Lotus Evora – Safety Systems

[Mark H]

Lotus Evora – Safety Systems

In common with the Elise and its derivatives, the Evora’s bonded extruded

aluminium chassis tub has incredible inherent strength, particularly in regard to

front and side impacts. Additional torsional strength is given to the whole

structure by the tubular steel seatbelt anchorage frame.

Deformable, sacrificial aluminium front and steel rear subframe modules are

attached to the tub using joints which are designed to minimise damage to the

tub, protecting the main passenger cell in the event of an accident.

Driver and passenger airbags are standard as are pyrotechnic seat belts for

the front two occupants. The airbag on the passenger side is cleverly

engineered to deploy vertically and then be deflected rearwards by the

windscreen, to provide protection.

Anti-lock brakes are standard on all models, as is Lotus Traction Control

(LTC); these systems have been specially developed as a collaboration

between Lotus and Bosch engineers and enable drivers to consistently exploit

the braking and performance capabilities of the Evora, whilst allowing skilled

enthusiasts the freedom to enjoy the full Lotus driving experience.

The Switchable Lotus Traction Control (LTC) system has been developed

simultaneously with the ABS and works through the engine management

system to reduce power to the rear wheels when required to maintain traction.

To maintain front end traction or to reduce understeer, the LTC will gently

reduce engine torque to stabilise the Evora bringing the front wheels back into

line – known as “Understeer Recognition”. Unlike many traction control

systems, LTC has been tuned to complement the skills of the driver without

taking over. The Lotus LTC is active above 5 mph (8 km/h) and operates much

more quickly than many brake based systems. The system can be deactivated

completely, giving no traction control intervention.

A Bosch Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) is fitted as standard to the Lotus

Evora. This advanced technology controls the speed of individual rear wheels

through the precise activation of the rear brakes, slowing an excessively

spinning rear wheel to ensure that traction is maintained without causing

detriment to the handling – often the case with a mechanical limited slip

differential.

Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) are also

fitted as standard. HBA detects an emergency braking situation and increases

brake pressure up to ABS activation threshold which results in shorter

emergency stopping distances.

As with all Lotus cars, the Evora is very driver focussed and therefore all the

electronic intervention systems can be completely overridden by the driver

(apart from the ABS). In standard mode, all the systems above are in

operation; pressing the sport button (Sport Pack option only) sharpens the

throttle response and increases the engine rev limit. The sports mode traction

control is adjusted to give increased slip and yaw angle before intervening,

and also removes the understeer recognition.

Lotus Evora: 205 g/km CO2

8.7 litres / 100 km (32.5 mpg) Combined Cycle

12.4 litres / 100 km (22.8 mpg) Urban Cycle

6.5 litres / 100 km (43.5 mpg) Extra Urban Cycle

 

 

Related images are here:

 

http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/index...=sc&cat=178

 

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