2011 Lotus Evora GTE Road Car Concept

Lotus Evora GTE Road Car Concept will make its world debut on August 17 during Pebble Beach week, Lotus announced on August 15, 2011.



It comes fully loaded with 420 bhp and a sequential gearbox, forged alloy wheels and Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires.� So the car is plenty fast, and to look the part it also features a racing stripe, and a cool body kit and black roof and wing.



Power comes from a "race-developed engine" that produces more than 420 hp (313 kW / 426 PS). It is connected to a sequential automated-manual transmission, which should ensure the model is slightly faster than the Evora S.



The exterior has been heavily fettled, too, with an aggressive front splitter and�U-shaped rear spoiler sprouting from the boot. Wheels are forged alloy items shod in Pirelli P-Zero Corsa rubber.



The interior is said to carry plenty of leather and carbon fiber trims, as well as composite Recaro racing seats.













Press Release



World Premiere of the new Lotus Evora GTE Road Car Concept



The new Lotus Evora GTE Road Car Concept will be unveiled to the world for the first time within the Lotus exhibit at the McCall's Motorworks Revival event Wednesday night, August 17, at the Monterey Jet Center.



The Lotus Evora GTE is a race car developed with a single-minded aim to be successful in the new global motorsport GTE category, which includes the world famous Le Mans 24 Hours.



To celebrate this ground breaking car, Lotus has built the race-inspired Evora GTE Road Car Concept. This high-strung Evora elicits over 420 bhp from its race-developed engine, fed through a sequential AMT racing gearbox and put to the pavement through ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels with center-lock hubs shod with Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires.



The Evora GTE Road Car Concept isn't merely a paint scheme or homage to a race car - this is a serious race car that makes for a very serious road car.



The Evora GTE Road Car Concept will later be shown within the Lotus exhibit on Peter Hay Hill near The Lodge at Pebble Beach Thursday, August 18 through mid-day Saturday, August 20 before being moved onto the Concept Car Lawn for display throughout the remainder of the Concours weekend.

Lotus Evora Enduro GT Concept

Lotus has unveiled the new Lotus Evora Enduro GT race car at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. The Evora Enduro GT Concept is the base car for the new Lotus GT2/GTE car that will be racing in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup this season and is an evolved version of the Lotus GT4 Endurance. Lotus Motorsport, under the supervision of lead designer Nicola Scimeca developed the new car.

The vehicle rides on 18 inch forged alloys wrapped in 24/64-18 - 27/65-18 tires front and rear, while providing the necessary stopping power is a performance brake system with 22 mm race pads, two piece aluminium belled discs and 6 piston callipers at the front and 4-piston calliper at the rear.

Powered by a mid-mounted 4-litre DOCH V6 VVT-i engine, naturally aspirated and tuned by Cosworth, the Lotus Evora Enduro GT Concept develops 440 bhp @ 7,000 rpm and 460 Nm of torque @ 5,500 rpm.

The rear wheels get their power from the engine through an XTRAC 426 six-speed sequential gearbox. An optional pneumatic paddle-shift system can be fitted. Handling comes down to a forged double wishbone layout, four-way adjustable Ohlins TTX36 dampers, coaxial coil springs, increased camber, and adjustable anti-roll bars. Mated with racing slicks, it should prove formidable, especially with its mid-engine layout.




Press Release

Evora Enduro - GT Concept

The Evolving Evora

The Evora Enduro - GT concept car is an evolved version of the podium placing Evora GT4 Endurance. The Enduro has been developed by Lotus Motorsport under the expert eye of Lead Designer Nicola Scimeca.

The Enduro will be the base point from which the GT2/GTE homologated cars for FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile) and ACO (l'Automobile Club de l'Ouest) endurance racing will be built.

Lotus Motorsport intend to contend the following endurance events this year:

• 23 � 26 June 2011 N�rburgring ADAC 24 Hour Race (GER)
• 28 � 31 July 2011 Spa 24 Hour Race (BEL)
• 8 & 9 October 2011 Silverstone 24 Hour Race (GB)

The 24 hour races in Dubai and Daytona are on the list for 2012.

The Evora Enduro can be bought by private individuals and adapted for racing.

2012 Lotus Elise Club Racer

Lotus has releases a new entry-level sports car, the Elise Club Racer 1.6, priced in Europe from around $45,000. which will have its world debut at the Geneva motor show next month.

The Elise Club Racer is a full 52 pounds lighter than the standard car, and Lotus achieved this by removing the noise insulation and using a motorsport-derived lightweight battery. This might not seem like an enormous weight savings, but when you consider that the base Elise already weighs in under the 2,000-pound mark, even a small weight reduction is noticeable.

Powering the Elise Club Racer is the same 1.6-liter four cylinder VVT-I engine with an output of 136 PS (100 kW / 134 hp) as on the series' variant. Lotus did not provide new performance numbers for the Club Racer but the standard Elise does the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in 6.5 seconds, which the Club Racer can only beat, if but slightly.

Priced at �27,500 / �34,450 / $46,750, the Elise Club Racer marks the new entry level sports car from Lotus. Customers can choose from a range of six exterior colors (Sky Blue, Saffron Yellow, Ardent Red, Aspen White, Matt Black and Carbon Grey), plus various bespoke design elements.




Press Release

Lotus Elise Club Racer

Maximum fun, minimum collateral

Anyone harbouring under the misapprehension that Lotus might be moving away from performance through lightweight only needs to take a quick ride in the new 1.6 Lotus Elise Club Racer to know that's definitely not the case. The bright engineers at Lotus put even the lightest of Lotus' modern cars on a diet and managed to shed a further 24kg.

So how did Lotus manage to make one of the lightest models on the market even lighter? The engineers behind the Elise Club Racer took a stripped-to-the-bare-bone approach visualised by the body-coloured seats but materialised in many ways such as the motorsport derived lightweight battery and the deletion of noise insulation. Attention to even the smallest of details has ensured that Lotus' passion for performance through lightweight has been translated throughout the car.

For the first time ever an Elise variant comes complete with a Sport setting for the DPM (Dynamic Performance Management) allowing even the less experienced sports car drivers to feel at the top of their game, while the ability to switch it off completely will please the more established track orientated drivers. DPM combined with improved agility courtesy of Lotus finely tuned sport suspension and an adjustable anti-roll bar will make the Elise Club Racer equally versatile for both road and race track fun.

Wolf Zimmermann Chief Technical Officer Lotus Cars said: "The traditional Lotus approach of reduction and purity has lead to one of the most zeitgeist and contemporary sports cars around. For over 15 years the Lotus Elise has become an icon in the sports car market, carving out a niche market with a dedicated following of lightweight fans. The new Club Racer will definitely give these people something extra to get their teeth stuck into. This car epitomises everything that's cool about the Elise - it's fast, raw, responsive and a huge amount of fun to drive."

Quality throughout the vehicle has been a top priority, highly regarded component suppliers such as Eibach for springs and Bilstein for dampers ensure that the Elise Club Racer is a car of substance as well as style.

The Elise Club Racer pleases the eye as well as the soul with a choice of six striking colours (Sky Blue, Saffron Yellow, Ardent Red, Aspen White, Matt Black and Carbon Grey) and bespoke design elements that emphasise the character of the car.

It's pocket pleasing too, at �27,500 / �34,450 / CHF48,900, the Elise Club Racer marks the new entry level sports car from Lotus. And with the Elise standard of just 149g CO2/km plus the weight reduction, the new Club Racer provides maximum fun without so much of the green-guilt usually associated with high performance driving.

Lotus Elise Club Racer: Purity, performance, pleasure - a TRUE Lotus.

Paris Auto Show: 2013 Lotus Elan?Video?

Lotus has unveiled the 2013 Elan, The 2013 Lotus Elan will go into production in the summer of 2013 and will be put on sale in the fall the same year. The 2013 Lotus Elan is powered by a smaller engine than the previous two model. It has a 4.0 liter V6 pressure charged engine capable of delivering up to 450 PS and taking into consideration its relative light weight of 1,295kg. Planned to be produced in summer 2013, the 2013 Elan will feature a 2+2 variant and optional hybrid technology with KERS. The car will enters the market in autumn 2013 with price indication approximately �75,000.

Also shared with the Esprit is a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox and optional kinetic energy recovery system or KERS. Peak output is rated 450 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque, which is significantly lower than the Esprit�s 620 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque, however, the Elan is not too far off the pace thanks to a lighter kerb weight of just 2,885 pounds. Lotus claims a 3.5 second time for the 0-60 mph run and a top speed around 190 mph.

Production will start in Summer 2013 with deliveries in Autumn 2013. Expected price tag is � 75,000 (� 87,000).






Press Release

The End of Compromise

As the old saying goes, you can't have your cake and eat it. In the past we were educated to believe we can't have it all. But that was the past. Today's driver demands more and the 2013 Elan delivers.

The 2013 Elan is the beating heart of the new Lotus line-up. It's a high performance sports car, that much is clear, it's a Lotus after all, but thanks to some clever innovations the 2013 Elan also has everyday usability too.

With a 2+2 variant, the 2013 Elan should be the only car you need.

Set for release during the second half of 2013, the 2013 Elan features a 4.0 liter V6 pressure charged engine capable of delivering up to 450 PS and taking into consideration its relative light weight of 1,295kg, the 2013 Elan's performance edges on supercar.

From a styling perspective, the 2013 Elan is built like an athlete with a muscular physique and perfect poise. It's a thoroughbred, rigid with tension, ambitious and addictive, nothing but best in class will suffice for this car.

It's not enough to simply provide performance and exceptional looks, innovation is also integral to the 2013 Elan's appeal. In keeping with the rest of the new Lotus range, the 2013 Elan features optional hybrid technology with KERS.

Dany Bahar, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus, said: "If there was ever a car to make you drive the long way home, it's the 2013 Elan. Perfect for both road and track, the 2013 Elan not only ticks all the boxes, it creates new ones too."

"The 2013 Elan will convert people to Lotus, I would challenge people not to become addicted to driving it. It will also go a long way towards dispelling the old misconceptions about this class, that in order to have high performance you must sacrifice usability - those days are gone."

"Once you drive an 2013 Elan you won't look back, it will give you things you didn't even realise you were missing - that's the essence of Lotus and the 2013 Elan perfectly captures that spirit."

One car, zero compromise.

2013 Lotus Elan Specifications

• Layout 2 seater (optional 2+2), mid-engined, rear wheel drive
• Engine Petrol, hybrid optional
• Hybrid technology Optional KERS
• Cylinder V6
• Capacity 4.0 litre
• Power/Torque 450 PS / 465 Nm
• Rev limit 7,800 rpm
• 0-100 km/h 3.5 seconds
• Top speed 310 km/h
• CO2 approx (CO2/km) 199 g/km**
• Weight 1,295 kg
• Seats 2
• Transmission 7 Speed DCT
• Drive RWD
• Start of production Summer 2013
• Enters the market Autumn 2013
• Price indication Circa �75,000

*Please refer to the �Further Information' section in the Media Kit for information relating to this specification
**Using optional hybrid

Lotus Evora Cup GT4 Debuts this weekend

After unveiling the Evora S and Evora IPS, Lotus has now put the spotlight on the Evora GT4, the racing version of the car, which is set for debut at this weekend (28th-29th August 2010) Nurburgring European GT4 Championships race. Lotus Motorsport has entered the Lotus Evora Cup/GT4 in the �Invitation� category in the hands of Lotus rookie driver Ollie Hancock.

With 355 bhp and weighing in at just 1190 kg, nearly 200 kg less than the road going Evora, the new Evora GT4 carries the Lotus Type Number 124 and represents part of Lotus� new strategic GT motorsport programme, further details of which will be announced at the Paris Motor Show on the 30th of September 2010.

Next to the Evora Cup, Lotus will also be bringing four ultra lightweight Lotus 2-Eleven GT4 race cars to the event. Two of these sports cars will be decked out in the Lotus Motorsport livery with members of NFS Racing Dubai. The other two Lotus Evoras will be operated by Team Scuderia Giudici, who currently lead the GT4 �Super Sports� Championship category.




Press Release

Five of the best

New Lotus Evora Cup/GT4 race car and four Lotus 2-Eleven GT4 race cars take on the N�rburgring.
The new Lotus Evora Cup/GT4 makes its racing debut this weekend (28th-29th August 2010) in the hands of Lotus rookie driver Ollie Hancock.

Lotus Motorsport has entered the Lotus Evora Cup/GT4 in the "Invitation" category of the European GT4 Championships as part of a year long development programme prior to a full GT4 championship assault in 2011. The GT4 will also be made available as a customer race car to privateer racing teams.

With 360 PS and weighing in at just 1190 kg, nearly 200 kg less than the road going Evora, the new Evora GT4 carries the Lotus Type Number 124 and represents part of Lotus' new strategic GT motorsport programme, further details of which will be announced at the Paris Motor Show on the 30th of September 2010.

Liveried in striking Lotus Motorsport Green with a yellow twin-stripe running down the centre, the Lotus EvoraCup/GT4 brings the iconic colour scheme back once again to sports car racing.
The Evora Cup/GT4 will debut just a matter of hours after Lotus announced the new 350 PS, supercharged Evora S road car, to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show.

Already, the Lotus Evora Cup/GT4 has undergone a punishing and extensive development programme with Lotus Racing's F1 driver Jarno Trulli, experienced GT racer Johnny Mowlem and Lotus Motorsport's own Product Manager Gavan Kershaw as part of the development team.

Lotus Motorsport's IndyCar driver Takuma Sato and 1996 Champ Car winner, Jimmy Vasser have also given extensive feedback having driven the Evora Cup/GT4 at the legendary Laguna Seca race circuit in early August, giving Lotus' newest race car a most diverse and comprehensive pedigree.

Accompanying the Evora's debut will be four ultra lightweight Lotus 2-Eleven GT4 race cars, two of which will be entered in the Lotus Motorsport colour scheme and run by NFS Racing Dubai. The other two cars will be run by Team Scuderia Giudici, who currently lead the GT4 "Super Sports" Championship category.

For those who can't make the journey to the N�rburgring in the beautiful Eifel region to see the Evora Cup/GT4 making its first racing appearance, then GT racing fans will have an opportunity to see a second Evora Cup/GT4 in the slightly less hilly surroundings of Norfolk where Lotus Motorsport's Product Manager Gavan Kershaw will be giving demonstration laps during the Snetterton round of the British GT4 Championships also over the weekend of the 28th and 29th of August.

Paris Preview: 2011 Lotus Evora S and Evora IPS automatic

After Lotus� recent e-mail malfunction, they have now officially unveiled details of both models. These are the Lotus Evora S and the Evora Intelligent Precision Shift (IPS), which will officially make its debut at the Paris Motor Show.

The Evora S has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 345 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. That compares with the standard Evora's 276 hp and 252 lb-ft. The Evora S also gets a retuned suspension for a more "instinctual" performance feel, Lotus says. Brakes are cross-drilled for better cooling, and there's a new active exhaust with a "dramatic" sound. A standard sport pack lets the driver control throttle response, change the dynamic stability control settings and activate the exhaust bypass, all by using a Sport button.

The Lotus Evora now comes with an IPS (Intelligent Precision Shift) option, which is a 6-speed automatic gearbox that is mated to the 3.5L V6 making 276-hp. 0-60 mph with the IPS option on the Lotus Evora comes in 5.3 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. Evora�s with the IPS option will allow drivers�to switch between manual paddle shift and automatic drive modes. A �sport� mode is also available and allows the driver to feel each gear shift and be in complete control of the transmission.

Lotus has dubbed the automatic-equipped version the Evora IPS, for Intelligent Precision Shift. It�s equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission with automatic, sport, and full-manual modes, the latter involving wheel-mounted shift paddles. With a projected weight of 3166 pounds, Lotus says the Evora IPS will hit 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and manage a top speed of 155 mph.

But that's not the only thing Lotus revealed today: also coming to Paris is a new Intelligent Precision Shift option for the standard Evora. The IPS is a six-speed automatic transmission with manual paddle-shift mode. That's all we know for now. The rest of the details will have to wait for Paris.

Source: Lotus




Press Release

It's an Evora but not as you know it

Ahead of the official unveil at the Paris Motor Show on September 30th, Lotus announce the latest evolution of the award winning Evora - the Evora S and Evora IPS (Intelligent Precision Shift) option.

Lotus has taken the award winning* Evora and re-created it with a 350 PS 3.5l V6 engine to create the Evora S. Dany Bahar Lotus' Chief Executive Officer summed it up beautifully when he said: "You don't realise what you were missing from your driving experience until you get behind the wheel of the Evora S."

So apart from the obvious power difference, how is the Evora S different to the standard Evora? It's another question we put to the CEO (given that he's spent a little time behind the wheel, we thought he'd be best placed to answer questions). This is what he said: "It's the next level of Evora experience. It communicates with you better, the suspension setting has been fine tuned for added power and control so it responds even more to direction. It's an instinctual car, the experience is pure."

"We were proud of the Evora but we're even prouder of the Evora S, I feel like it does the true Lotus experience justice. The really great thing is that as we move forward the standard Evora should also benefit from some of these developments."

The Evora S comes with a sport pack as standard featuring a �sport' button which allows the driver to control throttle response and activate the exhaust by-pass valve. The sport button also raises the instantaneous rev limit and changes the dynamic stability control settings resulting in a total experience change. There are cross-drilled brakes for improved cooling. And here's a heads up for those who buy into the old adage �you can tell the men from the boys by the size of their toys': the external emotion of the Evora S has been improved with a completely new active exhaust which means that at the push of a button the car sounds just as dramatic as it feels.

Commenting on the Evora S, Lotus Chief Commercial Officer Andreas Prillmann said: "The Evora S is a natural progression for us but more than that, it's a taste of what people can come to expect from the next generation of Lotus cars. It retains core Lotus values such as performance through lightweight but it also gives more than that. It's the perfect combination of top performance, style and comfort. Form doesn't sacrifice function in the case of the Evora S."

So there you have it folks, the next generation of Lotus Evora, the Evora S, set to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show.

But that's not all. In addition to the Evora S, Lotus also presents the IPS (Intelligent Precision Shift) option. This inception of the seven-time-award-winning (who's counting? We are!) Evora sees an automatic 6-speed gearbox with Lotus developed transmission control with a 3.5 l V6 engine delivering 280 PS assuring a superior automatic driving experience.

The IPS version of the Evora allows the driver to switch between manual paddle shift and automatic drive modes. The driver also has the option of selecting �sport' mode which showcases the Lotus sport driving experience allowing the driver to really feel each gear shift and be in complete control of the transmission.

Commenting on the development Dany Bahar said: "The Evora IPS is set to broaden the appeal of the Evora and reach out to a slightly different market. We hope it will be popular with established automatic locations such as Asia, the Middle East and the US. It's been a long time since Lotus created an automatic and we've spent a great deal of time refining this one to make sure that it perfectly complements the Evora drive experience."

Evora S Technical Specification
Model Evora S
Engine - Mid mounted, transverse 3.5 litre DOHC V6 VVT-I
Emissions see below due to wheel options
Transmission - 6 speed manual
Chassis - Modular lightweight bonded aluminium structure
Steering - Lotus tuned hydraulically-assisted power steering
Suspension - Forged aluminium double wishbone suspension
Bilstein high performance gas dampers
Eibach coaxial coil springs

Performance data
Standard wheel option
Fuel consumption - urban 14.5 l/100km
Fuel consumption - extra urban 7.4 l/100km
Fuel consumption - combined 10.0l/100km
CO2 Emissions 235 g/km

19/20" wheel option
Fuel consumption - urban 14.6 I/100km
Fuel consumption - extra urban 7.6 I/100km
Fuel consumption - combined 10.2 I/100km
CO2 Emissions 239 g/km

Max power - 350 PS / 257.5 kW @ 7000 rpm
Max torque - 400 Nm / 295 lb ft @ 4500 rpm
0-60 mph - 4.6s
0-100 km/h 4.8s
Maximum speed - 172mph
Vehicle mass (unladen) - 1437kg

Evora IPS Option Technical Specification
Engine - Mid mounted, transverse 3.5 litre DOHC V6 VVT-I
Emissions - 208 g/km
Transmission Electronically controlled 6 speed automatic
Chassis Modular lightweight bonded aluminium structure
Steering Lotus tuned hydraulically-assisted power steering
Suspension Forged aluminium double wishbone suspension
Bilstein high performance gas dampers
Eibach coaxial coil springs

Performance data
Fuel consumption - urban 12.6 l/100km
Fuel consumption - extra urban 6.6 l/100km
Fuel consumption - combined 8.8 l/100km
CO2 Emissions 208 g/km

Max power - 280 PS / 206 KW @ 6400rpm
Max torque - 350 Nm / 258 lb ft @ 4700rpm
0-60 mph - 5.3s
0-100 km/h - 5.5s
Maximum speed - 155mph
Vehicle mass (unladen) - 1436 kg

Special Edition Lotus Elise SC RGB and Exige S RGB [Video]

Lotus is launching two special-edition cars in honor of vehicle engineering director Roger Becker, who retired from Lotus in January. Becker joined Lotus in 1966 and helped develop every new Lotus since, including the Esprit, Elan, and Evora.

The Elise SC RGB (for Roger G. Becker) features ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels, sport and touring packages, air conditioning, monochrome Lotus badges, an individually numbered plaque, and Roger Becker's signature on B-pillar. It is powered by a 217 hp (220 PS / 162 kW) supercharged 1.8-liter engine, which allows the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds).

The Elise SC RGB Special Edition is powered by a supercharged 1.8 liter engine that develops a total of 217 hp and rockets the car from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. The Lotus Exige S RGB Special Edition gets a supercharged and intercooled 1.8 liter engine with 257 HP and a sprint time of 4 seconds.

Body colours available for the Lotus Elise SC RGB and the Lotus Exige S RGB are Aspen White, Starlight Black, Solar Yellow and Carbon Grey and each exemplar will also feature a numbered plaque with Roger Becker's signature.

The cars will go on sale in September, the Elise SC RGB will be priced from �38,550 (�43,655) while the Exige S RGB starts at �41,950 (�50,042).




Press Release

Roger Becker, former Director of Vehicle Engineering for Lotus is celebrated with a series of special edition versions of the final run of European specification 1.8 litre Elise and Exige sportscars.

In celebration of his now legendary input over the years, Roger Becker (RGB) who retired in January following 44 years of service, will have a series of Lotus Elise and Lotus Exige sports cars in bespoke RGB Special Edition specification produced and set for release from September 2010.

The Elise SC and Exige S RGB Special Editions will both be specified to a high level with Sports and Touring packs as standard. The Elise SC RGB Special Edition has a supercharged 217 hp (220 ps) 1.8 litre engine which blesses it with a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds (0-100kmh in 4.6 seconds). The Lotus Exige S RGB Special Edition uses the range topping 257 (260 ps) supercharged and intercooled 1.8 litre engine which endows it with a 0-60 mph in around 4 seconds and a phenomenal aerodynamic downforce figure of 92.5 lbs (42 kg) at 100 mph (160 kmh).

Roger Becker said, "I am honoured that Lotus has named these two special editions after me, especially as it allows me to offer the customer my favourite specifications. The past 44 years have been an incredible journey and I'm looking forward to watching Lotus progress in the future, I have no doubt that the company will continue to go from strength to strength."

Both the Elise SC and the Exige S RGB Special Editions are available in four colours, Aspen White, Starlight Black, Solar Yellow & Carbon Grey and each one is identified by a numbered interior plaque, Roger Becker's signature on the side of the bodywork and special monochrome Lotus nose badge.

At the end of 2010, production of the European versions of the Elise R and SC and the Exige S and Cup 260, which use the 1.8 litre 2ZZ VVTL-i engines supplied by Toyota, will finish due to changes in legislation and the introduction of "Euro 5" Type Approval which does not apply to these cars. Production of the Elise R and SC and the Exige S and Cup 260 will, however, continue for all other markets.

Andreas Prillmann, Chief Commercial Officer for Lotus Cars said, "I would like to thank Roger for his dedication to Lotus It's fitting that an exclusive number of the last of the 1.8 litre Elises and Exiges for Europe are dedicated to Roger, who has been instrumental in the development of so many Lotus cars over the years, in particularly the Evora, the Exige and the recent versions of the Elise. Not only has his extensive knowledge and learning been passed on to our team of talented and skilled engineers, but also his passion for the Lotus brand and heritage has helped Lotus grow into the world class organisation that it is today."

The new, super efficient 2011 Model Year Lotus Elise, introduced to the market earlier this year, will continue for all markets where it is sold including Europe.

The Lotus Elise SC RGB Special Edition in more detail:

• 217 hp (220 ps) supercharged 1.8 litre engine
• Lotus ultra lightweight forged alloy wheels
• Sport pack
• Touring pack
• Four paint colours - Aspen White, Starlight Black, Solar Yellow & Carbon Grey
• Roger Becker signature on rear of the car
• Roger Becker numbered plaque
• Monochrome Lotus badges
• Air conditioning
• Recommended Retail Price:
  • UK: �38,550 (including VAT)
  • Euro Zone: � 43,655 (excluding regional taxes)
  • Switzerland: CHF 71,435 (excluding taxes)

Official European Combined Cycle = 8.5 litres / 100 km (33.2 mpg)
Official European Extra Urban Cycle = 6.4 litres/100 km (44.1 mpg)
Official European Urban Cycle = 11.8 litre/100 km (23.9 mpg)
199 g/km of CO2

The Lotus Exige S RGB Special Edition in more detail:

• Standard Features
• 257 hp (260 ps) Supercharged 2ZZ 1.8 engine
• Lotus ultra lightweight forged alloy wheels
• Performance pack
• Sport pack
• Touring pack
• Four paint colours - Aspen White, Starlight Black, Solar Yellow & Carbon Grey
• Roger Becker signature on rear of car
• Roger Becker numbered plaque
• Monochrome Lotus badges
• Structural shear panel which gives increases lateral stiffness to the rear subframe by 30%
• Air conditioning
• Recommended Retail Price:
  • UK: �41,950 (including VAT)
  • Euro Zone: � 50,042 (excluding regional taxes)
  • Switzerland: CHF 81,887 (excluding taxes)

Official European Combined Cycle = 8.5 litres / 100 km (33.2 mpg)
Official European Extra Urban Cycle = 6.5 litres/100 km (43.5 mpg)
Official European Urban Cycle = 11.9 litre/100 km (23.7 mpg)
199 g/km of CO2

Press release announcing Roger Becker�s retiremen:

Roger Becker Lotus' Director of Vehicle Engineering is retiring from Group Lotus after a long career of 44 years.

Roger, 64, joined Lotus in 1966, working on the Elan assembly line at Cheshunt, but his natural driving and engineering skills came to the attention of Lotus founder Colin Chapman and Roger was quickly moved to the vehicle development team where he worked directly with Mike Kimberley (former Lotus CEO) on the Lotus Europa Twin Cam - his first Lotus car development project.

During his career at Lotus, Roger has been responsible for the development of every Lotus car, including the legendary Esprit, Excel, Elan, Elise, Exige and the new critically acclaimed Lotus Evora. Roger has helped to maintain the philosophies laid down by Colin Chapman and has ensured that the essence and purity of Lotus is instilled in all new Lotus cars. He also has imparted his chassis engineering knowledge and development skills to many of the world's major automotive manufacturers in support of Lotus' consultancy engineering business.

On his retirement, Roger Becker said, "I have had a dream career at Lotus, with the honour of not only working directly for Colin Chapman but also working with some of the finest people in the motor industry. With the Lotus Evora successfully entering the market with unprecedented global adulation, and at 64 years of age, I feel now is the natural time to retire. The Evora has given me my finest hour at Lotus and I leave knowing it will be the foundation of all our next generation cars. The product engineering team will build on this to develop many more award-winning products and I wish them every success for what promises to be a very exciting future for Lotus cars and the Lotus brand."

Dany Bahar, CEO of Group Lotus plc said, "On behalf of all the staff at Lotus, I would like to thank Roger for his contribution to Lotus over 44 years and we wish him well in his retirement."

Lotus Evora Naomi for Haiti for 300,000 GBP

Bidding Commences! Three Evoras Were Auctioned at The Fashion For Relief TM Event, With The First Two Reaching Over GBP 300,000 Each!

The discerning fashion show audience at the Fashion For Relief TM show last night made their feelings clear about the design of the �Naomi for Haiti� Lotus Evora with the bidding reaching an incredible GBP 320,000. The winning bid came from Naomi Campbell�s boyfriend, Vladimir Doronin, who wanted to ensure that he got the first car, number one of eight.


Bidding on the remaining five �Naomi for Haiti� Lotus Evoras started at 0800 GMT today on the www.naomiforhaiti.com website. There are only 9 days to register a bid for these highly desirable "Naomi for Haiti" Lotus Evoras as the auction will end at 1200 noon GMT on the 28th of February 2010.

The grand total raised for the Fashion For Relief TM charity and the highest bidders will be announced by Naomi Campbell at the Lotus press conference on the 2nd of March at the Geneva Motorshow.


Naomi made a stylish entrance in one of the �Naomi for Haiti� Lotus Evoras, with a further fifteen Lotus Evora sports cars being used to provide a VIP chauffeur service for the celebrities that supported the Fashion For Relief TM show. The Fashion For Relief TM charity supporters included; Yasmin Le Bon, Kate Moss, Geri Halliwell, Piers Morgan, Sarah Brown, Eva Hertzigova and Andrew Flintoff.

Naomi Campbell said: "I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has generously donated their time and effort to make Fashion For Relief TM happen. I�m thrilled with the support from Lotus and to have teamed up with my great friend Gino Rosato for this important cause. I hope we continue to raise as much awareness and funds as we can.�


Gino Rosato, Director of Corporate Affairs at Lotus Cars stated, �I am very proud to welcome my good friend Naomi into the Lotus family. We are delighted to be able to work together to raise money for such a worthy cause. The Fashion For Relief TM event has proven to be exceptionally successful and it is fantastic to be able to help the nation of Haiti.�


The special �Naomi for Haiti� Lotus Evora sports car that Naomi arrived in was on display at Somerset House during the Fashion For Relief TM show. The exclusive styling reflects Naomi�s design direction and has been specially designed by Donato Coco, Lotus Director of Design. The bespoke "Naomi for Haiti" Evoras include a full range of options which combined with the custom design and special components make these cars an instant collectors item.

Naomi's Fashion For Relief TM event selected to support the White Ribbon Alliance as it campaigns for the health needs and rights of women and girls around the world, especially supporting its partners in Haiti at this time to rebuild the healthcare system for mothers and babies.
More Photos

Geneva Preview: 2011 Lotus Elise

The new Lotus Elise probably has the lowest CO2 for its performance for any gasoline high performance sportscar in the world

The Lotus Elise revolutionised the sportscar market 14 years ago when the small lightweight agile 2-seat mid engine sportscar was introduced. By ensuring that the Elise stuck rigidly to Lotus' core values of performance through light weight, the Elise was able to produce supercar performance with city car economy.

Making its debut at the 80th International Geneva Motorshow, the 2011 model year Lotus Elise introduces a number of changes and improvements to maintain its class leading position.

For the 2011 model year, the Elise range will consist of the following variants:

• Lotus Elise - 136 PS, less than 155 g of CO2 /km - new 1.6 litre engine *
• Lotus Elise R - 192 PS, 196 g of CO2 /km - 1.8 litre engine
• Lotus Elise SC - 220 PS, 199 g of CO2 /km - 1.8 litre supercharged engine

Key changes and improvements to the whole of the 2011 model year Elise range

• New evolution body design incorporating new front clamshell, rear bumper and engine cover
• New all in one integrated headlights including LED day light running lights and LED direction indicators
• Improved aerodynamics with a reduction in Cd by 4%, resulting in better fuel economy
• New cast and forged wheels
• Vehicle warranty increased from 2 years to 3 years and 36, 000 miles

Additional changes for the 2011 model year entry level Lotus Elise

• New high technology 1ZR-FAE 1.6 litre engine with Valvematic and Dual VVT-I technology to optimise the performance and efficiency of the engine
• Less than 155 g of CO2 per km (an improvement of over 13% compared to the 2010 Elise S)*
• Combined fuel consumption 6.14 litres / 100 km (46 mpg)*
• New 6 speed close ratio gearbox
• Cruise control available as part of the Touring pack

The body - an evolution

The new 2011 model year Elise range is on sale now and will be in showrooms from April 2010. The body of the new 2011 model year Elise is an evolution of the iconic Elise design, retaining the character and style, while offering a more planted, purposeful stance and a pure, contemporary look that links it to the Evora. As with all Lotus product the design is an exciting blend of dramatic style and functional efficiency

The new Elise body has a fresh sculptured front, including a new bumper, front clam and access panel that combine to give the Elise a wider look with more road presence.

At the rear of the car the new engine has been encased by a distinctive "twin-spine" engine cover whilst lower down a more aggressive diffuser is tightly wrapped by an elegant new bumper design that now includes the rear licence plate.

New headlamp units with distinctively sculptured LED lighting guides (incorporating daytime running lamps and direction indicators) give a contemporary twist to this classic design. Elsewhere, the signature, Lotus "mouth" and familiar sculptured forms have been sensitively refined to give a crisper, more dynamic look. The repositioning of lamp functions has enabled the creation of broad clean surface between the fenders which combines with sleek corner intakes and prominent splitter detail to give a broader more planted stance.

The theme of purity is carried through to the cooling apertures that are efficiently finished with a new lightweight aluminium mesh that gives the car a classically sporting character.

The rear boot is now opened from the cockpit rather than via a separate key operation. The high quality feel of the Elise is continued throughout the car with the Elise graphic incorporated into the new side LED direction indicators, like those on the Evora.

The driving position, from the perfectly positioned pedals and steering wheel, to the comfortable and supportive seats with ProBax** technology means that, like all Lotus cars, the driver becomes part of the car rather than being just a passenger.
With the sleek new body the aerodynamics have improved giving a reduction in the coefficient of drag of 4%.

Finally, a choice of two beautiful, light weight wheel designs are available; an incredibly light forged wheel and a new cast wheel completes the picture for this sensitive update of a Lotus Icon.


Additional changes to the 2011 model year Lotus Elise

The new 2011 model year Elise has a number of additional changes and improvements, with the installation of a new advanced 1.6 litre Valvematic engine meeting EURO 5 regulations. This new engine is 200cc smaller than the outgoing Elise S model and produces similar power (136 PS, 100 kW, 134 hp at 6800 rpm) with maximum torque of 160 Nm, 118 lbft at 4400 rpm, but offers a significant improvement to fuel economy of over 23%, to 6.14 litres / 100km (46 mpg)* and a reduction in CO2 emission by more than 13%*. This provides the new Lotus Elise with the lowest CO2 per performance for any gasoline high performance sportscar in the world. This high technology engine is mated to a new 6-speed manual gearbox, providing closer and more performance orientated ratios than the outgoing 5 speed box.

The 1.6 litre engine is controlled via the bespoke Lotus T6 engine management system. Cruise control is available on the Elise for the first time with the controls present on a stalk located to the left of the steering column.

New cast wheels have been designed specifically for the Elise and the new optional forged wheels weigh just 29.26 kg per set, 2.14 kg lighter than a set of lightweight cast versions. Both are available in silver or black colour.

Dany Bahar, Chief Executive of Group Lotus said, "The Lotus Elise revolutionised the sportscar when it was launched 14 years ago and now the Lotus Elise has become greener, giving drivers access to class leading performance with less guilt."

Donato Coco, Director of Design said, "The Elise is an iconic sportscar and it was important that we did not complicate its design, so we made the car more pure in its look, improved the aerodynamics, and gave it a more contemporary look with high quality detailing."

Paul Newsome, Director of Lotus Product Engineering said, "We are always looking at ways of keeping the Elise ahead of its peers and for the 2011 model year we have improved efficiency without losing the innate fun that has made the Elise legendary."

Andreas Prillmann, Chief Commercial Officer for Lotus Cars said, "In its 14 years of production the Elise has accounted for 32% of all the 61 years of Lotus production, illustrating how significant to the brand and well loved it is. The 2011 model year Elise is greener, purer and more desirable, making it even more relevant to today's marketplace. The new Elise underlines Lotus' reputation as one of the most innovative sports car manufacturers in the world."


Performance

Lotus Elise
0 - 60 mph 6.0 seconds*
0 - 100 km/h 6.7 seconds*
Maximum speed 200 km/h (124 mph)*

Lotus Elise R
0 - 60 mph 5.1 seconds
0 - 100 km/h 5.4 seconds
Maximum speed 222 km/h (138 mph)

Lotus Elise SC
0 - 60 mph 4.3 seconds
0 - 100 km/h 4.6 seconds
Maximum speed 233 km/h (145 mph)

The 2011 model year Elise in more detail.
The Elise - the entry model

Engine

The Lotus Elise introduces the new 1598 cm3, 1ZR-FAE engine, provided by Toyota. The key to this engine's performance and efficiency is the Valvematic system (a variable valve lift mechanism), which is combined with the dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent). The engine continuously controls intake valve opening/closing timing and the intake valve lift to vary the volume of the intake airflow, giving significant improvements in efficiency and fuel economy. This ensures optimal performance based on the engines operational condition, thus helping the Elise achieve both high fuel efficiency and high performance.
First of all, the maximum power output is achieved at near maximum revs (engine speed) of 6800 rpm and maximum torque (a respectable 160 Nm, 118 lb.ft) is reached at 4400 rpm. This gives a good combination of mid range pull but also encourages the driver to rev the engine to the maximum permitted engine speed of 7000 rpm (transient rev limit). Like all Elise sportscars, there are three shift up lights, on the binnacle cumulatively lighting when the driver is getting closer to the rev limiter and when all three are illuminated, they flash to indicate that the driver is almost on the rev limiter so time to change up a gear!
The height of the engine cover has been raised by 34mm to accommodate the taller 1ZR engine compared to the previous 1ZZ engine from the outgoing model due, in part, to the additional Valvematic technology included on the new engine. This has given Lotus engineers an opportunity to subtly redesign the rear engine cover to match the design theme from the front and rear of the car.


Chassis

The Lotus Elise is built around the revolutionary and award winning extruded and bonded aluminium chassis, with a lightweight steel rear subframe. The chassis weighs 68 kg (150 lbs) and has a stiffness of 9,800 Nm per degree, giving a high level of control of the suspension. At the rear, and also acting as a rear energy absorbing crash structure, a lightweight steel subframe carries the engine and gearbox. At the front, the radiator and key ancillaries are mounted into a high tech composite energy absorbing crash structure that is both lightweight, compact and over three times more energy absorbing than the equivalent steel structure.

Ride and handling

The legendary Lotus ride and handling gives a superb high performance, sporty drive, combined with a compliant ride and progressive on limit handling, it makes the Elise a car that demands to be driven. The entry level Lotus Elise weighs 876 kg, making it one of the lightest fully homologated sportscars in the world. This low weight translates into efficient performance with minimal environmental impact in terms of emissions and fuel consumption. The efficiency of the Elise structure means that the 136 PS (100 kW, 134 hp) delivers phenomenal performance. Few cars can match the delicacy and accuracy of the steering, throttle and brakes of the Elise and all of these factors contribute to the excellent driving experience of the Elise.


Safety

The Elise has high performance AP Racing callipers at the front and Brembo callipers at the rear linked to 282 mm vented and cross-drilled cast iron discs to give excellent stopping power. The Elise comes as standard with a track tuned ABS system that is designed to be unobtrusive under normal driving conditions. This system is designed to be used on track and has a high threshold, only intervening in emergencies. The ABS system is linked to a lightweight pedal box with steel pedal arms and extruded aluminium pads. This unit also has an electronic (drive-by-wire) throttle for quick, smooth and more linear engine response. The impressive braking coupled with excellent handling gives good primary safety and the composite front crash structure and rear crash protection offers efficient secondary safety. Driver and passenger airbags and pre-tensioning seatbelt are standard on all Elise models.


Prices will be announced in March 2010.

*The Lotus Elise is currently undergoing EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval and official fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures, plus performance figures are not yet available. The official figures for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions and performance will be published on Group Lotus plc's web site as soon as they become available (www.grouplotus.com) or may be obtained from the PR Department, Lotus Cars Limited, Potash Lane, Hethel, Norfolk, NR14 8EZ, UK.

**"ProBaxTM" seats
Introduced for 2006 Model Year Lotus Exige and Elise cars, ProBaxTM seats are designed by Lotus and specifically adapted and developed by NuBax. ProBaxTM seats help to significantly improve the postural position of the occupant's spine whilst seated compared to similar seat shells without ProBax technology. This not only results in an improved level of comfort, but also has significant medical benefits - maintaining a natural curvature of the spine, and markedly improving the body's blood flow. Increased blood flow has been shown to enhance response times, raise alertness levels and reduce the onset of muscle fatigue. Tests on Lotus seats, with the new ProBaxTM technology, have shown an improvement in blood flow of up to thirty per cent over the pre-2006 Model Year Lotus seat.
More Photos

Supermodel Naomi Campbell and sports car manufacturer Lotus Cars join forces for Haiti

In response to the horrific natural disaster that has crippled the nation of Haiti, Naomi Campbell together with Lotus Cars will be auctioning eight special edition "Naomi for Haiti" Lotus Evora sports cars, with the proceeds from the auction going to help the relief effort in Haiti.
The Lotus Evora is a very desirable, multi-award winning, high performance, mid-engined sports car that presents a fantastic piece of design to bid on. The �Naomi for Haiti� Evora sports car has been specially designed by Lotus Design Director Donato Coco and reflects Naomi�s design direction. The bespoke styling combines the flag of Haiti with a dramatic colour scheme and the cars include a full range of options, meaning these cars will all become desirable collectors items.


The �Naomi for Haiti� Evoras will be auctioned at Naomi Campbell's Fashion for Relief TM charity fashion show on the 18th of February at the London Fashion Week venue at Somerset House. The remaining �Naomi for Haiti� Evoras will be entered into an auction run on the �Naomi for Haiti� website www.naomiforhaiti.com and bidding will commence at 0800 GMT on the 19th of February and will end at 1200 noon GMT on 28th of February 2010.
The grand total raised for the charity and the highest bidders will be announced by Naomi Campbell at the Geneva Motorshow on the 2nd of March. There will also be a link to the �Naomi for Haiti� website from the Lotus Cars website http://www.grouplotus.com/cars/home.html.
The Fashion For Relief TM event has selected to support the White Ribbon Alliance as it campaigns for the health needs and rights of women and girls around the world, especially supporting its partners in Haiti at this time to rebuild the healthcare system for mothers and babies.


Naomi Campbell says, "I am deeply saddened by the recent tragedy in Haiti. So many have been killed and severely affected by the earthquake - women and children in particular are most vulnerable in disasters. Fashion is universal, personal and touches everyone. I am delighted that Lotus Cars is supporting my Fashion for Relief TM charity and I am sure with such generous help we will raise crucial funds to help save the lives of women and children."
Dany Bahar, CEO of Group Lotus Plc, stated, "It is a very admirable cause and we are proud to be supporting Naomi Campbell with her Fashion For Relief TM event in aid of the women and children affected by the terrible disaster in Haiti. The whole of Lotus is supporting this very deserving charity, with many working in their own time in order to raise money for the women and children affected by the earthquake in Haiti."
The Red Cross has said that the earthquake in Haiti has affected approximately 3 million people and it is reported that upwards of 200,000 people have died in the disaster. The magnitude of the earthquake combined with the local geography and house building techniques has exacerbated the destruction.


Ends Notes
Fashion For Relief TM Set up four years ago to demonstrate the kind of contributions the fashion community can make, the first Fashion For Relief TM show was held in 2005 in New York City during their fashion week, and raised more than $1 million dollars for the Hurricane Katrina relief. In 2007 the event, held in London, raised an amazing GBP 1million for the Rotary Flood & Disaster Appeal.
In 2008, Naomi teamed up with Sarah Brown for the first time to host an unforgettable Fashion For Relief TM raising thousands for The White Ribbon Alliance and raising awareness of the charity. Last year Fashion For Relief TM travelled to Mumbai, India and Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
Past participants and supporters include: Beyonce, Boy George, Cheryl Cole, Cilla Black, Christian Slater, Claudia Schiffer, Erin O'Connor, Faye Dunaway, Iman, Jamelia, Jessica Stam, Kate Moss, Yasmin Le Bon, Ronan Keating, Kelly Osbourne, Lily Cole, P. Diddy, Princess Beatrice, Rio Ferdinand, The Duchess of York, Joaquin Cortes, Tyson Beckford and many more.
Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere - where 37,000 pregnant women now face birth in dangerous, unsanitary conditions - White Ribbon Alliance's partner organisation International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is currently struggling to meet the overwhelming need for basic healthcare services. IPPF�s clinics, which are based in the communities most affected by the earthquake, have been severely damaged. Despite this, they are operating a number of health clinics from tents, with additional mobile bus clinics from the Dominican Republic into Haiti. Such is the huge need that they are desperately short of staff, medical supplies and diesel fuel. In crisis situations, women and children�s health needs and physical safety are at much greater risk; we need your help to address the short term needs and the long term consequences.
About Lotus
The main operating subsidiary of Group Lotus plc is Lotus Cars Ltd, which has two operating divisions - Lotus Engineering and Lotus Cars. Lotus Engineering is an internationally recognised automotive engineering consultancy based in Norfolk, UK. Global facilities include those in Michigan (USA), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), China and offices in Germany and Japan, with rapid expansion in new territories such as South East Asia.
Lotus Engineering provides comprehensive and versatile consultancy services to many of the world's OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, offering a full engineering service from initial concept and project design through development and integration of the complete vehicle to meet all worldwide markets and customers to full production. This includes third party 'niche vehicle' engineering and manufacture worldwide.
Lotus Cars builds world class, prestige, high performance sports cars for sale in 37 countries. These include the iconic Lotus Elise, the Exige, the 2-Eleven and Lotus� latest model, the Lotus Evora. Lotus is a global high-tech company, expanding rapidly and committed to driving forward technology for both Lotus Cars and its Engineering clients, spearheading research into such areas as hybrids, electric vehicles and renewable fuels.
For more information about Lotus please contact:
PR Department; Group Lotus plc,
Potash Lane, Hethel, Norfolk, UK, NR14 8EZ
Tel: +44(0)1953 608264;
Email: pr@lotuscars.co.uk
Gallery>>