Disintegrated Lotus Elise

According to reports this horrific accident happened in Austin Texas last week (April 26) and unfortunately, from what we learned, the driver didn’t make it out alive. If you follow the jump there’s more pictures of the torn apart Elise which practically looks like it was run over something. We don’t have any details on how the accident occurred but there’s an image of the speedo showing 112mph (180 km/h). Although that could mean that the unfortunate driver was either going significantly faster when he lost control or that something went bad really fast, it could also mean nothing considering how sensitive the speedometer needles are. –More Images below

Source: ppbb & elisetalk

Technorati: Lotus+Elise, Safety, Accident, Tuning, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

Lotus plan to create a Wind Park providing up to 100% of its electricity needs

Being “green” isn’t only about reducing car emissions, it’s also about minimizing corporate CO2 emissions. And that’s exactly what Lotus intends to do with its joint proposition with green energy company Ecotricity. The two companies have submitted a request for a Scoping Opinion to South Norfolk District Council for their views on potential plans for a wind park at the Lotus Manufacturing Plant and Test Track, at Hethel. According to Lotus the turbines have the potential to provide up to 100% of Lotus’ electricity needs, with the excess power being fed into the local grid for use by local residents. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below

Lotus Press Release: Wind Turbines to Supply Lotus Electricity Needs

Group Lotus plc, the high performance sports car manufacturer and world leading engineering consultancy, has joined forces with green energy company Ecotricity in its drive to minimise its carbon emissions and become genuinely green in its energy supply. Innovative engineering will now be partnered by wind energy to be the power behind the Lotus manufacturing plant in the UK.

Under their Merchant Wind Power (MWP) scheme Ecotricity, the UK’s largest independent green energy supplier, has submitted a request for a Scoping Opinion to South Norfolk District Council for their views on potential plans for a wind park at the Lotus Manufacturing Plant and Test Track, at Hethel near Wymondham.

The turbines could provide up to 100% of Lotus’ electricity needs. Excess power will be fed into the local grid and can be used by local residents. Switching to a green energy supplier is the biggest single contribution an individual or business can make to help reverse the onslaught of climate change. Dale Vince, founder of Ecotricity, commented: “This is an exciting project, and I’m delighted that Lotus is taking its responsibility to the environment so seriously. There are many myths about what it takes for a business to become truly green, and the Lotus wind turbine project will be an important example for other organisations. The company won’t be spending any additional money on its energy supply, but will have peace of mind knowing that it’s part of a growing movement to redress climate change.”

Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer, of Group Lotus plc said: “Lotus is globally recognised as a pioneer in vehicle technology and is now working worldwide in environmental and green transport research. By sourcing our electricity needs for our Hethel headquarters in Norfolk from these Wind Turbines, we can contribute to reducing our corporate CO2 emissions dramatically and provide a definitive demonstration of our commitment to the environment.”

Lotus has carried out extensive assessment of its premises at Hethel near Wymondham, demonstrating the potential for a wind park – specifically three turbines located in the centre of the test track. The request for a scoping opinion represents the next stage in progressing the development of the site. It will seek the views and advice of all statutory bodies concerned, such as the Environment Agency, the Ministry of Defence and Natural England.

By using wind turbine generated electricity, a number of areas of Lotus will benefit from a 100% renewable energy source, such as the Lotus Cars manufacturing facility, including the assembly halls, paint shop and composite shops, the engine test facility, the computer aided design and analysis tools, project and administration offices.

A Lotus car is substantially more efficient and economical than other sports cars because its low mass gives a high power to weight ratio without the penalty of high fuel consumption. This “performance through light weight” philosophy is key for all Lotus vehicles. Lotus also has an extensive and diverse portfolio of green technologies. They have developed the Bio-Ethanol powered Lotus Exige 265E, and conducted extensive research in to compressed natural gas powered cars and hybrid technology. It is also working with a number of clients worldwide to engineer advanced electric vehicles.

The burning of fossil fuels to generate electricity is this country’s single biggest cause of climate change, responsible for over 30% of our carbon emissions. Dale Vince OBE, founder of Ecotricity, commented: “Wind turbines are essential in the fight against climate change. The biggest thing we can all do is change where our energy comes from.”

Ecotricity supplies homes and business across the UK. Switching where your electricity comes from is the single biggest thing you can do to help fight climate change and it only takes five minutes!

Technorati: Lotus, ecology, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

Lotus 2-Eleven: 255Hp & 670kg Elise track version to debut at Geneva

For all you track-day wackos, Lotus will have a something special for you at this year’s Geneva Show which opens up in a few days: the 2-Eleven. As you’d expect from a company like Lotus, the Elise based, 2-Eleven takes on Colin Chapman's philosophy of 'Performance Through Lightweight”. Weighing in at just 670 kg (1,477 lbs, the 2-Eleven is powered by a supercharged version of the stock 4cylinder 1.8 VVTL-i Toyota engine that delivers 255Hp at 8.000 rpm and a torque figure of 242 Nm (179 lb/ft) at 7000 rpm. 0 to 100 km/h comes in 3.9 sec (0-60mph, 3.8 sec) while top speed is 250 km/h (155mph). -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see a high-res image gallery & the press release

Production of the Lotus 2-Eleven is scheduled to start in April 2007 where it will be available in two versions - Road Going Version (UK Single Vehicle Approval) fitted with front and rear lights, exhaust catalyst, single plane rear wing etc. that will cost 41.095 BP and Track-Only Version with an enhanced aerodynamics package including high downforce single plane carbonfibre rear wing and a high downforce front splitter with a price tag of 39,995 BP. Outside the UK, the 2-Eleven will be only available as a track-only option costing 49,575 EUR (excluding tax). Pricing in Japan, South Africa and Lotus other international markets will be announced later on.

PRESS RELEASE: The Lotus 2-Eleven - Track Day Driving Just Got Serious

Exceptional Performance Coupled with High Levels Of Usability and Safety

Geneva, Switzerland (6th March 2007), Lotus Sport, the race car performance arm of Lotus Cars Ltd, today unveiled the new Lotus 2-Eleven. Launched at the 77th annual Geneva International Motor Show, the Lotus 2-Eleven is aimed at the true track day enthusiast, taking Colin Chapman's philosophy of 'Performance Through Lightweight' to its most extreme level yet.

Weighing in at just 670 kg (1,477 lbs) with 255 PS (252 bhp / 188kw) on tap courtesy of its supercharged and intercooled 1796 cc engine, the Lotus 2-Eleven boasts a power to weight ratio similar to that of a 1960's Formula One car. Designed with the most serious of track day enthusiasts in mind, the Lotus 2-Eleven offers race car levels of performance coupled with legendary Lotus Ride and Handling to deliver a truly outstanding track day car.

Said Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer for Group Lotus plc:

"The Lotus 2-Eleven takes our core brand values to the extreme. It is the ultimate track day vehicle - not only phenomenally quick, but also very user-friendly. In short, the 2-Eleven delivers everything that the modern track day warrior and clubman racer demands, and more."

Production of the Lotus 2-Eleven is scheduled to commence in April 2007 at the award-winning and world-class Lotus manufacturing facility at Lotus Headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk, UK. The 2-Eleven build will be completed in dedicated Lotus Sport workshops and each vehicle will be given a Lotus Sport build plate.

The Lotus 2-Eleven is initially available in Launch Edition specification only, which boasts a dynamic and unique three-way Lotus Sport colour scheme complete with decal pack. The Launch Edition is available in two versions - Road Going Version (UK Single Vehicle Approval) fitted with front and rear lights, exhaust catalyst, single plane rear wing and other items to achieve compliance with UK road legal requirements and Track Only Version with an enhanced aerodynamics package including high downforce single plane carbon fibre rear wing, high downforce front splitter, brake lights and rear indicators and FIA approved driver's race seat.

The recommended selling price (incl UK VAT) of the Lotus 2-Eleven Launch Edition will be £39,995. In the UK, the SVA version (Single Vehicle Type Approval) which includes delivery, Pre Delivery Inspection, first service, number plates, first registration fee, valet, 12 months' Road Fund Licence, a full tank of fuel and SVA test costs an additional £1,100. The Lotus 2-Eleven is only available as a track-only option outside of the UK at EUR49,575 excluding local tax in mainland Europe. Pricing in Japan, South Africa and Lotus other international markets will be announced shortly.

THE LOTUS 2-ELEVEN IN MORE DETAIL

Engine

The supercharged and intercooled 1796 cc engine in the Lotus 2-Eleven has a maximum power output of 255 PS (252 bhp / 188 kw) at 8000 rpm and a torque figure of approximately 242 Nm (179 lb/ft) at 7000 rpm. This significant amount of extra power and torque now available together with the VVTL-i variable cam system ensures that there is a smooth and linear surge of power from low engine speeds all the way to the maximum 8000 rpm. The Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger (with a sealed-for-life internal mechanism meaning that it does not require the use of the engine's oil) is run from the crankshaft and has an integral bypass valve for part load operation.

Four high capacity injectors and an up rated fuel pump add additional fuel under hard acceleration or high speed driving. An Accusump (engine oil accumulator unit) is included in the whole package as an oil reservoir back-up for extreme track use ensuring that, under those conditions, the engine oil pressure remains constant. Twin oil coolers complete the powertrain package.

Transmission

A sports-type clutch plate and heavy duty clutch cover transfer the engine power and torque to the lightweight aluminium C64 six-speed gearbox (with an aluminium casing) - with the same perfectly spaced ratios as the Exige S. An open type differential is fitted as standard. The Lotus switchable Traction Control System (LTCS) works through the engine, reducing power to maintain traction; it is active above 8 km/h (5 mph) and reacts much more quickly than many brake-based systems.

Chassis & Integral Safety Features

The Lotus 2-Eleven uses a unique high-sided variant of the Lotus Elise lightweight chassis structure featuring epoxy bonded aluminium alloy extrusions with modified Exige S based running gear. This strong and stiff package features a comprehensive safety system with a glass fibre reinforced composite front crash structure allied to a high sill chassis for side impact protection. Additional chassis safety features include an FIA compliant 6-point rollover structure with integral harness mounts and lightweight galvanized steel rear sub frame incorporating a further crushable structure.

Body

The Lotus 2-Eleven features all new ultra-lightweight (40 kg / 88lbs) composite bodywork featuring core-mat technology. All external panels are bolted on for ease of removal, maintenance and repair.

Wheels & Tyres

5-spoke lightweight forged black alloy wheels (front 7Jx16, rear 8J x 17) are shod with Lotus Sport specific Yokohama A048 R LTS tyres (front 195/50 R16, rear 225/45 R17), designed to maximise grip and achieve the exacting ride and handling targets set by Lotus.

Brakes

The brake system includes 288 mm cast iron cross drilled and ventilated discs, upgraded Pagid RS14 sports brake pads set into the brake calipers (aluminium alloy AP Racing 2-piston at the front and Brembo single sliding piston at the rear), high grade silicone brake fluid and stainless steel braided hoses. In addition, the proven Lotus track tuned servo-assisted four-channel ABS system enhances braking performance and minimises stopping distance without taking over from the skill of the driver.

Suspension

Fully independent suspension utilising unequal length wishbones; Öhlins 2-way adjustable dampers with coil over springs and Lotus Sport adjustable front anti-roll bar. A rear double shear track control arm brace is provided to cope with the expected kerb abuse during heavy track day driving, with unique steering arms and front upper wishbones to suit ultra-low ride height.

Performance

0-60 mph 3.8 secs (estimated)
0-100 km/h 3.9 secs (estimated)
0-100 mph (0-160 km/h) 9.1 secs (estimated)
Max Speed 155 mph (250 km/h)
Max Power 255 PS (252 bhp / 188 kw) at 8000 rpm
Max Torque 242 Nm (179 lb/ft) at 7000 rpm

Technorati: Lotus+2-Eleven, Track-day, Geneva+motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Australian Police gets a Lotus Exige

Regardless of what kind of vehicle they put cops in these days, they'll still be annoying and in no way appealing. Especially when their pulling you over to conduct a random search it will never be cool. Even if they are driving, say, a Lotus like these cops in Australia are. I guess the scene would be more tempting to imagine if the cop driving the Lotus was hot and frisking you in ways that are illegal… Via: Autoblog.it Posted by Dani

-Continued: Click “Read More…” below to check out the official press release

PRESS RELEASE: Lotus Volunteers A Sporty New Recruit For Bankstown Police

Lotus Cars Australia has donated a special new recruit to the NSW Police Bankstown Local Area Command with the arrival of a high performance Lotus Exige.

The lightweight, high performance Lotus Exige sports car will be used by Bankstown Local Area Command for a number of community policing roles over the next six months, including most importantly, helping to build better relations between police and local performance car enthusiasts and youth. As well as helping with critical community relationship issues the Lotus Exige will assist Bankstown Highway Patrol in raising its profile during work at Random Breath Testing, Radar and Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) sites.

The Lotus also boasts significantly better fuel economy than conventional V8 and turbocharged six cylinder Highway Patrol cars and will bring a new green hue to the command's vehicle fleet. Being almost half the weight and with an engine that is less than a third the size of traditional Highway Patrol sedans the Exige is significantly kinder on the environment consuming on average around five litres less fuel per 100km while still being able to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h up to 30 percent faster than the big V8s.

The Lotus' supercharged 1.8 litre four cylinder engine and lightweight extruded and bonded aluminium tub, encased in a lightweight composite body also ensure the Exige has a better power to weight ratio than the big V8s meaning it requires less energy to achieve better performance. Superintendent Dave Darcy accepted the keys to the Lotus Exige from Lotus Cars Australia's national sales and marketing manager Jon Stretton and thanked the company for its contribution to policing in the Bankstown area.

"The Lotus Exige will help break down barriers between our officers and youth in the area, it gives them a discussion point and a way of breaking the ice," said Superintendent Darcy. "We have a large proportion of car enthusiasts in the area and it is a challenge to influence them to drive safely. Whilst its easy to give this group tickets to slow them down we would prefer to influence young drivers to take care on the roads. "I see that the use of the new Lotus Exige police vehicle will break down barriers allowing us to get our safety messages through.

"There is no doubt that the Lotus will be highly visible and generate public interest, it will assist us operationally by promoting our road safety crime prevention messages to a targeted group of offenders. Giving youth the chance to realise that police are real people and have a job to do is an important part of our work, and if the Lotus can help us achieve that then it will be an asset during its time with us," he added.

Bankstown Local Area Command will use the Lotus for the next six months under long term loan from the manufacturer. According to Jon Stretton from Lotus Cars Australia the precedent for this co-operation with the police was set in the UK where the company forged a similar relationship with the Norfolk Constabulary lending the force a Lotus Elise to achieve similar goals.

"Following the success of the co-operation with Norfolk Police we saw the chance to link up with NSW Police to help it achieve similar goals," said Jon Stretton. "The Norfolk Police had similar challenges to Bankstown Local Area Command with performance car enthusiasts and in establishing stronger relations to help prevent unacceptable behaviour," he said. "The Lotus gave the Norfolk Police credibility with the performance car enthusiasts and I expect the Lotus Exige will do the same for Bankstown officers," he added.

"We are also very conscious of environmental issues and keen to demonstrate ways of using less fuel with more economical performance cars. Just because the police have always used conventional cars with large engines doesn't mean they can't look at alternatives that can reduce fuel consumption and be kinder on the environment," Jon Stretton added.

The police Lotus Exige features full NSW Police livery and is equipped with a removable emergency light system that can be used when it is at particular operations such as random breath test and radar sites throughout the Bankstown Local Area Command.

Technorati: Lotus+Exige, Australia, Police, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

LA Show: Lotus Sport Exige Cup 252Hp

Gentlemen, start your engines as Lotus unveiled the US spec version of the Sport Exige Cup at the LA Auto Show. This track-ready edition of the Exige features an upgraded version of the stock (supercharged) engine that now produces 252 hp at 8000 rpm (from 243) and a torque figure of approximately 179 lb-ft, at 7000 rpm. Of course, suspension, tires and brakes have also been upgraded. Weight has been kept to 1800 pounds through the use of lightweight materials and the eradication of all non-essential components such roof trim, carpets,front mudflaps, central locking and bulkhead trim.

According to Lotus, these enchantments are good enough to give a 0 to 60mph (97 km/h) time of just under 3,9 sec and a 0 to 100 mph (160 km/h) time in less that 9,8 sec. Top speed is close to 160 mph (257 km/h).

The Lotus Sport Exige Cup is also equipped with the usual safety equipment that is expected for a track car with 6-point seat belt harness on the driver’s side (with an FIA approved Recaro / Lotus Sport seat) – there is no passenger seat. The full roll cage is SCCA compliant and completing the additional safety equipment is a mechanical ignition kill switch with cockpit and external activation and a plumbed electrical fire suppression system, again with cockpit and external activation.

Sounds perfect to me, the only thing left is to ask my boss for a couple days a month off and of course, a "small raise to hand over $84,990 (plus options, delivery and taxes) to Lotus…

Technorati: Lotus+Sport+Exige+Cup, LA+Auto+Show, Los+Angeles, motor+show, 2006, images, pictures, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop

Childs play: Lotus Type 119c soapbox

Now be honest, if you where a kid or for that matter a child trapped in an adult body, wouldn’t you just “kill” to take this delightful Lotus designed Type 119c soapbox for a “spin” in your neighbourhood? I can just imagine myself telling my friends I’ve got a soapbox with enough tech on it to make a Benz look prehistoric…

Anyway, this record-holding downhill gravity racer, is going to make its second competitive appearance at the Brooklands Museum Soapbox Derby on 16 July, 2006. The Type 119c soapbox is the reigning champion and record holder of the challenging 0.7 mile descent at the Goodwood Festival of Speed Gravity Racing Club Soapbox Challenge.

Press Release: The closed-cockpit Lotus Type 119c "streamliner" features an aerodynamically-efficient ultra-light carbon-fibre monocoque, remaining true to the "performance through light weight" philosophy of Lotus founder Colin Chapman. It will be lining up on the grid once again against familiar automotive constructors such as Lola, Vauxhall and Ford as well as entries from schools, colleges and privateers.

Paul Adams, who successfully piloted the Lotus Type 119 soapbox to victory in the Roadster Class at the Goodwood event in 2002 and who clinched the overall win in 2004 with the 119c, will be returning to the driving seat hoping to lift a third trophy. On being back behind the wheel after a two-year break, Paul Adams explains: "I am really excited to be able to race at such a historic circuit and be reunited again with past competitors, which will certainly make for some good and fun racing. We will be shaking down the car on the Hethel Test Track, so that I can familiarise myself once again with the controls, oil the nuts and bolts and blow off the cobwebs!"

Teams will race from the top of the Test Hill of the Brooklands circuit, which then leads on to the exciting banked section before the Finish Straight in front of the paddock. The record, held by Lola Cars for descending the course, is 71.8 seconds, and competitors are expected to reach a top speed of around 35 mph.

Technorati Tags: Lotus+Type+119c+soapbox, pictures, images, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, press+release

Amazing Lotus Elise Cup Race

Couldn’t have said it better myself. The title that our friends over Autoblog put on this video clip say’s it all: Mr. Sorpasso (translated Mr Surpass). Just look at Dean Evans pass every single car in this Lotus Elise Cup race in Bathurst Australia. Via: Autoblog

Technorati Tags: Lotus+Elise, Race, Bathurst, Movie, Video, Clips, Dean+Evans, autos, auto+news, automotive, cars, automobile

New Basic Lotus Elise S with 1.8 VVT-I Toyota Engine

Lotus is back with an entry level Elise that is set to propel the Hethel based sports car manufacturer further up the sales charts. The loss of the K series engine had temporarily created a hole in Lotus' portfolio and its disappearance from the range was not good news for Pure sportscar lovers right across the globe.

The challenge of 'plugging the gap' has now been spectacularly addressed with the launch of the new Lotus Elise S -a car that will cover 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds, yet sell for below EUR36.000 in lower-tax countries.

Lotus has shoehorned in a high technology 1.8-litre 136 PS Variable Valve Timing Toyota engine, which perfectly complements the phenomenal handling characteristics of the Lotus Elise. This delivers a cracking new entry-level car, capable of taking you from 0 - 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and onto a top speed of 205km/h, law permitting!

As the new entry-level car, the Elise S may not be the fastest or quickest Elise in the range, but the acceleration, performance and handling is class leading in its price bracket and belies the cost and real substance engineered into the new vehicle - what other roadster at this price can reach 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds? For the sake of comparison, a 2.0 litre MX-5 reaches the same speed in 7.9 seconds (Source Mazda Germany website June06)

Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc explains: "The arrival of our new Elise S is good news for lovers of Pure sportscars in all intended markets. The value for money proposition offered by the car is second to none and takes the wonderful Lotus Elise range back into the heart of the mainstream sportscar market. We now have a Lotus Elise to tempt the existing or would-be MX-5 or MG driver away from these altogether more cosmetic offerings. They now have an opportunity to get back into a car that is the very essence of what, in our view, a real sportscar should be all about!"

The Lotus Elise S is priced at:

Germany EUR 35.400

France EUR 36.500

Italy EUR 37.936

Switzerland SFr. 52.100

Market Availability

UK: From July 2006

Mainland EU: From July 2006

Japan and APac: From September 2006

USA: There are no plans to launch the Elise S in the USA market for homologation reasons

Technorati Tags: Lotus+Elise+S, auto+news, automotive, automobile, cars, press+release, images, pictures

Official: New High-Performance Lotus Sportscar to be Built at Hethel in 2008

Lotus officially announced that there new mid engined sports which will occupy the sector vacated by the Lotus Esprit that finished production in 2004, will enter production in Spring 2008.

The Esprit substitute will be manufactured at the Group Lotus headquarters at Hethel in Norfolk U.K. Lotus improved the efficiencies and flexibilities within the manufacturing facility over the last year

In the next few months, Lotus will undergo a small re-organisation process within the manufacturing facility to further improve the efficiencies and flexibility at Hethel. This will lead to further improvements and gains leading up to the start of production.

Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive for Group Lotus plc says: "We are very pleased that Hethel has been confirmed by the Board of Directors as the manufacturing location for this vital new car. However the decision to choose Hethel has not been taken lightly and was influenced not only by our past achievements, but also by firm future commitments to improve the efficiencies and flexibilities within our manufacturing facility. We have a lot of work to do between now and the start of production and this will demand much commitment and hard work from us all at Lotus."

Technorati Tags: Lotus, Esprit, auto+news, cars, automobile, automotive, press+release

Lotus AFD Concept

Lotus Cars presents an all new Elise based pick-up concept that is intended to go in production later in 2006

Press Release: The Lotus AFD is an Elise-derived flatbed concept that seeks to secure a slice of the ever-growing worldwide market for sportscar-derived pickup trucks.

Utilising a Briggs and Stratton pull-start diesel engine, uniquely supercharged by Lotus's own engineers, the AFD is the first Lotus to marry advanced 4-wheel drive technology with the Lotus design philosophy of 'performance through lightweight'. A useful 5kg payload, together with an optional towing hitch offering a further 10kg of load-hauling capacity, ensures the new Lotus will be equally at home carrying a small bag of sugar as an expanded polystyrene surfboard.

With carbon fibre roof rails and perforated aluminium bull bars ensuring the new Elise derivative looks the part without compromising performance, hopes are high that 0-60mph acceleration is less than 3 seconds, and will have flatbed fans reaching for their chequebooks.

An active payload management system, linked to the engine's oil pressure control module, optimises ride and handling round even the sharpest bend, while big chunky tyres increase ground clearance to an all-terrain-conquering 4 inches.

Trevor Houghton-Berry, Lotus Head of Commercial Operations looked to the future 'The AFD is our first move into the lucrative LCV market and certainly lives up to the Lotus philosophy of 'change the rules'.

We like trucking and we like to truck!'

Mark O'Shaughnessy, Lotus USA Sales and Marketing Director commented, 'We can no longer ignore Lotus's big opportunity in the pickup market - we want a slice of the action and are gunning for a 0.0026% market share this year and 0.0027% next. The AFD will be known as the F1.50 stateside and we are set to take the market by storm. 200 Lotus Elise F1.50's in the first year? Bring them on

Technorati Tags: April+Fools+Day, autos, auto+news, press+release, Lotus+Elise

Lotus APX Concept

Family Guy

A future 5door crossover model by Lotus? Well, not exactly as the APX (Aluminium Performance Crossover) is the first example of a complete vehicle built on the innovative Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA)

The APX is a 7-seater (in reality a 5 + 2 with the two rear seats being occasional) four-wheel drive "Crossover" vehicle with a front mounted 300 hp supercharged V6 petrol engine. Weighing in at just 1570 kg and with a power to weight ratio of 191 hp per tonne, the APX has sportscar like performance of 5.4 seconds to 100 km/h (5.0 seconds to 60 mph) before reaching a top speed of 245 km/h (152 mph).

These performance figures are as good as the highest performing 4x4 "Crossover" vehicles from other brands with up to 195 hp per tonne. Crucially though, whereas those vehicles need higher output engines to compensate for heavy weight, APX does not. Combined fuel consumption for APX is estimated to be 8.7 litres / 100 km (or 32 mpg) .

APX is manufactured predominantly from aluminium in the form of high-pressure die-cast corner nodes, stampings and extrusions. It uses advanced assembly techniques, including adhesive bonding, self-piercing rivets and flow-drill screws for construction - joining techniques that Lotus calls Riv-Bonding.

APX is not just a Lotus Engineering concept, but a feasible prototype close to production; it is not a concept indicating a strategic direction of Lotus Cars; it is, however, a brilliant demonstration of VVA and the skills of the team from Lotus Engineering into what is regarded as the future of niche vehicle manufacture. APX is production feasible as all the components can be made cost effectively and in high niche volume (up to around 30,000 per year).

The Engine - 300 hp, 3-litre V6: Like the vehicle, the engine is not just a Lotus Engineering concept, but a feasible prototype close to production, however it is not a concept indicating a strategic powertrain direction of Lotus Cars.

Simon Wood, Director of Lotus Engineering explains the rationale behind building APX: "the first production car from Lotus to use the Versatile Vehicle Architecture will be the new mid engine "super sportscar", which will go into production in 2008. Lotus Cars customers eagerly await this vehicle that will be a class-leading and phenomenally high performing car.

The supercharged V6 is part of a family of normally aspirated and supercharged high performance engines which includes 2.2 litre and 3.0 litre normally aspirated derivatives. All of these engines are at the prototype stage and are production feasible, but are not currently planned for production. It uses a Rootes-type supercharger with a compact air - to - water Laminova - type charge cooler with separate parallel coolant system using its own water pump and heat exchangers allowing a charge temperature reduction of approximately 50 degrees Celcius.

Performance of the engine is maximum power of 224 kW (300 hp, 304 PS) at 6250 rpm and a torque of 360 Nm at 4500 rpm. 80% of peak torque is between 1500 rpm and maximum revs of 6500 rpm. Like all products from Lotus, it follows the adage of "performance through light weight", in that the engine weighs just 171 kg (fully dressed, dry weight). This gives a phenomenal specific output of around 1.31 kW/kg (1.7 hp/kg). Specific performance is 74.6 kW / litre (100 hp / litre, 101.3 PS / litre).

Example VVA families

The following represents illustrative VVA families that could be achieved:

Family A

Front engine 4WD crossover 15,000 / year Mid engine RWD supercar 5,000 Front engine RWD coupe 10,000 Front engine RWD saloon 20,000

Family B

Front engine FWD coupe 10,000

Front engine 4WD SUV 25,000

Family C

Mid engine RWD coupe 5,000

Front engine FWD saloon 25,000

Front engine 4WD crossover 30,000 - i.e. APX by Lotus Engineering

Technorati Tags: Lotus, APX, Concept, auto+news

Lotus Exige S

The fastest accelerating Lotus ever to come off the production line

A small lightweight sportscar weighing just 935 kg (2057 lbs), powered by a 162.5 kW (218 hp, 221 PS) high revving supercharged engine, giving a zero to 100 km/h time of just 4.3 seconds (0 - 60 mph in 4.1 seconds). It comes straight off the production line and isn't an "aftermarket special".

Is this the quickest ever real-world production car?

It is certainly the quickest Lotus production car - so far!

The Lotus Exige S is the latest addition to the Exige range and is a real sportscar that redefines the term "Extreme Performance". With 90.5 kW / litre (121.4 hp / litre, 123 PS / litre), it is one of most powerful production cars in the world for its engine size but most importantly it has full type approval for all the markets in which it will be sold. The Lotus Exige S is not a limited edition, nor is it an aftermarket special - it is manufactured from start to finish in the world leading and award winning Lotus Manufacturing facility at Hethel, Norfolk.

Because the basic car is so immensely strong but lightweight (935 kg, 2057 lbs), giving a power to weight ratio of 173.8 kW/tonne (233.2 hp/tonne, 236.4 PS/tonne), performance is phenomenal, with 100 km/h being reached from a standing start in 4.3 seconds (0 - 60 mph in 4.1 seconds) and 160 km/h (100 mph) being reached in 9.98 seconds (estimate) before topping out at 238 km/h (148 mph). Inspite of this phenomenal performance the fuel economy is impressive with an official combined figure of 9.1 litres / 100 km (31.0 mpg) - extra urban is an impressive 7.2 litres / 100 km (39.2 mpg).

Lotus believes that there is no car on sale anywhere in the world that has such good performance combined with such good fuel economy! Not that many customers will be buying this car principally for its fuel economy!!

Being a Lotus, straight-line performance is not the most important factor, but every day driving on normal roads, or around a circuit is. There are very few cars on sale today that can match the speed, agility and safety of the Exige S in both day to day and track or circuit driving.

However the Exige S is not just a track day warrior. It is a sportscar that would be at home on the back roads, freeways and autobahns, as well as on city streets. With an extremely "torquey" engine and the classic Lotus suspension set-up of soft compliant springs and firm controllable dampers, the driving experience is an uncanny combination of telepathic-like handling with a taught and comfortable ride. There is really no car that handles quite like a Lotus.

Clive Dopson, Managing Director of Lotus Cars says, "The Exige S represents the ultimate "extreme" production Lotus, with performance that trumps other supercars costing twice or even three times as much. That it does so with the fuel economy of a family hatchback, stands as a testament to the Lotus concept of performance through light weight. Its an unbeatable package and an unbeatable drive."

Prices (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price):
UK: £33,995 including VAT
Mainland Europe: 44,147 Euros excluding individual market taxes
Japan: JYP 6,909,000 including tax

Market Availability
UK: March / April 2006
Mainland EU: April / May 2006
Japan and APac: May / June 2006
USA: There are currently no plans to launch the Exige S in the USA

LOTUS EXIGE S SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE
Type	Mid-mounted, transverse, 1796 cm3, 2ZZ-GE 4 cylinders in line engine
Max Power	162.5 kW (218 hp, 221 PS) @ 7800 rpm
Max Torque	215 Nm (158.6 lb ft, 22 kgf m) @ 5500 rpm
Power to weight ratio	173.8kW/t ( 233.2hp/t, 236.4PS/t )
Specific power output	90.5 kW/litre (121.4 hp/litre, 123 PS/_)

Performance Figures

PERFORMANCE
0-60 mile/h	4.1 sec
0-100 mile/h	9.98 sec
0-100 km/h	4.3 sec
0-160 km/h	9.98 sec
Maximum speed	148 mph 238 km/h
Fuel consumption - urban	12.3 litre/100 km ( 22.9 mpg (UK) )
Fuel consumption - extraurban	7.2 litre/100 km ( 39.2 mpg (UK) )
Fuel consumption - combined	9.1 litre/100 km ( 31.0 mpg (UK) )
C02 emissions	216 g/km

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS
Wheelbase	2300 mm
Overall length	3797 mm
Overall width (without mirrors)	1727 mm
Overall height	1163 mm
Weight	935 / 949 kg
Weight distribution	38% Front - 62% Rear
Fuel tank capacity	43.5 litre ( 9.6 gal (UK) )
Luggage capacity	112 litre - 50 kg

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