Lotus Eagle Teaser Picture – Official Debut at British Motor Show

The first all-new model to come out of the Lotus factory in 13 years, the Eagle, will be revealed on July 22 when the British Motor Show in London opens its doors to the members of the press. However, we managed to discover an official teaser image of the mid-engined 2+2 sports car that is rumored to be powered by a modified version of the Toyota Camry’s 3.5 V6 engine that in stock form produces 268Hp at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. at 4,700 rpm.

Inside sources told Carscoop that the Japanese V6 engine will be offered in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions. The Eagle will essentially replace the top-of-the-line Esprit that went out of production in 2004 as Lotus will market the 2+2 lightweight coupe above the Elise, Exige and Europa. 

Talking about lightweight construction, the Eagle will utilize the proven technology used in the Elise family of vehicles as well as the Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) shown as the APX (Aluminium Performance Crossover) Concept Vehicle.

At the Geneva Salon in March, Lotus showcased the front module of the Eagle’s chassis which consist of three distinct parts, with the centre occupant section being the largest. Bolted to this centre section are the rear sub frame to which the engine and rear suspension are attached and the front module that incorporates the bumper beam and side members.

Lotus and Spyker Join Forces, Sign New Cooperation Agreement

It’s a cruel business world out there and it’s even nastier if you’re as small as Lotus and Spyker. With that in mind, it comes to no surprise that that the two niche sports carmakers are willing to intensify their bonds by signing a new cooperation agreement that will see models from the Dutch supercar maker use platforms and parts from Lotus. Moreover, under the new agreement Lotus will participate in the design and development of all future Spyker models.

Victor R. Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars comments: “Our company has had a very fruitful cooperation with Lotus, developed over the past four years, relating to engineering services in respect of certain components of our cars, as well as in respect of worldwide certification.” -Continued

“Spyker and Lotus have now come to the conclusion that they need to intensify their cooperation to the point that we intend to share parts and platforms, as well as an agreement on the supply of parts. Moreover, Lotus Engineering has become Spyker’s preferred subcontractor in respect of a number of engineering projects relating to the Spyker C8 Aileron and the Spyker D8 Peking-to-Paris.”

Michael Kimberley, CEO of Lotus Cars Ltd., added: “Lotus is very pleased to be identified as Spyker’s preferred Engineering supplier for these unique “high Brand Image” ground breaking cars. We look forward to working with Spyker to expand our global business opportunities, projects and interests for our mutually synergistic Products and Technologies”

“Lotus Engineering has a great heritage and solid track record in developing innovative solutions for clients and we look forward to using Lotus’ advanced light weight vehicle know-how and vehicle dynamics technology to enable Spyker to establish itself as a dynamic premium automotive player.”

Lotus Eagle: New 2+2 Sportscar with 280Hp 3.5L V6 Toyota Camry Engine

These are the first official images of Lotus’ all-new sports coupe that currently bears the project name “Eagle”. To be fully revealed during at the British Motorshow on 22nd July, the Eagle is not only the first model from Lotus since the Elise in 1995 but it’s also the only mid-engined 2+2 in production. Though we’ll have to wait for Lotus to reveal more images of the Eagle, we can’t help but wonder why the Brits designed their first all new model in 14 years in the likes of a stretched Elise…

Style aside, the Eagle will be powered a modified version of the Toyota Camry’s 3.5-litre V6 producing 280 Hp. Lotus says that early indications suggest a maximum speed of 160 mph or 257 km/h with the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) sprint from standstill estimated at sub 5 seconds (prototype figures). The British sports carmaker plans to hand-build 2,000 units of the Project Eagle each year with sales set to begin in spring 2009. Other derivatives are also planned for the future, including a convertible and an ultra-high performance two-seater version.

Project Eagle in detail:

Project Eagle is the first of three new models included in the CEO’s (Mike Kimberley) five year strategic business plan initiated in October 2006 to support Lotus’ growth.

Design
Designed in-house by Lotus Design, Head of Design, Russell Carr, explains “Project Eagle’s dynamically sculptured form and dramatic proportions communicate visual drama, speed and agility even when the car is standing still. Sportscars are primarily an emotional rather than a rational purchase and so the design must seduce with its beauty and distinctive character. However, the modern customer also demands that the product offers real-world usability as well as exotic imagery. Therefore every element of the car’s exterior and interior has been carefully designed to create a product that offers comfort and convenience as well as traditional performance car attributes.”

A design language of dynamic lines and fluid surfaces that flow from the ‘Lotus –mouth’ and over the length the cars toned form are unmistakably ‘modern Lotus’. They instantly convey a sense of agility and athleticism that is intrinsic to the car’s driving persona. On Project Eagle they are complemented by the distinctive wraparound visor screen but have been subtly tailored to suit the more sophisticated character of the car, optimise high-speed aerodynamics and artfully disguise the unique 2+2 layout. The cab forward proportion combines with muscular haunches and optimised intake detailing to instantly inform the viewer that this is a serious mid-engine sportscar. Elsewhere a Lotus philosophy for combining function with beauty is evident in the downforce generating, top exit radiator vent, rear diffuser and rear wing.

Inside the car the forms echo the exterior with fast moving surfaces that wrap around the cockpit cosseting the occupants, the contrast colour band that flows from the instrument cluster and sweeps around the cabin highlights this theme. “We recognise that ‘touch’ not only assists with driving enjoyment but also conveys messages about quality and therefore great attention has been paid to all the areas where the driver interfaces with the car.” Carr explains. Figure hugging adjustable sports seats and flat-bottomed steering wheel instantly communicate the driving potential of the car. Project Eagle employs premium quality material and finishes to create an exclusive, British handcrafted ambience that is unique in this price segment. Modern, precision-engineered aluminium inserts and hi-fi quality, edge-lit switches are brilliantly juxtaposed against the traditional contrast stitched leather panels.

Everyday convenience is catered for through ergonomically located touch screen SAT NAV, remote release glove box, storage bins and integrated “cup holders”.

Technology
In a world launch by partners Alpine, Project Eagle boasts a truly cutting edge in-car entertainment and navigation system. The multi-media system features a 7in touch-screen providing advanced audio, satellite navigation, Bluetooth hands-free telephone and iPod® connectivity functions; the screen also serves as a monitor for Project Eagle’s optional reversing camera. The satellite navigation element of the system has a removable hard-drive, allowing you to programme it from the comfort of your home or use it as a roaming satellite navigation unit and MP3 player.

The Alpine audio set-up is one of the most sophisticated automotive systems in the world. Called IMPRINT and using MultEQ sound enhancement technology, it is able to cancel out imbalances in the sound caused by different areas of the cabin – window glass, for instance, creates echoes, while carpets suppress mid-range frequencies – resulting in amazingly crisp, clear, undistorted sound reproduction wherever you are seated in the car.

A bespoke progressive air-conditioning system developed by Bergstrom is standard on all models, while on-board tyre pressure monitoring will be either standard or optional depending on model and market. And in deference to the American market in particular, a module in the headlining will accommodate automatic garage and gate opening remote controls.

Interior space and accommodation
The rear seats of 2+2 versions of Project Eagle are intended for children or smaller adults on short journeys. To maximise comfort in the rear, there is foot-room under the seats in front, while both back seats feature ISOFIX mountings for secure child seat fitment.

When unoccupied, the rear seats provide a convenient stowage area for briefcases and jackets, adding to Project Eagle’s appeal as an everyday car. The boot, which ingeniously features a fresh air cooling system to reduce the effect of heat ingress from the engine bay, will accommodate a set of golf clubs.

A two-seater derivative of Project Eagle is planned and will have a luggage shelf in the back replacing the two rear seats.

Safety
Lotus’ Project Eagle conforms to all regulatory standards and in addition boasts additional safety features; Lotus aluminium chassis technology applied to Project Eagle’s provides the car with immense inherent strength, particularly in regard to side impacts and a tubular steel seatbelt anchorage frame that also acts as a rollover structure.

Anti-lock brakes are standard on all models, as are traction and stability controls; these systems have been specially developed in co-operation with Bosch to provide enhanced safety features whilst maintaining performance characteristics.

Under the bonnet
Lotus continues its excellent working relationship with Toyota, world leaders in engine development and manufacture and Formular1 competitors. For Project Eagle Lotus has modified Toyota’s 3.5-litre V6, with dual VVT-i (‘intelligent’ variable valve timing) for optimum performance.

Performance
At the time of unveiling, full performance figures for the new Lotus will not have been compiled on a production specification car, however Lotus has a further 6 months of development time to conduct these before Project Eagle is available to test drive.

While for Lotus top speed is of less importance than stability at speed, early indications suggest a maximum speed of 160 mph; the 0-60 mph sprint from standstill is estimated at sub 5 seconds (prototype figures).

Lotus Evora in Gallery Show

Lotus to name new 2+2 Coupe “Evora”

Though this has not been officially confirmed, CarScoop has been tipped off that the all-new Lotus 2+2 Coupe, currently known as the project Eagle, will be named “Evora” when it makes its world debut at next week’s British Motor Show in London. The Evora will be available for order from spring 2009 as a 2+2 as well as a 2-seater. The basic versions will be equipped with a modified Toyota Camry 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 Hp. Click here to read more details on the new Lotus coupe.

Lotus Evora in Aqua Blue Colour

When we first laid eyes on the new Lotus Evora in silver colour (see here), we can’t say that we were won over by the 2+2 coupe’s styling. And even though we still aren’t totally convinced, we must admit that this new image of the Evora in an aqua-blue colour made us have second thoughts about the coupe’s appearance.

Lotus Believes the Evora is the Vital Accessory for the Modern Woman…

Unless modern women have changed so much these days that they prefer hopping into a sportscar for an exhilarating drive on the race track or a nice twisty B-road over shopping at the mall, we fail to see the reason why Lotus thinks that its new mid-engined 2+2 Coupe is the “vital accessory for a modern woman” in its secondary press release on the Evora.

The only reasonable answer we can find is that the new press release is aimed towards female lifestyle magazines – you know, the kind that believe that Sarah Jessica Parker doesn’t look like a starved horse. However, even if that’s the case, we’re still trying to figure out how the Evora is a “cool and eco-friendly alternative to gas-guzzling 4×4’s…

Press Release

The vital accessory for the modern woman is the new, seductive sportscar from Lotus.

The Lotus Evora is sleek, sophisticated and socially aware. Coupling stunning looks and agile performance its impressive green credentials, prove that Evora is a cool and eco-friendly alternative to gas-guzzling 4×4’s. Emissions for the brand-new sportscar are on target to beat the 225 grams of CO2 per kilometre threshold above which UK road tax rapidly increases.

Presenting the best of British design, the Evora is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Combining 60 years of sportscar expertise and beautifully crafted with fluid lines, the Evora has both power under the bonnet and looks to kill. This combination is fast positioning the Evora as a must have item, but you won’t be able to get your hands on one until spring 2009 when the car goes on sale in the UK.

Each car is hand built in Norfolk, UK and with Lotus’s anticipated production of only 2000 Evora’s each year the exclusive and unique nature of this stunning car is rousing extraordinary interest with many A-listers lining-up to drive the car, including Kelly Rowland and Charlotte Church.

Inside the Evora the new Lotus is both stunning and luxurious and provides drivers with high quality tactile materials and thoughtful details. Its elegantly styled cabin is sumptuously trimmed with rich leather and features contemporary brushed aluminium surfaces, whilst the latest in-car entertainment equipment adds comfort to style for optimum driver indulgence. A 2+2 passenger configuration, children can sit comfortably in the rear of the Evora and the boot is large enough for the weekly shop or a couple of overnight bags perfect for a business trip or a weekend away at the latest boutique hotel.

The Evora is not just a practical, ecological, stunning car – it’s a true sportscar with power and speed. It’s a car for girls who want to have serious, sophisticated fun and the instant antidote to the stresses everyday life throws at today’s professional, stylish woman. Driving this car gives you an instant and addictive buzz, the commute has never been so much fun!

Lotus Evora: Project Eagle in Detail with 23 High Res Photos

s we first informed you a couple of days ago, Lotus’ Project Eagle sportscar will bear the name Evora. Unveiled to the public for the first time at the British Motor Show in London, the Evora is a 2+2 coupe fitted with a mid-mounted Toyota sourced 3.5L V6 engine optimized to deliver 280 PS. While Lotus hasn’t announced official performance figures, the Brits support that the rear-wheel drive coupe which weighs in at 1,350 kg or 2,976 lbs will be able to sprint from 0 to 60mph (96 km/h) in under 5.0 sec and achieve a top speed of 160 mph or 257 km/h.

Maybe even more importantly, the Evora not only features the most inviting interior you’ve ever seen in a Lotus but in the company’s own words, the cabin “will accommodate two 99th percentile (6ft 5in tall) American males in the front seats.” Is there some particular reason that Lotus decided to use American males as an example for the Evora’s spaciousness?

Geneva Preview: Lotus Exige 270E Tri-Fuel

As its name suggests, the Lotus Exige 270E Tri-Fuel is equipped with a 1.8-liter supercharged engine that can run any mixture of gasoline, bioethanol and methanol. Using a development of the supercharger and intercooler package from the Exige S, the Exige 270E Tri-fuel has peak power of 270 hp at 8000 rpm, 184 lb/ft (260 Nm) of torque at 5500 rpm, up by 51 hp or 19% and 25 lb/ft 45 Nm or 14% over the standard gasoline Exige S.

That makes the Exige 270E Tri-fuel the most powerful road version of the Exige range. According to the British carmaker, the Exige 270E can go from standstill to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 3.9 sec and on to a top speed of 158 mph or 255 km/h

Lotus to Show Eagle Sportscar Chassis in Geneva

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Press Release:

First Glimpse of Project Eagle

Group Lotus plc unveiled the first glimpse of the eagerly awaited Project Eagle at the 78th annual Geneva International Motor Show. This exhibition showcases part of the advanced technology being utilised for Project Eagle and the latest development of the innovative Lotus Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA). This first glimpse is the front module of the chassis, which is shown prior to the full unveiling of Project Eagle at the British Motor Show in July 2008.

Project Eagle is the code name for the new higher specification addition to the Lotus product range entering the market above the Elise, Exige and Europa. Going into production at the beginning of next year, Project Eagle draws heavily on the proven technology used in the iconic Lotus Elise family of vehicles as well as the Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) shown as the APX (Aluminium Performance Crossover) Concept Vehicle. Project Eagle will be an all new fantastic Lotus sports car, which illustrates Lotus Engineering’s ability to create innovative and exciting high performance niche car products.

Mike Kimberley CEO of Group Lotus plc said: “I am delighted with the exceptional “fast-track” progress of Project Eagle -the project is hitting key gateway, timing and technical objectives. The project utilises our core competencies in aluminium, and composite body engineering, jointing techniques, and vehicle systems integration. Lotus Engineering is a world leader in niche vehicle design, manufacture and global sales and Project Eagle is a prime example of this technological competence, which will build upon this reputation”.

Mike Kimberley added, “This is a very exciting period for us at Lotus and the whole company is enjoying the challenge of delivering such an exceptional new Lotus car. By showing this front module at Geneva, we are proving that the new Lotus is a reality and that VVA is an advanced ecological technology from which further Lotus models will be produced, thus giving Lotus a true “multi-platform” line up over the next 5 years”.

Versatile Vehicle Architecture

The innovative Lotus Engineering VVA technology offers a fast-to-market, cost-effective approach to differentiated niche products by spreading the development, investment and the bill of materials burden across a range of vehicle variants, without the compromise that stems from conventional ‘platform sharing’. The philosophy is based on the commonality and versatility of key elements of the vehicle structure and body systems across a ‘family’ of niche vehicle variants that meet all world homologation and safety requirements.

Richard Rackham, Vehicle Architect of Lotus Engineering, said “Producing a bespoke low-volume platform using normal methods is uneconomical, whilst sharing a mainstream platform normally results in compromises in performance and design. Traditionally car manufacturers seeking to gain competitive advantage through exciting niche vehicles have to either design a new platform or share one already available. The great advantage of this VVA technology is that it can be used by one car manufacturer looking to develop a range of niche products, or by a group of car manufacturers looking to share investment, but still retain a high degree of end product separation.”

The Project Eagle chassis is an evolution of the Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) from the Lotus APX concept vehicle previously showcased at Geneva, and allows for the development of a range of vehicles up to a gross vehicle weight of 1,900 kg. This architecture has been designed to be more applicable to mid-volume applications by utilising low capital investment manufacturing processes. The Project Eagle structure progresses the Lotus bonded technology used in the Elise family of vehicles with unique extrusions and folded panels, whilst providing contemporary ease of ingress/egress, build modularity and improved, lower cost repairability.

The Low Volume VVA architecture has been designed so that it can be stretched in width, length and height. The strength and stiffness of the low volume VVA chassis can be modified cost effectively by varying the wall thickness of the extrusions, without altering the exterior dimensions. Combining the ability to lengthen or shorten extrusions with the option to tailor the chassis stiffness, vastly increases the number of vehicles that could be developed from this vehicle architecture. Front and mid engine installations have been considered, as well as hybrid and Electric Vehicle (EV) applications.

Project Eagle employs a composite roof as a stressed structural member to give an exceptional vehicle stiffness of 26,000 Nm per degree. To deliver this high performance structure, bonded and riveted high grade aluminium extrusions and simple and elegant folded sheet elements are used in the lower structure, building upon award winning research projects in this field. Lotus pioneered the aerospace technology of bonded aluminium extrusions for use in road vehicles and has successfully developed high performance cars for global engineering clients using this approach.

Project Eagle Front Module

The innovative VVA architecture for Project Eagle consists of three distinct parts, with the centre occupant section being the largest. Bolted to this centre section are the rear sub frame to which the engine and rear suspension are attached and the front module that incorporates the bumper beam and side members that progressively absorb crash energy. Practicality has been a major consideration with in-built serviceability factored into the design. Various systems attach to the front module including the suspension, cooling pack, HVAC and body. The aluminium front module on its own measures 938 mm long, 864 mm wide and 387 mm tall and weighs in at a featherweight 25 kg, again ‘ecologically’ biased.

Project Eagle suspension wishbones are forged from aluminium to reduce the unsprung mass. These are similar in weight to the steel items found on the much smaller Elise, Exige and Europa vehicle, but have a far higher vehicle weight capability. They attach to the front module via bespoke lightweight bushes. All Lotus cars have to be fun to drive and deliver a sensational, class leading driving experience. Project Eagle will be using Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs with unique dual path top mounts for optimised vehicle refinement. The high performance bespoke Lotus AP Racing 4 pot callipers work in tandem with ventilated cross-drilled 350mm diameter brake discs to ensure phenomenal stopping power. Hydraulically assisted power steering will be employed with a TRW steering rack.

Project Eagle

The development of Project Eagle is advancing rapidly, with engineering prototypes already conducting testing in Northern Europe and at Lotus’ headquarters at Hethel, England. The ride and handling and cold weather testing currently being undertaken forms an early part of the demanding worldwide industry standard vehicle development programme for Project Eagle. One of Lotus Engineering’s strengths is its ability to streamline design and development, thereby reducing time to production and project costs.

Lotus Elise S 40th Anniversary Limited Edition

British sports carmaker Lotus has released a limited edition version of the Elise dubbed “Elise S 40th Anniversary Limited Edition” to commemorate 40 years of production at the Lotus factory in Hethel in 2007. Based on the entry-level model of the 2008 Elise Range – the Elise S, the special edition version is offered in Burnt Orange Premium Paint with a matching color hardtop. Unique features include the leather trim in orange stitching, painted diffuser and wheels and country specific unique decals.

The Elise S 40th Anniversary Limited Edition will be offered in just 50 units across Europe with Germany getting 15, Switzerland 10, France 5, Belgium 5, Italy 6 while other countries in mainland Europe (not specified by Lotus) will get 9 units.

Specifications:

Elise S – Model Year 2008, featuring twin airbags

Burnt Orange Premium Paint

Hardtop

Painted rear diffuser and wheels

Leather trim in orange stitching

Painted centre consol & exterior panels in body colour

Coloured brake calipers

Build plate

Country specific unique Decals

40th commemorative letter signed by Mike Kimberley, CEO of Lotus Cars Ltd.

Retail prices per country including local tax and delivery:

Germany €39,995

Switzerland CHF 58,600

France €40,200

Italy €40,800

Belgium €40,600

Holland €53,600

Lotus Exige Sport 240: Aussie Designed Exige To Debut In Sydney Show

Conceived and designed by Lotus Cars Australia, the special edition Exige Sport 240 is powered by a supped up (and supercharged) version of the Toyota derived, 1.8L VVTL-i 4-cylinder unit which delivers 240hp, or 179kW, a 10 percent improvement over the Exige S. Torque also increases from 215Nm to 230Nm. According to Lotus Australia, the Exige Sport 240 sprints from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 4.2 sec, 0-160km/h (100mph) in 9.9 seconds and achieves a top speed of 249km/h (155mph). Apart from the special badgetry, unique features of the Exige Sport 240 include the driver-adjustable stand-alone traction control, similar to systems used in Formula 1 and the standard torque-sensing limited-slip differential. The special edition Exige will be uncloaked at the Sydney show in October where it will officially go on sale for 149,990 AUD or 124,586 USD.

Geneva Preview: 2009 Lotus Europa Coupe

The most comfortable Lotus for everyday use, the Europa coupe has been enhanced for the 2009 MY. The updated Europa coupe will be offered in Europe in two guises; a new entry level model priced at £27,950 / €37,500 and the range topping SE model available for £32,995 / €41,500. Note however that Euro prices are without taxes, delivery & other related costs.

Both versions of the Europa now offer increased levels of comfort over the Elise and Exige. As with all 2008 Lotus road cars, the Europa and Europa SE now come with driver and passenger airbags and an engine start button as standard. The Europa interior is furnished with leather sports seats and comes as standard with a high quality stereo system.

The Europa SE also gets new light weight alloy rims wrapped in wider, high performance tyres, for increased levels of grip. These new high performance wheels are larger with 17” rims up front, and larger 18” rims on the rear. The new wheels house high performance AP Racing four pot brakes and larger (308 mm) diameter discs.

The Europa has a mid-mounted 2 litre turbo charged engine, tuned in the SE with an all new calibration to 225 Hp and with 300 Nm of torque. 0-60 mph in the SE comes in 5.5 sec (0-100 km/h in 5.7 sec) and the sprint to 100 mph (160 km/h) takes just 13.0 sec (estimated). The Europa SE will hit a top speed of 143 mph (estimated).

Lotus Design "Hot Wheels" Concept

Brit sports car manufacturer Lotus has just released images of its Hot Wheels Concept model that was on display at the at the annual SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Centre earlier this month. According The 1:5 scale model will form the base for a 1:64 scale version which will become part of the Hot Wheels product range in spring 2008. More importantly, Lotus admitted that the design who created this concept is also designing the company’s new range of cars, the first of which, codenamed Project Eagle, will go into production at the end of next year

Russell Carr, Head of Lotus Design said; “This was a dream job for the design team because, for many of us, when we were children, it was Hot Wheels that first ignited our passion for cars and design. Lotus Design’s international reputation for designing visually dynamic and exhilarating sports cars perfectly fitted the brief for this programme and we relished the opportunity to design a concept that was free from the typical technical and legal constraints of a full size car.

In addition the design offered unique challenges because it has to work as a toy and we therefore had to remember how specific views, features and tactile qualities of toy cars fascinated us as children. I am very proud of the final design by Steven Crijns that succeeds in being both instantly recognisable as a Lotus and a Hot Wheels Car”

Steven Crijns, Design Manager at Lotus Design and creator of this concept design explained; “Hot Wheels cars are barely 75mm long, so specific attention went to create a bold shape that would work well at this scale. Another challenge was to create an exciting design that would work well as a toy.

The car needed to be recognisable as a Lotus without having to turn it over to look at the badge underneath, so I took elements from the Elise and Exige such as the headlight design, the Lotus ‘mouth’, the pronounced wheel arches and trademark bonnet graphics. I was keen for the design to express the Lotus philosophy of performance through lightweight: the shrink wrapped body is kept to an absolute minimum to save weight.

The dynamic voluptuous curves make the car look agile and fun to drive. Bold aerodynamic aids are incorporated to achieve exceptional Lotus handling. The top exit radiator at the front, a distinctive Lotus design feature, the rear diffuser and a large rear wing all provide down-force helping the vehicle stick to the road. In addition, large side air intakes and an open rear end aid engine breathing. Inside the car, the exposed centre spine is part of the structure and incorporates the switches and gear linkage and supports the rear wing.”

Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus Plc said “We are delighted to have worked with Hot Wheels, who share our passion and enthusiasm for all things automotive. Lotus Design has a global reputation and is responsible for the design of all Lotus cars, including Europa, Exige and iconic Elise and many designs for our engineering clients globally.

The same design team who created this stunning concept is also designing our new range of cars, the first of which, codenamed Project Eagle, will go into production at the end of next year.”