Lotus Scoops EVO Car of the Year Double

The Lotus Evora takes the title of 'EVO Car of the Year 2009', with the Lotus 2-Eleven winning the prestigious 'EVO Track Car of the Year 2009' competition.

For the 'EVO Car of the Year 2009' test EVO Magazine took a fleet of the world's most desirable driving machines to the sensational roads of the Isle of Skye in Scotland, to evaluate the cars over a three day and 1000 mile test route.
The Lotus Evora, along with cars from manufacturers including Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin were put through their paces on the challenging and technical roads by the EVO team.


In the Car of the Year test, the group of 13 cars were whittled down to the top 5 and then scored out of 100, with the Lotus Evora beating all other entrants with an impressive score of 96.0.

John Barker, Motoring Editor said of the Evora "It's a magical thing across the ground, deft like an Elise, with exceptional poise and feel. What was telling for me was that, getting into it after any of the other finalists, it was even better than I remembered: a bit smoother, a bit quicker and even sweeter dynamically, too. It's a beguiling car."

David Vivian, Contributing Editor, commented, "A quite brilliant car and worthy winner."


The 'EVO Track Car of the Year 2009' event swapped the dramatic scenery and challenging gradients for the more familiar, but fast and demanding West Circuit at the Bedford Autodrome.

The Lotus 2-Eleven along with eleven other cars competed for the title of 'EVO Track Car of the Year 2009'. The test group contained some of the most exciting track cars on sale today, including hot hatches, track focused supercars and exotic track machines.


In the Track Car of the Year competition the cars were each timed around the West Circuit and compared subjectively to find a winner. On the way to winning the competition the 2-Eleven posted the second fastest time and closely matched the criteria set by the judges of providing entertainment, being rewarding and a challenge to drive.

Roger Green, Track Test Editor, when commenting on the 2-Eleven said "Every single judge described (the 2-Eleven) as 'superb' in their assessment notes."

Henry Catchpole, Road Test Editor, stated that "It's fabulous. It takes the habitability, finish and dimensions of the road car and adds the dynamics and awesome gearbox of a race car."


Luke Bennett, Operations Director of Lotus Cars Limited said that "I am delighted that the Evora took the title of "EVO Car of the Year 2009" and it is made even better that at the same time the 2-Eleven has won the Track Car of the Year competition. The Evora and 2-Eleven offer very different ownership propositions; however both have the same Lotus DNA and each reward the driver with a great Lotus driving experience."

Luke went on to say "It is a great endorsement for Lotus cars that the most refined car in the product line up is picking up awards at the same time as the most extreme car in the range, illustrating the great wealth of engineering and manufacturing expertise at Lotus."

Lotus Evora:

205 g/km CO2 32.5 mpg (8.7 litres / 100 km) - Combined Cycle 22.8 mpg (12.4 litres / 100 km) - Urban Cycle 43.5 mpg (6.5 litres / 100 km) - Extra Urban Cycle
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Lotus has officially unveiled the limited edition Exige Scura (aka Dark Stealth) in Tokyo

Production will be limited to 35 units. Pricing starts at £45,000 in the UK, €60,000 in Germany, €61,885 in Italy, and €61,200 in France.


Power comes from a supercharged 1.8-liter engine with 191 kW (260 hp) and 236 Nm (174 lb-ft) of torque. Backed up by a six-speed manual transmission, the Stealth accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds before topping out at 245 km/h (152 mph). Despite this epic performance, the engine only consumes 8.5L/100km (26.7 mpg US) while emitting 199 grams of CO2 per kilometer.


Featuring a matte black paint scheme with high gloss ‘Phantom Black' stripes, the Stealth looks ready to pound the road into submission. Elsewhere, the black theme continues as the front splitter, side scoops, and rear spoiler are constructed out of carbon fiber.




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Frankfurt Auto Show; Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar

The Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar has been developed from the award-winning Evora road car and is built to FIA regulations and safety standards.

The Type 124 (pronounced One Twenty Four) Endurance Racecar is the next step in the evolution of the Evora. The car will make its 24 hour racing debut at the ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours which provides a great test for the Evora's performance, efficiency and durability under tough and demanding endurance race conditions.

At the heart of the Lotus Evora are fundamental racecar elements: mid-engine layout, high-tech and super-stiff extruded and bonded aluminium chassis and very strong lightweight forged aluminium wishbones. All these elements mean that it is a natural evolution from the road going Lotus Evora to a competitive endurance racecar.


From the outset the design team had intentions to take the Evora racing and the chassis was designed with this in mind. Endurance races are the perfect events to showcase the efficiency, handling and durability characteristics that have been fundamental to the concept of the Evora.

The Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar has a race-tuned version of the mid-mounted Toyota V6 engine, with power increased to over 400 ps (depending on race regulations). Vehicle mass is expected to be reduced by up to 200 kg, bringing the weight of the racecar to less than 1200 kg (depending on race regulations).


Further changes for the Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar include a six speed sequential paddle shift racing gearbox, full FIA specification roll cage, FIA-compliant 120 litre ATL fuel system, FIA fire extinguisher system, competition carbon fibre rear wing, diffuser and front splitter.

The racecar is fitted with AP Racing 6 piston callipers front and rear, with a race-tuned Bosch ABS system, 4-way adjustable dampers and adjustable anti-roll bars. The racecar runs on 18" rims shod with Pirelli racing slicks and the wheels widths have been increased over the roadcar to 9 ½ J on the front and 11 J on the rear.


The aerodynamically efficient Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar body design, made from lightweight composite and carbon fibre panels, remains predominantly unchanged from the road car, with the only modifications being to the lower sections of the front and rear clamshells and the side sills.

Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars Limited, said, "Motorsport has been in our blood ever since our founder, Colin Chapman, built the first Lotus back in 1948. We are proud of our motorsport history, which includes victories in Formula One, Le Mans, saloon car, rally car and sportscar racing around the world; more recently, we won the British GT3 Championship in 2006 with the Lotus Exige. The Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar is from the same unique stable and we expect it to be a competitive racecar when we enter various endurance races next year."


Roger Becker, Vehicle Engineering Director for Group Lotus Plc said, "Every Lotus car is designed to be at home on the race track as well as the road, and the Evora is no different. Designed primarily as an everyday road car, the Evora's lightweight and stiff structure, its aerodynamics and performance means that it is perfectly suited to taming race tracks around the world, and we are looking forward to seeing the new Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar line up on the grid for the 2010 season."


The racecar is expected to compete in a number of endurance races in 2010/ 2011 forming part of a factory-supported race program. The races that are targeted are: The 2010 ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours (Nürburgring Nordschleife, Germany) in May 2010, Merdeka Millennium 12 Hours (Sepang, Malaysia) in August 2010, BritCar 24 Hours (Silverstone, UK) in October 2010 and the Dubai 24 Hours (Dubai Autodrome, UAE) January 2011.
Source: Lotus

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Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar

The Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar has been developed from the award-winning Evora road car and is built to FIA regulations and safety standards.

The Type 124 (pronounced One Twenty Four) Endurance Racecar is the next step in the evolution of the Evora. The car will make its 24 hour racing debut at the ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours which provides a great test for the Evora’s performance, efficiency and durability under tough and demanding endurance race conditions.

Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar

The Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar has been developed from the award-winning Evora road car and is built to FIA regulations and safety standards.

The Type 124 (pronounced One Twenty Four) Endurance Racecar is the next step in the evolution of the Evora. The car will make its 24 hour racing debut at the ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours which provides a great test for the Evora’s performance, efficiency and durability under tough and demanding endurance race conditions.

At the heart of the Lotus Evora are fundamental racecar elements: mid-engine layout, high-tech and super-stiff extruded and bonded aluminum chassis and very strong lightweight forged aluminum wishbones. All these elements mean that it is a natural evolution from the road going Lotus Evora to a competitive endurance racecar.


From the outset the design team had intentions to take the Evora racing and the chassis was designed with this in mind. Endurance races are the perfect events to showcase the efficiency, handling and durability characteristics that have been fundamental to the concept of the Evora. The Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar has a race-tuned version of the mid-mounted Toyota V6 engine, with power increased to over 400 ps (depending on race regulations). Vehicle mass is expected to be reduced by up to 200 kg, bringing the weight of the racecar to less than 1200 kg (depending on race regulations).


Further changes for the Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar include a six speed sequential paddle shift racing gearbox,full FIA specification roll cage, FIA-compliant 120 liter ATL fuel system, FIA fire extinguisher system, competition carbon fiber rear wing, diffuser and front splitter. The racecar is fitted with AP Racing 6 piston callipers front and rear, with a race-tuned Bosch ABS system, 4-way adjustable dampers and adjustable anti-roll bars. The racecar runs on 18” rims shod with Pirelli racing slicks and the wheels widths have been increased over the roadcar to 9 ½ J on the front and 11 J on the rear.


The aerodynamically efficient Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar body design, made from lightweight composite and carbon fibre panels, remains predominantly unchanged from the road car, with the only modifications being to the lower sections of the front and rear clamshells and the side sills. Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars Limited, said, “Motorsport has been in our blood ever since our founder, Colin Chapman, built the first Lotus back in 1948. We are proud of our motorsport history, which includes victories in Formula One, Le Mans, saloon car, rally car and sportscar racing around the world; more recently, we won the British GT3 Championship in 2006 with the Lotus Exige. The Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar is from the same unique stable and we expect it to be a competitive racecar when we enter various endurance races next year.”


Roger Becker, Vehicle Engineering Director for Group Lotus Plc said, “Every Lotus car is designed to be at home on the race track as well as the road, and the Evora is no different. Designed primarily as an everyday road car, the Evora’s lightweight and stiff structure, its aerodynamics and performance means that it is perfectly suited to taming race tracks around the world, and we are looking forward to seeing the new Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar line up on the grid for the 2010 season.”

The racecar is expected to compete in a number of endurance races in 2010/ 2011 forming part of a factory-supported race program. The races that are targeted are: The 2010 ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours (Nürburgring Nordschleife, Germany) in May 2010, Merdeka Millennium 12 Hours (Sepang, Malaysia) in August 2010, BritCar 24 Hours (Silverstone, UK) in October 2010 and the Dubai 24 Hours (Dubai Autodrome, UAE) January 2011.
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Frankfurt Motor Show: Special Edition Lotus Elise Club Racer Announced

The Lotus Elise is a modern day classic.Lotus has a thing for special edition models. The latest one to come out of Hethel is the Elise S-based Club Racer (CR) and it will be displayed for the first time at the Frankfurt motorshow. Although it retains the base model's Toyota-sourced 1.8-liter engine and five-speed gearbox which is good for a 0 to 60mph sprint time of 5.7 sec (0-100km/h: 6.1") while returning 37.2 mpg UK or 7.6 lt/100km on the combined cycle, the CR introduces new color schemes, bespoke interior and lightweight components.


A small-diameter steering wheel with leather edging and an on-center market helps with quick transitions on-track, and lightweight anthracite anodized six-spoke alloy wheels help deliver the driver's intentions to the road and the road's information to the driver.


Standard Elise seats get microfiber 'comfort pads' to add support without adding much weight, while the anthracite anodized gear knob and handbrake sleeve add a racing touch. A Club Racer (CR) logo is embroidered on the headrest, while the aluminum flooring in the footwells also bears the CR mark.


The exterior body color theme is carried over to the interior and is combined with silver and black paint highlights while the seats get lightweight microfibre comfort pads.


The special edition Club Racer goes on sale in Europe on September 15 with retail prices set at €34,475 in Belgium, €34,175 in France, € 34,770 in Italy, CHF 48,820 in Switzerland, €33,125 in Germany and £25,712 in the UK.
via:carscoop

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The 2010 Model Year Lotus Exige Cup 260

Starting with the release of the Exige Cup 240 in '06, Lotus has built up quite the following for its track-focused but built-for-the-road model. For the 2010 variant called the Exige Cup 260, Lotus shaves off a few pounds by upping the carbon-fiber treatment.


Design-wise, the front end was restyled with a more angular air intake and a new aerodynamic splitter. By adding a carbon-fiber roof panel, rear tailgate, center tunnel, front splitter, side air ducts and rear spoiler, more than 25 pounds of weight was shaved - a hefty contribution to the close to 84 pounds total cut from last year's model.



Handling is improved with its 30 percent stiffer rear chassis, forged alloy wheels wrapped in Yokohama A048 rubber and two-way adjustable Ohlins dampers. Stopping power comes from huge 12.1-inch front and 11.1-inch rear cross-drilled and ventilated brake discs with AP Racing and Brembo calipers. Buyers can opt for a programmable launch control system that allows the driver to choose the number of RPMs they wish to use during a standing start.


Taking design cues from the Exige GT3 racecar, the 260 has a supercharged and intercooled four-cylinder Toyota engine that makes the sprint to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. It lays down 257 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque and comes standard with a lightweight flywheel, torque-sensing limited-slip diff, sports-type clutch plate and a smaller battery that further cuts weight.


he car retails for just under $75,000 in the U.K. and is street legal within the entire European Union and North America.
Source:blogs.edmunds

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Hertz announces Lotus Elise, Exige rentals available in Italy

You will now get another option if you are looking for a fast rental car in Italy. Hertz has inked a deal with Lotus to provide customers the opportunity to rent a Lotus Elise or Exige.

Unfortunately, it appears the press release may have been sent out a bit too soon. The vehicle does not appear on the Hertz "Fun Collection" web page, and our search for the vehicle in one of the Rome locations turned up empty.
via:worldcarfans




Press Release

Hire your dream - Lotus cars now available for rental with Hertz Italy

Lotus Cars Limited, the sportscar subsidiary of Group Lotus plc is delighted to announce a marketing co-operation agreement with the car hire company Hertz Italiana and to supply Lotus cars for its rental business in Italy.

Now driving enthusiasts, fans of the Lotus brand and those who want to drive cars from one of the finest sportscar marques in the world will be able to hire a Lotus Elise directly from Hertz Italiana S.p.A.

Lotus Elise SC sportscars will be available to hire from key Hertz centres throughout Italy from middle of July.

Mr. Michael J. Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc, commented, "I am delighted that Lotus Cars has entered into this agreement with Hertz, giving us the opportunity to make our stunning world class sportscars available to the rental market. The iconic and multi award winning Lotus Elise and the stunning Lotus Exige are the perfect fun rental cars for those who desire exclusive and high performance motoring."

Mr. Andrea Manni, director of the official Lotus dealer, ‘Lotus Rome' said, "For many, to drive a Lotus is to fulfill a lifelong dream and now, thanks to Lotus and Hertz Italiana S.p.A. this dream can be realised for a longer period than just a quick test drive at a Lotus dealer. We expect some drivers who hire an Elise or Exige from Hertz Italiana S.p.A to visit a Lotus dealership afterwards, as once you have experienced the exciting and adrenaline fueled capabilities of a Lotus, there is no turning back!"

Ing. Giuseppe Caminiti, Fleet Director for Hertz Italiana said: "We launched the Hertz Fun Collection last year to give our customers the possibility to drive the cars they have always dreamt of driving. The Lotus Elise SC is one of these dream cars and by including it in the Hertz's Fun Collection our customers have an opportunity to drive a real sportscar. We are honoured to be able to work with Lotus and are delighted that Lotus has created personalised versions of the Elise SC especially for Hertz."

To book a Lotus Elise car hire from Hertz, drivers are invited to contact Hertz on www.hertz.it or by calling the Hertz call center on +39-199-11-22-11.

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Lotus becomes title sponsor of Lotus Challenge Series

After attending the second event of the 2008 Lotus Challenge Series last May, we were convinced the up-start had potential. Lotus Cars USA seems to agree and has become the title sponsor for the 2009 season.


In its inaugural year, the series stuck to California for six of its events, along with two races at the Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Pahrump, Nevada. For 2009, the campaign is expanding to ten events in the western US, including stints at Laguna Seca and Infineon, with four more events planned in Texas.


The series – part track day and part time-attack – brings together Lotus enthusiasts of all stripes, divides the field according to experience level and vehicle model/modifications, and sets them loose for a weekend of down-and-dirty track action. You can get all the details, along with the 2009 schedule, in the press release after the break, and check out the Lotus Challenge website to sign up for any of the 2009 events.
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Custom Lotus Exige S

Some people can not help just to keep exotics when it comes to tuning. The most special cars are already a marvel to watch but that is not the case for everyone. On Flickr, we found photos of the Lotus Exige Scuderia. What thing? A Lotus Exige Scuderia. No, not officially by Lotus product but a Lotus Exige with a creative owner.


Shame. That is the correct wording. The speed wonder that from Hethel Exige hot already very fast and very light. Why would there be many more plastic to confirm? The front is not even very substantially changed in comparison with the back.


The back needs a bit of very very similar to that of a Scuderia. Two pipes in the middle, gare a diffuser and a lot of plastic on the wheel where you are not happy. Then there is a mounted spoiler that is much larger than the standard spoiler on an Exige.


This Exige S has a supercharger Komotec Turbo Drive and runs the quarter mile "within twelve seconds.
Source:autogespot

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Irmscher has unveiled a new roadster - 7 turbo

German outfit Irmscher has just unveiled its latest rival to the Caterham and Ariel Atom set - the new 7 Turbo. The roadster is constructed in the same vein as the Lotus Super Seven, and its focus on lightweight performance means that it should be a formidable track machine, especially in its most potent guise.

The 7 Turbo comes in four different trim levels, the most powerful being the 7 Turbo Sport. Weighing in at a paltry 725kg, in Turbo Sport guise the vehicle comes packing a 280hp (209kW) wallop, giving it an impressive power-to-weight ratio of around 390hp per ton - significantly higher than even cars such as the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 can manage.
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Autoblog stops at the Symbolic Motors Annual Spring Event '09

Symbolic Motors just held their Annual Spring Event to showcase all the new models from the high-end manufacturers they represent in their San Diego dealerships. The latest and greatest from Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, Lotus and Spyker were on display, along with some of the restoration projects the firm is carrying out in their Sorrento Valley facilities. Just for good measure, they also invited a few of their friends to bring along their own favorite wheels.


That meant there was a Ferrari Enzo, a Pratt & Miller C6RS Corvette, a couple of Miuras, a McLaren F1 GTR, a Porsche 962, an ex-Mario Andretti racer, two Bugatti Veyrons, a Koenigsegg CCX, a Lamborghini Reventon, a Blastolene special, and the sixth and final Ferrari Daytona prototype, to name but a few outstanding examples. In addition to the incredible cars on display, Symbolic threw open the doors to their shop and made staff available to answer questions. If that wasn't enough, there was free food and live music, as well as raffles throughout the day. Check out the gallery to see what you might have missed, and check out Symbolic if you happen to find yourself in the San Diego area with a few hours on your hands.
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Lotus Evora Convertible

Lotus has also fleshed out some of the pricing the imminent hard-top version. Prices will start from £47,500 which will buy you a 2+0 car without any rear seats fitted, and the two extra chairs and the price jumps to £49,875. To celebrate the car's launch, the first 200 cars in the UK will cost £58,460 but come with every conceivable extra.


Similar to its less-luxurious mid-engined sibling the Elise, the Evora convertible is likely to feature a removable fabric panel that can be left at home when the weather allows. This does away with the need for expensive and a heavy electric folding mechanism, meaning it should be every bit as sharp to drive as the hard-top. The extruded and bonded Aluminium chassis will be stiffened too, to compensate for the absence of a roof and keep body flex to a minimum.


But if that’s not enough to get your pulse racing don’t worry – rumours suggest that as well as the convertible variant, a more powerful supercharged version is under development too. And with close to 400bhp it should be able to keep pace with exotic offerings from Ferrari and Porsche.


Behind the occupant’s heads is the same Toyota-derived 3.5-litre V6, tuned to produce 276bhp. Performance will be scintillating with the 0-62mph sprint dispatched in around five seconds and a top speed of 160mph.


The Evora is looking to put the wind up its rivals! Lotus has confirmed that the fixed roof version – already in production and scheduled to go on sale on May 2 – will be joined by a convertible in 2011.
Source: autoexpress



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BIMS Lotus Evora Revealed
Continue Testing Lotus Evora at Nurburgring
2008 Lotus Exige GT3 Making Race Debut In Australia
Geneva Motor Show: Lotus Exige GT3 Concept Road Vehicle

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UK Garage Presents Lotus Extrema

The importer UK Garage, known in Italy for the management of brands such as TVR, Noble and Radical, has submitted a new project-based Lotus, the Extrema. This is essentially a Exige Mk1 distinguishable for some cosmetic changes, such as car headlights and enlarged in the second series.

The aluminum chassis has undergone, as well as a slight widening of roadways to mount tires increased, a significant lengthening of the pitch (20 cm), required for the new transaxle of power (in this case longitudinal)-exchange. The transmission can be manually or alternatively sequentially.


The alloy rims, very light, are available with the attack on 5 bolts that with monodado and in the body, you can choose between the fiberglass and kevlar-carbon composite. The most powerful engine available are Chevrolet V8 Origin: two LS3 420 or 500 HP (total dry mass of 970 kg), the 513 HP LS7 from the Corvette Z06 ol'LS9 by the 647 hp ZR1 (in this case the mass reaches 1,000 kg). The outstanding performance is an inevitable consequence: 2,8 s on 0-100, 0-200 on 7 s and maximum speed of over 320 km / h.
Source: autoblog.it



Other article:
Project Kahn Reveals Lotus Elise styling package
Lotus Exige Cup 260 Gets Lighter for 2009
2008 Lotus Exige GT3 Making Race Debut In Australia
2008 Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260

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