APX by Lotus Engineering [news release]

[MikeGalos]

Lotus Engineering just sent out invitations to see their new APX (Aluminium Performance Crossover) based on their Versatile Vehicle Architecture at the Geneva Auto Show to all of us who read their proActive newsletter. (Note: This is NOT a product from Lotus Cars. It is a demonstration of Lotus Engineering technology targeted at vehicle manufactures. Of course, that doesn't mean I'm not intrigued by the new Lotus designed 3.0 liter, 300hp V6...)

Here's the basic info:

APX by Lotus Engineering

• Created using Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA)
• Styled by Lotus Design
• Powered by the new Lotus engineered 3.0l V6 300bhp NEF engine
• 190hp/tonne

[Randy Chase]

The APX will be unveiled at the Geneva Auto Salon and will be
present for viewing on the press days of February 28th and March 1st 2006
only.

APX by Lotus Engineering
- the next step in niche vehicle development


In March 2005 we revealed the understructure, now Lotus Engineering invites
you to see the car at the 76th Geneva Auto Salon, 2006.


Created using Lotus Engineering's revolutionary Versatile Vehicle
Architecture (VVA), and designed by Lotus Design, the APX also features a
new 3.0 litre supercharged V6 producing 300hp.


With is all-aluminium monocoque structure and closures, APX utlises Lotus'
well-known expertise in light-weighting to create a true performance vehicle
by focusing on the core brand value of 'Performance Through Light Weight'.
In addition, Lotus Engineering's distinguished track record of engine
downsizing means APX achieves a power-to-weight ratio of over 190hp per
tonne.


The two technologies combined demonstrate that performance and practicality
need not come at the expense of fuel economy.


With the world vehicle market continuing to sub-segment at an increasing
rate, VVA provides OEMs with the opportunity of a superior investment return
whilst retaining a high degree of product separation.

[Nick]

here is the Lotus announcement

[wallabyguy]

without comment

[Randy Chase]

Merged. Funny how close the posts were.

[Miguel]

I was at lunch when I got my e-mail, I wished I could go to Geneva I guess pictures of the prototype will be good enough.

[wallabyguy]

Well I guess it's safe this isn't going to go into production because it doesn't start with "e". That said, with a SUV and a watch released at the same time I have to wonder if lotus has decided to compete with Jeep?!

[Miguel]

I know it will be just a prototype not intended for production and just done to demostrate to other niche car manufacturers that they should license Lotus' technollogy, but I do like the APX name (assuming you'll pronouce it Apex).

[smoseley]

Looks like a VehiCROSS.

[MattG]

I'm puzzled, they refer to it in the quoted release as a monocoque design, yet the PDF has no mention of that. Lotus' recent (known) work in VVA, specifically for Aston Martin has been based more on extrusions and the like rather than stressed body panels, right? Or am I incorrect in my definition of monocoque?

BTW - this is NOT an SUV, it's a station wagon, estate, whatever you want to call it (or, be a lemming and just call these things 'crossovers' like the automakers want you to).

Kinda interesting that that concept sketch was done in 2002 (note the sig). I think this is just old news, them trying to create a buzz with an existing technology (VVA) they've shown before. Hence, show it only to the press. Hope it gets carried in a magazine or two, try to attract the attention of carmakers and the like (ie, potential clients). They cloth the chassis in an estate body knowing that's what all major automakers are focusing on these days.

In other words, the sky isn't falling, this does NOT mean Lotus is abandoning its sports car roots (I hope)!

[sandsmuseum]

I have a page on the Variable Vehicle Architecture (VVA), with slight animation even, from back in Feb 2005. Lotus issued the press release at that time. (The animations are mine and are based on sequential photographs supplied by Lotus Media.)

http://www.sandsmuseum.com/cars/elis...ver/index.html

There was also a super car VVA article issued at the same time. If you examine the pictures carefully you can see some of the layout and suspension issues.

The point Lotus was trying to make at the time was that the architecture makes it easy to make niche vehicles, for small production runs to fill market segments.

I think the APX is just that, an example about how the Variable Vehicle Architecture will work.

(edited to clarify source of animations)

[sandsmuseum]

While this picture is not labeled as part of the APX Versitile Vehicle Architecture, it is(!) labeled as a Crossover Rendering. The Supercar Rendering and Coupe Rendering have already been displayed here.

I found the Crossover Rendering next to the CUV Understructure which is part of the VVA.

While I am not a fan of SUVs and would never buy one, I know the Porsche SUV has given them a certain prosperity and therefore independence.

Michael

[wallabyguy]

Porsche's best selling model is the Cayanne. That frightens me.

[AnsisK]

Here's another rendering of the same thing, but I'm not sure if it is official.



Why is the Lotus PR drawing dated to '02? That is a relatively long design process.

[AnsisK]

Here are some official pictures. I'm sure that someone else here has some better quality shots. I have a couple more if any of you want.

[Val]

I hope that another designer is working on Esprit...

[wallabyguy]

Originally Posted by Val

I hope that another designer is working on Esprit...

He worked on the 88' revision.

[Ragnorak Racing]

That about sums up my reaction....

[zcar222]

Looks like a dodge magnum... only japanese... and cute... and even uglier...

AMERICANS WILL LOVE IT!!!!

j/k, that thing sucks - at least by design.

-Whit

[MattG]

The front looks like a Mazda 3, the rear looks like an Alfa Romeo Brera. The side looks like any other crossover station wagon out there.

Please, Lotus, let this be just an engineering exercise to showcase that vehicle platform and not an indication of direction you're going with styling annd/or market segments!