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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1975 also marked the birth of another British legend when the Lotus Esprit was officially launched at the Paris Motor Show in October.

Okay, the earth is still spinning around the sun, but wouldn’t you agree that those things happening in 1975 changed the world a bit? Just a little bit?

We do.

And what we also know now is that 35 years later, something breathtaking will happen once again. Once more in Paris. Once more at the Motor Show.

Perhaps a new Esprit? Perhaps not. Or perhaps even more?

Feel free to guess what we’re up to but ultimately you’re going to have to wait and see. One thing is for sure, it’ll be worth the wait.

16.45 CET 30th September 2010, Paris Motor Show. The future starts here.

Rare 1984 Lotus Etna

In the Cartier Style et Luxe arena could be found this rare 1984 Lotus Etna. The text on the display board reads as follows:

1984 Lotus Etna

Class 8: Far Fetched Fantasies - The Audacious Supercar, 1980-2000
Entered by: Olav Glasiou, of Bennebroek, Netherlands

"Styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro for Italdesign, the Etna concept was unveiled at the 1984 British Motor Show. Its chassis was derived from the Lotus Esprit, stretched by three inches in wheelbase and intended to be fitted with a new 3946cc 335bhp Esprit-derived V8 engine. The carbon fibre-reinforced body had an exceptionally low drag coefficient, leading to claims of 182mph top speed potential. Under the skin were active supsenion, ABS and continuously variable transmission. With Lotus in dire financial straits after Chapman's death, only one car was made. It has now been restored and fitted with the engine originally intended for it."

Click on any of the images below to view them full size.

In a stroke of genius the organisers of the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed decided on a theme of ‘Viva Veloce’ or ‘The Passion for Speed’ for the event this year (2-4th July). Capitalising on the momentum of such a flash of inspiration (and quite frankly we’re always looking for any excuse to get out and about) Lotus jumped on the bandwagon and decided to put the press to work with a convoy of Evoras driving from Italy (Turin) to England (Goodwood) – the reverse journey to that of Charlie Croker and his cronies and hopefully without the added drama of bank robbery and literal cliff-hanger!

The Italian Job inspired roadtrip begins on Thursday 1st July 2010 and sees the specially liveried Lotus Evoras (red, white and green a la il tricolore naturally) arrive at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on Saturday 3rd of July, where the lucky journalists (hopefully not too tired from their trip) will have the chance to take part in everything Lotus has on offer at the Festival including an exclusive interview with one of the Lotus Racing’s F1 drivers.

Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, the participants involved in the trip will be providing daily blog updates of their Evora based escapades. Lotus drivers in the countries that the roadtrip encounters (Italy, Switzerland, France and England) are invited to join in the striking procession.

Lotus fans planning on attending Goodwood and keen to get in on the action will be able to get a flavour of F1 with the classic Formula 1 Lotus Type 49 Grand Prix winning car raced by the legendary Jim Clark on the stand along with appearances from Lotus Racing’s F1 drivers and former F1 team mechanics.

F1 not your thing? No problem, Lotus has plenty more on offer including a range of road cars on display some of which fans won’t have seen since their preview in Geneva earlier this year including the aesthetically pleasing Carbon Evora and the Evora Hybrid Concept car.

Lotus Engineering, the automotive consultancy division of Lotus Cars Limited,  and Fagor Ederlan, part of the Mondragon Corporation Cooperativa, the biggest co-operative group in the world, have completed a joint technical and market study analysing the best route to production for the Lotus Range Extender Engine. The study has culminated with an agreement for Lotus Engineering to develop the engine for series production and sale by Fagor Ederlan for the global automotive market.

The three-cylinder, 1.2 litre Range Extender engine from Lotus Engineering has been designed specifically for series hybrid vehicles and the production engine will offer a fast route to market for manufacturers wanting to source a dedicated range extender. The high efficiency, low mass design will enable low emissions vehicles to be produced cost effectively across a wide range of hybrid vehicle applications, as already demonstrated in both the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid and the PROTON Emas concepts, which were shown at the 80th International Geneva Motor Show this year.

Summer Solstice at Stonehenge, Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire

Think again.

As peace-loving druids gather to witness the magic of the annual Summer Solstice at one of the UK’s most symbolic landmarks, prepare yourself to witness the dawning of a new era for Lotus.

Your journey begins here and now on the longest day of the year and exactly 100 days before the 2010 Paris Motor Show where Lotus is set to unveil the future evolution of an iconic British brand.

They say a picture tells a thousand stories, we’re only really interested in one. Buckle up and join us for the ride. Expect the unexpected.

Hall 5.1 16.45 CET  30th September 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Lotus Elise SC RGB Special Edition in more detail

· 217 hp (220 ps) supercharged 1.8 litre engine

· Lotus ultra lightweight forged alloy wheels

· Sport pack

· Touring pack

· Four paint colour : Aspen White, Starlight Black, Solar Yellow & Carbon Grey

· Roger Becker signature on rear of the car

· Roger Becker numbered plaque

· Monochrome Lotus badges

· Air conditioning

· Recommended Retail Price:

o UK: £38,550 (including VAT)

o Euro Zone: € 43,655 (excluding regional taxes)

o Switzerland: CHF 71,435 (excluding taxes)

Official European Combined Cycle = 8.5 litres / 100 km (33.2 mpg)

Official European Extra Urban Cycle = 6.4 litres/100 km (44.1 mpg)

Official European Urban Cycle = 11.8 litre/100 km (23.9 mpg)

199 g/km of CO2

The Lotus Exige S RGB Special Edition in more detail

· Standard Features

· 257 hp (260 ps) Supercharged 2ZZ 1.8 engine

· Lotus ultra lightweight forged alloy wheels

· Performance pack

· Sport pack

· Touring pack

· Four paint colours – Aspen White, Starlight Black, Solar Yellow & Carbon Grey

· Roger Becker signature on rear of car

· Roger Becker numbered plaque

· Monochrome Lotus badges

· Structural shear panel which gives increases lateral stiffness to the rear subframe by 30%

· Air conditioning

· Recommended Retail Price:

o UK: £41,950 (including VAT)

o Euro Zone: € 50,042 (excluding regional taxes)

o Switzerland: CHF 81,887 (excluding taxes)

Official European Combined Cycle = 8.5 litres / 100 km (33.2 mpg)

Official European Extra Urban Cycle = 6.5 litres/100 km (43.5 mpg)

Official European Urban Cycle = 11.9 litre/100 km (23.7 mpg)

199 g/km of CO2

Click here for the press release announcing Roger Becker’s retirement ()

Tastes differ widely when it comes to buying a classic car and it can vary from thundering American gas guzzlers to the sedate Austin 7. Whatever your preference, take on only what you are capable of managing in terms of, maintaining, running or rebuilding. And remember, if you have to build a large garage to house your 1950`s Cadillac, that will make a sizeable dent in the budget! Always check out the availability of spares for any car that interests you. Becoming a member of your local Classic / Vintage Car Club would be a wise move even if you haven`t already bought a car. This can expose you to a good deal of information and advice from members and probably narrow down your search to something less problematic.

Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman, who was the founder of Lotus Cars Ltd in 1952, is without doubt responsible for of some of the greatest classics ever to grace our roads. Although he, in fact, started in 1947 at the age of 19 by building racing cars, the entire production for a period of over 40 years only totalled 50,000 vehicles. The market for Lotus was small by comparison, but it became an immensely successful business and still is to this day. To categorise his most popular successes is not easy because it is just as hard to identify any that weren`t!

One particular car that continued to be manufactured into the 90`s was in fact conceived in 1957; this was the Lotus Seven. Built to be inexpensive and yet fast, it also became available in kit form and was sold as `spares` to avoid certain taxes. It might have been the most basic club racing car ever built then, but no one can argue with its enormous popularity.

The Lotus Elan launched in 1962 was the successor to the 1957 Elite and would become Lotus`s all time best seller up until 1973 when production ceased. The aesthetics and performance provided a package that elevated it to the rank of a legend.

The Europa introduced in the 60`s became another success with one of the first designs in mid-engine layout in a racing car and pop-up headlights which just added to Chapman`s continuing success.

Followed by a revival of the Elite as a four seater in 1974 featuring glass reinforced plastic construction, Lotus continued to gather design awards in the 70`s and in 1975 both the Esprit and Eclat won three medals at the Earls Court Motor Show.

So whilst you may get lucky in searching for the perfect Lotus in cheap car sales and not so cheap auctions, whichever model you choose, you will be buying into a legendary marque.

Silence......

Suddenly a voice pipes up: “Guys, we need a press release for the IndyCar race in Long Beach next weekend. Something clever. Quirky. Creative. Any ideas?”

Uncomfortable silence....

And then a question (and any PR person worth their salt will tell you there’s no such thing as a stupid question): “Long Beach was on the F1 calendar – didn’t Lotus win in Long Beach?”

Answer (like a gunshot or a backfire): ”3rd of April 1977. Mario Andretti!”

Silence (but you can hear the brains ticking)....

And then out of nowhere (but slightly to the left): “When was Takuma Sato born?”

Stunned silence.

“What the heck has that to do with Long Beach?”

Silence and stifled giggles......

A few swift mouse clicks later: “Taku was born on the 28th of January 1977.”

Silence....

Then (to the sound of numerous light bulbs clicking on): “Ah. Well. There we go. Good job.”

So this little story explains why we the Lotus crew ended up in a Norwich pub to celebrate the idea and raise a toast “To the 33rd birthday of Taku and Mario’s win and the ongoing success of Lotus.

The End.

Quotes:

Takuma Sato: "Long Beach is such a historical place for motor racing. Even though I've never been there I know the race is always an exciting one with a great atmosphere. I am getting a more comfortable feeling every time I jump in the car. I am getting used to the whole environment so I am pleased about this coming back to back race weekend especially after Barber where I collected many positives."

Claudio Berro: "The results of the past few races don't concern me too much, they're definitely not reflective of Taku's ability to perform long term. What matters most is the steady progress he and the team have made with the car, the more time spent out on track, the better he gets and the closer the team gets to the perfect set-up. I have every faith in Taku, if he can keep his cool and maintain his determination and focus, I have no doubt that he'll do us proud."