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Lotus Esira

Lotus Esira

Lotus Esira

Lotus Esira

Lotus Esira

Lotus Esira
Make Lotus
Model Esira
Concept year 2010
Production year 2025 (theoretical)
Engine electric


The bodywork is made up of two rubbery materials stretched over a tubular frame
The Lotus Esira concept was designed by Jack Lamburn during his final year at Northumbria University in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.

The Esira concept takes Lotus' overriding design philosophy of featherweight construction to a whole new level, and the vehicle uses several clever ideas to help bring the weight down to a bare minimum.

Designed for the year 2025, the Esira concept features a unique construction method never before seen in a roadcar. The bodywork is made up of two materials, d3o - a non-Newtonian material which has recently been used in everything from protective motorcycle gear to bulletproof vests. d3o normally acts like a rubbery gel, but when it is struck it immediately turns into an extremely sturdy solid, before returning back to its original shape. This material would be used to protect the occupants in the event of a crash.

The second material used for the bodywork is one dubbed 'metal rubber'. This can be stretched and molded like rubber - so the bodywork can react to the movement of the suspension system - but it can also conduct electricity so that its shape can be adjusted by the onboard computer.

To give the bodywork some support, the Esira features a tubular frame over which the 3do and metal rubber are stretched. While this is not unlike the construction method used in the BMW GINA concept, the use of advanced and reactive materials in the Esira would make it much safer and sturdier. Also with the Esira the bodywork changes shape as the car is moving to keep the airflow as smooth as possible. For example when the front wheels are turned the bodywork changes shape to follow the angle of the wheels.

The interior of the Lotus Esira is slightly more traditional than the exterior in that it uses materials currently in use, like carbon fiber, to make a secure cocoon for the driver and passenger. The interior also features a clever mechanism for opening the doors. Instead of a handle mounted on the door, there is a lever under the seats which is intended to look a little like the ejector seat handles of a fighter aircraft. This idea is designed to inject some added excitement into the cockpit.

Powering the Lotus Esira concept is a hydrogen fuel cell system which drives two electric motors turning the rear wheels.


Similar and related vehicles:
Lotus Esprit Concept
Lotus Elan Concept
Lotus Elise Concept
Lotus Eterne
Lotus Hot Wheels
Lotus Extreme
Lotus Etna
Lotus Eigne
Lotus Esquive
Lotus APX

Source: Carbodydesign.com


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