Lotus Elite to Offer Optional KERS to Recycle Brake Energy

Though a tiny company in the automotive world, Lotus is constantly introducing innovative technologies. For example, it has debuted several different hybrid concepts including the Lotus Evora 414E series hybrid concept and the Lotus Range Extender for the next generation Jaguar XJ sedan. Now, Lotus has unveiled the production prototype of the Lotus Elite that will offer KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) hybrid technology as an option. Lotus plans to start marketing the new Elite in the spring of 2014.
Developed initially for Formula 1 race cars, KERS stores energy recouped from regenerative braking in a flywheel spun up to high rpms. Then, the energy stored in the flywheel is used to power one or more electric motors when extra acceleration is needed. While KERS can only store a limited amount of energy, the system is compact and quite lightweight. KERS is especially effective in applications involving lots of acceleration and deceleration, thus its use in F1 racers.

The new Lotus Elite is an ultra high-performance 2+2 retractable GT hardtop. With an overall length of 181 inches, the new Elite is a large car, at least large by Lotus standards. Power comes from a front-mid mounted 5.0-liter V-8 engine that produces as much as 612 horsepower with an 8,500 rpm redline. This power is delivered to the rear wheels via a hybrid gearbox with integrated electric motors and KERS.
The Elite will be able to accelerate from 0-62 mph in approximately 3.7 seconds. Top speed for the 3630 pound car is 195 mph. While mpg ratings haven't been disclosed – which is probably not a concern to those who can afford the $179.000 car – CO2 emissions are given at 215 g/km. While that doesn’t exactly signify a ‘green’ car, the Elite is still important in the ‘green’ sense because it illustrates the use of recycled braking energy to help power the car. That no doubt displaces additional internal combustion engine size that would otherwise be used to provide a targeted level of power.

Source:-http://www.greencar.com/articles/lotus-elite-offer-optional-kers-recycle-brake-energy.php