Lotus Europa S
The 'Business Class' Lotus: a more refined, turbocharged grand tourer based on the Elise platform.
- Power
- 200 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 5.5 s
- Top speed
- 143 mph
- Est. value
- $20k–$40k
About the Lotus Europa S
The Lotus Europa S (Type 121) was conceived as a more practical, GT-oriented alternative to the hardcore Elise and Exige. It features a higher roofline, lower chassis sills for easier access, and a larger boot, though it retains the bonded aluminium tub and mid-engined layout characteristic of the brand. Power comes from a GM-sourced 2.0-litre Z20LER turbo engine, providing a broader torque curve suited for touring rather than high-revving track work. Despite its improved refinement and leather-trimmed cabin, it struggled to find an audience against more polished rivals like the Audi TT and Porsche Cayman, leading to a very short production run.
Lotus Europa S specs
The Lotus Europa S produces 200 bhp (149 kW) and 272 Nm (201 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and has a top speed of 143 mph (230 km/h).
| Make | Lotus |
|---|---|
| Model | Europa S |
| Trim | 2.0 Turbo |
| Years | 2006–2010 |
| Type | Sports car |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 458 built |
| Engine | 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,998 cc (2.0 litres) |
| Induction | Turbocharged |
| Power | 200 bhp (149 kW) at 5,400 rpm |
| Torque | 272 Nm (201 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 5.5 s |
| Top speed | 143 mph (230 km/h) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 995 kg (2,194 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 201 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Lotus Europa S worth?
A typical Lotus Europa S is estimated to be worth $20,000 – $40,000 (about £15,000 – £30,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Lotus Europa S rarity in CarSpot
The Lotus Europa S is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Lotus Europa S fun facts
- The Europa S was originally developed under the codename 'Sepang' and was intended to be built in Malaysia by Lotus's then-parent company, Proton.
- With only 458 units produced across all variants, the Europa S is significantly rarer than the contemporary Elise or Exige.
- The car's chassis and body served as the basis for the Dodge Circuit EV, a battery-electric concept car shown by Chrysler in 2009.
