Video: Lotus Elite Takes a Virtual Spin

When Lotus hinted that it had bigger ambitions, most took that to mean Lotus reentering the exotic supercar market with a new Esprit.

We don't think anyone quite expected what followed at the Paris Auto Show - a raft of new models that spans from a luxury four-door coupe the Eterne, to the range topping Esprit revival. One of our favorites out of the introductions would have to be the Elite, an elegant Gran Turismo.

It and the Eterne would have to be the models that show the biggest departure for Lotus. To promote the car, the company has released this video below showing it taking a virtual spin.

The video is excellently produced and it shows an area of the car we've been wondering about - operation of the retractable hardtop. While it appears to be a coupe, the Elite is actually a retractable hardtop convertible. That is part of the car's allure.

If it makes the transition to production well, it will be the most stunning retractable hardtop system we have ever seen. Yes, we love the Elite. It just needs to come quicker than 2014.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwR5yHTgRqw&feature=player_embedded