Like all Lotus cars, the functional components of the car are also beautifully designed as Russell Carr, Chief of Lotus Design. we have taken the already visually extreme Exige and given it even more visual drama. The changes we have integrated to the front and rear of the Exige signal an even clearer and purposeful intent. The functional rear wing is race-inspired, the new angular air intakes and full width splitter give a more hard-edged and aggressive look. Overall, the Exige appears more planted and gives the illusion that both the front and rear of the car are wider than they really are, yet without losing its agile and sleek character."
Most notable in the Eco Elise is the use of organic renewable materials throughout the car. Sustainable hemp technical fabrics, for example, are used in the composite body panels and spoiler. Hemp's strong fibers are used in place of a carbon fiber mat in the composite panels. Farming the hemp locally reduces the overall carbon miles required to produce the Eco Elise. Growing the hemp also absorbs CO2 as a natural part of the plant's photosynthesis process.
While the hemp fabric is bonded with a polyester resin in the hybrid composite, Lotus is hoping a fully recyclable composite resin will be available in the near future. The body panels are coated with a water-based paint system that the Lotus Paint Facility developed in partnership with Du Pont. With the very low cure temperature the water-based process requires, Lotus is able to realize a significant energy reduction along with fewer solvent emissions.
Hemp fibers are also used to produce the lightweight seats designed by Lotus. The seats are covered in a renewable, biodegradable natural wool fabric. Rather than using harmful dyes to color the fabric, Lotus designers carefully selected the breeds of sheep used to achieve the desired color palate. Carpeting can also be a less-than-environmentally-friendly material, so Lotus turned to sisal, which like hemp is a renewable crop with very durable properties.
A pair of flexible solar panels is bonded into the roof structure of the Eco Elise. These panels collect energy that's converted to electricity for powering systems in the car, relieving some of the charging energy normally drained from the engine. The solar panels are impressive because they are embedded in a complex double curvature in the roof line, illustrating how the technology can be applied to a wide range of surfaces.
