Lotus Opens Flagship Showroom And Launches Exige S and Elise S in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, 8 January 2013 – Lotus Cars Malaysia launched the first LOTUS Flagship Showroom and Centre in Malaysia today. Strategically located in the Sungai Penchala area, it flanks the Damansara-Puchong highway (LDP), and its outstanding design and elegant branding will make it a landmark for Malaysians nation-wide. At the same time, Lotus also unveiled its latest stars, the Exige S and the Elise S.
The opening of the showroom and the launch of the two new Lotus models was officiated by Proton Advisor YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who was accompanied by Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil, the Executive Chairman of Proton. Lotus is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Proton Holdings Berhad.
The Lotus Flagship Showroom is part of DRB-HICOM’s plan, and is built on 10,520 square metres of land. It offers a complete Lotus experience with a showroom, a Customer Interactive Block, and a Service Centre.
The showroom covers 1,060 square metres, and other than a sales area for new and used Lotus cars, has a Lotus Accessories and merchandise area. Lotus buyers will also have their cars delivered through a Delivery Area, and enjoy an open deck garden and a customer lounge.
A 1,009 square metre Service Centre is equipped with advanced diagnostic and service equipment to offer the highest level of customer service to customers. It can accommodate up to 20 cars a day, and 480 cars a month.
According to Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil, one of DRB-HICOM’s top priorities when the group first took over Proton and all its subsidiaries which includes Lotus, was to look into reviving the Lotus brand. “We have many times affirmed our commitment to the future of this brand, and with the launch of Malaysia’s first Lotus Flagship Showroom today, we are again reiterating our commitment to the future of Lotus.”
“There are currently about 140 Lotus Cars showrooms around the world, and approximately 65 percent are 3S showrooms, but what makes this Flagship Showroom extra special is the 327 square metre Customer Interactive Block, which was designed for Lotus customers in mind,” he added. “A ‘Lotus home’ for owners, this is where owners will be able to get together and ‘hang out’. This area will also be used to coordinate Lotus events such as Lotus Convoys, Races, and Defensive and Advanced Driver Trainings.”
The latest Lotus power players, the supercharged Exige S and Elise S are already making waves globally. The Exige S was awarded Car of The Year by EVO magazine, while the Elise S, latest addition to the Elise range, is perfect for the enthusiast wanting to enjoy the thrill of the ride with even better performance without compromising on weight.
“These cars represent the best that Lotus has to offer right now, and I can truly say that the best is yet to come. For Lotus to remain competitive and relevant, it will be necessary for us to introduce more and more exciting products to our customers in the future,” acknowledged Dato Sri Haji Mohd Khamil, who added that the way for Lotus moving forward is to launch products sensibly, and with due regards to proper compliance of quality, cost and delivery.
Lotus Exige S
Powered by a mid-mounted transverse 3.5 litre 24 valve DOHC V6 dual VVT-I engine, and equipped with a Harrop HTV Supercharger utilising Eaton TVS Technology, the Exige has an output of 345 horsepower, and does the 0 – 100 kph sprint is 3.96 seconds. Transmission is a manual 6-speed with sports ratios. Maximum speed is 274 km/h, with 400Nm of torque available. Fuel consumption (combined cycle) is 10.1 litres per 100 kilometres. Retail price is from RM452, 030 for the Roadster version and from RM467, 230 for the Coupe version.
Lotus Elise S
The Lotus Elise S is available in soft top version, and its 1.8 litre supercharged engine delivers 217 horsepower. The engine drives the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual with sports ratios, and does the zero to 100kph sprint in 4.6 seconds. Combined cycle fuel consumption is 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres, and the vehicle weighs in at 924 kg. Prices start at RM332,300.
Both the Exige s and Elise S come with a 3-year or 100,000 km manufacturer’s warranty.
