Autoblog Lotus http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Lotus http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Recap: 2013 Spanish Grand Prix is Catalan for 'Lottery' and 'More pit stops']]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/recap-2013-spanish-grand-prix-is-catalan-for-lottery-and-mor/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/recap-2013-spanish-grand-prix-is-catalan-for-lottery-and-mor/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/recap-2013-spanish-grand-prix-is-catalan-for-lottery-and-mor/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



This year's Formula One season might qualify as being just as crazy as last year's, only it's a different kind of crazy. Instead of a new winner every Sunday, how the winner actually manages to take the victory is the mystery, and just when we thought the season might have settled into a groove regarding team performance, here comes the Spanish Grand Prix to remind us that we don't know anything until the race has been run.

There were many similarities to past weekends to being this one: Mercedes-AMG Petronas showed awesome one-lap pace, Fernando Alonso did well enough in qualifying to get fifth on the grid but talked up the race pace of the Ferrari, Kimi Räikkönen was the equivalent of a racing photobomber, never saying much but always showing up in the picture, Felipe Massa wasn't really big on the tires and McLaren might want to consider starting a blues band they spend so much time singing them.

Then the lights went green and things went nuts...

Continue reading Recap: 2013 Spanish Grand Prix is Catalan for 'Lottery' and 'More pit stops'

Recap: 2013 Spanish Grand Prix is Catalan for 'Lottery' and 'More pit stops' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 spanish grand prixf1felipe massafernando alonsoFerrariformula 1formula oneinfiniti red bull racingkimi raikkonenlewis hamiltonlotusmercedes-amgnico rosbergspanish grand prix Tue, 14 May 2013 09:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567561/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567561/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/recap-2013-spanish-grand-prix-is-catalan-for-lottery-and-mor/20567561/article-detail.xml 20567561 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/sgp09b_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/sgp09b.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus Exige S Roadster coming this summer to a circuit near you]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/lotus-exige-s-roadster-coming-this-summer-to-a-circuit-near-you/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/lotus-exige-s-roadster-coming-this-summer-to-a-circuit-near-you/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/lotus-exige-s-roadster-coming-this-summer-to-a-circuit-near-you/#comments Filed under: , , ,



We haven't heard much about the Lotus Exige S Roadster since we first saw it at the Geneva Motor Show last year, but Lotus is now confirming the car will go on sale this summer. Of course, unless anything has changed since the car was introduced, Lotus' "ultimate roadster" will still not be coming to the US.

Lotus has released a new video showing its 345-horsepower roadster in action, and while it doesn't even show that much of the car, you can check out our live images of the Exige S Roadster in our gallery. The video, which looks like a knockoff of a Universal Studios movie trailer, is posted below.

Continue reading Lotus Exige S Roadster coming this summer to a circuit near you

Lotus Exige S Roadster coming this summer to a circuit near you originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 May 2013 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> lotuslotus exigelotus exige s roadstervideo Wed, 01 May 2013 19:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20554940/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20554940/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/01/lotus-exige-s-roadster-coming-this-summer-to-a-circuit-near-you/20554940/article-detail.xml 20554940 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/lotus-exige-s-roadster_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/lotus-exige-s-roadster.jpg <![CDATA[Race Recap: 2013 Bahrain Grand Prix follows the template of this year and last [spoilers]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/race-recap-2013-bahrain-grand-prix-follows-the-template-of-this/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/race-recap-2013-bahrain-grand-prix-follows-the-template-of-this/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/race-recap-2013-bahrain-grand-prix-follows-the-template-of-this/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



The sand, the wind, the penalties, the contact and the one crash - all of them collided to make the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix a surprise affair from day to day and lap to lap. Oh, and did we mention the tires? Pirelli made a last-minute swap after the amusement park ride that the Chinese Grand Prix turned into with the soft compound tire, and brought medium and hard compounds to the desert. That didn't stop things from falling apart for some teams - literally - and that didn't stop the one team that seems to love the hard compound Pirelli tire.

Continue reading Race Recap: 2013 Bahrain Grand Prix follows the template of this year and last [spoilers]

Race Recap: 2013 Bahrain Grand Prix follows the template of this year and last [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 bahrain grand prixbahrain grand prixf1fernando alonsoferrariformula onegrand prixinfinitiinfiniti red bull racingkimi raikkonenlewis hamiltonlotusred bullromain grosjeansebastian vettel Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546744/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546744/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/race-recap-2013-bahrain-grand-prix-follows-the-template-of-this/20546744/article-detail.xml 20546744 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bgp1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bgp1.jpg <![CDATA[Race Recap: 2013 Chinese Grand Prix a test of tires, carnage and a fight for second [spoilers]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/race-recap-2013-chinese-grand-prix-a-test-of-tires-carnage-and/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/race-recap-2013-chinese-grand-prix-a-test-of-tires-carnage-and/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/race-recap-2013-chinese-grand-prix-a-test-of-tires-carnage-and/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



Formula One fans and commentators have spent the three weeks since the Malaysian Grand Prix discussing two things more than any other: that pass, and tires. Sebastian Vettel spent days giving his tongue an Olympic workout on the verbal gymnastics parallel bars before finally admitting he passed his Infiniti Red Bull teammate Mark Webber on purpose partly for reasons of payback, partly out of a desire to win - he doesn't apologize for it and he would do it again.

Then came those Pirellis - every single driver and team representative interview touches on how important it is to understand the tires and manage their degradation. Two races in, though, it seems no team has any clue yet how to make the race-weekend compounds work predictably. The only thing predictable about the soft compound tires that Pirelli brought to China was that they would last for six laps, and that led to an odd qualifying session with drivers reluctant to leave the pits or even set a time.

It also led to the first pole position for an Englishman in a Mercedes-Benz since Stirling Moss did it in 1955.

Continue reading Race Recap: 2013 Chinese Grand Prix a test of tires, carnage and a fight for second [spoilers]

Race Recap: 2013 Chinese Grand Prix a test of tires, carnage and a fight for second [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 chinese grand prixchinese grand prixEsteban Gutierrezf1fernando alonsoforce indiaformula onegrand prixjenson buttonlewis hamiltonmclarenrenaultsaubersebastian vettelsergio perez Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20540353/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20540353/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/15/race-recap-2013-chinese-grand-prix-a-test-of-tires-carnage-and/20540353/article-detail.xml 20540353 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/china-f1-gp-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/china-f1-gp-1.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus bankruptcy case dismissed in UK]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/lotus-bankruptcy-case-dismissed-in-uk/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/lotus-bankruptcy-case-dismissed-in-uk/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/lotus-bankruptcy-case-dismissed-in-uk/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Lotus Exige Cup V6 - front three-quarter overhead view - BRG with yellow stripes

Times have not been easy for Lotus lately, so when its name came up on a list of companies scheduled for a liquidation court, it seemed like the end could be near for the fabled British builder of lightweight sports cars. As it turns out, Lotus was on the Companies Court Winding Up list in the UK due to a contractual dispute with a supplier, and the High Court has since dismissed the case.

According to Autocar, Lotus and the supplier actually resolved their issue earlier in the year, but the process couldn't be stopped until seen by a judge. The report says that the case was initiated when Group Lotus failed to pay some of its debts, which is probably a fair indication that Lotus is far from out of the weeds in regards to its financial difficulties.

Lotus bankruptcy case dismissed in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> companies court winding up listgroup lotushigh courtlotuslotus bankruptcyuk high court Mon, 18 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20507793/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20507793/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/18/lotus-bankruptcy-case-dismissed-in-uk/20507793/article-detail.xml 20507793 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/04-12-lotus-exige-v6-cup-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/04-12-lotus-exige-v6-cup-628.jpg <![CDATA[Recap: 2013 Australian Formula One Grand Prix is all about the rubber [w/spoilers]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/recap-2013-australian-formula-one-grand-prix-is-all-about-the-r/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/recap-2013-australian-formula-one-grand-prix-is-all-about-the-r/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/recap-2013-australian-formula-one-grand-prix-is-all-about-the-r/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



A pre-season full of talking points was swapped for a brand-new set of talking points after the running of the opening grand prix of the 2013 Formula One season. The consistency of the regulations from last year to this year and the triplicate dominance of Infiniti Red Bull Racing meant that no one would have been that surprised if the relative order of things remained the same. But teams found so many ways to switch things up that, in typical pre-season fashion, no one was ready to make any bets on in-season performance, and a couple of surprising players suffered the ignominy of getting it really wrong: McLaren knew it was in trouble from the very first test, while Williams drivers applauded their car as the best in years, only to have Pastor Maldonado call it "undriveable" on the very first day of practice in Melbourne.

And then there were those Pirellis, the Italian company talking up the fact that its super soft tires would only go off so quickly that it would force teams to pit at least twice during the race.
Even then, no one could have seen the first round of pit stops beginning on Lap 5.

Nevertheless, someone had to win the 58-lap race - and that someone did it in what is becoming his usual style.

Continue reading Recap: 2013 Australian Formula One Grand Prix is all about the rubber [w/spoilers]

Recap: 2013 Australian Formula One Grand Prix is all about the rubber [w/spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Mar 2013 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 australian grand prixadrian sutilaustralian grand prixf1fernando alonsoferrariformula 1formula onegrand prixinfiniti red bullkimi raikkonenlewis hamiltonlotussebastian vetteltorro rosso Sun, 17 Mar 2013 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20507196/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20507196/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/17/recap-2013-australian-formula-one-grand-prix-is-all-about-the-r/20507196/article-detail.xml 20507196 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ausf101_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ausf101.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus Elise, Exige recalled over oil line fire risk]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/28/lotus-elise-exige-recalled-over-oil-line-fire-risk/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/28/lotus-elise-exige-recalled-over-oil-line-fire-risk/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/28/lotus-elise-exige-recalled-over-oil-line-fire-risk/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Lotus is recalling 451 examples of the Elise and Exige from the 2007 and 2008 model years. The cars in question, built from December 1, 2006 to October 31, 2007 could be affected by an oil cooler line that detaches from its fitting. If the line comes loose it could release oil onto the engine and possibly start a fire, or onto a tire and potentially cause a crash.

A bulletin from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates the recall is expected to begin on March 4. Notified owners can take their cars to their dealers for repairs to the lateral oil cooler hose and hose fittings. You'll find the full release from the NHTSA below with more information.

Continue reading Lotus Elise, Exige recalled over oil line fire risk

Lotus Elise, Exige recalled over oil line fire risk originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> eliseexigelotusNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationnhtsarecall Thu, 28 Feb 2013 08:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20480956/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20480956/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/28/lotus-elise-exige-recalled-over-oil-line-fire-risk/20480956/article-detail.xml 20480956 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2008lotusrecall_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2008lotusrecall.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus opens the 2013 Formula One season with the launch of the E21 [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/lotus-opens-the-2013-formula-one-season-with-the-launch-of-the-e/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/lotus-opens-the-2013-formula-one-season-with-the-launch-of-the-e/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/lotus-opens-the-2013-formula-one-season-with-the-launch-of-the-e/#comments Filed under: , ,



Lotus has broken the seal on the 2013 Formula One season, launching the E21 car at its factory in Enstone. With the regulations this year quite similar to those of last year, there are no dramatic changes in form compared to the E20. After some teams lobbied to be able to cover the stepped nose with a "vanity panel," Lotus retained the configuration, the team's technical director saying that the panel would add more weight and didn't make sense to put on the car unless it also added performance.

Beyond that, the E21 is said to be an comprehensive advance in its details - the suspension gets a new layout, the Coanda exhaust and the passive double DRS system are evolutions from last year, the front wing is "a continuation of concepts" from 2009.

After securing fourth in the Constructor's Championship last year, this is the chassis that drivers Kimi Räikkönen and Romain Grosjean will use to try and move the team up a place, which would mean beating one of the big three teams over the course of the season. The quietly and impressively consistent Räikkönen managed third in the Driver's Championship, and we're sure he wouldn't mind a move up in the standings, either.

You can watch a replay of the reveal on Sky Sports in the video below - it commences at 43:10, and there's a sound bite of the car starting up just below that. Other unveilings this week will be two of those big teams Lotus wants to conquer, McLaren on Thursday and Ferrari on Friday.

Continue reading Lotus opens the 2013 Formula One season with the launch of the E21 [w/video]

Lotus opens the 2013 Formula One season with the launch of the E21 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> e21f1formula 1formula onekimi raikkonenlotuslotus e21Romain Grosjean Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20441077/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20441077/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/30/lotus-opens-the-2013-formula-one-season-with-the-launch-of-the-e/20441077/article-detail.xml 20441077 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/lotuse21_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/lotuse21.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus announces race-ready Exige V6 Cup and Cup R]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/11/lotus-announces-race-ready-exige-v6-cup-and-cup-r/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/11/lotus-announces-race-ready-exige-v6-cup-and-cup-r/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/11/lotus-announces-race-ready-exige-v6-cup-and-cup-r/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Lotus Exige V6 Cup R

Lotus has pulled off the wraps on two new versions of the Exige: the V6 Cup and the V6 Cup R. Based on the Exige S, the V6 Cup is built to be a dual-purpose street and track machine. The 0-60 dash should take just under 3.8 seconds thanks to a full 345 horsepower from a supercharged 3.5-liter V6 engine. Weighing in at 2,380 pounds, the V6 Cup should be an absolute riot to drive, and with a full FIA-approved roll cage, fire extinguisher and six-point race harnesses on board, it's plenty safe, too. Two-way adjustable dampers are standard, as are AP Racing four-piston calipers on all four corners. More importantly, drivers can expect to find the Lotus Dynamic Performance Management system in the cockpit, complete with Touring, Sport and DPM Off modes.

The V6 Cup R, meanwhile, is both lighter and offers more horsepower than the standard V6 Cup. The same blown V6 dishes out 366 horsepower in R trim, and the whole contraption tips the scales at 2,292 pounds. Of course, the same spate of race hardware is stock, minus the DPM system. A lightweight battery, track-spec tow loops and quick-release engine cover help separate the Cup R from its more civil sibling, as do performance brake pads and better oil and water cooling systems.

Check out the brief press release below for more information. Both of the new models are headed for a debut at the 2013 Autosport International Show.

Continue reading Lotus announces race-ready Exige V6 Cup and Cup R

Lotus announces race-ready Exige V6 Cup and Cup R originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autosport internationalautosport international showcup rexigeexige cup rexige v6 cupexige v6 cup rlotuslotus exige v6 cuplotus exige v6 cup r Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20426320/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20426320/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/11/lotus-announces-race-ready-exige-v6-cup-and-cup-r/20426320/article-detail.xml 20426320 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/lotus-exige-v6-cup-r-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/lotus-exige-v6-cup-r-628.jpg <![CDATA[<em>Forza Horizon</em> announces January Recaro Car Pack with LFA Nürburgring Edition]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/26/forza-horizon-announces-january-recaro-car-pack-with-lf/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/26/forza-horizon-announces-january-recaro-car-pack-with-lf/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/26/forza-horizon-announces-january-recaro-car-pack-with-lf/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



Another month, another car pack for Forza Horizon. This time it's the Recaro Car Pack featuring a motley gang of cars and trucks: the 1983 GMC Vandura G-1500, 1995 Ford Mustang Cobra R, 2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR, 2012 Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition and 2012 Lotus Exige S.

It'll be up for download on Xbox Live on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013 for 400 MS Points. As usual, if you have the Forza Horizon Season Pass you can get them all free, and Season Pass holders will also get a bonus car that's not pictured: the 2009 Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster.

The Pagani is everything opposite to that Vandura, but while you might not ever win anything with the van, you can always use the back of it as a place to give out free hugs. Check out the video and press release below for more details.

Continue reading Forza Horizon announces January Recaro Car Pack with LFA Nürburgring Edition

Forza Horizon announces January Recaro Car Pack with LFA Nürburgring Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Dec 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cobra rdlcescaladeexige sfordforzaforza horizonforza motorsportgmclexuslfaLFA Nurburgring Editionlotusmercedes-benzmustang cobra rrecaro car packslrvanduravideovideos Wed, 26 Dec 2012 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20411053/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20411053/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/26/forza-horizon-announces-january-recaro-car-pack-with-lf/20411053/article-detail.xml 20411053 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/forzahorizonrecaro_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/forzahorizonrecaro.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus Evora 'Sports Racer' is oddly named and fully loaded]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/lotus-evora-sports-racer-is-oddly-named-and-fully-loaded/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/lotus-evora-sports-racer-is-oddly-named-and-fully-loaded/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/lotus-evora-sports-racer-is-oddly-named-and-fully-loaded/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2013 Lotus Evora 'Sports Racer' - red - profile view

Lotus has just announced a new Evora 'Sports Racer' model that is, well, frankly not much more sporty or racy than the standard Evora or Evora S. Instead, the British company calls the Sports Racer a "visually enhanced and optimized version" of both the Evora and supercharged Evora S. To unpack that a little: The new trim will get a new set of unique exterior colors and a revised interior treatment, and it's fully decked out with options.

The 'Sports Racer' will be available in the buyer's choice of Carbon Grey, Nightfall Blue and the Ardent Red that you see in the image above (the only image we've seen of the car so far). Gloss black accents set the model apart and can be seen on the roof, forged wheels, mirrors and rear badges. Inside, one may choose between black-leather sports seats with red piping and stitching, or a Venom Red leather interior with black piping and stitching. How naughty.

In terms of tech, the 'Sports Racer' gets Lotus' Sports Pack and its remapped throttle response, higher redline, more powerful cross-drilled brakes and a more aggressively programmed Dynamic Performance Management system. The stereo system is also upgraded from the basic Evora, with a DVD player and seven-inch touchscreen display thrown in for good measure.

The whole shebang will run European and British customers 57,900 pounds ($94,145 at today's exchange rates) for the Evora, and 65,900 pounds ($107,153) for the Evora S. At least for the moment, it appears this 'Sports Racer' package will be a UK- and Europe-only spec, which, at least saves North American buyers from having to use this Lotus' awkward single-quote trim name. See the full press release below.

Continue reading Lotus Evora 'Sports Racer' is oddly named and fully loaded

Lotus Evora 'Sports Racer' is oddly named and fully loaded originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 lotus evora sports racerevoraevora slotussports racer Thu, 20 Dec 2012 10:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20408254/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20408254/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/20/lotus-evora-sports-racer-is-oddly-named-and-fully-loaded/20408254/article-detail.xml 20408254 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/lotus-evora-s-sports-racer-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/lotus-evora-s-sports-racer-628.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus suing former CEO Bahar over spending on homes, helicopters and watches]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/lotus-suing-former-ceo-bahar-over-spending-on-homes-helicopters/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/lotus-suing-former-ceo-bahar-over-spending-on-homes-helicopters/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/lotus-suing-former-ceo-bahar-over-spending-on-homes-helicopters/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Dany Bahar

More details have come out about the legal suit and countersuit being contested between Lotus cars owner DRB-Hicom and former CEO of Lotus Dany Bahar. Bahar was brought in by Malaysian car company Proton in 2009 to turn Lotus around, and events during his tenure have made just about everyone wonder "What's going on?" That's not unusual - it can take a minute to figure things out when a new leader takes everything in a new direction - but in this case the clouds didn't clear quickly enough.

When the Malaysian government sold Proton to Malaysian auto supplier DRB-Hicom earlier this year, a forensic accounting team from Ernst & Young and The Rothschild Group started going over the books. Not long after, Bahar was suspended in June from his position and then fired. In his countersuit against DRB-Hicom, claims of lavish spending began to surface. Then the stories and leaks and rumors really began, the UK's Financial Mail reporting on more than one million pounds spent on private flights and home renovations, the New Zealand Herald talking about other executives sacked so that DRB could rearrange a 270-million-pound bank loan to Lotus, and rumors on forums about Bahar flying from his home in Norfolk to Hethel HQ and spending 30,000 pounds on motorsports books for his office.

In the latest Bloomberg report it is said that DRB-Hicom seeks 2.5 million pounds ($4 million US) from Bahar "for unauthorized expenses and overpaid salary and bonuses," including the purported expense of 3,000 pounds on watches for company managers. DRB-Hicom also says Bahar made damaging statements to the media, on top of breaching his contractual duties. Bahar's countersuit seeks $10.6 million from DRB-Hicom.

Steve Davies at SkiddMark.com has written an excellent, reasoned piece on the other less-salacious issues of contention between DRB-Hicom, Bahar and the consortium of banks that made the 270-million-pound loan. It will probably be a while longer, if ever, before we really know what happened inside the walls of Hethel to get matters to this point.

Lotus suing former CEO Bahar over spending on homes, helicopters and watches originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> dany bahardrbdrb-hicomlawsuitlotusprotonuk Mon, 03 Dec 2012 09:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20392348/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20392348/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/03/lotus-suing-former-ceo-bahar-over-spending-on-homes-helicopters/20392348/article-detail.xml 20392348 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/dany-bahar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/dany-bahar.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus Esprit all but ready to go, but held back by management issues]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/lotus-esprit-all-but-ready-to-go-but-held-back-by-management-is/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/lotus-esprit-all-but-ready-to-go-but-held-back-by-management-is/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/lotus-esprit-all-but-ready-to-go-but-held-back-by-management-is/#comments Filed under: , ,



Brief and disappointing is this report from Autocar on the status of the Lotus Esprit: it is finally ready and sitting at the light, but the light might not go green for a long time. The good news is that from being a concept two years ago at the Paris Motor Show, the aluminum and carbon fiber revival coupe is "purportedly almost finished." It is powered by a twin-turbo, 5.0-liter V8 with something like 650 horsepower, boosted by a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) and shifting through a seven-speed paddleshift transmission. Even with all that, the UK price is said to be around that of a Porsche 911 4S Cabriolet, and the car only needs "signing off and minor tweaking."

The bad news is that former company owner Proton couldn't stay independent long enough to see through the company's ambitious five-concept-car assault - led by then-CEO Dany Bahar who was hired explicitly to lead such a campaign - and was swallowed up by Malaysian auto supplier DRB-Hicom. For a brief spell Lotus had to shut down production for lack of funds. Then the new owner cleaned house, sweeping out Bahar and, according to the Financial Times just one month ago, the Esprit and every other concept with it. Just after the FT piece came out, Lotus denied the Esprit had been canceled. Still, according to Autocar, the management whirlpool is keeping the Esprit "far from becoming a production reality."

If we're honest with ourselves, we'll keep in mind that the Esprit has been slipping into and out of a terminal ether for what seems like decades. None of us knows what is going on inside Hethel HQ, but the fact that there really is a lightweight, twin-turbo, 650-hp Lotus Esprit finally ready to be produced has to be, in spite of all else, very good news.

Lotus Esprit all but ready to go, but held back by management issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> drb-hicomespritlotus Mon, 26 Nov 2012 09:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20387578/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20387578/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/26/lotus-esprit-all-but-ready-to-go-but-held-back-by-management-is/20387578/article-detail.xml 20387578 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/espritreadybut_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/espritreadybut.jpg <![CDATA[<i>EVO</i> "2012 Car of the Year: The Track Battles" is a sports car salmagundi]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/25/evo-2012-car-of-the-year-the-track-battles-is-a-sports/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/25/evo-2012-car-of-the-year-the-track-battles-is-a-sports/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/25/evo-2012-car-of-the-year-the-track-battles-is-a-sports/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVO video - 2012 Car of the Year: The Track Battles - rear of Pagani Huayra

EVO has come out with another gotta-watch-it video, throwing its 2012 Car of the Year contestants around the UK's 1.5-mile Blyton Park track. It's actually a 15-minute teaser for the full-length DVD detailing the magazine's Car of the Year selection, but the tease is worth every penny free second.

Tiff Needell and sports car racer Richard Meaden handle the wheel duties, the two driving five pairs of sports cars: Lotus Exige S vs. Porsche Boxster S, Morgan Three-Wheeler vs. Toyota GT86, BMW M135i vs. Porsche 911, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series vs. Alpina B3 GT3, the marquee event pits the McLaren MP4-12C vs. the Pagani Huayra. After a head-to-head lap with commentary during drifts, Meaden takes each car out to set a representative lap time.

You'll find the verdicts, lots of tire smoke, and lines like "Anything you can do sideways I can do sideways" in the video below.

Continue reading EVO "2012 Car of the Year: The Track Battles" is a sports car salmagundi

EVO "2012 Car of the Year: The Track Battles" is a sports car salmagundi originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Nov 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1-series2012 car of the year911911 carreraalpinab3b3 gt3bmwboxsterc63 amg black seriesevoexige sfr-sgt 86gt86huayralotusm135imclarenmercedes-benzmorganmp4-12cpaganiporschescionthree-wheelertoyotavideo Sun, 25 Nov 2012 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20386757/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20386757/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/25/evo-2012-car-of-the-year-the-track-battles-is-a-sports/20386757/article-detail.xml 20386757 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/evo2012test_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/evo2012test.jpg <![CDATA[Coca-Cola returning to F1 with Lotus sponsorship [w/videos]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/24/coca-cola-returning-to-f1-with-lotus-sponsorship-w-videos/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/24/coca-cola-returning-to-f1-with-lotus-sponsorship-w-videos/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/24/coca-cola-returning-to-f1-with-lotus-sponsorship-w-videos/#comments Filed under: , ,

Coca-Cola Burn and Lotus F1 sponsorship announcement graphic

Even before Red Bull Racing became a record-breaking three-time Constructor's Champion in Formula One, it has dominated conversations both as a team and as an energy drink. After seven years of "Red Bull this" and "Red Bull that," Coca-Cola is reportedly ready to jump into the F1 fray with its Sweden-based energy drink Burn.

Rumors had placed Coca-Cola's entry with McLaren F1, but it's actually Lotus that has secured the deal. We have no idea what the sponsorship will look like, but the website for Burn says that "We [intend] to foster that creativity by incorporating art and music in a way that will break the conventions of traditional F1 sponsorship," Lotus F1 team principal Eric Boullier adding "We are excited to partner with burn to build a new and innovative model for sponsorships that will combine experiences, content creation and social media..."

Since most - including this writer - have no idea what Burn is, we've included a couple of Burn commercial spots to help get us up to speed, which you'll find below. The 2012 season hasn't even ended, and we're already looking forward to 2013...

Continue reading Coca-Cola returning to F1 with Lotus sponsorship [w/videos]

Coca-Cola returning to F1 with Lotus sponsorship [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Nov 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> burncoca colacoca-colacoca-cola burnenergy drinkenergy drinksf1formula 1formula onelotuslotus f1sponsorshipvideo Sat, 24 Nov 2012 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20386779/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20386779/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/24/coca-cola-returning-to-f1-with-lotus-sponsorship-w-videos/20386779/article-detail.xml 20386779 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/lotusburnf1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/lotusburnf1.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus and Aston Martin to hook up?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/lotus-and-aston-martin-to-hook-up/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/lotus-and-aston-martin-to-hook-up/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/lotus-and-aston-martin-to-hook-up/#comments Filed under: , ,

Aston Martin and Lotus automaker emblems

This has been a tumultuous year for Lotus - to say the least - from the company being sold off back in January to its CEO Dany Bahar being fired in June to its questionable financial status and rumors of the British automaker being sold off to another automaker. First, we heard that Volkswagen was interested in acquiring Lotus and parent company Proton, a rumor that was later dismissed. Now Automobile is reporting that fellow Brit Aston Martin could be in the market to work with or possibly even merge with Lotus.

While this is pure speculation at this point, such a venture could prove to be beneficial for both independent companies. That's because with Lotus focused on lightweight, relatively affordable sports cars and Aston Martin producing high-end performance cars, there is virtually no product overlap between the companies. The article suggests that a person or company wanting to merge these two automakers would have to raise between $1.1 billion and $1.6 billion in order to make a go of it, however.

We're not sure what to think of this latest rumor, but anything that can help get the struggling brand back to health at least has our interest.

Lotus and Aston Martin to hook up? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aston martinaston martin lotuslotuslotus aston martin Tue, 30 Oct 2012 18:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20365342/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20365342/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/30/lotus-and-aston-martin-to-hook-up/20365342/article-detail.xml 20365342 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/lotus-aston-martin-logos_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/lotus-aston-martin-logos.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin and Lotus each issue recalls]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/14/aston-martin-and-lotus-each-issue-recalls/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/14/aston-martin-and-lotus-each-issue-recalls/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/14/aston-martin-and-lotus-each-issue-recalls/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Aston Martin V12 Vantage

A pair of head-turning high performance cars are catching some attention off a different kind, in the form of safety recalls. Aston Martin and Lotus have issued recalls for the V12 Vantage Coupe and Evora, respectively.

Aston Martin's affects 169 examples of the 2009-2012 V12 Vantage Coupe. It concerns the tire-pressure monitoring system, and is less a malfunction than it is a compliance issue. The TPMS does not alert the driver until the front tire is more than 25 percent below the recommended cold tire pressure. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 138 states that the alarm must sound when tire pressure is "equal to or less than either the pressure 25 percent below" the recommended cold inflation pressure. To address the issue, Aston Martin will notify owners and reprogram the software, free of charge.

As for Lotus, 80 supercharged Evoras have been recalled, all built between February and September, 2011. The problem involves an engine-mounted oil feed pipe, which could rupture, causing loss of engine oil or a possible fire if the oil sprays onto a hot engine.

Lotus will notify owners and repair the problem, free of charge. NHTSA invites anyone who owns these affected vehicles to contact its safety hotline or go on its website for additional information. To find out more about these recalls, refer to the press release posted below.

Continue reading Aston Martin and Lotus each issue recalls

Aston Martin and Lotus each issue recalls originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Oct 2012 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aston martinaston martin recallaston martin v12 vantageevoralotuslotus evoralotus recallrecallv12 vantagevantage Sun, 14 Oct 2012 16:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20347568/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20347568/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/14/aston-martin-and-lotus-each-issue-recalls/20347568/article-detail.xml 20347568 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2011-aston-martin-v12-vantage-review_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2011-aston-martin-v12-vantage-review.jpeg <![CDATA[Lotus Esprit cancelled? [UPDATE]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/04/lotus-esprit-cancelled/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/04/lotus-esprit-cancelled/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/04/lotus-esprit-cancelled/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

2010 Lotus Esprit concept - front three-quarter view

Two years ago, we were gobsmacked when humble Lotus shocked the automotive world by wheeling out no fewer than five new models - admittedly in various stages of development - at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The ambitious onslaught of new sheetmetal came at the behest of then-CEO Danny Bahar who aimed to broaden the British marque's appeal by dramatically expanding its portfolio. Bahar was later thrown out by new Malaysian owners DRB-Hicom in a management shakeup that seems to still be, well, shaking out. Bahar was deposed over accusations of financial wrongdoing and the controversial executive has fired back with a $10.6M lawsuit.

Against this chaotic background, a cornerstone of Lotus' revival plans hinged on the rebirth of its Esprit supercar (shown in 2010 concept form above). According to new reports, however, the Esprit has been cancelled, a victim of the company's uncertain finances and direction. Depending on which rumor you choose to believe, the two-seat coupe was slated to receive a house-built V8 and possibly turbocharging or hybrid power. That may all be moot now, however, as DRB-Hicom is reported to have scrapped Bahar's plans wholesale, a development that apparently includes killing off the mid-engined Esprit, too.


UPDATE: And this, friends, is why we have this story with a question mark and a Rumormill tag - Lotus is denying that the Esprit has been killed off.

Lotus Esprit cancelled? [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 lotus espritbahardany bahardrb-hicomespritlotus Thu, 04 Oct 2012 19:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20342115/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20342115/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/04/lotus-esprit-cancelled/20342115/article-detail.xml 20342115 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/lotus-esprit-frt34_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/lotus-esprit-frt34.jpg <![CDATA[CEO says Volkswagen's buying spree is over]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/03/ceo-says-volkswagens-buying-spree-is-over/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/03/ceo-says-volkswagens-buying-spree-is-over/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/03/ceo-says-volkswagens-buying-spree-is-over/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

VW CEO Martin Winterkorn licks his lips during press conference

After adding Italian motorcycle icon Ducati to its stable and spending $5.6 billion on the rest of Porsche, Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn says he's done shopping for a while.

"We have enough to do at the moment in taking our twelve brands to where we want to be," Winterkorn tells German newspaper Handelsblatt.

Rumors of VW's pending purchase of Malaysian carmaker and Lotus owner Proton have been swirling for a while - as recently as July. And a year ago, VW Chairman Ferdinand Piëch implied interest in relieving Fiat of its Alfa Romeo brand. But Winterkorn says his company is just too busy integrating Porsche and Ducati into the corporate structure to add any more brands right now.

"That I find Alfa Romeo an interesting brand is not a secret," Winterkorn said. "But we are currently busy enough with our brands."

At least one industry analyst, Michael Punzet of DZ Bank, thinks VW wouldn't pass up a bargain-priced Alfa or Proton if offered. "But at the moment I guess they are really focusing on integrating Porsche AG and consolidating the truckmakers MAN and Scania," Punzet said.

Read the full story at Bloomberg.

CEO says Volkswagen's buying spree is over originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Sep 2012 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> alfa romeoducatiferdinand piëchferdinand piechfiatman trucksmartin winterkornpiechporscheproton+volkswagenprotonvolkswagenscaniavolkswagenvw Mon, 03 Sep 2012 18:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20314002/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20314002/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/03/ceo-says-volkswagens-buying-spree-is-over/20314002/article-detail.xml 20314002 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/vw-ceo-martin-winterkorn_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/vw-ceo-martin-winterkorn.jpg <![CDATA[Former CEO Bahar files $10.6M suit against Lotus]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/former-ceo-bahar-files-10-6m-suit-against-lotus/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/former-ceo-bahar-files-10-6m-suit-against-lotus/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/former-ceo-bahar-files-10-6m-suit-against-lotus/#comments Filed under: , ,

Former Lotus CEO Dany Bahar with car

File this one under "not surprising in the least." Fired Lotus CEO Dany Bahar is reportedly suing his former employers for some $10.6 million, claiming that the automaker and its Malaysian owner, DRB, broke the law when they dismissed him. According to a report by Bloomberg Businessweek, DRB and Lotus will defend themselves in court rather than settling, including filing a countersuit against the former top executive.

Bahar, 40, was canned on June 7, about two weeks after Lotus suspended him pending an investigation into his conduct. The report cites a Kuala Lumpur stock exchange filing as its source of the information; the filing also indicates that DRB has decided against selling Lotus, despite continuing losses.

Former CEO Bahar files $10.6M suit against Lotus originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> baharbahar lawsuitdany bahardrbdrb hicomlotuslotus cars Mon, 27 Aug 2012 17:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20310205/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20310205/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/27/former-ceo-bahar-files-10-6m-suit-against-lotus/20310205/article-detail.xml 20310205 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lotus-ceo-dany-bahar-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lotus-ceo-dany-bahar-628.jpg -1 2