior (black or black with tan) comes as standard. This leather interior extends not just to the seats, and steering wheel but also the centre console and door inserts (perforated leather). Carpet lines the floor area and part of the chassis' sides - in fact the only area where carpet or leather is untrimmed is on the footplate just forward of the seats.

Other standard interior equipment includes driver and passenger airbags, air conditioning, a Satellite Navigation system with CD/MP3 player with the speakers mounted in the rear bulk head and on the top facia panel, central door locking and electric windows.

Furthermore, as the Europa S is so highly equipped there are no additional cost options, other than premium paint or custom colours.

Safety systems

The key aspect to enjoyable driving is safety. The chassis is very strong and stiff, creating a safety cell around which are clad lightweight energy absorbing composite crash structures and body panels. The front crash structure is made from an advance lightweight composite material which is 3-4 times more energy absorbing than the equivalent structure in steel. Coupled with the driver's and passenger's airbags, the Europa S has tried and tested active and passive safety systems.

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