In this issue of Winding Road, we get behind the wheel and see what a difference forced induction can make in the supercharged Lotus Evora S.
Lotus is different. And, if we’re completely honest about it, Lotus is mostly better, too. Not better as a manufacturer, or as a “brand,” or as a cultural force; though the company could probably make interesting claims on all three of those fronts as well. No, Lotus is better at building engaging, high-performing, exactly-as-you’d-build-it-yourself-if-you-could sports cars.
Replicas of the Lotus 7 just may be the ultimate kit cars. The lightweight, open cockpit design is iconic, to say the least, and there are a fair share of manufacturers to choose from. Whether you want to build it from scratch, or buy a fully functioning racecar, there are lots of Lotus 7 kits to choose from, depending on your budget, time commitment, and thirst for power.
Ahead of its official debut in Geneva, Lotus has given up the details on the lightweight Elise Club racer. The racy stripper is more than 50 pounds lighter, thanks in great part to a lightweight battery and the removal of sound-deadening materials.
Polish Formula 1 driver Robert Kubica was seriously injured in a crash at the Ronde di Andora Rally in Italy. The Lotus Renault GP driver was piloting a Skoda Fabia Super 2000 rally car on the opening day of the event, when he was caught out in damp conditions, collided with a wall, and then ran into a barrier which impaled the Skoda’s footwell.
As plans go ahead for Lotus to launch its reinvented model range, the UK-based manufacturer of lightweight sportscars has announced plans for an upmarket clothing range. Named Lotus Originals, the clothing range is a “natural step in the reinvention of Lotus as a lifestyle brand.”
Renault Formula 1 has signed a partnership with Group Lotus that will see the racing outfit renamed Lotus Renault GP for the 2011 season. The partnership, a product of a deal worked out by Group Lotus plc and Genii Capital (a European investment firm that owns a large portion of Renault F1), will include a technology share between the two entities, both on and off the track.
Here’s a party game to try out with all of your car-loving friends and family members over the upcoming holiday season. The scenario is this: someone hands you $100,000 in a suitcase and tells you to buy a car. You can only buy one vehicle with the money, and you don’t get to keep the change when you’re done.
Over the weekend, Lotus gave a preview of the Paris Motor Show unveiling of the Lotus Elite. Reviving the old name, the Elite is a 2+2 that is an interesting upmarket addition to the brand’s lineup.
Earlier, Lotus “leaked” an email discussing the Lotus Evora S and Evora “Auto.” Soon after that, our spy shooter caught the Evora S in testing. Now, Lotus has dished on the two models debuting at the Paris Motor Show, the Evora S and Evora IPS (Intelligent Precision Shift).
Remember that clever email we received from Lotus, discussing the new Evora models that would be revealed in Paris? Here are the spy photos of the Lotus Evora S.
Today, we received an odd email in our inbox from Lotus Cars, appearing to be an internal note (a likely story), but “accidentally” sent to media outlets. Within the email were some details about upcoming versions of the Evora, and its presence at the Paris Motor Show.
Hennessey Performance announced delivery of the first 2011 Venom GT to a customer in the United Arab Emirates.
As I stepped into the Lotus Evora, it occurred to me, as it might to you, that I knew the car had received its share of plaudits, but I wasn’t exactly sure what character was really being delivered. “Well”, thought I, “let’s see.”
You know, Americans take a lot of flack for plastering our nation’s flag, rather liberally, on the places and things that we love. And sure, we might enjoy rocking Old Glory on t-shirts, and pickup trucks, on the sides of our barns, and on the backs of our jean jackets (maybe that’s just us?), but we still say that the British are the biggest flag-wavers of all.
Proof that the new mid-engine V-6 Lotus can do it all in good hands.
Lotus has given up some details about the Evora 414E Hybrid concept vehicle it will unveil at the Geneva Motor Show next month. This plug-in hybrid remains true to the spirit of the Lotus brand, offering stunning performance on top of efficiency.
Lotus has announced that it will debut the the Lotus Evora Cup at the Autosport International show later this week. Also, the automaker has announced a points-baced Evora race series for 2010.
Lotus has released another limited edition run of the Exige, this one to commemorate the Lotus Type 72 Formula 1 car, which won 20 Grand Prix victories in the first half of the 1970s. The Lotus Exige S Type 72 will be limited to 20 cars in the United Kingdom, 20 units in mainland Europe, and another limited run in Japan.