Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Lotus appoints Ferrari designer Donato Coco as new design director]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/lotus-appoints-ferrari-designer-donato-coco-as-new-design-direct/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/lotus-appoints-ferrari-designer-donato-coco-as-new-design-direct/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/lotus-appoints-ferrari-designer-donato-coco-as-new-design-direct/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The upper echelon at Lotus continues to evolve, with today's announcement that Donato Coco has been appointed as the new director of design at the UK sports car maker and engineering consultancy. The Italian designer is moving to Hethel from Ferrari headquarters in Maranello where Coco worked on recent products like the F430 Scuderia coupe, Spider 16M, California, 599XX and the new F458 Italia. Prior to his Ferrari tenure, Coco was the chief designer at Citroen.

With Coco's hiring, Lotus hopes to bring its design expertise up to par with its engineering work for other automakers. Coco will also oversee the design of the upcoming Lotus product range which will continue to be led by current design head Russell Carr. With Coco and Carr, Lotus will be producing an Evora convertible, an all new Esprit and eventually a new Elise and Exige in the coming years.

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus appoints Ferrari designer Donato Coco as new design director

Lotus appoints Ferrari designer Donato Coco as new design director originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>director of designDirectorOfDesigndonato cocoDonatoCocolotuslotus designlotus director of designLotusDesignLotusDirectorOfDesignTue, 15 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 F1 grid comes into focus as Lotus signs Trulli and Kovalainen]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/2010-f1-grid-comes-into-focus-as-lotus-signs-trulli-and-kovalain/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/2010-f1-grid-comes-into-focus-as-lotus-signs-trulli-and-kovalain/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/2010-f1-grid-comes-into-focus-as-lotus-signs-trulli-and-kovalain/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The pieces to the puzzle that is the upcoming Formula One season are coming together bit by bit. In the latest development, the upstart Lotus F1 Racing team has announced the signing of two veteran drivers: Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen.

A former Monaco Grand Prix race winner, Trulli has driven for five different teams over the course of the past twelve years on the grid. Speculation was that he could switch to NASCAR following a recent test with Michael Waltrip Racing, particularly as the Toyota team for which he'd been driving for the past six years announced its withdrawal from the series. Finnish driver Kovalainen, meanwhile, is also a former race winner, left without a ride when McLaren replaced him with reigning world champion Jenson Button. Local aspirant Fairuz Fauzy, formerly of Malaysia's A1GP team, will serve as reserve/test driver.

The announcement was made by Malaysia's prime minister, whose government is backing the team. Although the outfit has no direct ties with the automaker of the same name - save for mutual patronage by Malaysia's state-run Proton - the British sportscar-maker and engineering firm could buy into the team at some point in the future as part of its comprehensive racing plan, giving Lotus the kind of operation Ferrari has run for decades.

With the Lotus drivers in place and Force India having recently confirmed the retention of Adrian Sutil and Tonio Liuzzi, the 2010 grid is rapidly taking form. The only remaining seats are with Mercedes/Brawn GP (which has yet to announce Nico Rosberg's team-mate as speculation intensifies over Michael Schumacher's return), Renault (which has yet to announce a wingman for Robert Kubica as the team's future remains in question), Sauber (which was only recently approved for next season), Toro Rosso, Campos Meta (which has announced only Bruno Senna), Virgin/Manor (which has confirmed only Timo Glock so far) and USF1.

Follow the jump for the full press release from Lotus.

[Source: Lotus F1 Team | Image: Bongarts/Getty]

Continue reading 2010 F1 grid comes into focus as Lotus signs Trulli and Kovalainen

2010 F1 grid comes into focus as Lotus signs Trulli and Kovalainen originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 malaysia1Malaysiaf1fairuz fauzyFairuzFauzyfauzyformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOneheikki kovalainenHeikkiKovalainenjarno trulliJarnoTrullikovalainenlotuslotus f1lotus f1 racingLotusF1LotusF1RacingmalaysiatrulliMon, 14 Dec 2009 18:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Lotus: Omnivore engine is 10% more efficient with more to come]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/lotus-omnivore-engine-is-10-more-efficient-with-more-to-come/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/lotus-omnivore-engine-is-10-more-efficient-with-more-to-come/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/lotus-omnivore-engine-is-10-more-efficient-with-more-to-come/#commentsFiled under: ,

Last March at the Geneva Motor Show, Lotus announced its new Omnivore research engine. The Omnivore is a two-stroke direct-injected engine designed to take advantage of the latest in electronic engine management and run on just about any liquid fuel (hence the name). In the time since the initial announcement, the boffins at Lotus Engineering have been exercising their creation on the dyno stand to evaluate its performance.

The single-cylinder engine uses an air-assisted direct injection system. A movable "puck" in the top of the cylinder head allows the compression ratio to be varied.

The engine has so far been run on gasoline in both spark ignition and homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) modes. The HCCI mode is of particular interest because it is capable of providing diesel engine-like efficiency without the particulate and NOx emissions that require expensive after-treatment systems in a standard diesel engine. Lotus is claiming the Omnivore can operate in HCCI mode in a wide variety of operating conditions and even from a cold start, something that has been problematic for previous HCCI engines.

According to the initial test results, the Omnivore is achieving up to a 10 percent improvement in efficiency (as measured by Indicated Specific Fuel Consumption) compared to existing spark ignition direct-injected engines.

There is clearly a lot of work yet to do, but the concept behind Omnivore shows significant promise.


Gallery: Lotus Omnivore engine


[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus: Omnivore engine is 10% more efficient with more to come

Lotus: Omnivore engine is 10% more efficient with more to come originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>direct injecteddirect injectiondirect investingDirectInjectedDirectInjectionDirectInvestingHCCIHCCI engineHCCI researchHcciEngineHcciResearchhomogeneous charge c...homogeneous-charge-c...Homogeneous-Charge-Compression-IgnitionHomogeneousChargeC...homogeneouschargecom...HomogeneousChargeCompressionIgnitionHomogenousChargeCo...homogenouschargecomp...lotuslotus omnivorelotus omnivore research engineLotusOmnivoreLotusOmnivoreResearchEngineomnivore engineOmnivoreEnginetest resultsTestResultsThu, 10 Dec 2009 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2009: Lawsuit-happy U.S. kills chances for Lotus Exige Scura, but we'll get something similar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-lawsuit-happy-u-s-kills-chances-for-lotus-exige-scura/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-lawsuit-happy-u-s-kills-chances-for-lotus-exige-scura/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-lawsuit-happy-u-s-kills-chances-for-lotus-exige-scura/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lotus Exige Stealth - Click above for high-res image gallery

We had a chance to chat with Lotus USA spokesman Kevin Smith at the LA Auto Show and he shared a bit of news with us. He confirmed that while we unfortunately won't be getting the limited edition Exige Scura/Stealth that debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show, we will will get something close. The problem is the special matte black paint on the Scura. We reported on the rubberized finish at the time after talking with Lotus vehicle engineering director Roger Becker. The matte finish can be marked up, and because of process used to apply it, it's not possible to do spot repairs on the affected area.

Because of the litigious nature of America when it comes to product liability, Lotus has apparently opted not to offer the special paint job. We will, however, get essentially the rest of the car including the new wheel design that debuted on the Scura. The rest of the mechanical bits are largely the same as the Exige 260 S that we had so much fun with a few months ago. Lotus is still finalizing the spec of the new limited edition model but Smith tells us that it will be available in four colors including Phantom Black. Approximately 20-30 units will be built for the U.S. market in two-to-three months with availability in early spring.


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2010 Lotus Exige Scura


Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid, Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Lotus]

LA 2009: Lawsuit-happy U.S. kills chances for Lotus Exige Scura, but we'll get something similar originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exige scuraexige stealthExigeScuraExigeStealthla auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA autoshowla2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009lotuslotus exigelotus exige scuralotus exige stealthLotusExigeLotusExigeScuraLotusExigeStealthThu, 03 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a virtual lap of the Lotus test track on Google street view]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/take-a-virtual-lap-of-the-lotus-test-track-on-google-street-view/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/take-a-virtual-lap-of-the-lotus-test-track-on-google-street-view/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/take-a-virtual-lap-of-the-lotus-test-track-on-google-street-view/#commentsFiled under: ,



For car buffs one of the more interesting aspects of Google Maps has been checking out the high resolution satellite imagery of race tracks and manufacturer test tracks around the world. Aside from the engineers who work at those facilities and selected outsiders like the media, the proving grounds are typically tightly guarded places and regular people can't just wander in.

Ever since Google augmented maps with the street view function several years ago, users have have been exploring and finding all kinds of neat places they've never visited or sometimes just checking out their own neighborhoods to see if they got caught on camera. Recently Lotus invited one of the street view camera cars inside its headquarters at Hethel near Norwich in south east England.

The results are now visible on Google maps when you go to the home on Lotus on Potash Ln and start zooming in. When you zoom all the way down, you can take a virtual drive through the front gate, past the factory and engineering buildings and right out onto the track. The street view car circulates the track with a Lotus Evora, a 2-eleven and a methanol fuel experimental Exige 265e. You can get directly to Lotus via http://3.ly/LotusCarFactoryGoogleStreetView

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Take a virtual lap of the Lotus test track on Google street view

Take a virtual lap of the Lotus test track on Google street view originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>googlegoogle mapsgoogle maps street v...google maps street viewgoogle streetgoogle street viewgoogle street viewsgoogle streetviewGoogleMapsGoogleMapsStreetV...GoogleMapsStreetViewGoogleStreetGoogleStreetViewGoogleStreetViewshethelLotuslotus headquarterslotus test trackLotusHeadquartersLotusTestTrackNorfolkWed, 02 Dec 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Elise, Exige, Esprit? Lotus tests new model]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/spy-shots-elise-exige-esprit-lotus-tests-new-model/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/spy-shots-elise-exige-esprit-lotus-tests-new-model/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/spy-shots-elise-exige-esprit-lotus-tests-new-model/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

When it comes to the successor to the Lotus Esprit, the specs -- and even the name -- are still up in the air. There is, however, a mule undergoing testing on the ground. Autocar has pics of an Exige with a seriously modified rear end, leading to speculation that the new Esprit's powertrain lives underneath.

This time engine talk centers on "a version of" the Lexus lump in the IS F, but with 275-325 bhp per ton as the goal, that could mean an engine which is quite close or quite far from its source material. Knowing Lotus, we won't doubt the power -- what we really can't wait to see are the looks. The Esprit V8 was the last of the gee-willikers rip-snorters from the house of Chapman, but it was the design of the earlier s4s that made us go "Oh yeah." Please, Lotus, give us that lovin' feelin' again...

[Source: Autocar]

Spy Shots: Elise, Exige, Esprit? Lotus tests new model originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Lotuslotus espritLotusEspritspy shotsSpyShotsFri, 27 Nov 2009 13:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Lotus Evora gets a U.S. pricetag, starts at $73,200]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/lotus-evora-gets-a-u-s-pricetag-starts-at-73-200/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/lotus-evora-gets-a-u-s-pricetag-starts-at-73-200/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/lotus-evora-gets-a-u-s-pricetag-starts-at-73-200/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Lotus Evora - click above for high res image gallery

Now that the new Lotus Evora has been successfully launched in Europe, it's time to start delivering the new model to U.S. Lotus dealers. Production of U.S.-spec cars will be starting shortly so Lotus has finally defined a price point for the car beginning at $73,200. For that price you get the 276-hp Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V6 and a 6-speed gearbox.

Unlike the minimalist Elise and Exige, the Evora is fully trimmed out in a fashion someone might expect of a $73,200 car, including hand-stitched leather from Muirhead and aluminum trim that hints at the structure under the plastic skin. The tiller is adjustable for reach and rake, which, along with the larger size of the car, should make getting in and out much easier than in the Exige. Final EPA numbers haven't been published yet, but the Evora is expected to top 30 mpg on the highway while the 0-60 time will be just 4.9 seconds.

If you haven't yet seen the Evora in person, Lotus has just started a 44-city dealer open house tour around the U.S. The full schedule is in the press release after the jump.


Gallery: Lotus Evora


[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus Evora gets a U.S. pricetag, starts at $73,200

Lotus Evora gets a U.S. pricetag, starts at $73,200 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 Lotus2010 Lotus Evora2010Lotus2010LotusEvoraevoraLotuslotus evoralotus evora pricinglotus exigeLotusEvoraLotusEvoraPricingLotusExigeMon, 16 Nov 2009 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Lotus reportedly gives the go-ahead to Esprit replacement]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/lotus-reportedly-gives-the-go-ahead-to-esprit-replacement/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/lotus-reportedly-gives-the-go-ahead-to-esprit-replacement/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/lotus-reportedly-gives-the-go-ahead-to-esprit-replacement/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We have liftoff on the next Lotus Esprit. Finally. Scuttlebutt at the beginning of the year suggested it was taking so long because Lotus was pondering some sort of hybrid system for the car. More recently the talk has turned to three specimens from Toyota's book of engines, including the Lexus LFA's V10, and the word "hybrid" disappeared.

It's the V10 that interests us here, because Lotus is planning for the new Esprit -- or whatever it will ultimately be called -- to have 275-325 bhp per ton. Even if they keep it freakishly lightweight you're looking at a minimum of 400 horsepower, something Lexus' Yamaha-tuned lump could easily handle. We'll get the full picture in a few weeks when new Lotus CEO Danny Bahr unveils his long-term plan for the company.

[Source: Autocar]

Lotus reportedly gives the go-ahead to Esprit replacement originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 esprit2011 lotus2011 lotus esprit2011Esprit2011Lotus2011LotusEspritespritlotuslotus espritLotusEspritThu, 12 Nov 2009 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Lotus wins 2 <i>EVO</i> magazine car of the year awards]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/lotus-wins-2-evo-magazine-car-of-the-year-awards/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/lotus-wins-2-evo-magazine-car-of-the-year-awards/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/lotus-wins-2-evo-magazine-car-of-the-year-awards/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Lotus Evora - click above for high res image gallery

Lotus has managed to snag two car of the year honors from EVO magazine for two different machines. The new Evora came out on the top of the heap among the new road going cars, while the Evora went into production earlier this year and as of last month, Lotus has apparently delivered about 800 examples. EVO did their testing in Scotland at the Isle of Skye and the Lotus bested the likes of the Ferrari 458, Aston Martin V12 Vantage and Porsche 911 GT3.

EVO also evaluated track cars at the Bedford Autodrome for their own award and here Lotus again took the top prize. Running against an assortment of competitors from the Ford Focus RS and Mitsubishi Evo to more extreme machines like a Lamborghini Gallardo and the latest Arial Atom, the Lotus 2-Eleven got the best score. The 2-Eleven had the second best time and was found to be the most fun to drive. Considering the 2-Eleven looks more like a pure race car, it's astonishing that under British rules you can actually get single vehicle type approval to drive them on public roads. 'Scuse me Lotus? We'd love to try out the 2-Eleven!


Gallery: Lotus Evora


Gallery: Entry-Level Lotus 2-Eleven


[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus wins 2 EVO magazine car of the year awards

Lotus wins 2 EVO magazine car of the year awards originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car of the yearCarOfTheYearevoevo magazineEvoMagazineLotuslotus 2-elevenlotus 211Lotus EvoraLotus2-elevenLotus211LotusEvoratrackday car of the yearTrackdayCarOfTheYearThu, 12 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lotus hires former Ferrari/Fiat racing chief Claudio Berro as new motorsport director]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/31/lotus-hires-former-ferrari-fiat-racing-chief-claudio-berro-as-ne/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/31/lotus-hires-former-ferrari-fiat-racing-chief-claudio-berro-as-ne/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/31/lotus-hires-former-ferrari-fiat-racing-chief-claudio-berro-as-ne/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Do you remember back in 1996 when Michael Schumacher left Benetton for Ferrari? They didn't just get Schumi; along with him came master strategist Ross Brawn and designer extraordinaire Rory Byrne. Together, the wonder team built the Scuderia back into a championship-winning powerhouse. Well, we have a feeling there are some people in Maranello who may be getting acquainted with the flip side of that particular coin.

Following the appointment of Dany Bahar - who left his position as Ferrari's senior vice president of marketing - to the post of chief executive at one-time rival Lotus comes news that the British engineering firm has scored Claudio Berro as its new director of motorsport.

Although Berro hasn't been at Maranello for a few years now, he's a well-known personality in Italian motor racing. Not unlike his successor Jean Todt - recently elected president of the FIA - Berro started out as a co-driver for the Peugeot Talbot rally team before kicking off an impressive career as a team manager. Before going on direct the ill-fated Speedcar Series in the Middle East, Berro headed up racing operations for Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Abarth individually, and then the entire Fiat Group, managing the industrial empire's F1, GT, touring car and rally teams.

Now at Lotus, Berro will be responsible for implementing the return to racing that Bahar recently outlined. However, his role with the Malaysia-based Lotus F1 team remains to be seen. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus hires former Ferrari/Fiat racing chief Claudio Berro as new motorsport director

Lotus hires former Ferrari/Fiat racing chief Claudio Berro as new motorsport director originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>berroclaudio berroClaudioBerrolotuslotus f1lotus racingLotusF1LotusRacingmotorsport directorMotorsportDirectorracing directorRacingDirectorteam managerteam principalTeamManagerTeamPrincipalSat, 31 Oct 2009 17:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Lotus shopping Evora chassis to other automakers?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/lotus-shopping-evora-chassis-to-other-automakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/lotus-shopping-evora-chassis-to-other-automakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/lotus-shopping-evora-chassis-to-other-automakers/#commentsFiled under: ,



Back in the Nineties, shortly after Lotus introduced the original Elise, the company made it known that its new sportscar platform was designed to be easily adapted to different applications - including different powertrains. Companies that were interested in a platform for a niche products using their own powertrains were welcome to contract with Lotus for use of the Elise's underpinnings. Over the years, it spawned several race and concept cars, to say nothing of the production Opel GT, Vauxhall VX220, and of course, the Tesla Roadster.

Now that Lotus finally has its first all-new car in 14 years and several hundred Evoras have been delivered to customers, the same offer is again on the table. In fact, this time the presentation from Lotus Engineering even shows the Evora chassis carrying an electric powertrain.

The versatile vehicle architecture is made largely from aluminum extrusions which can be cut off in different sizes, allowing the chassis to readily be adjusted for length and width as needed. To date, no company that we're aware of has adopted the Evora's architecture. However, given Tesla's relative success in using the Elise as a starting point - and the increased size of the Evora - it should be even more attractive to potential customers. You can check out the full presentation after the jump.


Gallery: LA 2008: Lotus Evora


[Source: LotusEnthusiast]

Continue reading Lotus shopping Evora chassis to other automakers?

Lotus shopping Evora chassis to other automakers? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carElectricCarEVEvoraextrusionextrusionsLotusLotus EngineeringLotus Evoralotus evora chassislotus versatile vehicle architecturelotus vvaLotusEngineeringLotusEvoraLotusEvoraChassisLotusVersatileVehicleArchitectureLotusVvamodular chassisModularChassisWed, 28 Oct 2009 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Steward of the Seven, Graham Nearn, passes away at 76]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/steward-of-the-seven-graham-nearn-passes-away-at-76/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/steward-of-the-seven-graham-nearn-passes-away-at-76/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/steward-of-the-seven-graham-nearn-passes-away-at-76/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Graham Nearn helped develop and sell the Lotus 7, creating Caterham Cars in 1959 as a retail outlet for the lightweight roadster. After having seen the car through its years of broadcasting fame on the BBC show The Prisoner (that's Nearn on the right with Prisoner star Patrick MacGoohan), he then saved the 7 from the death dealer's axe when Lotus wanted to bury the car in 1973.

Nearn took over the manufacturing rights and kept the car true to its origins -- the Caterhams we reported on from Tokyo last week are still Nearn's children. Nearn passed away last weekend. AB sends its condolences to the entire Caterham family worldwide.

[Source: Caterham]

Steward of the Seven, Graham Nearn, passes away at 76 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caterhamcaterham 7Caterham7graham nearnGrahamNearnlotuslotus 7Lotus7ukWed, 28 Oct 2009 07:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Tokyo 2009: Lotus Exige Stealth, complete with soft-touch paint]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/lotus-exige-scura-stealth-tokyo-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/lotus-exige-scura-stealth-tokyo-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/lotus-exige-scura-stealth-tokyo-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Lotus Exige Stealth - Click above for high-res image gallery

Lotus has unveiled the latest special edition of its maximum performance, minimum everything else Exige today at the Tokyo Motor Show. We took a moment to check out the Exige Stealth (known as the Scura in Europe) on the show floor and managed to curry some time with Lotus vehicle development director Roger Becker.

The new model gains a set of comely forged alloy wheels, but the big news with the car is the unique paint. We asked Becker about the Stealth and its special finish, and as it turns out, this is more than just a basic matte paint. Lotus has been experimenting for several years with matte finishes but was never satisfied with the results. The problem - as anyone who has ever done body repairs and worked on primer-finished cars can tell you - is that matte surfaces really show marks and stone chips. Lotus wanted something more durable before putting the car into production.

To create the Exige seen here, the entire car has to be sprayed in the base gloss coat seen on the central stripes. The stripe area was then masked off and the rest of the body abraded in order to get a surface that the matte paint will grip to. Finally, a newly formulated rubberized matte paint is applied. When you touch the car, the surface actually feels soft, and according to Becker, it is four- to five-times more resistant to marking and peeling than other finishes.

Just 35 examples are planned, so get your deposit in now.


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2010 Lotus Exige Scura


Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid, Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Lotus Exige Stealth, complete with soft-touch paint

Tokyo 2009: Lotus Exige Stealth, complete with soft-touch paint originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exigelotuslotus exigeLotus Exige ScuraLotus Exige Stealthlotus scuralotus stealthLotusExigeLotusExigeScuraLotusExigeStealthLotusScuraLotusStealthroger beckerRogerBeckerscurastealthtokyotokyo 2009Tokyo Motor ShowTokyo2009TokyoMotorShowWed, 21 Oct 2009 00:22:00 EST<![CDATA[To F1 and Beyond: Lotus reportedly considering Le Mans, GT and Indy teams]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/to-f1-and-beyond-lotus-reportedly-considering-le-mans-gt-and-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/to-f1-and-beyond-lotus-reportedly-considering-le-mans-gt-and-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/to-f1-and-beyond-lotus-reportedly-considering-le-mans-gt-and-i/#commentsFiled under: ,


Lotus Evora Type 124 racer - Click above for high-res image gallery

Arguably more than any other automaker in the world, Lotus is ripe for a return to racing. Its products are uniquely track focused. Its history is rife with motorsport heritage. And its new chief executive comes to the company after stints at Red Bull and Ferrari, two outfits deeply involved in top-tier racing.

Unfortunately, as Dany Bahar points out, the formative Lotus F1 Racing team set to join the grand prix circus next season has little to do with the sportscar manufacturer and engineering concern which he now heads. Instead, the name is being furnished by parent company Proton to a consortium of investors in its native Malaysia. Bahar wants a slice of the action, and Proton would be wise to give it to him. But the executive who earned his reputation as a branding guru has more plans to get Lotus back into racing beyond the F1 team.

Speaking to a group of Lotus employees, Bahar reportedly disclosed that the company is looking at getting into a variety of racing series, including Indy, Le Mans and GT racing. That's some ambition for a company that hasn't seriously competed in decades, but if any team can pull it off, it's Bahar and Lotus.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racer


[Source: Autocar]

To F1 and Beyond: Lotus reportedly considering Le Mans, GT and Indy teams originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dany baharDanyBaharlotuslotus almslotus f1lotus f1 racing teamlotus gtlotus indylotus indycarlotus le manslotus lmslotus racingLotusAlmsLotusF1LotusF1RacingTeamLotusGtLotusIndyLotusIndycarLotusLeMansLotusLmsLotusRacingprotonTue, 20 Oct 2009 18:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Malaysian-backed Lotus F1 Racing gears up for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/malaysian-backed-lotus-f1-racing-gears-up-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/malaysian-backed-lotus-f1-racing-gears-up-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/malaysian-backed-lotus-f1-racing-gears-up-for-2010/#commentsFiled under: ,


Lotus F1 Racing wind-tunnel model - Click above for high-res gallery

It's been fifteen years since Lotus last competed in Formula One, but that dry spell is about to come to an end as the British engineering firm and sportscar maker is set to join the grid once again for next season as one of four new teams in the series. Preparations appear to be going full-steam ahead, and Lotus F1 Racing (as the team will officially be known) has released a pair of images depicting a full-scale wind-tunnel model of the car they'll be running next year.

Like the other new entries - and possibly a handful of veteran teams - the Lotus F1 car will be running under Cosworth power, taking advantage of the low-cost engine package commissioned by the FIA. Having worked with nearly every team on the grid, Mike Gascoyne serves as technical director for the new outfit, with Air Asia owner Tony Fernandes temporarily serving as team principal. The team is being fielded by a consortium of Malaysian investors including the aforementioned airline, the government, Lotus owner and local automaker Proton, the Sepang circuit and the national motorsport and automobile associations.

There's been talk as well of Malaysia's former A1GP team folding into Lotus F1 Racing now that it has withdrawn from the series itself, while speculation continues regarding who'll drive for the team. Toyota's Jarno Trulli is tipped to be one leading candidate, while Malaysian driver Fairuz Fauzy - who has won races in A1GP, GP2 and World Series by Renault over the past couple of years - could prove a compelling choice for the team's Malaysian owners and sponsors, which could as well include national oil consortium and former Sauber sponsor Petronas. Follow the jump for the full press release from Lotus, and check out the images in the gallery below.


Gallery: 2010 Lotus-Cosworth wind-tunnel model


[Source: Lotus F1 Team]

Continue reading Malaysian-backed Lotus F1 Racing gears up for 2010

Malaysian-backed Lotus F1 Racing gears up for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cosworthf1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnelotuslotus f1lotus f1 racingLotusF1LotusF1RacingmalaysiaprotonFri, 16 Oct 2009 08:29:00 EST<![CDATA[End of Year Shuffle: 14 Formula One teams swap drivers for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/end-of-year-shuffle-14-formula-one-teams-swap-drivers-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/end-of-year-shuffle-14-formula-one-teams-swap-drivers-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/end-of-year-shuffle-14-formula-one-teams-swap-drivers-for-2010/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you thought the series of driver changes in the middle of this ongoing Formula One season was something, it's nothing compared to the grand game of musical chairs expected to ensue as the season draws to a close. With BMW closing up shop, several new teams joining the grid and at least a couple of former world champions switching teams for next year's championship, we're shaping up for the biggest jumble the F1 circus has seen in years. Follow the jump to see how it's unfolding so far.

[Image: Clive Mason/Getty]

Continue reading End of Year Shuffle: 14 Formula One teams swap drivers for 2010

End of Year Shuffle: 14 Formula One teams swap drivers for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 fia formula one world champion2010 formula one2010FiaFormulaOneWorldChampion2010FormulaOneadian sutilAdianSutilalguersuarialonsobarrichellobrawlBrawn GPBrawnGpbuemibuttoncamposcampos metaCamposMetaf1f1 driversF1Driversfelipe massaFelipeMassafernando alonsoFernandoAlonsoFerrarifisichellaformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOneGiancarlo FisichellaGiancarloFisichellaglockgrosjeanheidfeldJaime AlguersuariJaimeAlguersuarijarno trulliJarnoTrullijenson buttonJensonButtonkazuki nakajimaKazukiNakajimakimi raikkonenKimiRaikkonenkubicaliuzziLotuslotus f1LotusF1manormark webberMarkWebbermassamclarennakajimanick heidfeldNickHeidfeldnico rosbergNicoRosbergraikkonenred bullred bull racingRedBullRedBullRacingrobert kubicaRobertKubicaromain grosjeanRomainGrosjeanrosbergrubens barrichelloRubensBarrichelloscuderia toro rossoScuderiaToroRossosebastian vettelSebastianVettelsebastien buemiSebastienBuemisutiltimo glockTimoGlocktonio liuzziTonioLiuzzitoro rossoToroRossotoyotatoyota f1ToyotaF1trullius f1UsF1vettelvitantonio liuzziVitantonioLiuzziwebberwilliamsThu, 08 Oct 2009 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Lotus CEO says automaker will again take on Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/lotus-ceo-says-automaker-will-again-take-on-ferrari-lamborghini/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/lotus-ceo-says-automaker-will-again-take-on-ferrari-lamborghini/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/lotus-ceo-says-automaker-will-again-take-on-ferrari-lamborghini/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racer - click above image for high-res gallery

When most people think of Lotus, a few different thoughts tend to enter their head. One is of little teeny Toyota-powered Elise/Exige track toys buzzing around a racetrack. Another is of an underwater submarine piloted by none other than James Bond (albeit Roger Moore). And then -- maybe -- some of you might think of the racing success Lotus used to enjoy, back in the day, a long time ago. Well, according to Autocar, Lotus' new CEO Dany Bahar is seeking to change all that.

"Lotus was mentioned in the same sentence as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati in the 1970s-1990s," said Bahar. "Then, it got closed into a corner. We believe it's the right time to bring Lotus back to where it was." Not only that, but Proton Group (they own Lotus) managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir (must make for one hell of a business card) says that the new Evora, Lotus's first new car since 1995, is "a turning point."

Bahar is making returning Lotus to a place of prestige a top priority for the Malaysian-owned company. The ex-Ferrari exec claims to have have a business plan to return Lotus to the same plane of existence as Ferrari within five years. Of course, to accomplish this, the Camry-powered Evora just ain't going to cut it. Which more or less guarantees the return of the Esprit, which very well might have a Lexus V10 perched out behind the driver. All of which gets our octane lovin' hearts all aflutter. Also, let's not forget about racing - serious racing. We'll keep you posted.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racer


[Source: Autocar | New Straights Times]

Lotus CEO says automaker will again take on Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dany BaharDanyBaharEspritEvoraLotusLotus EspritLotus EvoraLotusEspritLotusEvoraProtonWed, 07 Oct 2009 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Lotus Exige S 260 offers even more power and lightness]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/review-2009-lotus-exige-s-260-offers-even-more-power-and-lightn/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/review-2009-lotus-exige-s-260-offers-even-more-power-and-lightn/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/review-2009-lotus-exige-s-260-offers-even-more-power-and-lightn/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2009 Lotus Exige S 260 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Over its 61-year history, Lotus Cars has spent a considerable amount of time clawing its way back from the brink of insolvency. The company's most recent bout with financial disrepair came in the early Nineties after the front-wheel-drive Elan proved a commercial failure (surprise!) and the Esprit toiled away in the shadows of newer, more powerful supercars. As hope for the historic marque's triumphant return began to fade, a group of Lotus engineers pooled their collective will to create an all-new, back-to-basics model that would revive Colin Chapman's company and give hardened enthusiasts the purist's driving tool they craved.

In September of 1996, the Elise was born, and four years later, its hard-top sibling - the Exige - came on the scene. Over the last decade, we've seen a raft of super-special-limited-edition variants follow in its lightweight wake, but the ultimate version is this: the 2009 Lotus Exige S 260. Packing more power and "more lightness" than the 240 Sport we sampled last year, there's no doubt it's a telepathic terror on track, but we wanted to know if it was up to the depravity of Michigan roads, so we set our chiropractor on speed dial and headed out...


Gallery: Review: 2009 Lotus Exige S 260


Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Max Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Lotus Exige S 260 offers even more power and lightness

Review: 2009 Lotus Exige S 260 offers even more power and lightness originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Lotus Exige S 2602009LotusExigeS260exigeexige s 260ExigeS260featuredlotuslotus exigelotus exige s 260LotusExigeLotusExigeS260reviewreviewss 260S260Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Lotus back in F1, BMW Sauber gets new ownership]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/lotus-back-in-f1-bmw-sauber-gets-new-ownership/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/lotus-back-in-f1-bmw-sauber-gets-new-ownership/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/lotus-back-in-f1-bmw-sauber-gets-new-ownership/#comments
Lotus F1 racer - Click above for high-res image gallery

Two major announcements came hot on the heels of one another on Tuesday that seem set to shake up the always turbulent Formula 1 series even further in 2010. First, Team Lotus will indeed be back on the starting grid next year to contest the constructors championship with a duo of drivers. Backing the effort is Malaysian automaker Proton, which owns Lotus, and the team will be headquartered at a purpose-built facility at Malaysia's Sepang International circuit.

While it's not surprising that Lotus has rejoined F1 after weeks of rumormill gossip, many assumed the team would take the reigns of the Sauber team from BMW, but that's not the case. Lotus has received the 13th and final spot on the grid, taking the place of BMW. Interestingly, just hours after the announcement from Proton, F1 organizers announced that BMW had agreed to sell its F1 team to Swiss-based Qadbak Investments Ltd.

At this time, there is no guarantee that Sauber will be on the starting grid in 2010, but the FIA has granted the ex-BMW team the 14th place for 2010, meaning that it will have the first opportunity to fill any unforseen vacancies. Barring that, the FIA is pressing for a change to the rulebooks that would allow a 14th team to race in the championship.


Gallery: Lotus F1 cars


[Source: BBC]

Lotus back in F1, BMW Sauber gets new ownership originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 f12010 formula 12010 formula one2010F12010Formula12010FormulaOnebmwbmw formula 1bmw formula oneBmwFormula1BmwFormulaOneformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnelotuslotus f1lotus formula 1lotus formula oneLotusF1LotusFormula1LotusFormulaOneprotonsauberteam lotusTeamLotusWed, 16 Sep 2009 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: Lotus Elise Club Racer and Exige Cup 260 give us that special feeling]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-lotus-elise-club-racer-and-exige-cup-260-give-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-lotus-elise-club-racer-and-exige-cup-260-give-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-lotus-elise-club-racer-and-exige-cup-260-give-us/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Lotus Elise Club Racer and Exige Cup 260 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Another show, another pair of special editions from Lotus. This time around it's the Elise Club Racer and the Exige Cup 260, two lightweight specials based on the company's core product range.

We brought you details and photos of both a few weeks ago in the ramp-up to the show, but stopped by to have a closer look at the pair while we were there checking out the race-spec Evora. Check 'em both out in the high-res image gallery below.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Lotus Elise Club Racer and Exige Cup 260


Frankfurt 2009: Lotus Elise Club Racer and Exige Cup 260 give us that special feeling originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 frankfurt2009 frankfurt auto show2009 frankfurt motor show2009Frankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShow2009FrankfurtMotorShoweliseelise club racerEliseClubRacerexigeexige cupexige cup 260ExigeCupExigeCup260falsefrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt auto showfrankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShowFrankfurtMotorShowlotuslotus eliselotus elise club racerlotus exigelotus exige cup 260LotusEliseLotusEliseClubRacerLotusExigeLotusExigeCup260Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:59:00 EST