2009 Sector111 Lotus Exige

(from Sector111 Press Release) 2009 Sector111 Exige takes Colin Chapman’s design philosophy of “Performance through lightweight” to the next level. Sector111 has turned its 2006 Lotus Exige into a hardcore, track-ready supercar capable of world-class performance. This car, which was featured on SPEED channel’s Supercars Exposed, employs many parts seen on some of the world’s best race cars as well as some of Sector111’s own “tasty bits.” Every part on the Sector111 Exige is focused and purpose built to the highest standards.

Engine
The Sector111 Exige started life with a normally aspirated 1.8 liter Toyota 2ZZ inline-4 engine producing 189 hp. The addition of Sector111’s Katana roots hybrid type supercharger increased the high-revving engine’s power to 240+ hp. Improving engine flow is a Larini Sport 8 inch exhaust system. This hand-crafted, lightweight system saves almost 10 pounds over the stock exhaust while giving the car a great sophisticated, tuned sound.

Safety Features
Occupant safety is a major highlight of the Sector111 Lotus Exige. A ReVerie XC carbon fiber seat and Schroth Profi II 6-point racing harness keep occupants firmly and safely in place with the help of Sector111’s sys.6.pack (a 6-point-harness ready device that also reinforces both seats).

Aerodynamics
The Sector111 Lotus Exige has a comprehensive aerodynamic package that keeps the lightened supercar planted on the road or track. A ReVerie carbon fiber front splitter, carbon fiber undertray and 5-element carbon fiber rear diffuser make the Sector111 Exige a truly flat-bottom car. The aero kit also includes ReVerie carbon fiber side skirts and carbon fiber arch louvers. A ReVerie 1650mm rear wing spans the entire width of the car and keeps the rear wheels glued to the ground.

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Lotus Evora SC

As expected, new reports indicate more variations of the recently unveiled Lotus Evora are on their way - including a flagship supercharged model. The Toyota-sourced V6 engine has apparently responded well to forced induction, developing 261kW and 393Nm in early testing without any other modifications.

Development time for the supercharged model should be swift, with Lotus having already engineered the braking and cooling performance needed for the addition horsepower into the standard Evora. Anticipating the need for a blown Evora in future, Lotus also designed the engine bay to accommodate a supercharger between the cylinder banks so as not to obstruct rearward visibility - unlike the current Elise SC.

Despite these preparations, an ‘Evora SC’ is still a long way off, likely to arrive by around 2011 with Lotus instead focussing on two other, more promising variants with mainstream appeal.

The first may spark outrage, with Lotus developing a torque-converter automatic version of the Evora specifically for the U.S. market which is due to arrive next year. This will be closely followed by a Roadster version which is due in late 2010, with Lotus keen on developing an electric roof mechanism to maintain the current mainstream packaging of the car.

© Source: caradvice
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2009 Project Kahn Lotus Elise

(from Project Kahn Press Release) Project Kahn Lotus Elise

The Lotus Elise is the ultimate British race car for the road. Now Project Kahn has developed a complete conversion to enhance the vehicle.

The most prominent element within the Project Kahn Elise package is the full aerodynamic body styling system. This completely transforms the car providing a complete and encapsulating look. the styling system comprises of front spoiler, ventilated front wings, larger side air intakes ducts, side sills and a rear boot spoiler.

The Project Kahn Elise also sports a complete interior upgrade, featuring quilted nappa leather, available in a variety of colours and combinations. All seats, door panels, steering wheel and centre console are re-upholstered to add a tactile quality to the driving experience. various fabrics are also available including alcantara, suede, perforated leather, grained leather, smooth leather and many more.

The performance is not ignored as the vehicles air flow system is enhanced with the addition of the Kahn sports exhaust system and the suspension is lowered with 28 stage dampeners for superior handling. The Kahn rear spoiler follows the exact dimensions of the car whilst adding down force for increased performance.

© Source: seriouswheels
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Lotus Europa

Imagine you had around £33,000 to spend and a penchant for sports coupes. Would you go for the Mercedes Benz CLK200, perhaps an Audi A5 2.0TFSI S-Line, or even a BMW 325i M-Sport? All are fast, comfortable and loaded with technology, which is no bad thing but here's one for the purists - the Lotus Europa SE. Priced at £323,995 plus all the bits and pieces, what it lacks in perceived social graces, it more than makes up for in fun, seat of the pants driving.

Lotus Europa is more suited to everyday use. But let's not get ahead of ourselves, and take a look at the shapely exterior. Although the styling is not quite as extreme as some of the others from the same stable, it bears all the right hallmarks to verify its ancestry.

The broad, concave bonnet flares out to form the wheelarches that house the new, Fondmetal, high-performance, 17 inch alloys at the front (18 inch at the rear). The valley between frames the road ahead in an almost sensuous way as you sit in the low seat and it bears a non-aggressive face.

By contrast, the rear end is somewhat truncated with the centrally-placed, twin tailpipes forming a focal point and grille strips contained within curved design-lines. These are below the chunky tail-light clusters positioned at the outermost edges of the broad shoulders. In between is a spoiler, which forms part of the boot lid.

Yes, the Lotus Europa has luggage space worthy of the term 'boot'. But only just, as the 113-litre capacity will hold little more than a small suitcase or a holdall. For smaller items, there are three pockets each bearing evocative buckle fasteners one of which carries the handbook because there is no room inside for it.

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2009 Lotus Exige Cup 260

(from Lotus Press Release) 2009 Lotus Exige Cup 260: Add Lightness to Increase Performance

Extensive use of carbon fibre and lightweight components for the latest homologated-for-the-road Lotus Exige Cup 260.

Lotus Cars Ltd, has unveiled the MY2009 Exige Cup 260. A direct development of the 2008 Exige Cup Car, this years' car uses advanced light weight components and carbon fibre body material, to reduce the overall weight by 38 kg to a total mass less than 900 kg. Maximum power output of 257 hp (260 PS), remains the same as the 2008 car, but with careful attention to weight reduction detail, the 2009 Model Year Exige Cup 260 provides a more agile and dynamic track focused drive and is more than capable of taming Europes most challenging race circuits.

Unusually for such a focused track and road machine, the 2009 Model Year Exige Cup 260 is fully homologated for road use in Europe and key markets in Asia - a must have for many race competition programmes where a road legal car has to be entered. The Lotus Exige Cup 260 is also eligible to compete in the newly announced 2009 Lotus Cup Europe race series organized and run by LoTRDC.

The Exige Cup 260 exploits the Lotus philosophy of using weight reduction to increase performance and reduce emissions.

Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive of Group Lotus commented, Lotus is now recognised globally as one of the leaders in the green automotive revolution. Colin Chapman, the founder of Lotus is attributed as saying Adding power makes you faster on the straights; adding lightness makes you faster everywhere and this statement is more relevant today than it ever has been, as decreasing weight increases the cars performance and most importantly efficiency.

© Source: seriouswheels
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Fiat Lotus Elise Dino

Fiat is planning a massive product offensive over the next three years and could re-launch the evocative Dino badge on a Lotus-derived sports car, CAR has learned. Not to be confused with the Dino of Ferrari fame, Fiat's version was all about affordable, stylish transport – and we could see the badge on a new Elise-based sports car due in three years' time.

Fiat has entered into an agreement with Lotus so that it can develop its own version of the British company’s next Elise roadster. Fiat is basically repeating what Vauxhall did with the VX220; piggybacking a highly successful sports car and developing a mildly different version.

Fiat's new Dino sports car is due in 2011
The new Fiat sports car will hit showrooms in 2011, CAR has discovered. It had been thought it would use the newly resurrected Abarth badge. However the Italian firm’s CEO Lorenzo Sistino told us: 'I think it would be great to go into the small two-seater roadster market again – and it would be brilliant if we could bring back the Dino badge, too.'

Fiat launched its first model with the Dino badge in 1966. Echoing modern platform sharing techniques, it was a convertible built around the same basic chassis as the firm’s 124 Spider.

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Lotus Carlton - fresh news

Lotus is planning a successor to its cult-classic Carlton special edition model, according to Mike Kimberley, Lotus Group CEO.

The original Lotus Carlton was a project commissioned by General Motors, who at the time owned both Lotus and Vauxhall.

Beginning with the standard Vauxhall Carlton, Lotus boosted its engine displacement from 3.0-litres to 3.6-litres, with twin Garret T25 turbochargers added for good measure.

The result was over 280kW and a zero to 100km/h time of just 5.2 seconds - over a second faster than its German rivals at the time.

To follow in the footsteps of the original, imagine a Lotus-tuned twin-turbo edition of the VE Commodore - its every Holden fans wet dream.

However other sources suggest the Vauxhall Insignia will become the platform for the new model - let’s hope they are wrong.

© Source: caradvice
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Lotus Eagle - world’s first photo

The first picture of the top secret Lotus Eagle has been revealed ahead of its British International Motor Show debut. Codenamed Lotus Project Eagle, it will be the company’s most powerful car since the Lotus Esprit and will boast a top speed of more than 150mph. The Lotus Eagle will be the most important new car for the British sports car builder since the Lotus Elise was unveiled in 1996, and should help bolster a significant sales boost.

Bigger than the Elise, the new sports car will be given its official name at its motor show launch party. It’s a two-plus-two seater, with two full-sized front seats and two small rear seats for short journeys, kids and baggage – similar to the layout in a Porsche 911.

And its engine is placed in the middle of the car, behind the rear seats, for optimum weight distribution and balance. It’s expected to be fitted with a 3.5-litre V6 engine sourced from Toyota but heavily modified by Lotus to give it racier attributes and more than 270bhp.

This should accelerate the lightweight Lotus from 0-60mph in less than five seconds and on to a top speed in excess of 160mph. Expected to cost between £40k and £50k, the Lotus Eagle will cost less than the £60k British-built Farbio GTS, which also features a 3.5-litre V6 engine, and roughly the same as the two-seat Porsche Cayman S.

As with the rest of the Lotus range, the Eagle will be built using special construction techniques and composite materials and to keep its weight low. It will be more comfortable and refined than the Lotus Elise, making it better suited to long distance driving.

Lotus has concentrated on making its interior more luxurious and it should feature less hardcore seats and more lavishly furnished cabin than the stripped-out Elise.

© Source: autotrader
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2008 Lotus Eco Elise

(from Lotus Press Release) Trackday Warrior Turns Eco Warrior

Lotus unveils the Eco Elise technology demonstrator at the British Motor Show, capitalising on great strides forward in green technology. The Eco Elise project promotes a different perspective on green, one which does not revolve solely around tailpipe CO2. This holistic approach is in keeping with the progressive Lotus culture, driving Lotus to become the worlds green automotive consultancy.

Sustainable materials, hemp, eco wool and sisal have been developed for body panels and trim and, combined with hi-tech water based paint solutions, showcase new affordable green technologies. The green credentials of the technology on show in the Eco Elise have been analysed throughout the lifecycle of the car. A green gear change display has been integrated into the dashboard to promote greener driving as well as a weight reduction programme, illustrating the holistic approach taken. The energy expended to manufacture the car has been evaluated, working to the 3Rs - Reduce, Re-use and Recycle.

Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc commented "This Eco Elise is a great example of the advanced and affordable green technologies Lotus is developing. We are at the cutting edge of environmental technology and are determined to push forward with our green agenda. The Lotus brand values of lightweight, fuel efficient, and high performance are more relevant today than they ever have been. We are keen to ensure that Lotus as a company and its products offer an ethical, green option that appeals to our customers".

In keeping with the performance through light weight philosophy, the Eco Elise weighs 32 kg (70.5 lbs) less than the standard Elise S, which means that the efficient Elise S engine in the Eco Elise will give higher fuel economy figures and even better performance. Dramatic improvements to the culture and operations at Lotus has rewarded the company with staggering reductions in energy (Electricity 14%, Gas 30%) and water (11%) consumed across the Hethel headquarters in 2007, compared to 2006. These advances have coincided with improvements in recycling, with 57% of waste product now being recycled.

The new green materials sourced for this car have been carefully studied to ensure that each technology used reduces the environmental impact of the vehicle. The life of the components has been analysed; during the production stage, in-use and at the end of the vehicles life. The technology used aims to offer lower emissions of both solvents and CO2 in the lifecycle of the vehicle, with reductions in energy consumed during manufacture. The Eco Elise will be displayed in the Greener Driving Pavilion at the British International Motor Show from 23rd July until 3rd August. The project displays affordable green technology that is intended to be feasible and production viable in the near term future.

© Source: seriouswheels
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2008 Supercharged Lotus Elise SC

Lotus has introduced the newest addition to its 2008 line-up, the 162kW Supercharged Elise SC. Identifiable by its new wheels and spoiler, the Elise SC sports an all-new supercharger setup on the current 1.8-litre 2-ZZ VVTL-i engine. Using a smaller Eaton rotor pack than that of the Exige S combined with the absence of an intercooler and associated pipework, the supercharged powerplant in the Elise SC is 8kg lighter than in the Exige S.

Weighing in at 870kg, the Elise SC is just 10kg or one percent heavier than the Elise S, but is 62 percent more powerful with 162kW and 212Nm at 5000rpm. Performance of the Elise SC is stunning: 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds, 0-160km/h in 10.7 seconds and a top speed of 241km/h.

It also stops as well as it goes, with a unique combination of AP Racing calipers up front and Brembo calipers down back linked to 282mm vented and cross-drilled discs. Despite its track-day heritage, it also features an advanced ABS system which is so unobtrusive, most drivers will not realise it’s working – unless it’s needed, and even then the system keeps a subtly low profile.

A new bespoke alloy wheel design also increases the width half an inch to 8-inches, offering superior grip from its Lotus specific Yokohama AD07 LTS 225/45 R17 tyres. With such a small and efficient engine, despite its super car performance the Elise SC returns estimated combined fuel economy of just 8.5litres/100km.

Due to increased customer demand, two new packages are now available across the Elise range to transform the car either into a comfortable cruiser or dedicated track-day weapon.

© Source: caradvice
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Lotus ‘Eagle’ Spied

Under the watchful eyes of Malaysian backers, Lotus has been undergoing a period of management stability allowing the company to reach its best. Recent rumours that the Malaysian-British joint-venture is gearing up to release another model seem to be true.

Snapped while undergoing handling testing in southern France, this picture show what we currently know as the Lotus “Eagle”.

Larger and more powerful than the Elise, the ‘Eagle’ will be powered by a mid-mounted 3.5-litre petrol engine borrowed from Toyota and driven via the rear wheels.

Little else is currently known about the engine, but we are keen to find out if it’s the same 200kW unit found in Toyota’s Aurion, RAV4 V6, Kluger, Tarago etc…

The mass-produced engine will ensure that the ‘Eagle’ will pass strict EU and US emission regulations.

The Lotus Eagle is rumoured to be heading for the British motor show in July this year.

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Lotus Carlton

The Carlton was a sports sedan in the AMG Hammer vein in that it allowed four adults and a trunk full of luggage to cruise in sumptuous comfort at 170 mph on the autobahn--a rarity when the Carlton debuted in 1990. Unlike the Hammer, which evolved from a blue-blooded Mercedes-Benz, the Carlton started as a lowly General Motors family sedan--namely, the Vauxhall Carlton.

Despite the humble GM origins, anybody assuming the Carlton was a lightly-massaged civilian like the "Handling by Lotus" Isuzus would be tragically mistaken. the Carlton was and is a true world-class sports sedan. Smooth, muscular, and understated, the Lotus looked the part of a deadly serious super sedan. Under the skin, though, things got even more lethal.

Besides the inevitable handling tweaks, Lotus married the Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1's six-speed manual transmission with a twin-turbocharged 24-valve DOHC inline six pumping out 377 horsepower and 419 pound-feed of torque. That's stunning output today, and 18 years ago that was more than all but the top supercars could produce. The result was a comfortable sedan that still ranks as one of the fastest Loti ever made.

The Carlton could accelerate from 0-60 in 5 seconds flat and top out at 176 mph. It could accelerate to 60 and brake to a stop again in only 8.5 seconds--faster than most cars at the time could even finish their acceleration.

Just for perspective, take a moment and ponder the 2008 Audi S4 and 2008 BMW M3. They're fantastic cars, super sedans in every sense of the word, blending jaw-dropping power with a sophisticated chassis and no compromises and usability. But consider this--the 1990 Carlton could run stride for stride with both cars, just as it did with the Ferrari Testarossa, Lamborghini Countach, and Porsche 911 Turbo back in its day. Among its sports sedan peers, the Carlton's performance was unparalleled.

The Carlton was only offered across the pond, and even then in very limited quantities. It's a shame Americans never had a crack at it, but then again I suppose forbidden fruit tastes all the sweeter.

© Source: carlustblog
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2008 Lotus Entry Level 2-Eleven

(from Lotus Press Release) Choosing your track day performance car has just become a lot more exciting with the introduction of the entry level 2-Eleven and extensive range of Lotus Sport performance options.

Choosing your track day performance car has just become a lot more exciting with the introduction of the entry level 2-Eleven and extensive range of Lotus Sport performance options.

The latest Lotus 2-Eleven, bristling with Lotus Sport options and wearing a dramatic carbon fibre body was exhibited at the 78th annual Geneva International Motor show. This car has been specified with, amongst other options, the 255 PS (252 bhp, 188 kw) power upgrade, carbon fibre tonneau cover, four piston front brakes, “Aero Pack” and “Sport Pack” as an example of how the new range of Lotus Sport options can be configured.

The entry level and launch edition are available with the incredibly popular UK SVA option pack, making it possible for owners to drive to a circuit, race around all day and drive home in the evening without the hassle and expense of a trailer. This option is definitely worth ticking. It is also now possible to get these 2-Elevens road registered in a number of markets around the world using the relevant territory specific registration approval process.

The light weight of the 2-Eleven translates into lightning turn-in and intoxicating performance, providing a very addictive tonic. In entry level specification with the order box for the carbon fibre body ticked, the 2-Eleven comes in at a featherweight kerb mass of 700 kg (1540 lbs), which equates to a dry weight of just 648 kg (1430 lbs).

The addition of the Aero Pack gives the ability to change the high speed balance of the car through adjustment of the rear wing angle: with the wing set at maximum attack over 10 % of the vehicle’s weight is generated in downforce at 100 mph (160 kph). The Aero Pack consists of a race proven adjustable carbon fibre rear wing and to provide front to rear aerodynamic balance, a lengthened composite front splitter is incorporated. Even in SVA trim with the road legal aerodynamic aids the 2-Eleven produces 60 kg (132 lbs) of downforce at 100 mph (160 km/h)

© Source: seriouswheels
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2008 Lotus Exige 270E TriFuel Concept

(from Lotus Cars Press Release) Lotus Researches Cars Running On CO2
Exige 270E Tri-fuel is the next stage of Lotus Engineering’s long-term sustainable, synthetic alcohol research

Lotus Engineering, the world renowned automotive consultancy division of Lotus, unveils its latest development towards carbon neutral road transport at the 78th Geneva International Motor Show. The Lotus Exige 270E Tri-fuel is the most powerful road version yet of the Exige (0-60 mph / 96 kph in 3.88 seconds, a top speed of 158 mph (255 km/h), 270 hp (201 kW / 273 PS at 8000 rpm) and it runs on any mixture of gasoline, bioethanol and methanol. Emerging technologies will allow alcohol fuels such as methanol, already a proven internal combustion fuel, to be made synthetically from CO2 extracted from the atmosphere.

An alcohol-based fuel derived renewably from atmospheric CO2 would allow society to transfer relatively easily to sustainable, carbon-neutral internal combustion. Lotus Engineering is researching the use of sustainable synthetic alcohols as potential future fuels, with technology available from Lotus for introduction in four to five years. However, the supply infrastructure investment from governments and fuel companies could take 15 to 20 years.

The Engine
The heart of the Exige 270E Tri-fuel is a Roots-type supercharger (with a sealed-for-life internal mechanism meaning that it does not require the use of the engine’s oil) and air to air intercooler attached to the tried and tested 4-cylinder, 1.8 litre 2ZZ-GE VVTL-i engine. Using a development of the supercharger and intercooler package from the Exige S, the Exige 270E Tri-fuel has peak power of 270 hp (201 kW / 273 PS) at 8000 rpm, 184 lbft (260 Nm) of torque at 5500 rpm, up by 51 hp (38 kW, 52 PS) or 19% and 25 lbft 45 Nm or 14% over the standard gasoline Exige S. Maximum engine speed is 8000 rpm (8500 rpm transient for up to 2 seconds).

The 2ZZ VVTL-i engine has two cam profiles – a high speed cam and a low speed cam. The seamless switch point between these two cams is completely variable depending upon driving conditions and engine load. This gives the Lotus Exige 270E Tri-fuel a smooth and linear surge of power from idle speeds all the way to the maximum 8500rpm. An electronic drive-by-wire throttle ensures the quickest engine response possible whilst keeping the emissions as clean and as low as possible, to meet relevant legislative demands. Six fuel injectors have been fitted to increase fuel flow to the engine at normal and higher engine speeds and loads.

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2008 Lotus Elise Review

What's New for 2008
The supercharged Elise SC debuts for 2008, boasting a 220-horsepower version of the standard Elise's 190-hp four-cylinder power plant. All Elises for 2008 get a new instrument display with a trip computer, along with revised options packages.

Introduction
The 2008 Lotus Elise is a one-of-a-kind, lightweight sports car for purists who yearn for the closest thing to a telepathically controlled track special you can find on the road. While other exotics rely on massive engines, space-age materials and high-tech technologies to hustle them down America's twistiest roads, the Elise utilizes an age-old principle -- the lighter, the better. Now there's a mantra celebrities can get behind.

Despite a mere 190 horsepower generated from its Toyota-sourced 1.8-liter four-cylinder, the base Elise still manages to go from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Credit a curb weight of 1,984 pounds, which is a minor miracle in this era of perpetually pudgy vehicles. By comparison, a Mazda Miata weighs 2,498 pounds and has only 170 hp aboard. For 2008, a detuned version of the supercharged four-cylinder found in the Lotus Exige S makes its way into the more street-going Elise SC, which boosts thrust up to 217 hp and 153 pound-feet of torque (versus 133). This power increase means a 0-60 drop to 4.4 seconds, a number matched by the 420-hp Audi R8.

However, we're not sure if those few 10ths of a second are enough to warrant the Elise SC's $8,000 price premium. That's because 4.9 seconds is still pretty darn fast, and quite simply, the Lotus Elise would be a riot even if it was powered by several hamsters running on a wheel. Referring to "go-kart-like" handling has almost become cliché, but if there was ever an apt car for that phrase, it's the Elise. Body roll is negligible, grip is exceptional and every subtle turn of the steering wheel has an immediate effect on the roadster's heading and attitude. Like kids named Dweezil and Moon Unit, this is a car that demands your attention. Yet every second you're behind the wheel, you're rewarded by steering that involves you in the process so directly (there's no power steering) you'd swear your fingers were touching asphalt.

This is a weekend toy, and even then, the distance traveled on any given weekend will be limited by the Elise's miniscule interior and cargo space. Getting in and out of the "cabin" is especially difficult with its huge sill and low-slung seats. But it's this lack of creature comforts and amenities that allows the Elise to be both a lightweight handling star and cost about $46,000.

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Former McLaren designer targets Lotus with new sportscar

It turns out that the McLaren F1 project was a point of departure for its creators. Gordon Murray, the chief designer, went his own way and is preparing to revolutionize the city car. Several of his colleagues stayed at McLaren's road car division to develop the Mercedes SLR, while others presumably returned to the racing division. A few former McLaren engineers went on to work on the Caparo T1, and now another one of the designers, Jim Dowle, has revealed plans for his own sportscar.

Although the car is just entering the clay-model stage and doesn't even have a name yet, PistonHeads has some preliminary details. Dowle's sportscar will reportedly carry a £35k price tag and will target the Lotus Exige but be more usable. The target weight is 870kg, and while the definitive powertrain has yet to be determined, the package calls for 200 horsepower mounted in the middle of the aluminum/carbon chassis. We'll have to keep our eyes pealed, because if the project ever makes it to even limited production, it promises to be one hell of a ride.

© Source: autoblog
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2011 Lotus Esprit to feature BMW's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8

When we last saw the Lotus Esprit in 2004, it was equipped with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V8 rated at about 350 hp. Offering much more motivation than its early turbocharged 4-cylinder powerplant, the Esprit V8 was quick -- pedal to the floor, the two-seat coupe could punch through 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. Impressive as it was just a few years ago, there are more than a handful of cars (at half the price) that can shame the Lotus back across the Pond today.

To keep the upcoming 2011 Lotus Esprit at the front of the pack, it is rumored to be fitted with the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 found under the hood of the recently released BMW X6. The powerplant is rated at 400 horsepower with only light boost under the German's hood. Under the fiberglass cover of the future British Esprit, it will most likely be tuned to deliver nearly 500 horsepower. It will need every bit of power it can get, as the new Lotus will be competing with the Porsche 911 Turbo, Ferrari F430, and the new Nissan GT-R.

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2005 Lotus Elise Spyder1 Custom

(from Brian Eyerman) It started as a dream. Inspired by only the purest of sports cars, the Spyder 1 focuses on performance through light weight. The car originated as a 2005 Lotus Elise which weighed around 1975 lbs. Private owner, Neil Ratnavira, dreamed of a car that was centered around driving. Rather then block out the driving experience with things like stereos and climate control, Neil wanted to embrace the elements that were once familiar to the origins of the automobile. In doing so he designed a fresh, unique car that many tuners dare to even think of. With the help of co-builder, Brian Eyerman, the dream became a reality.

Over 600 hours went into the creation of the Spyder 1. The project took 8 months to finish. The car was featured for the first time at LOG27 (Lotus Owners Gathering) in Aspen Colorado in 2007. When asked if Neil was going to trailer the car to Colorado? He answered "And miss out on 1,700 miles of driving... Why the hell would I want to do that?". Many sponsors and friends came together in the making of the car. Their time and effort together contributed to the making of one man's dream. A dream that will not be forgotten. Unfortunately on January 8th, 2008 the Spyder was t-boned by a driver that ran a stop sign completely destroying the car. It's only a matter of time until Ratnavira and Eyerman create another truly special car.

Thank you to our friends and sponsors: GUT Sport, Braille Auto, Giro Disc, Motul, Works Bell, Sector 111, Burke Built, Clear Pro, RK Sport, Specialty Car Craft, Phil at BOE Fabrication, Brent at Baldwin Racing, CharlieX W., Mark, Matt C. and everyone else who contributed big or small to the making of the Spyder 1.

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Minitest 2008 Lotus 2-Eleven

VEHICLE TYPE: mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 0-door roadster
BASE PRICE (U.K.): $68,532
ENGINE TYPE: supercharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port fuel injection
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 90.6 in Length: 150.5–152.4 in Width: 67.3 in Height: 43.8 in
Curb weight: 1650 lb

We are amazed and mostly delighted by the way Lotus has played so many tunes on the theme of the Elise. Lightweight cars are the thing today, so it is a surprise to learn that this thoroughly modern British sports car dates back 10 years—although it only came to the U.S. officially for 2005.

Milestones in Elise development were the introductions of the Exige coupe, the 2-Eleven-style 340R, and a redesigned roadster, and the replacement of the original Rover engine with the 1.8-liter Toyota VVTL-i (for the U.S. launch) and supercharging that engine for the Exige S. Along the way, the same chassis, made with bonded aluminum extrusions, has been adapted to create the Opel Speedster for GM, the Lotus Europa S, and the electric Tesla roadster, and it will be further modified for Lotus's Project Eagle, a two-plus-two scheduled to appear by the end of 2008.

This is an ultra-quick car (0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, claims Lotus) that is also agile, with so much grip and responses so perfect it makes an average driver look heroic. But only on a track, because in the U.S., the Lotus 2-Eleven is not certified for public roads.

© Source: caranddriver
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2007 Lotus Exige S - Track Pack

Seller: parkplace
Address: 13710 Northup Way
City: Bellevue
State: Washington
Country: USA
Price: $66,150.00
Date Added: December 4, 2007
Expiration: April 2, 2008
Link: http://www.parkplaceltd.com
Views: 189

Description:
This Exige S is available for immediate delivery. It takes the already hard-core theme turns it up even one more notch with the optional Track Package and optional Lotus Traction Control. It is further equipped with Starshield paint protection for the Ardent Red paint, and the Touring Pack that gives you premium audio with XM satellite radio capability, leather seats, and weight-saving power window lifts.

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