Lotus announces partnership with Mansory

Group Lotus has announced its new collaboration with Mansory, which will become its official customization studio. The German tuner will be contributing bodywork, trim and special finishes for the Elise, Exige and Evora in yet another controversial strategic decision for the UK company.

Lotus confirmed the first fruits of this new partnership will be the unveiling a new model variant at September's Paris motor show, two years after the highly ambitious announcement of five new models of which the first is yet to become reality.

"As the Official Lotus Customisation Studio, we amplify the existing options with harmonically designed aerodynamics and ultra-light aluminium rims," says Kourosh Mansory, owner of Mansory Design and Holding GmbH. "High-quality accessories and stylish interior fittings complete the Mansory assortment."

Maurizio Parlato, Commercial Director, Group Lotus added: "The Lotus Evora GTE is a great illustration of what is to come. The car has already prompted around 250 orders and leads between China and Europe and we expect it to have a very successful future as the top of the range Evora."

2011's Geneva motor show saw the unveiling of the Evora Concept Bespoke, and since then the two companies have worked on several projects, notably the road-going Evora GTE, the most powerful Lotus thus far.

Other Lotus-Mansory projects have been the chrome-red Evora GTE by American rapper Swizz Beats, Lotus' vice president of Creative Design and Global Marketing, and most recently the raw carbon-fiber Lotus F1 Team Evora GTW.

By Rufus Thompson