Lotus Launches Evora Replica At The British International Motor Show

The British International Motorshow, London is the backdrop

for two Lotus launches this year. The Evora, the eagerly

anticipated 2+2 performance car and its 1:64 Matchbox®

twin.

Lotus and Mattel, Inc. have been planning the launch of the scale Matchbox®

die-cast model Evora to coincide with the unveiling of the real-life Evora for

nine months, and the occasion is the summit of a complex process executed

by Mattel.

The designers at Lotus Design and Matchbox® worked closely to accurately

recreate the stunning new Lotus. The result of this close partnership is an

accurately produced die-cast Matchbox® model that has enough detail to

satisfy even the most ardent Lotus fans.

When designing the die-cast Lotus vehicles, the Matchbox® team started with

the CAD surface data that Lotus produced to develop its iconic sports cars. In

the case of the Evora, this top secret data was shared with Matchbox® in

January and April 2008 so that the creation of the die-cast model could begin

its journey in California whilst the real-life Evora was built in Lotus' Hethel

production facility in Norfolk.

Russell Carr, Head of Lotus Design comments, "We have worked with Mattel

for more than 10 years and the development of a Matchbox version of the

Evora 1:64 model unfolded at the same time as our first Evora was being built

so there was a lot of excitement and synergy around the two projects. The

dramatic plan shape and the distinctive graphical detailing of the real car are

perfect for a scale model. All the design team grew up with Matchbox so it was

tremendously exciting to work with the company that is, in part, responsible for

inspiring our interest in car design."

The first step in capturing the Lotus Evora's dynamic lines and form in a diecast

model was to photograph the real car. Detailed pictures of the Evora in

development and in its final form were shared with Matchbox® designers to

ensure that an accurate model could be made. This included pictures of the

interior and exterior, close-ups of the vehicle's details, and both overhead and

full-length views. Detailed dimensions such as height, wheelbase and engine

compartment were also taken, which Matchbox® utilized to convert the

original CAD data into surface files, along with the photographs to model the

rest of the car.

"We have a close, long-standing relationship with Lotus, and partnering with

them to create a Matchbox version of the new Evora in advance of its

introduction was a unique and exciting opportunity for our designers," said

Geoff Walker, vice president, Wheels and Games Marketing, Mattel Brands.

"The Matchbox team was among a handful of people who were privy to the

new car's final design. Our team approached this project with our passion for

all things automotive, along with a deep understanding of the ethos behind the

Lotus design."

The last stage of the design process involved creating a 1:64 scale digital

model of the real car using state of the art software that combined the

photographic references and Lotus CAD files. After the model was reviewed,

proportions were tweaked and details were enhanced to capture the essence

and spirit of the real car. A process called tooling follows where a raw steel

tool was developed for creating "first shots," which are samples of totally

machine made parts that ensure that all pieces correctly fit together and

function properly.

For the final stage, Matchbox® designers decorated the car in different levels

of detail, ranging from body paint, interior, wheel selection, and chassis

colours, as well as windshield tint and graphics (headlamps, badging, body

detailing), which were then reviewed by the designers using photos of the real

vehicle as a reference.

The Lotus Evora 1:64 is available in Quartz Silver, the same shade as the

real-life car unveiled at the British Motorshow adding to the accuracy of the

comparison. The silver body colour used on the Matchbox® die-cast model is

duplicated directly from a colour sample provided by Lotus' Licensing team

ahead of the London launch. The silver paint is applied and the hood vents

and rear roof section are masked and painted a flat matte black reflecting the

graphical elements of the actual car. Realistic looking headlamps and hood

badging were also added using a process similar to silk-screen printing.

The Lotus Evora will be available in the UK in spring 2009, but in the

meantime fans of the new vehicle can pick-up an authentic Matchbox® Evora

to treasure!