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Lotus Ethos plug-in minicar headed to U.S. in 2013?

It’s time to start gearing up for the possible 2013 arrival of a $45,000 plug-in minicar with a Lotus badge. We haven’t heard much clamor for such a car, but if it’s truly your dream, then you’d be thrilled to know that the extended-range Lotus Ethos will reportedly hit U.S. dealerships in late 2013 as a Model Year 2014 vehicle.

Unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, Lotus’ minicar concept, now called the Ethos, will enter the production cycle in 2013. That’s official. However, word of the Ethos coming to the U.S. has not been confirmed by the automaker.

In production form, the plug-in Ethos is expected to employ a range-extending 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine. Lotus claims the Ethos will have an electric-only range of 37 miles before that range extender swings into action and adding 270 miles of gas-burnin’ action. Top speed checks in at a reported 76 miles per hour and the 0 to 62-mph dash takes nine movements of the second hand. The more important number is that $45k, which we’re willing to bet will be a bit of an issue when it comes to racking up sales here in the States.

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