Initially, engineers considered building the car out of steel, but found that its weight would've necessitated the use of a larger, heavier engine to hit performance targets, and the jettisoning of the creature comforts the team wanted to
incorporate — power windows, automatic air conditioning, traction control and ABS — in pursuit of
superior handling.
The «Grand Tourer» concept underpinning the Europa S provides the driver with a refined environment,
incorporating innovative styling features which do not compromise the
superior performance and
handling that is synonymous with the Lotus marque.»