40th Anniversary Lotus Elise S Announced

Lotus Launches ‘Elise S 40th Anniversary Limited Edition’
Lotus Cars is very pleased to release its limited edition for Mainland Europe – the Lotus Elise S 40th Anniversary Limited Edition. This unique limited edition is based on the entry-level model of the Elise Range – the Elise S – and commemorates the 40th anniversary of production at the Lotus factory in Hethel in 2007. The specification of the car is as follows:

• Elise S – Model Year 2008, featuring twin airbags

• Burnt Orange Premium Paint

• Hardtop

• Painted rear diffuser and wheels

• Leather trim in orange stitching

• Painted centre consol & exterior panels in body colour

• Coloured brake calipers

• Build plate

• Country specific unique Decals

• 40th commemorative letter signed by Mike Kimberley, CEO of Lotus Cars Ltd.

The car is available from official Lotus dealers in Mainland Europe from today and the production numbers will be strictly limited to the following countries as below:

• Germany 15

• Switzerland 10

• France 5

• Belgium 5

• Italy 6

• Other countries in mainland Europe 9, (signified with the Union flag)

To celebrate both the 40th anniversary of production at the Lotus factory in Hethel, England and also the fourth consecutive year of sales growth in Europe for Lotus (up 9% year to date verses the same period last year) the car will be extremely competitively priced giving the customer an extra 10% extra value in terms of equipment and options. The only additional cost options are Air Conditioning and Lotus Traction Control.

The retail prices per country are listed below. Please take into account that all prices include local tax and delivery:

• Germany: 39,995 EUR

• Switzerland:CHF 58,600

• France: 40,200 EUR

• Italy: 40,800 EUR

• Belgium: 40,600 EUR

• Holland: 53,600 EUR

Lotus Hot Wheels Concept: First Pictures

As seen at SEMA

A few weeks back Hot wheels celebrated their 40^th anniversary at the SEMA show in Sin City with a range of new scaled concept cars from several manufacturers. Lotus was asked as one of those manufacturers and they have finally come through with some high resolution images of their amazing 1:5 scaled concept. In the spring of 2008 a 1:64 model will be featured in the Hot Wheels line-up for all Lotus fans to own.

The Lotus Hot Wheels Concept comes from the same designers who are currently working on the new Lotus Project Eagle, which is scheduled to make its show debut as a concept at the 2008 London Motor Show in July and go into production later in the year.

Steven Crijns, Design Manager at Lotus Design and creator of this concept design explained; “Hot Wheels cars are barely 75mm long, so specific attention went to create a bold shape that would work well at this scale. The car needed to be recognisable as a Lotus without having to turn it over to look at the badge underneath, so I took elements from the Elise and Exige such as the headlight design, the Lotus ‘mouth’, the pronounced wheel arches and trademark bonnet graphics.”

Russell Carr, Head of Lotus Design said; “This was a dream job for the design team because, for many of us, when we were children, it was Hot Wheels that first ignited our passion for cars and design. The design offered unique challenges because it has to work as a toy and we therefore had to remember how specific views, features and tactile qualities of toy cars fascinated us as children.”

Lotus Launches Supercharged Elise SC

The biggest news from the 2008 Model Year Lotus line-up is the introduction of the Supercharged Elise SC, a 220 PS version of the multi award-winning roadster, easily identified by its new rear spoiler and unique new design of alloy road wheels.
Despite the on-paper similarity with the Exige S, this is no mere engine swap – this is an all-new, non-intercooled installation applied to the current Elise’s 1.8-litre 2-ZZ VVTL-i engine. The Lotus-designed, Magnuson-produced supercharger uses a smaller Eaton rotor pack (an M45 unit) than that of the current Exige S, and is married to the intake manifold plenum as part of a single-piece casting. Combined with the absence of an intercooler and its associated pipework, this integrated supercharger/intake assembly contributes to an 8kg reduction in engine weight compared with the Exige S.
A further benefit of dispensing with the intercooler for the Elise SC application is the supercharger packaging viability for Elise and improved rear visibility when adopted into the Exige S, where vision from the rear view mirror is masked by the current intercooler installation. The Elise SC has been designed to have different driving characteristics to the Exige S. In keeping with its role as a supremely fast road car rather than extreme track machine, throttle response is very progressive but also very direct, resulting in a measured, refined driving experience.
But, as you might expect of a car with 220 PS and weighing only 903 kg (1987 lbs), the performance of the Elise SC is electrifying – 0-60 mph in 4.4 secs / 0-100 km/h in 4.6 secs (estimated); 0-100 mph / 160 km/h in 10.7 secs (estimated); top speed 150 mph / 240 km/h (estimated). Although for the record, the Exige S remains the faster car on track, thanks to its superior aerodynamics package that generates 42 kg (92 lbs) of downforce at 100 mph (160 km/h). The fuel economy of the Elise SC is impressive with an estimated combined figure of 9.1 litres / 100 km (31.0 mpg).
A new bespoke wheel design is introduced to the Elise SC, the rears having increased half an inch in width to 8.0 inches, to give even better grip performance from the standard Lotus specific Yokohama AD07 LTS 225/45 R17 tyres.

Lotus Exige GT3 Concept Road Vehicle

“The Exige GT3 concept road car is a fantastic showcase product from our race car performance division, Lotus Sport. The car’s racing background becomes immediately obvious from its aggressive stance, extreme width of rear track and innovative three­dimensional rear wing. The foundation of all Lotus products is phenomenal handling and ride characteristics, but the Exige GT3 takes these into another dimension altogether where supreme road holding and outrageous acceleration come evenly matched with sensational stopping ability.”

The Exige GT3’s pure bred racing brother will be again competing in the GT race arena in 2007, taking over the mantle from the hugely successful 2006 British GT3 Championship­winning car. On road or track the Lotus Exige GT3 winning pedigree will continue in time honoured Lotus racing tradition.

A new one-piece front clam-shell with fully masked front wheels and wheel arch venting leads the aerodynamically cleaned silhouette of this car. A menacing stance is enhanced by the aggressively flared rear wheel arches and aero-efficient three-dimensional rear wing and blended end-plates. The visual message is clear; this vehicle means business and the squat wide hindquarters symbolise the latent power harnessed within.

That power is provided by the same charge-cooled supercharged engine that the GT3 race car employs, producing 275PS (271 bhp / 203kw) driven through ten inch rear wheels with 255 width tyres making the final connection to the road. Max speed (257kph / 160mph) and peak torque have been electronically limited but acceleration is left untouched and unimpaired. The up-rated front brakes and brake pads all round ensure that on road or track this car’s stopping ability is more than capable of harnessing its acceleration performance.

The end-plate mounted three-dimensional rear wing is highly efficient and fully complements the widened and flattened rear deck shape in reducing the overall drag as well as maintaining front to rear downforce balance. The performance of this car will amaze and reward all drivers with incredible road holding (developed with the help of its 2-way Ohlins adjustable dampers together with Lotus Sport adjustable front stabiliser bar and rear suspension double-shear track control arms) and stunning acceleration.

Simply put, the Lotus Exige GT3 will redefine your concept of a road car by re-affirming that unique proposition that is, above all else, a Lotus.

It is intended that the Lotus Exige GT3 concept road vehicle will be further developed into a full production car for limited markets, to go on sale in late 2007 with an estimated price tag of between £50,000 and £60,000.

The Lotus GT3 in more detail

Engine

The supercharged and intercooled 1796 cc engine in the Lotus GT3 has a maximum power output of 275 PS (271 bhp / 203 kw) at 8000 rpm and a torque figure of approximately 258 Nm (190 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 the same perfectly spaced ratios as the Exige S. An open type limited slip 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 kph (5 mph) and reacts much more quickly than many brake-based systems.

Chassis Structure

Lotus designed lightweight structure of epoxy bonded aluminium alloy extrusions with crash structure, extruded aluminium door beams, integral steel seat-belt support structure and lightweight galvanized steel rear sub frame incorporating a structural shear panel.

Body

GT3 derived one-piece front clamshell and wide track rear clamshell with full length roof scoop design taken from the Cup Exige 255. New full width rear wing with integral end plates mounting to rear clam. Race style full width front splitter; standard Exige door and body sides retained. Multi element rear diffuser with carbon option.

Wheels & Tyres

5-spoke lightweight forged alloy wheels (front 7Jx16 and rear 10Jx17) are shod with Lotus Sport specific Yokohama A048 R LTS tyres (front 195/50 R16 and rear 255/40 R17), designed to maximise grip and achieve the ride and handling targets set by Lotus.

Brakes

The brake system includes 308 mm diameter 2 piece aluminium belled cross drilled and ventilated front discs and 288 mm diameter cross-drilled and ventilated rear discs. AP Racing

two-piece radially mounted 4 piston calipers at the front and Brembo single sliding piston at the rear. Pagid RS14 sports brake pads all round. High grade silicone brake fluid; stainless steel braided brake hoses. In addition, the proven Lotus track tuned servo-assisted four­channel 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.

Specifications<

Model	Lotus Exige GT3
Body	GT3 derived one-piece front clamshell and wide track rear clamshell. Full-length roof scoop design taken from Cup Exige 255. Standard Exige type tailgate with rear wing mount deleted. New full width rear wing with integral end-plates mounting to rear clam. Race style full width front splitter. Standard Exige door and body sides retained Multi-element rear diffuser with carbon option
Engine	2ZZ-GE engine, Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) & aluminium lightweight and compact construction. Chain driven Double Over-Head Camshafts (DOHC) exploiting a Variable Valve Timing & Lift- intelligent (VVTL-i) system. Lotus T4e engine management system, multi point sequential fuel injection, electronic ignition and electronic throttle control. Lotus developed charge cooled supercharger installation
Emissions	Three-way catalytic converter. Full On-Board Diagnostics (OBD)
Transmission	C64 manual transaxle, aluminium lightweight construction. 6-speed, close ratio, constant mesh helical gears and open differential. Uprated clutch and cover
Chassis	Lotus designed lightweight structure of epoxy bonded aluminium alloy extrusions with glass-fibre composite front section, extruded aluminium door beams, integral steel seat-belt support structure and lightweight galvanised steel rear sub frame incorporating a structural shear panel
Steering	Solidly mounted mechanical rack and pinion steering. 2.8 turns lock to-lock
Suspension	Fully independent suspension utilising unequal length wishbones. Öhlins 2-way adjustable dampers with coil over springs. Lotus Sport adjustable front anti-roll bar. Rear double shear track control arm brace
Wheels	Lightweight forged 5-spoke wheels. Front: 7Jx16 & Rear: 10Jx17
Tyres	Yokohama A048 R LTS. Front: 195/50 R16 & Rear: 255/40 R17
Interior	Carry over Exige sports interior with unique GT3 trim colours and embroidery. Twin air bag interiors (subject to further technical evaluation)
Brakes	308 mm diameter 2-piece aluminium belled cross-drilled and ventilated front discs and 282 mm cross-drilled and ventilated rear discs. AP Racing two-piece radially mounted front 4 piston calipers (available in orange as an extra cost option) and Brembo single sliding piston at the rear. Pagid RS14 sports brake pads. High grade silicone brake fluid. Stainless steel braided brake hoses
Build Plate	Standard
Homologation	UK/ Japan SVA capable only

2008 Lotus Eagle Announced

Lotus Reveals Future Plans

Mike Kimberley, CEO at Lotus, has talked with the British press recently and revealed a few plans for the future of Lotus. First, Lotus is developing an Elise with a detuned to 220 hp Exige engine, secondly a new, more luxurious Europa is in the works, thirdly the upcoming Exige SR which will feature the 2-Eleven Concept's variable traction control and fourthly Lotus is working on California-spec versions of the Elise and Exige.

But more interesting news is to follow. At next year's London Motor Show in July Lotus will be presenting their new Lotus Eagle. The Eagle is a 2+2 tourer powered by a mid-mounted, transverse Toyota V6 and competitively priced between GBP 45,000 and GB 48,000. There will be five versions ranging from a convertible to one with paddle shifters, a previous absolute no-no according to Lotus, but Lotus has listened to their Japanese and American customer base and will feature paddle-shifters on the car. The Lotus Eagle is set to go into production late 2008 and should go on sale early 2009.

Sometime later in 2009 Lotus is going to announce the next Lotus Esprit, although it may not be called the Esprit, and will be powered by 'a very high brand-image engine' according to Mr Kimberley. But it will not be a V12, Lotus claims not to need a V12 in order to achieve the kind of performace they are after. Mr Kimberley was quoted to say: “I sent it back to Engineering. It didn't have the Lotus DNA, and wasn't true to the Lotus heritage.”, so plenty of work is still to be done on this project but we feel confident that it will be a stunner. There will be five or six versions with a starting price of around GBP 80,000.

Note: the image is a rendering dating back to 2003. Lotus has not revealed any teaser sketches or images of the Eagle or new Esprit.

Lotus 2-Eleven Track Car

Track Day Driving Just Got Serious

• Exceptional Performance Coupled with High Levels Of Usability and Safety

To be 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 / 188 kw) 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 49,575 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 / 88 lbs) 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