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Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Amazing mod Egg chairs in your favorite classic racecar liveries]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/amazing-mod-egg-chairs-in-your-favorite-classic-racecar-liveries/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/amazing-mod-egg-chairs-in-your-favorite-classic-racecar-liveries/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/amazing-mod-egg-chairs-in-your-favorite-classic-racecar-liveries/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Classics, Etc., Design/Style

Art Egg Chair

These days, you only have a Ball chair in your office if you're an evil genius or confused enough to think it's still 1962. The clever artists at Racing & Emotion Design are out to change all that, though. The company has taken it upon themselves to slather the spherical seating, as well as an "Egg" style chair, in some of the world's most famous racing liveries.

Want to kick back in the same style as the Gulf Porsche 917? No problem. What if the Pink Pig is more your style? Racing and Emotion Design have you covered. The French designers have even worked up a chair in Ayrton Senna's helmet livery, as well as the colors found on the racer's Lotus 97T. In all, there are 21 separate liveries to chose from. We're particularly smitten with the BMW 3.0 CSL piece, though the various Gulf liveried thrones are likely to be sure winners.

Unfortunately, we won't be dragging one of these home to the lair anytime soon. The chairs each cost around $3,788 at current conversion rates, which means we'll just have to control our death ray from the comfort of the couch. Head over to Racing & Emotion or Classic Heroes to take a look at the full range.

Amazing mod Egg chairs in your favorite classic racecar liveries originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ayrton sennabmw cslegg chairegg chair liverygulfliverylotuspink pigporsche 917race liveryrace livery egg chairFri, 10 Feb 2012 11:29:00 EST

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20161715 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-art-egg-chair-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-art-egg-chair-628.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus F1 Team reboots with 2012 E20 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/lotus-f1-team-reboots-with-2012-e20-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/lotus-f1-team-reboots-with-2012-e20-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/lotus-f1-team-reboots-with-2012-e20-w-video/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Lotus, Racing

2012 Lotus E20

What's in a name? That depends who you ask. For the folks at Lotus, a name matters a great deal. That's why it fought so hard to regain control of its brand from the team now known as Caterham, and why it is launching racing programs in top series around the world under that same name. For the F1 team that has most recently adopted it, however, the name is less relevant than the winning form to which it hopes to return.

The outfit has won championships under the Benetton banner with Michael Schumacher behind the wheel, and as Renault with Fernando Alonso driving. Its track record has fallen off considerably since then, but this year it's back with new owners, new drivers and this, its new car.

Wearing the same black and gold livery as the R31 campaigned last year under the transitional Lotus Renault GP handle, the new car bears that same stepped nose employed by most of the teams on the grid so far to make the most of the latest technical regulations. In a nod towards continuity, the car is dubbed the E20 - as the 20th car to be built by the Enstone-based team - rather than starting from scratch with a new nomenclature.

The team's former owners at Renault continue to provide the engine that will power 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen in his the long-awaited return to F1 and his junior team-mate Romain Grosjean in his second stab at F1 after dominating the GP2 series, with former HRT race driver Jerome D'Ambrosio joining as test driver. Check out their new ride in the high-res image gallery above and the video after the jump.

Continue reading Lotus F1 Team reboots with 2012 E20 [w/video]

Lotus F1 Team reboots with 2012 E20 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 lotus e20e20f1formula 1formula onelotuslotus e20lotus f1 teamTue, 07 Feb 2012 08:29:00 EST

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20165484 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/weblotus-e20_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/weblotus-e20.jpg <![CDATA[CEO Dany Bahar looking for a buyer for Lotus]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/ceo-dany-bahar-looking-for-a-buyer-for-lotus/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/ceo-dany-bahar-looking-for-a-buyer-for-lotus/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/ceo-dany-bahar-looking-for-a-buyer-for-lotus/#commentsFiled under: Lotus, Earnings/Financials, UK

Lotus Esprit concept

Reports this week out of London indicate that Lotus CEO Dany Bahar seeks a partner, or even a purchaser, for the Hethel firm. Malaysian automaker Proton currently owns Lotus, but Proton was taken over in January when Malaysian auto parts supplier DRB-Hicom bought the government's controlling interest. The trend with new ownership is to put every project on the table for review, and with Lotus in the midst of massive initiatives - Esprit, Elan, Eterne, new Elise and in-house V8 - it makes sense that Bahar isn't wasting time arranging options.

Although it's not exactly as if Bahar just started looking for a buyer. In summer 2011, Proton's position was shaky enough that Bahar publicly sought outside investment, with Toyota often mentioned as a hypothetical mate.

It is said that Bahar wants £500 million ($792 million U.S.), roughly two-thirds the amount Proton (via bank loans) was said in 2010 to be committing to the brand's revival. As one would expect, Chinese interests are suspected as potential buyers, but only one possible suitor has been named so far, that being Genii Capital, which owns the Lotus Formula 1 team.

CEO Dany Bahar looking for a buyer for Lotus originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dany bahardrb-hicomlotuslotus protonmalaysiaprotonThu, 02 Feb 2012 17:29:00 EST

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20161585 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/baharlotusbuyer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/baharlotusbuyer.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus headed to Le Mans with Lola LMP2]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/lotus-headed-to-le-mans-with-lola-lmp2/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/lotus-headed-to-le-mans-with-lola-lmp2/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/lotus-headed-to-le-mans-with-lola-lmp2/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Coupe, Lotus, Racing

Lotus Lola LMP2

The suitably rapid expansion of the Lotus Racing division is showing no signs of slowing down. The British marque has its own Formula One team, is supplying engines to the IndyCar Series, oversees both GP2 and GP3 teams, has competition versions of its road cars in various GT and rally championships, runs its own karting program, and offers enthusiasts top-notch trackday programs with the Evora GT and Exos/Type 125 single-seater. But that's not enough: now Lotus is gearing up to take on Le Mans.

The company was planning to design its own LMP2 racer, and it had snagged the designer of the 908 HDi away from the now-shuttered Peugeot Sport racing program. But that apparently didn't go quite as smoothly as planned, so Lotus has instead opted to back an independent team to run a second-tier Le Mans prototype on its behalf.

That team is Kodewa, headed up by former HRT F1 team principal Colin Kolles and his father Romulus. They'll be running a chassis built by Lola and powered by a BMW V8 prepared by Engine Developments - the same arrangement by which Lotus is powering its Indy program. The car, as you can see, features the same iconic black and gold livery as other Lotus racers, penned in this case by Daniel Simon - a former Volkswagen Group designer responsible for the Tron:Legacy lightcycles and the livery run on last year's HRT F111.

Look for the Lotus LMP2 to debut when the FIA World Endurance Championship kicks off here at Sebring in March, with a second car expected to join at Spa in May. Press release after the jump.

Continue reading Lotus headed to Le Mans with Lola LMP2

Lotus headed to Le Mans with Lola LMP2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daniel simonfia wecfia world endurance championshiple manslmp2lolalola lmp2 coupelotuswecworld endurance championshipThu, 02 Feb 2012 13:31:00 EST

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20161386 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/lotus-lmp2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/lotus-lmp2.jpg <![CDATA[Rubens Barrichello next F1 driver to follow Lotus to Indy?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/rubens-barrichello-next-f1-driver-to-follow-lotus-to-indy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/rubens-barrichello-next-f1-driver-to-follow-lotus-to-indy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/rubens-barrichello-next-f1-driver-to-follow-lotus-to-indy/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Lotus

Rubens Barrichello leaving F1

There once was a time when Indy was considered not just a stepping stone to F1, but a viable alternative. Those were the days when proven grand prix drivers looking for a new challenge - drivers like like Nigel Mansell, Emerson Fittipaldi, Graham Hill and Mario Andretti - could take to America's fastest ovals and obtain glory on par with Europe's finest circuits. Those days may seem long behind us, but they could be coming back around.

The road to Indy's revival as a premier racing series is being paved with a number of developments. The reunion of the IRL and ChampCar series was one major stepping stone. The arrival of multiple engine suppliers this year is another. But what Indy really needs is big name talents instead of losing its stars to NASCAR. And it just might be getting what it needs, thanks in no small part to Lotus.

After bringing former F1 driver Takuma Sato to Indy, Lotus announced it had signed notable former grand prix pilots Jean Alesi and Sebastien Bourdais to IndyCar contracts as well. So who's next? Rubens Barrichello.

The elder statesman of the F1 grid, Barrichello was left without a ride when Williams showed him the door in favor of fellow Brazilian Bruno Senna. Now reports indicate that he is gearing up for a test drive with KV Racing, the team with which Lotus returned to American open-wheels a couple of years ago.

While Rubens has no oval-track experience and reportedly promised his wife he wouldn't try it, the 2012 schedule - having come a long way from the oval-dominated days of yore - includes only four speedways (those at Indianapolis, Texas, Iowa and Fontana, California), leaving Rubens with a real opportunity to contest the remaining dozen road courses and street circuits on the calendar.

Rubens Barrichello next F1 driver to follow Lotus to Indy? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barrichelloindyindycarindycar serieskv racinglotusrubens barrichelloFri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

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20157895 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/barrichello-gbye-1327614723_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/barrichello-gbye-1327614723.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus shows off slushbox equipped Evora S IPS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/lotus-shows-off-slushbox-equipped-evora-s-ips/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/lotus-shows-off-slushbox-equipped-evora-s-ips/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/lotus-shows-off-slushbox-equipped-evora-s-ips/#commentsFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Lotus

Lotus Evora automatic

Lotus would like to sell more Evoras, and it's no secret that there are some customers who want to buy them, if not for the lack of an automatic transmission standing in the way. That hurdle's been cleared for 2012, with the Evora receiving the six-speed automatic that Lotus calls IPS, for Intelligent Precision Shift. Mechanically it is the same Aisin unit found in the Toyota Camry (paired with a supercharged version of Toyota's 3.5-liter V6) upgraded with Lotus electronics and actuators.

Company test driver Matt Becker gives it a whipping around the Lotus test track in the video after the jump. On top of the other upgrades the 2012 Evora gets, it doesn't look like anyone will be upset with the changes.

Continue reading Lotus shows off slushbox equipped Evora S IPS

Lotus shows off slushbox equipped Evora S IPS originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 lotus evora2012 lotus evora ipsevoraevora ipsipslotuslotus evora ipsWed, 25 Jan 2012 15:59:00 EST

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20155252 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/lotusevoraipsvid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/lotusevoraipsvid.jpg <![CDATA[PG Elektrus is yet another crack at electrifying a Lotus Elise]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/pg-elektrus-is-yet-another-crack-at-electrifying-a-lotus-elise/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/pg-elektrus-is-yet-another-crack-at-electrifying-a-lotus-elise/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/pg-elektrus-is-yet-another-crack-at-electrifying-a-lotus-elise/#commentsFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Europe, Technology, Specialty, Electric, Luxury

PG Elektrus - front view

We have good news for you if you're missing the Tesla Roadster already. German manufacturer PG has unveiled the company's new Elektrus, a Lotus-based sports EV with some very wild styling. While the company has made a name for itself producing carbon-fiber electric bicycles, the Elektrus is its first crack at the automotive market. The Randall Boggs-inspired coupe uses a Lotus Elise chassis with bodywork comprised of carbon fiber and composite, though the company is keeping powertrain details to itself for the time being. We do know the vehicle's battery pack will afford Elektrus buyers a claimed range of around 215 miles and the whole package is said to weigh under 2,000 pounds.

The company also says the cells can be topped off in around eight hours from of a standard household outlet. With around 270 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the Elektrus should be very quick on its feet. PG claims the vehicle can dash to 62 mph in under three seconds on its way to a top speed of 155 mph. Look for the vehicle to land with a gasp-inducing price tag of $367,700 at current conversion rates (including VAT) when it hits the market in Germany. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading PG Elektrus is yet another crack at electrifying a Lotus Elise

PG Elektrus is yet another crack at electrifying a Lotus Elise originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electricelectric sports carelektruseliseevlotuslotus elisepgpg elektrusTue, 24 Jan 2012 09:58:00 EST

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20155293 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/pg-elektrus-front-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/pg-elektrus-front-628.jpg <![CDATA[Kimi Raikkonen marks official return to F1 with Lotus test run [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/kimi-raikkonen-marks-official-return-to-f1-with-lotus-test-run/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/kimi-raikkonen-marks-official-return-to-f1-with-lotus-test-run/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/kimi-raikkonen-marks-official-return-to-f1-with-lotus-test-run/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Lotus

Kimi Raikkonen in Renault R30 at Valencia

Few drivers have caused the kind of speculation that Kimi Raikkonen has in the past few years alone. Will he take a Ferrari payoff and make way for Fernando Alonso? Will he find another ride in Formula One? Will he make it in the World Rally Championship? Will he make a real go of it in NASCAR? Will he ever come back to F1? And if so, with which team? Well, the speculation can now stop - or at least change focus - because the 2007 World Champion has officially returned to Formula One.

After signing on with the Lotus team (previously known as Renault, and before that as Benneton and Toleman), Raikkonen has had his first chance to get behind the wheel of a modern F1 car since leaving the Scuderia at the end of 2009. The test took place over the course of two days at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia, Spain. But since driving the current car with current tires would constitute an unfair advantage under the present regulations, Kimi was stuck driving the 2010 Renault R30 on demonstration tires (probably from the GP2 series) with a fresh coat of paint (and a new helmet design).

The acclimation run appears to have gone smoothly enough, but we'll have to wait until the start of the season in March to see if Raikkonen's still got what it takes. Then Raikkonen will be squaring off against a huge field of fellow former World Champions, including Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button. Follow the jump to watch the video clip.

Continue reading Kimi Raikkonen marks official return to F1 with Lotus test run [w/video]

Kimi Raikkonen marks official return to F1 with Lotus test run [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 renault r30f1formula 1formula onekimikimi raikkonenlotuslotus f1lotus f1 teamlotus renault gpr30raikkonenrenault r30ricardo tormoTue, 24 Jan 2012 09:01:00 EST

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20154821 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/webkimi-lotus-valencia_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/webkimi-lotus-valencia.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus ramps up Indy racing program with Bourdais and Legge]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/lotus-ramps-up-indy-racing-program-with-bourdais-and-legge/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/lotus-ramps-up-indy-racing-program-with-bourdais-and-legge/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/lotus-ramps-up-indy-racing-program-with-bourdais-and-legge/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Lotus, Misc. Auto Shows

Lotus Dallara DW12 test run

The only thing more ambitious than Lotus and its expansive new product plan is the company's racing program. In the span of just a few years, the British automaker has launched forays into Formula One, IndyCar, endurance sportscar racing and even karting, all with its own factory-backed works initiatives. And in true Lotus style, it's not showing any signs of slowing down any time soon.

In line with its ambitions, Lotus rolled into the Autosport International Show - the preeminent annual motorsport expo in England - with a whole mess of racing cars and programs to go with them. The firm's F1, GP2 and GP3 teams have all fallen under the new Lotus Racing banner and all will wear the same black and gold livery. A new Lotus Club GT offers the full racing experience to gentlemen racers with the money to pony up for a track-spec Evora, similar to the Type 125 customer single-seater that just underwent further development by the company's grand prix team. But the real news comes from the IndyCar program.

After five years of exclusively using Honda power, the IndyCar Series is switching to a new chassis next season and with it is bringing both Chevrolet and Lotus on board as alternative engine suppliers. Lotus is already contracted to power three independent teams - HVM Racing, Bryan Herta Autosport and Dreyer & Reinbold Racing - who will each choose their new livery from the Lotus back catalog of color schemes. Dragon Racing, however, has been selected by the factory as its new works team in the series, running the same black and gold livery as the F1 team.

The team is owned by Jay Penske (son of Roger Penske), and has just announced its driver lineup for the upcoming season, bringing multiple Champ Car champion and former grand prix driver Sebastien Bourdais on board together with Katherine Legge, another DTM and Champ Car driver eager to steal some of Danica Patrick's spotlight. With Lotus providing the motivation, the upcoming season of open-wheel racing in America is shaping up to be an interesting one. Follow the jump for the full announcement.

Continue reading Lotus ramps up Indy racing program with Bourdais and Legge

Lotus ramps up Indy racing program with Bourdais and Legge originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autosport internationalbourdaisdallara-lotusindyindycar serieskatherine leggeleggelotuslotus dallaralotus dallara dw12lotus racingsebastien bourdaisFri, 20 Jan 2012 11:32:00 EST

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20147214 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/lotus-indy-test_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/lotus-indy-test.jpg <![CDATA[Investors' advice to Proton: Sell Lotus]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/investors-advice-to-proton-sell-lotus/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/investors-advice-to-proton-sell-lotus/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/investors-advice-to-proton-sell-lotus/#commentsFiled under: Government/Legal, Lotus

There's a lot of smoke going on over at Lotus, but we still have a while to wait before we get the first evidence of fire: the new Lotus Espirit and it's in-house V8 won't be here until 2013. On the other side of the world, there's a fair bit of smoke and fire happening at Malaysian automaker Proton, which owns Lotus.

The Malaysian government controls Proton and has been investigating a partnership for or sale of the company for a couple of years, but despite its efforts, it hasn't made any deals. The 28-year-old automaker has been losing large chunks of market share, and the government feels that sale to a well-funded global player would be the best solution to insure Proton's long-term future. Although it has named its chosen candidate for a purchase, it isn't clear if anyone has made any serious overtures to that end.

Outside observers believe the first thing Proton should do is get rid of Lotus. The mass-market Malaysian carmaker has almost nothing in common with the tiny, English niche sports car producer, and has done nothing but throw money at Lotus' carmaking arm since 1996 (Lotus Engineering, the technology consultancy, is profitable).

Proton has said it has no intention of selling Lotus. However, if Proton is sold then the new owners could reverse that stance. And if Lotus were unloaded, that puts everything CEO Dany Bahar has planned in serious doubt.

Investors' advice to Proton: Sell Lotus originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dany baharlotuslotus salemalaysiaprotonproton saleThu, 29 Dec 2011 18:59:00 EST

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20136104 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lotussalerumor_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lotussalerumor.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus Exige R-GT rally car gets first shakedown test]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/27/lotus-exige-r-gt-rally-car-gets-first-shakedown-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/27/lotus-exige-r-gt-rally-car-gets-first-shakedown-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/27/lotus-exige-r-gt-rally-car-gets-first-shakedown-test/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Lotus, Racing

Lotus Exige R-GT Rally Car

Lotus has been busily preparing its new Exige R-GT rally car, and the automaker just put the racer through its first shakedown tests in Turin, Italy. So far, the Lotus team is happy with the vehicle's progress, but testing will continue in 2012 as the company prepares to take on the 2012 FIA World Championship. Don't expect the Exige R-GT to take on too many gravel stages, however. Lotus says the rally car will lock horns with competitors in the FIA GT Class on the asphalt events in Monte Carlo, Tour de Corse and San Remo.

Lotus began working on its rally fighter in July, 2011, which is a pretty quick turn around for the vehicle's first shakedown run.

But the Exige R-GT Rally Car isn't the only tasty piece of news from the company. Lotus also fired up the company's IndyCar engine for the first time as well. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Lotus Exige R-GT rally car gets first shakedown test

Lotus Exige R-GT rally car gets first shakedown test originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20136015 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-exige-r-gt-rally-car-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-exige-r-gt-rally-car-628.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus Exige to get V6 power, Esprit gets optional hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/lotus-exige-to-get-v6-power-esprit-gets-optional-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/lotus-exige-to-get-v6-power-esprit-gets-optional-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/lotus-exige-to-get-v6-power-esprit-gets-optional-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Lotus, UK, Luxury

Lotus Exige S

Autocar has the skinny on the next-generation Lotus Exige and Esprit. Dany Bahar, Group Lotus chief executive, dropped a few details on both models while speaking to the publication about the renewal of his contract with the sports car maker.

Bahar has signed on with Lotus for another four years, which means he'll be around to see the launch of the 2013 Esprit. The vehicle is crucial to Bahar's five-year plan for Lotus and should give the company a legitimate halo vehicle when it goes on sale. Motor Authority reports the vehicle will be available as a hybrid that uses an in-house V8 engine paired with an electric motor.

Meanwhile, additional Esprit models will provide no-compromise performance. Speaking of performance, word has it Lotus will work up its own V6 engine in the near future for use in the company's next-generation Exige. Currently, Lotus relies on Toyota to supply its powerplants.

Bahar has also made it clear that Lotus will expand its motorsport endeavors in the near future as part of his quest to make Lotus a British version of Porsche. We certainly can't complain about that.

Lotus Exige to get V6 power, Esprit gets optional hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dany baharespritesprit hybridexigehybridlotuslotus espritlotus exigeWed, 14 Dec 2011 09:29:00 EST

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20127240 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lotus-exige-s-628-1323810153_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lotus-exige-s-628-1323810153.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus Renault GP calls Grosjean back up to partner Raikkonen]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/11/lotus-renault-gp-calls-grosjean-back-up-to-partner-raikkonen/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/11/lotus-renault-gp-calls-grosjean-back-up-to-partner-raikkonen/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/11/lotus-renault-gp-calls-grosjean-back-up-to-partner-raikkonen/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Lotus, Renault

Romain Grosjean

Consistency is paramount in racing, but sometimes a thorough shake-up is called for. And that's what's taking place at the Lotus Renault GP team next season.

Not only is the team formerly known as Toleman, Benetton and Renault changing names once again to Lotus, but it's thoroughly shaking up its driver lineup as well. After the surprising announcement that former world champion Kimi Raikkonen is coming back to fill in for the injured Robert Kubica, the team revealed that it's called Romain Grosjean back up to the plate to take Vitaly Petrov's place.

The Franco-Swiss driver has longstanding ties to the team, having served as an official test driver since 2008. He was summoned to the race seat in 2009 when Nelson Piquet was ousted in the wake of the Crashgate scandal, but failed to score a single championship point in those seven races. Now with the experience of having taken the titles in the GP2 Series, the GP2 Asia Series (twice), and the Formula Three Euroseries, Grosjean is getting another shot at the big leagues.

What will happen with Petrov (or Bruno Senna, for that matter) remains to be seen, but given his talents - and the massive sponsorship dollars he brings from a key developing market - we wouldn't be surprised to see him find another ride for next season. Marussia Virgin Racing: we're looking at you, comrades.

Continue reading Lotus Renault GP calls Grosjean back up to partner Raikkonen

Lotus Renault GP calls Grosjean back up to partner Raikkonen originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Dec 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1formula 1formula onegrosjeanlotuslotus f1lotus renault gppetrovrenaultromain grosjeanvitaly petrovSun, 11 Dec 2011 14:02:00 EST

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20124452 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/grosjean-back-at-lotus_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/grosjean-back-at-lotus.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Lotus Exige headed to U.S. as track-only car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/08/2012-lotus-exige-headed-to-u-s-as-track-only-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/08/2012-lotus-exige-headed-to-u-s-as-track-only-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/08/2012-lotus-exige-headed-to-u-s-as-track-only-car/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Lotus, UK, Racing

Lotus Exige S

Lotus may have something special for you if you're still mourning the loss of the Exige here in the States. According to the DuPont Registry, the British sports car maker may be planning to bring the new Exige S to the U.S. as a track-only vehicle for $85,000-$90,000. If true, that means American buyers will be able to sink their teeth into the same 345-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 European buyers are enjoying right now. If you're keeping tally, that's almost 100 horsepower more than the old Exige S260, and that grunt is good for a top speed of 170 mph and a 0-60 dash of 3.8 seconds.

As you may recall, the expiration of a smart-airbag exemption given to small volume automakers as well as difficulty sourcing a new powerplant (the 1.8-liter Toyota engine used in previous models ceased production) conspired to keep the Elise and Exige from American roads after the 2011 model year.

For those interested in a track-only car, the DuPont Registry indicates American that buyers will be able to take advantage of the vehicle's Dynamic Performance Management system, which provides drivers with three traction control settings. An additional Race Pack system may also bow with the vehicle, providing handy tools like launch control and suspension settings pre-dialed for most tracks.

Sounds like fun.

2012 Lotus Exige headed to U.S. as track-only car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exige slotuslotus exige slotus exige s in the usracingtrack carThu, 08 Dec 2011 10:31:00 EST

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20123538 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lotus-exige-s-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lotus-exige-s-628.jpg <![CDATA[The art of threading the needle, as demonstrated by a Lotus Exige]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/the-are-of-threading-the-needle-as-demonstrated-by-a-lotus-exig/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/the-are-of-threading-the-needle-as-demonstrated-by-a-lotus-exig/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/the-are-of-threading-the-needle-as-demonstrated-by-a-lotus-exig/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Lotus, Mazda, Australia

lotus passes miata

Professional racing drivers are a different breed than the rest of us mere mortals. While fear - of dying, of killing or of simply making a fool of yourself - keeps most men and women from pressing their automobiles to the very limits of their capabilities, some people choose instead to embrace the fear, turn it into adrenaline and hit the track.

That includes Barton Mawer, who was chasing down a Lamborghini Gallardo for the overall lead in his Lotus Exige during Australia's Island Magic Enduro 2011 race at Phillip Island. Only one problem: in his path were a pair of slower cars; a Porsche Boxster and the Mazda MX-5 of Team Chapman Racing.

What happened next is the things dreams are made of... or nightmares, depending on which seat you're in.

See for yourself, from both points of view, in the videos pasted after the break.

Continue reading The art of threading the needle, as demonstrated by a Lotus Exige

The art of threading the needle, as demonstrated by a Lotus Exige originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barton mawerclose callexigeisland magic endurolotusmazdamx-5racing videoteam chapman racingthreading the needleTue, 06 Dec 2011 19:58:00 EST

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20122206 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lotus-passes-miata_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lotus-passes-miata.jpg <![CDATA[Kimi Raikkonen returns to F1 with Lotus Renault GP]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/29/kimi-raikkonen-returns-to-f1-with-lotus-renault-gp/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/29/kimi-raikkonen-returns-to-f1-with-lotus-renault-gp/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/29/kimi-raikkonen-returns-to-f1-with-lotus-renault-gp/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Lotus, Renault

Kimi Raikkonen

We expected Kimi Raikkonen to return to Formula 1, but we didn't expect it to be with Lotus. The 2007 world champion, as you may recall, left Ferrari and all of F1 at the end of 2009, competing in the meantime in the World Rally Championship and in NASCAR. Rumors of his potential return to F1 have been circulating ever since, and have now been confirmed by way of a two-year contract with Lotus Renault GP starting next season.

The Finnish driver's return answers a number of questions: For one thing, who would fill injured driver Robert Kubica's seat while he recovers. For another, Kimi was linked to a drive next season with Williams, leaving Rubens Barrichello - the oldest driver on the grid - to potentially continue for at least another season. With Kimi back behind the wheel next year, it should be an interesting season of F1 racing ahead. Follow the jump for the official announcement.

Continue reading Kimi Raikkonen returns to F1 with Lotus Renault GP

Kimi Raikkonen returns to F1 with Lotus Renault GP originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1formula 1formula onekimi raikkonenlotuslotus renault gpraikkonenrenaultTue, 29 Nov 2011 11:29:00 EST

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20116667 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/kimi-raikkonen-lotus-gp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/kimi-raikkonen-lotus-gp.jpg <![CDATA[Robert Kubica won't be coming back next season]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/25/robert-kubica-wont-be-coming-back-next-season/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/25/robert-kubica-wont-be-coming-back-next-season/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/25/robert-kubica-wont-be-coming-back-next-season/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Lotus, Renault

Robert Kubica

You haven't forgotten about Robert Kubica already, now have you? Of course not. Who could, after all, forget the first Formula One driver ever to come out of Poland, and one of the most promising talents in the sport.

Unfortunately, Kubica's career was put on hold earlier this year when he suffered a devastating crash in a pre-season Italian rally that saw a roadside safety barrier impale his Skoda Fabia S2000 and partially sever his forearm. The injury took him out of the F1 season that was about to start, and sent the Lotus Renault GP team looking for a replacement, Nick Heidfeld brought in for the start of the season before being replaced by Bruno Senna.

A general lull in news subsequently fell over Kubica's recovery as he recuperated in private, but the team has now issued a statement that he won't be back in the cockpit for the start of next season. His recovery is apparently going well, just not that well: he's said to be able to move the injured arm, but moving is one thing - the rigors of driving a modern F1 car competitively is quite another. His management and team are discussing an extension of his contract that will expire at the end of next year so that Kubica can come back when he's ready, and are they are keeping the simulators and test cars running for when the time comes.

In the meantime, LRGP will have to choose who will fill Kubica's seat for another season. His Russian teammate, Vitaly Petrov, is confirmed through 2012, but whether the team opts to keep Bruno Senna in the race seat remains to be seen. Renault keeps a large roster of reserve drivers on call - including Romain Grosjean (who raced for the team in 2009 and is the reigning GP2 champion), Chinese up-and-comer Ho-Pin Tung (currently in IndyCars), former Le Mans Series and F3000 series champion Jan Charouz and Malaysian driver Fairuz Fauzy - but could, as with Heidfeld, bring in an experienced outside driver to fill the void.

Continue reading Robert Kubica won't be coming back next season

Robert Kubica won't be coming back next season originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1formula 1formula onekubicalotuslotus renault gprenaultrobert kubicaFri, 25 Nov 2011 10:25:00 EST

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20113647 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/kubica02_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/kubica02.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus confirms in-house V8, Lego-like chassis has potential [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/18/lotus-confirms-in-house-v8-lego-like-chassis-has-potential/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/18/lotus-confirms-in-house-v8-lego-like-chassis-has-potential/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/18/lotus-confirms-in-house-v8-lego-like-chassis-has-potential/#commentsFiled under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Lotus, Luxury

2014 Lotus Esprit

Lotus is working overtime getting the next Esprit ready for its late-2013 production target, and that means development of everything from an in-house V8 to a slew of new chassis components are under way.

Lotus officials confirmed to Autoblog that the automaker is working on its own 4.8-liter V8 that will power the mid-engine Esprit, along with the front-engine Elite and Eterne. Naturally, they're remaining mum on outputs, but it's safe to assume that the naturally aspirated version will top out around 570 horsepower while a higher-tuned variant would crest 620 hp.

Additionally, the chassis set to underpin the entire range of next-generation Lotus vehicles will be fully modular, allowing the automaker to swap front, middle and rear sections as needed and with very little modification. Front- and mid-engine platforms will be different, but the same basic components holding the Elite together would also be used for the Eterne. Similarly, the Esprit chassis could be reworked for the next Evora (or Elan, depending on whether the Evora name carries enough cache in the following years) and could mean that the Evora could get V8 power - although don't hold your breath for that one.

UPDATE: Sources at Lotus have informed us that the base 4.8-liter V8 will produce 570 hp and that an higher-spec version - without turbos - will boost output to 620 hp. The text of the post has been amended to reflect these figures.

Lotus confirms in-house V8, Lego-like chassis has potential [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eliseeliteespritevoralotusv8Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST

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20108220 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/lotusespritconcept000-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/lotusespritconcept000-628.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus enlisted to regulate BTCC engine performance]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/lotus-enlisted-to-regulate-btcc-engine-performance/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/lotus-enlisted-to-regulate-btcc-engine-performance/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/lotus-enlisted-to-regulate-btcc-engine-performance/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Lotus

BTCC turbo engine

Of the many motorsport disciplines in which Lotus is competing these days and will be in the near future, the British Touring Car Championship isn't one of them. And of all the manufacturers taking part in the BTCC, Lotus isn't among them. Which could be why race organizers have solicited the services of the Norfolk, England-based engineering consultancy in regulating the performance between the various cars competing in the series.

The issue comes down to the variety of racing formulas employed in the touring car series: some are naturally aspirated, some are turbocharged. Some follow the S2000 rules, some the BTCC's own Next-Generation Touring Car regulations, while others are still on the old BTCC rule book. It's a heck of an act to juggle, particularly when as many as 30 cars from a dozen or so different manufacturers are all racing towards the same checkered flag.

After Lotus presents its findings to the BTCC's Engine Technical Review Panel, organizers will then be able to establish what amount of boost the turbocharged cars can run in order to make it a fair fight for those running without them. Details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Lotus enlisted to regulate BTCC engine performance

Lotus enlisted to regulate BTCC engine performance originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>british touring car championshipbtcclotuslotus engineeringngtcMon, 07 Nov 2011 18:41:00 EST

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20099863 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/65820-btcc-turbo-engine-2011_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/65820-btcc-turbo-engine-2011.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus, Renault and Virgin F1 teams change names for 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/06/lotus-renault-and-virgin-teams-change-names-for-2012-f1-season/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/06/lotus-renault-and-virgin-teams-change-names-for-2012-f1-season/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/06/lotus-renault-and-virgin-teams-change-names-for-2012-f1-season/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Lotus, Renault

Lotus Renault GP

What's in a name? More than you might think, particularly in Formula One where two teams have been fighting for use of the Lotus moniker for a couple of years now.

The battle, as you may recall, involves two outfits - neither of them directly owned by Lotus. One is based in Malaysia and licensed the name from Lotus' parent company, Proton, before subsequently "acquiring" the name from a third party that laid claim to it. The issue was further complicated when Lotus itself teamed with the Renault F1 team (which also happens to supply engines to the other Lotus team), resulting in two squads called Lotus-Renault.

The two operations have now reached a compromise. The green-and-yellow Malaysian outfit known until now as Team Lotus be named Caterham in 2012 (having bought that company recently), while the Renault team will be cleared to use the Lotus name.

The move further distances Renault from direct involvement with any particular team, stepping back to a more traditional engine-supply role with teams like Lotus, Caterham, Williams and, of course, the world-champion Red Bull Racing team.

The F1 Commission also approved a name change for Virgin Racing, which will drop the name of Richard Branson's company from its official moniker and adopt that of Marussia, the Russian exotic carmaker that bought into the team last year. All three team name changes will require official ratification from the World Motor Sport Council of the FIA, but that's seen as a pro-forma step that isn't expected to derail any plans.

Lotus, Renault and Virgin F1 teams change names for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Nov 2011 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caterhamf1f1 commissionfiaformula 1formula onelotuslotus renault gpmarussiamarussia f1marussia racingmarussia virgin racingrenaultteam lotusvirginvirgin racingwmscworld motor sport councilSun, 06 Nov 2011 14:03:00 EST

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