- Responsive 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine
- Balanced, lightweight chassis makes for excellent dynamics
- Accurate steering
- Cramped interior
- Cabin lacks sound insulation
- Lacks standard features of rivals
Overview
Released in January 2007, the Lotus Type 121 Europa was a mid-engined, two-seat coupe. Manufactured in Norfolk, England, the rear-wheel drive Europa was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that was mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Initially available solely as an S variant, an SE variant followed in March 2009. Production ended in early 2010 with only 456 Europa S and 48 Europa SE models produced.
Z20LER Engine
The Europa S was powered by a General Motors’ 2.0-litre Z20LER petrol engine which had a cast-iron block, turbocharger with 0.6 bar boost pressure, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 8.5:1. For the Europa SE, the engine had a revised turbocharged with a higher output compressor, a recalibrated engine controlled and colder-grade spark plugs.
Chassis and dimensions
Like the Series II Elise and Exige , the Europa had an extruded and bonded aluminium chassis with composite body panels. Compared to the Exige, however, the Europa was 115 mm longer (at 3900 mm), 5 mm narrower (1714 mm), 13 mm lower (1130 mm) and had a 30 mm longer wheelbase (2330 mm). Furthermore, the Europa had a larger boot, additional soundproofing and lower side sills for easier ingress and egress. Kerb mass for the Europa S was 995 kg.
Suspension
The Europa had double wishbone front and rear suspension. For the Europa SE, the front and rear spring rates were increased, the internal valving of the dampers was revised and new damper mounting brackets were fitted together with a softer front anti-roll bar.
| Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Europa S | 2007-10 | 2.0-litre turbo petrol I4 | 6sp man. | 147 kW at 5400 rpm | 272 Nm at 5000 rpm |
| Europa SE | 2009-10 | 2.0-litre turbo petrol I4 | 6sp man. | 165 kW at 5750 rpm | 300 Nm at 4500 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Lotus Europa included dual front airbags and ABS.
Brakes
While the Europa S had 288 mm front discs fitted with two-piston brake calipers, the Europa SE had 308 mm cross-drilled front discs fitted with four-piston AP Racing brake calipers (front and rear).
Features
Standard features for the Europa S included 17-inch alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza tyres (175/55 front and 225/45 rear), a four speaker Alpine sound system with CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/iPod), air conditioning, leather sports seats, front driving lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, an alarm and immobiliser.
The Europa SE was further equipped with 17-inch front wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 195/45 R17 tyres and 18-inch rear wheels with 235/40 R18 tyres, stainless steel scuff plates, a starter button and tinted windows. The SE also featured a ‘Luxury Touring Pack’ – optional for the Europa S – which included additional leather trim (for the centre console, dashboard and doors) and leather headlining.
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