Lotus Blog
Video: C/D takes the Lotus Evora Hybrid for a virtual spinFiled under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Technology, Videos, Lotus 
The manufactured sounds of the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid - Click above to watch video after the jump
Two years ago, we wrote about Lotus' Safe and Sound hybrid technology which added a V8 soundtrack over the quietude of a hybrid's electric motor. That demonstrator was a Toyota Prius, but at the Geneva Motor Show Lotus had an Evora 414E Hybrid equipped with several versions of aural enjoyment: a V6, a V12 and a non-ICE audio stab at what an electric car could maybe possibly sound like. Think Buck Rogers. Car and Driver magazine's technical editor Michael Austin sat with a Lotus engineer and tried it out. Follow the jump for the first strains of the future.
[Source: Car and Driver]Continue reading Video: C/D takes the Lotus Evora Hybrid for a virtual spin Video: C/D takes the Lotus Evora Hybrid for a virtual spin originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsLotus and Cosworth team up for high performance enginesFiled under: Performance, Lotus, Racing 
Jarno Trulli shakes down the Lotus Evora Cup racer - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ham and eggs. macaroni and cheese, chocolate and bacon (a new personal favorite!). Some things just naturally go together. Such is the case for Lotus and Cosworth. In 1967 when Keith Duckworth, Mike Costin and Ford got together to create the DFV Formula One engine, Lotus was the first team to install it in a car. Ultimately, the DFV won 12 world drivers championships and 10 F1 constructors titles.
Lotus and Cosworth are now back together again working on high-performance engines. The current-generation Lotus Elise, Exige and Evora are all powered by Toyota-derived engines, and now Cosworth will be uprating these engines for new Lotus road and race machines, starting with the new Evora Cup car. The GT4-class Evora is propelled by a 400-horsepower 4.0-liter version of Toyota's V6 engine with dry-sump lubrication all supplied by the engine specialists. We can't wait to see what Cosworth cooks up for the new Esprit... if and when it ever arrives.
[Source: Lotus]Continue reading Lotus and Cosworth team up for high performance engines Lotus and Cosworth team up for high performance engines originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva 2010: Proton Emas gets by with a little help from its friendsFiled under: Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Lotus, MISC
ItalDesign-Giugiargo Proton Emas - Click above for high-res image gallery
If Proton is going to make it on the global scene amidst the big players, it's going to need some help. Fortunately for the Malaysian state-owned automaker, help isn't far behind.
With the world's major carmakers bringing more and more of their design and manufacturing work in-house, firms like ItalDesign Giugiaro have been left scrounging for new clients. Proton is one such, and this is what they came up with: the Emas city car concept.
A sharp design - rendered in five-door, three-door and outback-style Country forms - will get Proton only so far. For the mechanical side of things, they had but to turn to their (relatively) recent acquisition, Lotus. The British engineering firm developed the Lotus Range Extender hybrid powertrain propelling the Emas - to say nothing of the new Evora 414E hybrid - and by all indications had a hand in the chassis development as well, a traditional core competence for the makers of the Elise and Exige.
Will the spritely Proton make it to production? There's no official confirmation yet, but you don't bring in ringers - some of the best in the field at that - unless you're planning on making a run for the pennant. While the regular season is in progress, why not have a look at our live shots in the gallery below.
Photos by Noah Joseph / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Geneva 2010: Proton Emas gets by with a little help from its friends Geneva 2010: Proton Emas gets by with a little help from its friends originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva 2010: Lotus Evora Carbon ConceptFiled under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Lotus, Luxury 
Lotus Evora Carbon Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
It took us two trips to notice, but the Evora 414E Hybrid wasn't the only concept sharing the Lotus stand at the Geneva Motor Show. Taking its lightweight ethos to the next logical extreme, Lotus unveiled the rather unassuming Evora Carbon concept here in Switzerland, and as it's name would imply, the exotic weave is the primary change to the new 2+2.
The body panels, roof, diffuser and front splitter have all been replaced with carbon fiber components pulled from the FIA GT4-series coupe, and the interior has been swathed in Alcantara and more of the sexy composite. Lotus remains mum on exactly how many pounds have been shed thanks to the carbon fiber diet, but knowing the marque's penchant for limited edition models, we wouldn't be surprised to see a production model inspired by the concept within the next year.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Geneva 2010: Lotus Evora Carbon Concept Geneva 2010: Lotus Evora Carbon Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva 2010: Evorified 2011 Lotus Elise shows its new noseFiled under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Lotus 
2011 Lotus Elise - Click above for a high-res image gallery
It's been a long time coming, but the Lotus Elise has finally gone under the knife and gotten a new nose inspired by its 2+2 sibling. Available in both standard (189 horsepower) and SC (218 hp) guise, the 2011 Elise also benefits from a new engine cover, improved aerodynamics and LED daytime running lights and indicators.
It's not a huge makeover, but depending on who's looking, it's a subtle improvement over its predecessor, lending a bit more familial cohesion to Lotus' entry level model - something that's going to be more important when the next-generation Esprit finally hits the roads in two years time. Sales of the facelifted Elise are set to begin later this summer and you can get all the details about the updates in the press release below the fold.
Continue reading Geneva 2010: Evorified 2011 Lotus Elise shows its new nose Geneva 2010: Evorified 2011 Lotus Elise shows its new nose originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva 2010: Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid Concept mixes old and newFiled under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Lotus, Electric
Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
We got sneak peek of the first ever Lotus Hybrid a couple of days ago, and now we've seen the Evora 414E Hybrid in the metallic flesh. Just a slight refresher on the technology, the 414E makes 408 horsepower and a skull-popping 590 pound-feet of torque via electricity.
That's right, this is not your Prius-style hybrid. Like Chevy's Volt, the Evora 414E is an extended-range electric vehicle. Meaning that it runs on batteries (for up to 35 miles) before a 47-hp three-cylinder engine kicks on to provide power. Also, instead of one electric motor, the 414E has two. One for each rear wheel. And since most of the time the car will be running off lithium-ion batteries, Lotus is employing HALOsonic Internal and External Electronic Sound Synthesis systems to make the 414E sound like a "real" car.
On the outside, the 414E looks like your "standard" Evora, except that this here show car is covered in faux-electric circuitry. Plus it's painted in a gorgeous shade of matte copper. The real story though, is inside. Talk about Black and Gold! Even if the Evora 414E Hybrid never makes it to production (we hearing it will in two to three years) we hope they offer those seats as an option. Yes, we're odd people. Deal with it.
Geneva 2010: Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid Concept mixes old and new originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva Preview: Lotus formally introduces Evora 414E HybridFiled under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Lotus, Electric 
Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid teaser - Click above to enlarge
Lotus has just formally introduced a new 400-plus horsepower sportscar concept. That news in and of itself would be enough to pique our interest, but the rest of the car's spec sheet makes the Evora 414E Hybrid an astonishingly intriguing concept vehicle. As you surely surmised by now, this two-seat sportster is a hybrid, specifically an extended-range electric vehicle that features a pair of rear-mounted electric motors and a 1.2-liter three-cylinder gas-powered engine. Why not fully electric? According to Lotus:
With regard to the total lifetime CO2 emissions of the vehicle, including the energy required to manufacture and run it, the range extender solution has a lower overall CO2 footprint than a fully electric car of comparable performance and operating range running with a larger battery.
That 47-horsepower gasoline engine never actually sends power directly to the Evora 414E Hybrid's wheels. Instead - as with other cars such as the 2011 Chevrolet Volt and the Fisker Karma - the mill is used to recharge the onboard 17 kilowatt-hour lithium polymer battery pack, which is centrally mounted down the middle of the car for optimal weight distribution. That battery pack can provide up to 35 miles of gasoline-free driving per full charge.
Because each rear wheel has a separate connection to its own electric motor, Lotus has programmed in torque vectoring for stability control of the vehicle. This means that a complex set of software algorithms can provide the same kind of benefits as rear-wheel steering and exaggerated toe-in without the expense or efficiency losses of a mechanical system. Each rear wheel puts down 204 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
Further, though the actual transmission has only one forward ratio, Lotus has programmed in seven artificial "gears" that the driver can row through via a set of column-mounted paddle shifters. Also included is the HALOsonic Internal and External Electronic Sound Synthesis technologies from Lotus and Harman International that pipes artificial sound to both the cabin and outside to pedestrians. Want more? There's plenty to be gleaned in the exhaustive press release that you'll find after the break. Sadly, just one lone copper-topped teaser image, which you can enlarge by clicking above.
[Source: Lotus]Continue reading Geneva Preview: Lotus formally introduces Evora 414E Hybrid Geneva Preview: Lotus formally introduces Evora 414E Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsAutoblog Podcast #167 - Excitement builds for GenevaFiled under: Podcasts, Geneva Motor Show, Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Kia, Lotus, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Citroën 
Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
Episode #167 of the Autoblog Podcast is a fine quartet of Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Paukert and Dan Roth. We breeze through the Autoblog Garage, filled with a snow-tired Camaro, a pair of Audi cabrios and a Kia Forte Koup, before hitting the news.
Audi's updated RS5, with a clear-voiced 4.2-liter V8 is up first, followed by the want-it-now BMW 5 Series Touring. We're not done with Europe yet, kicking around the Mercedes-Benz F800 and Citroën DS3 Racing before heading across La Manche to check out the Lotus Proton PHEV and then discuss Kia's Magentis renderings. Wrapping it up, we surmise what Chrysler's purported refreshes might turn out to be and talk about the overwhelming crush of Toyota recall and Congressional hearing news before taking some questions and calling it a night.
Direct fanmail to Podcast at Autoblog dot com, review the show in iTunes, fill out our survey or even leave us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Until next week, hit up Joystiq and Engadget when podcast loneliness sets in. Thanks for listening!Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #167 - Excitement builds for Geneva Autoblog Podcast #167 - Excitement builds for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments"Naomi for Haiti" edition Lotus Evoras fetching half a million at auctionFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Lotus, UK, Celebrities
Lotus Evora "Naomi for Haiti" edition - Click above for high-res image gallery
You can mentioned Lotus in the same breath as Ferrari and Porsche, but in terms of price at least, the British sportscar-maker plays in a different league from its Italian and German counterparts. Although exotic in profile, Lotus doesn't churn out the half-million-dollar super-rare flagship hypercars its contemporaries are known for. But for every rule, there's an exception.
Last week we reported on the creation, in conjunction with supermodel Naomi Campbell, of eight special-edition Lotus Evoras to raise money for disaster relief in Haiti. Now the first examples have gone to auction, held during London Fashion Week, and are already fetching nearly $500,000 apiece.
At GBP 320,000 ($493k), the first example went to Campbell's Russian oligarch boyfriend Vladimir Doronin, who was hellbent on securing the #1/8. The second example also sold for over 300k pounds sterling, and the third at an undisclosed price somewhere below the mark. Five examples remain, and are up for auction now at naomiforhaiti.com until February 28. Details in the press release after the jump.
[Source: Lotus]Continue reading "Naomi for Haiti" edition Lotus Evoras fetching half a million at auction "Naomi for Haiti" edition Lotus Evoras fetching half a million at auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva Preview: Lotus provides a peek at Proton city car concept's plug-in hybrid platformFiled under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Lotus, Electric 
Lotus Proton Concept - Click above for high-res image
Lotus has provided a sneak peak at the underpinnings of its Proton concept ahead of the city car's world debut at next week's Geneva Motor Show, and while it isn't much to go on, it's a keen glimpse into the automaker's future plans.
According to Lotus, the concept, penned by Italdesign, will be the first use of Lotus' Range Extender engine, a series hybrid equipped with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder that sends electrical power to the drive motors and on to a single speed transmission. The city car can be plugged in to any AC main, allowing the driver to run off electricity alone for an unspecified range.
The Lotus Range Extender was originally unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year and if Lotus continues at this clip, we could see the city car on sale within the next three years. Full details in the press release after the jump.Continue reading Geneva Preview: Lotus provides a peek at Proton city car concept's plug-in hybrid platform Geneva Preview: Lotus provides a peek at Proton city car concept's plug-in hybrid platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva Preview: 2011 Lotus Elise gets Evora-esque faceliftFiled under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Lotus, UK 
2011 Lotus Elise - Click above for high-res image gallery
For the first time in over seven years, the venerable Lotus Elise benefits from a substantial facelift. And if you're noticing a few cues cribbed from the Evora, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you.
However, the new front fascia isn't just there to lend some familial ties to its 2+2 sibling - since this is Lotus, it's all about efficiency. Thanks to the smoother, lower nose, restyled headlamps (now with daytime running lights), larger grille and side ducting, new engine cover and reworked rump, the 2011 Elise's coefficient of drag has been reduced by four percent.
The 1.8-liter remains amidships, putting out 192 hp in naturally aspirated guise and 217 hp when equipped with a supercharger, and for the first time Lotus will be offering a new Toyota-sourced 1.6-liter engine - which will not be available in North America - with 134 hp (at 6,800 rpm) and 118 pound-feet of torque (at 4,400 rpm), which should result in a 0-60 time of around six seconds. A six-speed manual remains standard on all models, and two new lightweight forged wheels are available as an option, along with cruise control.
Expect the 2011 Lotus Elise to arrive in dealers across the pond this April , with sales in the U.S. beginning later this year.
UPDATE: We've received word that the 1.6-liter will not be available in the U.S. or Canada. Both the UK-spec and U.S.-spec press release after available after the jump.
Continue reading Geneva Preview: 2011 Lotus Elise gets Evora-esque facelift Geneva Preview: 2011 Lotus Elise gets Evora-esque facelift originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsF1 driver Jarno Trulli takes the wheel of Lotus Evora Cup carFiled under: Motorsports, Lotus, Racing
Jarno Trulli shakes down the Lotus Evora Cup racer - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's not at all unusual for Formula One drivers on teams that have connections to consumer automakers to spend some of their off time developing road cars for those companies. Countless Ferrari street offerings have been tweaked by Michael Schumacher. Last week, as Jarno Trulli was waiting for his first crack at the Lotus T127 F1 car, he spent some time shaking down the new Evora Cup racer at the Snetterton circuit in the UK.
Trulli and race engineer Gianluca Pisanello spent two days working on suspension, aerodynamic and engine calibrations. The Evora will be used in a new single make series along the lines of the long-running Porsche Cup. The car is also eligible for GT4 class racing against the likes of the Audi R8 LMS and Porsche 911s. The 4.0-liter Toyota based V6 has been bumped up to 400 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque and given a dry-sump lubrication system, and its light weight will be a necessary ally in the battle with more powerful cars. While you wait for the series to get cranking, you can slake your curiosity on our high-res gallery below and the press release after the jump.
[Source: Lotus]Continue reading F1 driver Jarno Trulli takes the wheel of Lotus Evora Cup car F1 driver Jarno Trulli takes the wheel of Lotus Evora Cup car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: Lotus returns to Formula One with the launch of the T127Filed under: Motorsports, Lotus, Racing 
2010 Lotus T127 - Click above for high-res image gallery. Follow the jump to watch video.
After 15 years, one of the most successful names in Formula One returns to the grid with the launch of the Lotus T127. Note that we said "name," not necessarily "team," since Lotus F1 Racing is not officially affiliated with Group Lotus, the carmaker and engineering firm. There is a somewhat tenuous relationship, since the team that began as Litespeed is largely backed by the Malaysian government, and Malaysian automaker Proton owns Lotus. The team actually acquired the rights to the Lotus name for F1 racing purposes from David Hunt, brother of the late world champion, James Hunt.
While the team is new, it's staffed by F1 vets, including technical director Mike Gascoyne and drivers Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen. Lotus F1 Racing also operates out of the Racing Technology Norfolk (RTN) facility where the 2003 Le Mans-winning Bentley Speed 8 was developed and built.
There's an upside to the relative lack of major sponsors for the reborn Lotus racing team: the car is liveried in the traditional green and yellow colors used up until the late 1960s. Just as those late-'60s Lotus Type 49s introduced the Cosworth DFV to F1, the T127 will be one of several cars using the latest Cosworth V8 this year. Hopefully, things work out better than the last time we saw Lotus on the track. Fans can follow the team at its new website, http://www.lotusracing.my. There's a video of the T127's first shakedown run at Silverstone after the jump.
[Source: Lotus F1 Racing]Continue reading Video: Lotus returns to Formula One with the launch of the T127 Video: Lotus returns to Formula One with the launch of the T127 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsLotus vehicle engineering director Roger Becker retires after 44 yearsFiled under: Performance, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Lotus  If you have ever ridden in or driven any Lotus product produced in the last four decades, you have experienced the handiwork of Roger Becker. Becker has been the director of vehicle engineering at Lotus for more than two decades and has one of the most finely calibrated backsides in the business. However, after 44 years at Lotus, the time has come for Becker to slip off into retirement.
Becker started his career on the Elan assembly line, but Lotus founder Colin Chapman quickly moved him over to the engineering ranks. While relatively few of us have ever driven a Lotus, the chances are pretty good that you have actually been in a car that has had Becker's influence. Through the engineering consultancy branch of Group Lotus, Becker and his team have tweaked countless cars from other brands that never carried the Lotus badge.
Last year, Lotus introduced what may well turn out to be one of the best cars of Becker's career, the new Evora. Becker led the team that brought the Evora from discussion to production in just two-and-a-half years.
This author was fortunate to meet and work with Roger Becker on one of the very first projects of my engineering career, and he helped me to learn that understanding subtle nuances can be as important as raw numbers in many cases. No doubt he influenced countless others in the same way, and the automotive world is a better place for it.
[Source: Lotus]Continue reading Lotus vehicle engineering director Roger Becker retires after 44 years Lotus vehicle engineering director Roger Becker retires after 44 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsLotus gets animated with its Omnivore engine technologyFiled under: Technology, Lotus, Diesel 
Omnivore [(om-nuh-vawr)]: An animal whose normal diet includes both plants and animals. Human beings and bears, for instance, are omnivores.
So says Dictionary.com, at least. Ask the engineering boffins from Lotus, though, and they'll tell you than an Omnivore is an engine that can operate on just about any combination of gasoline or alcohol at equally optimum efficiency and power. An impressive feat, to say the least. But how does it all work?
As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. So far, we've used nearly a hundred of 'em and we haven't even touched the surface on how Lotus' Omnivore engine works. That said, we highly suggest you take a gander at the firm's very own Flash animation of the process, which allows you to make all sorts of cool adjustments to see how it impacts the operation of the powerplant. Cool stuff. Thanks for the tip, Chris!
[Source: Group Lotus]Lotus gets animated with its Omnivore engine technology originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsLotus announces Dr Robert Hentschel and Paul Newsome as engineering directorsFiled under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Lotus 
Robert Hentschel (L) and Paul Newsome (R)
While most people know Lotus for its sportscars, engineering has always been at the heart of the business. The car production side has rarely if ever made much money, and Lotus Engineering has been the cash cow that keeps the lights on. Lotus Engineering recently picked up three new contracts from Chinese automakers, and to help keep on top of the new business, Dr Robert Hentschel is joining up as the new director of the engineering consultancy. Hentschel previously held top posts at German engineering firm EDAG.
Now that the Evora has been introduced, Lotus is preparing to update and expand the rest of its production car lineup starting with an all-new Esprit in a couple of years. Paul Newsome will be heading up product engineering for Lotus Cars. In addition to the Esprit, Lotus is bringing forth an Evora convertible and eventually updated versions of the Elise and Exige.
[Source: Lotus] Continue reading Lotus announces Dr Robert Hentschel and Paul Newsome as engineering directors Lotus announces Dr Robert Hentschel and Paul Newsome as engineering directors originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsLotus announces Evora race car, one-make seriesFiled under: Motorsports, Performance, Lotus, Racing 
Lotus Evora Cup race car - Click above for high-res image
Now that Lotus is turning out production examples of the Evora on a steady basis, the crew on the motorsports side has turned its attention to creating a new competition car. Built to FIA GT4 specs and eligible to run in several different GT series, the Evora Cup car debuts this weekend at the Autosport International Show in Birmingham, England.
To get the car ready for the track, the Toyota V6 has been punched out to a full 4.0 liters and fitted with a dry sump oiling system. In race trim the engine is rated at 395 horsepower, with power is routed through a six-speed Cima sequential race gearbox. Upgraded six-pot calipers help the binders hold up to track use and adjustable dampers allow the handling to be adapted to the prevailing conditions and the driver's style. At about 2,600 pounds, Lotus has shaved 440 pounds off the road car.
In addition to competing against other makes, Lotus is also launching a single make Evora Cup series with events around Europe. A €100,000 prize fund will be offered for the series this year. The Evora Cup car will run £120,000 plus taxes. Make the jump for all the details.
[Source: Lotus]Continue reading Lotus announces Evora race car, one-make series Lotus announces Evora race car, one-make series originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Lotus files patent application for new dual-clutch transmissionFiled under: Performance, Technology, Lotus 
"Simplify, then add lightness." Those are the famous words spoken by Sir Colin Chapman, the father of Lotus and one of the automotive world's great geniuses. Speaking of genius, the dual-clutch transmission (at a sane price point) is a major step forward. It combines the automaticness of an automatic with the manualness of a manual and the speed of a bullet. The trouble is, dual-clutches are complex and heavy. But what if the company Colin built had their way? What if you could simplify a dual-clutch, and make it lighter?
"What if" indeed. Lotus has reportedly filed a patent application for some sort of dual-clutch. We say "some sort" because not only are we not patent attorneys, the "oily bits" in a dual-clutch are a little bit Greek to us. Besides, patent apps are meant to be a bit vague - they don't want to give too much away. Anyhow, long story short - do we want a track-burning Exige that can swap gears in mere milliseconds? Yes, we most certainly do. Text of the application after the jump.
[Source: Jalopnik]Continue reading Report: Lotus files patent application for new dual-clutch transmission Report: Lotus files patent application for new dual-clutch transmission originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsLotus celebrates return to F1 with Exige S Type 72Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Lotus 
Lotus Exige S Type 72 - Click above for high-res image gallery
After a 15-year hiatus, Lotus is coming back to Formula One, and to commemorate its return to the top tier of motorsport, the Hethel crew is creating yet another special Exige inspired by the Type 72 that dominated F1 in the Seventies.
Like nearly every other limited edition Lotus released in the last few years, the Exige S Type 72 is little more than a repainted, kitted-up version of its midship masterpiece. The supercharged, 1.8-liter inline four remains unchanged, putting out 220 horsepower and allowing the two-tone coupe to sprint to 60 in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 145 mph.
A set of carbon fiber ProBax sport seats swathed in black microfiber with contrast stitching ties in with the exterior's gold wheels and emblems, while standard twin oil coolers and an adjustable front anti-roll bar round out the mechanical upgrades.
Lotus has slated 20 Type 72s for sale in the UK, with another 20 destined for markets outside of the mainland (no word on U.S. distribution), each carrying a price tag of £35,995 or 40,332 euro. Not cheap, but then again, how do you put a price on nostalgia?
Continue reading Lotus celebrates return to F1 with Exige S Type 72 Lotus celebrates return to F1 with Exige S Type 72 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsLotus appoints Ferrari designer Donato Coco as new design directorFiled under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Lotus, Design/Style  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
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