• Lotus confirms Type 130 hypercar is named EVIJA
• Fans attending the Lotus stand at Goodwood Festival of Speed will be offered a sneak peek at the car
• Dramatic ‘light show’ experience reveals new design details ahead of the world premiere later this month
• Classic and current Lotus cars on static and dynamic display, celebrating this year’s Festival theme ‘Record Breakers’

(Goodwood, West Sussex – 3 July 2019) – Lotus has chosen the Goodwood Festival of Speed to reveal the name of its new all-electric hypercar, and is calling on fans to visit its stand for an exclusive glimpse.

Due to start production in 2020, the world’s first British EV hypercar will be called the Lotus EVIJA. It marks the start of an exciting new chapter in the history of the iconic British sports car brand. As the first major Lotus model launch under the stewardship of Geely – the world’s fastest growing automotive group – its significance cannot be overstated.

Pronounced ‘ev-eye-a’ it means ‘the first in existence’ or ‘the living one’. It is highly appropriate; Lotus has an unquestionable reputation for its pioneering approach in both automotive and motorsport. The Evija – as the first all-electric hypercar from a British car maker – continues that story of innovation.

Lotus Cars CEO Phil Popham said: “Evija is the perfect name for our new car because it’s the first hypercar from Lotus, our first electric offering and is the first new model under the stewardship of Geely. The Evija is a Lotus like no other, yet a true Lotus in every sense. It will re-establish our brand on the global automotive stage and pave the way for further visionary models.”

Sports car fans attending this weekend’s Festival are invited to visit the Lotus stand – on the main grid – for an exclusive glimpse of the Evija. Hidden from general sight, visitors can join a dramatic ‘light show’ experience that reveals new details and provides the best hints yet of its exterior design.

The Lotus Evija will be unveiled in full in London later this month. Since its existence was confirmed at the Shanghai International Auto Show in April, the car has been known only by its Lotus Type number – Type 130. In May Lotus confirmed a maximum of 130 examples will be built at its factory in Hethel, Norfolk, in tribute to its Type number.

Also at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed are some of the most successful, pioneering and record-setting Lotus cars ever made. The stand is hosting the recently unveiled Lotus Evora GT4 Concept race car – which will be making its dynamic debut up the famous Goodwood hill climb course – as well as examples of the current Lotus range of Elise, Exige and Evora.

One historic car is expected to be a real crowd-pleaser. It’s the almost mythical Type 25/R6 Formula One racer, which is the actual car in which legend Jim Clark set the best ever time of 1:20.4 for a lap of the Goodwood circuit. This 1965 record has never been and never will be bettered due to changes in the original configuration of the circuit.

• Celebrating the unbreakable Goodwood lap-record
• New Evora GT4 Concept race car world dynamic debut
• Legendary cars reunited with legendary drivers
• Prize draw to win the Jim Clark Trust Lotus Evora, signed by all 2019 F1 drivers

 Lotus is following this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed 2019 theme ‘Speed Kings – Motorsport's Record Breakers’ with a celebration of some of the most successful, pioneering and record-setting cars ever made, and the drivers that steered them.

Goodwood is the perfect setting for Lotus to follow up on last year’s 70^th anniversary celebrations with an even greater presence in 2019.

The Lotus stand will house the current Lotus range of Elise, Exige and Evora, plus the recently unveiled Lotus Evora GT4 Concept race car which will be campaigning in the global GT series in 2020.

Alongside the Evora GT4 Concept will be a very special Lotus Type 25 F1 car – the almost mythical  25/R6 – which is the actual car in which Jim Clark set the best ever time of 1:20.4 for a lap of the Goodwood circuit in 1965 *.

This lap time has never been and never will be bettered due to changes in the original configuration of the circuit, and Lotus is grateful to the Museum Tinguely for the loan of this unique race car.

Another Jim Clark record still standing is his eight “Grand Slams”: pole position, fastest lap, leading every lap and victory all in the same race, two of which he achieved in 25/R6 at the 1964 British GP and the 1965 French GP. Jim Clark is still way ahead of the next best three who are on five “Grand Slams” each. **

There will be two Evora GT4 Concept race cars at Goodwood this year – both in identical colour schemes mimicking the Lotus Type 25 livery. One will be on the Lotus stand, while the other will be driven up the Goodwood Hill Climb course by Lotus’ Director of Vehicle Attributes, Gavan Kershaw, a former winner of the British GT Championships in a Lotus Evora.

Win a unique Lotus Evora

Lotus is a committed supporter of the Jim Clark Trust, the Scotland-based charity that celebrates the life of one of the greatest racing drivers of all time, and who first entered the world stage driving a Lotus.

Goodwood visitors have a chance to win a unique Jim Clark Lotus Evora special edition, a tribute to Jim’s 1960’s famous red and silver Elan, through a prize draw. This special Evora GT410 Sport is officially designated the 100,000^th Lotus road car ever built.

With it comes a spare tailgate signed by all 20 F1 Drivers from the 2019 season. This shows the global support for this worthwhile charity, and Jim Clark’s legacy 51 years after his untimely death

Each ticket costs £20/€20 and the money raised goes towards supporting the Trust’s new museum in Duns, Scotland. The draw to win the Lotus Evora Jim Clark special edition will take place in mid-August 2019, so this is one of the last opportunities to win this unique and valuable car.

Phil Popham, CEO, Lotus Cars, said: “Lotus’ connection to Goodwood is long and strong, and this year, with the theme being Record Breakers, it is fitting that we remember the remarkable and unbeatable lap by Jim Clark, This heritage is our bloodline, but our focus is on the future and this will be reinforced by something new and extra special during the Festival.”

Up the Hill

Eight legendary Lotus cars prepared by Lotus Cars and Classic Team Lotus will head up the Goodwood Hill Climb at the 2019 Festival of Speed:

Lotus 18 – chassis 912

This famous Lotus Type 18 in Rob Walker Racing colours was driven by Stirling Moss to arguably his greatest victory at the Monaco Grand Prix in 1961. It’s a race where the temperature at the circuit was so high that the side panels of this particular car were removed to allow cooler air to circulate around the cockpit, helping Moss to a spectacular win. This Lotus 18/912 will be driven by Clive Chapman, the son of Lotus founder, Colin Chapman.

Lotus 38 – chassis R7

Following a painstaking restoration, this Lotus Type 38 was driven by Al Unser in 1966 and Jim Clark at the 1967 Indy 500 races. It is liveried in the striking ‘Dayglo-Rocket-Red’ STP colour scheme with white high-mounted exhausts. The car will be driven by owner Nick Fennell.

Lotus 49 – Chassis R10

Chassis R10 is the only F1 car to have won the Monaco GP twice - in 1968 and 1969,  both times by Graham Hill. R10 will be  high-wing 1968 specification and driven by the Graham’s son Damon, the 1997 F1 World Champion. Damon is familiar with his father’s legendary Gold-Leaf red-white-and-gold car, having driven it at the 1,000^th F1 World Championship race  at Shanghai earlier this year. At that event, this famous Lotus 49 was given pride of place by being the only historic car invited to celebrate the landmark occasion race.

Lotus 72 – Chassis 5

The Lotus Type 72 is the most successful F1 design in the history of motorsport. At Goodwood Festival of Speed 2019 it will be united with its legendary driver Emerson Fittipaldi who drove it to the drivers’ and constructors’ World Championship honours in 1972 and again in the 1973 F1 campaign until it was crashed at the Dutch GP. The car has undergone a complete repair and restoration by Classic Team Lotus, using the original design drawings penned by Colin Chapman and chief engineer Maurice Phillipe to ensure it is returned to original specification. Emerson Fittipaldi considers 72/5 to be his favourite, having won his first GP in it, at Watkins Glen in 1970. Multiple Le Mans winner, Jacky Ickx, who raced a Lotus 72 in the 1974 and 1975 seasons, will also be taking the wheel of 72/5.

Lotus 79/2

79/2 is one of the cars that Mario Andretti campaigned and won the F1 Championship in 1978. The Type 79 pioneered the use of ground-effect aerodynamic downforce through its Venturi profiled underbody, and recently won the ‘Innovation Category’ award at the London Concours. This car will be driven by Lee Mowle, a British GT competitor and Classic Team Lotus customer.

Clive Chapman, Director of Classic Team Lotus, said: “This year’s contribution from Classic Team Lotus will be one of the most special for a long time. I am absolutely delighted that Damon, Emerson and Jacky will be reunited with the cars with which they have so much connection. And of course, I will fulfil a lifelong ambition to drive the Stirling Moss’ Lotus 18 – and if the weather is good, we can remove the side panels to recreate Monaco 1961!”

Exige Sport 410 and Evora GT410 Sport

In the supercar runs, a Lotus Exige Sport 410 and a Lotus Evora GT410 Sport, both in the iconic Lotus yellow colour scheme, will be driven by two of Lotus’ leading Vehicle Dynamics Engineers, Dan Peck and James Hazlehurst.

Finally, there will be one last surprise at the Goodwood Festival of Speed for Lotus fans. Further details on this will be communicated nearer the event.

• World’s first British all-electric hypercar – project code Type 130 – will be revealed in London, the birthplace of the brand, in July
• A maximum of just 130 examples will be available to own, with first customer deliveries to commence in 2020
• Production of the Type 130 confirmed for Lotus HQ in Hethel, Norfolk

(Hethel, Norfolk – 31 May 2019) Lotus confirms today that Type 130, the brand’s first all-new model in more than a decade, will be revealed to the world’s media at an exclusive event in Central London on 16 July.

Following first confirmation of the project in April at the Shanghai International Auto Show, several hundred potential owners have come forward to express their interest in the new car.  Today, the company announces that a maximum of just 130 examples will be available to own – representing the number of Lotus ‘Types’ introduced during the brand’s 71-year history. 

Lotus also confirms today that Type 130 will be built at Hethel in Norfolk, the brand’s headquarters since 1966.

Type 130 will be the most dynamically accomplished road car in the company’s history, continuing a bloodline rich in firsts and technical game-changers in automotive and motorsport.

• Elise named overall winner out of 17 automotive icons including Porsche 911, Land Rover, Ford Mustang, Mini and VW Beetle
• Elise took more than a quarter of the total vote from tens of thousands of Autocar readers around the world

The Lotus Elise has been awarded the prestigious Readers' Champion award at the Autocar Awards 2019.

In a recent poll, Autocar readers were invited to vote for their favourite icon from a list of 17 cars that are still in production and using the same name since launch. Each of the selected icons were championed by a different member of the Autocar editorial team.

Receiving the award were Lotus Cars’ Design Director, Russell Carr and Head of Concepts Richard Rackham.

Russell Carr said: “The Elise as a concept demonstrated the purity of Lotus design perfectly. As a design, it has developed and evolved over the years, but the essence of the Elise has always remained and that is one of the reasons why it has become such an icon. And of course, I greatly appreciate the support from the Autocar readership who clearly recognise this iconic status.”

Richard Rackham, previously the Vehicle Architect behind the Elise, added: “The Elise was a revolution, as not only did it demonstrate the benefits of lightweight to an industry that insisted on higher power and the increased mass that goes with it, but it also pioneered the use of extruded and bonded aluminium technology which is now so ubiquitous in global small volume vehicle manufacture.”

Mark Tisshaw, Editor of Autocar, said: “Displaying the appetite for pure driving machinery we’ve always been certain they had, our loyal readers have decided by an overwhelming margin that the Lotus Elise is this year’s 2019 Autocar Awards Readers’ Champion. Readers chose the Elise for its unwavering emphasis on driving factors: fine steering, handling and brakes made more effective by its compactness and light weight. For the record, we at Autocar enthusiastically applaud the decision.”

The bonded and extruded aluminium chassis technology that Lotus introduced first to the industry continues to evolve and improve. Future Lotus cars will incorporate this and new lightweight technologies, further strengthening Lotus’ position as a leader in agile, high performance and lightweight sports cars.

The Elise was not the only Lotus to have been included in the voting process, with the Lotus Seven as another of the 17 icons.

• Senior international automotive executive Geoff Dowding joins Lotus
• Dowding brings deep experience in the development of global automotive networks and distribution routes

Lotus is delighted to announce the appointment of Geoff Dowding as Global Sales and Aftersales Director, reporting to Lotus Cars CEO, Phil Popham.

Geoff joins from Al Habtoor Motors, one of the largest distributors in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where he was COO. Prior to this, he held a variety of senior roles with brands including VW, Nissan, Porsche, Harley-Davidson and Bentley.  At Bentley he played a pivotal role in the development of the specialist Mulliner business and in establishing the brand’s expanding dealer network around the world during his 18 years with the company.

Phil Popham, CEO, Lotus Cars said, “With Geoff’s proven track record and experience with luxury automotive brands, volume producers and niche players, he brings a depth and breadth of experience to our business.  He will play a fundamental role in the future global sales and aftersales operations of Lotus as we enter a new era of expansion.”

Geoff Dowding added “I am looking forward to being part of the team that will lead Lotus into a new future that is full of potential with new cars and new horizons, starting with the recently announced Type 130 hyper car.”

Lotus’ recruitment drive is continuing with new positions available across the company in multiple locations in the UK and internationally.  Interested candidates are encouraged to visit www.lotuscars.com/jobs-and-careers-at-lotus.

• British built Evora GT4 Concept race car unveiled at Shanghai Auto Show
• GT4 Concept car aiming to compete in 2020
• Successful Chinese racing drivers, Cui Yue and Gaoxiang Fan appointed factory drivers for China
• Lotus driver training school established in China

Marking a return to the international racing arena, one of the most famous names in competitive motorsport, Lotus, launches its brand new Evora GT4 Concept. Using 70-plus years of engineering innovation on road and track, the iconic company unveils its latest, British-built motorsport entry, at the Shanghai Auto Show 2019.

Retaining the personality and natural ability of the road-going Lotus Evora, the GT4 Concept builds on the brand’s advanced lightweight engineering expertise to deliver a race car that perfectly encapsulates the company’s competitive spirit.

Developed and prepared in Hethel, UK, the Evora GT4 Concept brings the inherent talents of Lotus to bear in both the car’s aesthetic and performance credentials. Undeniably an Evora, and with a unique Anglo-Sino launch livery created by Russell Carr, Design Director, Lotus Cars, the racer will continue to be developed by Lotus Cars in the UK.

Responsible for the development of the company’s competition cars, renowned Lotus test driver and the company’s Director of Attributes, Gavan Kershaw and his team will spend 100s of hours on the famous Hethel test track, which has shaped countless racers over six decades.

Proving its racing credentials, the last generation of Evora GT4 won prestigious championships and races at the most famous tracks around the world, including British GT, Dubai 24hrs, Barcelona 24hrs, European GT4, Sepang 12hrs the Pirelli World Championship and most recently crowned vice-champion in the Swedish GT Series with Cyan Racing in 2018.

A testament to the inherent ability of the Evora, the evolution of the new GT4 capitalises on the car’s already advanced road platform which was heavily influenced by Lotus motorsport-inspired engineering. The slick shod centre lock wheels, rear wing, aggressive stance and race ready cockpit gives an indication of the car’s true potential.

Appointed factory drivers, Mr. Cui Yue and Mr. Gaoxiang Fan bring new Chinese racing pedigree to Lotus motorsport.  Both are graduates of the Geely University and have gone through their motorsport apprenticeships with the company’s sponsorship.  Gaoxiang, 25, has enjoyed success to date in the China Rally Championship and was the China Touring Car Champion for 2017.  Cui, 29, has clocked up wins including the China Touring Car Championship in 2014, China Formula Grand Prix, China GT and most recently competed in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia in 2018.

The factory drivers will demonstrate the car’s potential through the newly established Lotus’ driver training school in China, with events to be held for the team and members of the public as high-octane driving days, driver training sessions and hot lap experiences, starting later this year.

Commenting on the launch of new Lotus Evora GT4 in Shanghai, Phil Popham, CEO, Lotus Cars said: “Lotus as a brand was born from the thrill of competition, and the Evora GT4 Concept will continue that legacy while opening up a new chapter in our racing experience. All of our cars retain motorsport within their DNA, and almost every road car in the company’s history has raced successfully at some point. It’s the philosophy that Colin Chapman founded Lotus on, and that we proudly continue to this day.”

As part of the car and drivers’ development, the team will be based at Hethel this summer. Using the legendary test track as a proving facility, and with tutelage from Gavan Kershaw, they will work on race craft, familiarisation and setup.

The Lotus Evora GT4 Concept – a racing class apart

With an unrivalled pedigree on track, Lotus has returned to its roots to produce a racer worthy of the famous green and yellow roundel. Developed through the company’s extensive motorsport experience, it continues a legacy of 70 years in competition. Lotus’ motorsport results rank it among the all-time greats, with 81 Grand Prix wins, six Drivers’ World Championships and seven Constructors’ World Championships along with countless wins and Championship titles over a multitude of other categories.

Rather than rest on its laurels, Lotus considered the lessons learnt from the previous championship/race winning generation Evora GT car to frame the performance characteristics of the new racer. Using the same anodised, lightweight aluminium, extruded, epoxy bonded and rivetted high-stiffness chassis architecture as the road car, the Evora GT4 Concept incorporates the latest motorsport safety systems and technology to ensure the car retains a light but strong ethos.

In a case of ‘road to race’, the new Evora GT4 Concept draws from the development of Lotus’ acclaimed sports cars. Retaining the Evora’s distinctive profile, but with added aggression, the GT4 Concept model is strikingly similar to the phenomenal Evora GT430 and GT430 Sport, the most powerful road-going Evoras ever. Sized identically as the road cars, the GT4 Concept incorporates the lessons learnt through the British marque’s extensive development process. Using countless hours on the Hethel test track to deliver benchmark performance and handling in the road cars, the transition to full-blown race car is straightforward.  

Gavan Kershaw explains “Every Lotus is famed for its performance in ride and handling on challenging roads, surfaces and through tight corners. This performance is borne from years of motorsport experience and testing at our HQ test track in Hethel, UK. All of which delivers confidence, response and feel to the driver. With this knowledge and the underpinning of a stiff chassis, low centre of gravity, double wish bone suspension and all the traits expected of a Lotus race car, this Lotus race car will give the driver a competitive edge right from the start.”  

Lotus’ reputation as a leader in intelligent engineering is preserved through the car’s use of a lightweight carbon-composite body – optimised to ensure every gram serves a purpose. Despite the addition of enhanced structural and motorsport safety systems, this Lotus racer will weigh 1200 kg (subject to ballast), while reaching a top speed of 170mph.

The use of specifically designed hybrid body panels, incorporating carbon weave sections. This allows for the introduction of advanced aerodynamics to boost downforce and high-speed stability, with a competition biased balance. It employs the same front clam layout as the Evora GT430 road car, but with a different configuration to allow for the cooling requirements of a race car. This includes removable canards and in-mouth brake ducts, as well as louvers positioned on top of each front wheel arch to reduce pressure above the wheel. The car’s rear also uses the same set up as the road car, with sculpted ducts behind each wheel to vent airflow as quickly as possible from the wheel arches, but adds a composite, four-vein diffuser and an adjustable, carbon-fibre, flat-plan motorsport wing.

Safe and fast, the Evora employs a full complement of measures to ensure driver protection, including an eight-point T45 roll cage, a six-point FIA HANS approved harnesses and HANS compliant seat, FIA compliant electrical kill switch and fire extinguisher. The car’s instrumentation has also been uprated to including a six-inch TFT colour screen, incorporating data logging and critical issue text alert.

Further details on the Evora GT4 Concept and Lotus motorsport in China will be confirmed later this year.

• Lotus continues its legendary bloodline with Type 130 confirmed as an all-new hypercar, now in advanced stages of development
• First glimpse of the new vehicle is revealed at
  Shanghai International Auto Show 2019

Lotus embarks on an exciting new era today with the announcement of its first all-new product in more than a decade – set to become the first all-electric hypercar from a British manufacturer.

Type 130 continues the legendary bloodline from Lotus during its 71-year history, which has seen a number of true game-changers introduced from the Norfolk, UK based brand in both motorsport and sportscars. 

CEO Phil Popham said: “Type 130 will be the most dynamically accomplished Lotus in our history. It marks a turning point for our brand and is a showcase of what we are capable of and what is to come from Lotus.”

The all-new car will be revealed, together with the full remarkable details and specification of this technical tour de force, in London, the birthplace of Lotus, later this year.

Some notable Lotus ‘Type’ numbers include:

Type 14 – World’s first composite monocoque production road car (Elite, 1957)

Type 25 – World’s first fully-stressed monocoque F1 car, first Lotus to win F1 world championship (1963)

Type 72 – Most successful F1 car of all time and the blueprint for F1 car design for many years (Championship winner in 1970, ‘72 and’ 73)

Type 78 – World’s first ‘ground effects’ F1 car (1977)

Type 88 – World’s first carbon fibre F1 car (1981)

Type 92 – World’s first active suspension F1 car (1983)

Type 111 – World’s first aluminium and bonded extrusion construction production car (Elise, 1995)

Type 130 – World’s first full electric British hypercar (2019)

• British built Evora GT4 Concept race car unveiled at Shanghai Auto Show
• GT4 Concept car aiming to compete in 2020
• Successful Chinese racing drivers, Cui Yue and Gaoxiang Fan appointed factory drivers for China
• Lotus driver training school established in China

Marking a return to the international racing arena, one of the most famous names in competitive motorsport, Lotus, launches its brand new Evora GT4 Concept. Using 70-plus years of engineering innovation on road and track, the iconic company unveils its latest, British-built motorsport entry, at the Shanghai Auto Show 2019.

Retaining the personality and natural ability of the road-going Lotus Evora, the GT4 Concept builds on the brand’s advanced lightweight engineering expertise to deliver a race car that perfectly encapsulates the company’s competitive spirit.

Developed and prepared in Hethel, UK, the Evora GT4 Concept brings the inherent talents of Lotus to bear in both the car’s aesthetic and performance credentials. Undeniably an Evora, and with a unique Anglo-Sino launch livery created by Russell Carr, Design Director, Lotus Cars, the racer will continue to be developed by Lotus Cars in the UK.

Responsible for the development of the company’s competition cars, renowned Lotus test driver and the company’s Director of Attributes, Gavan Kershaw and his team will spend 100s of hours on the famous Hethel test track, which has shaped countless racers over six decades.

Proving its racing credentials, the last generation of Evora GT4 won prestigious championships and races at the most famous tracks around the world, including British GT, Dubai 24hrs, Barcelona 24hrs, European GT4, Sepang 12hrs the Pirelli World Championship and most recently crowned vice-champion in the Swedish GT Series with Cyan Racing in 2018.

A testament to the inherent ability of the Evora, the evolution of the new GT4 capitalises on the car’s already advanced road platform which was heavily influenced by Lotus motorsport-inspired engineering. The slick shod centre lock wheels, rear wing, aggressive stance and race ready cockpit gives an indication of the car’s true potential.

Appointed factory drivers, Mr. Cui Yue and Mr. Gaoxiang Fan bring new Chinese racing pedigree to Lotus motorsport.  Both are graduates of the Geely University and have gone through their motorsport apprenticeships with the company’s sponsorship.  Gaoxiang, 25, has enjoyed success to date in the China Rally Championship and was the China Touring Car Champion for 2017.  Cui, 29, has clocked up wins including the China Touring Car Championship in 2014, China Formula Grand Prix, China GT and most recently competed in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia in 2018.

The factory drivers will demonstrate the car’s potential through the newly established Lotus’ driver training school in China, with events to be held for the team and members of the public as high-octane driving days, driver training sessions and hot lap experiences, starting later this year.

Commenting on the launch of new Lotus Evora GT4 in Shanghai, Phil Popham, CEO, Lotus Cars said: “Lotus as a brand was born from the thrill of competition, and the Evora GT4 Concept will continue that legacy while opening up a new chapter in our racing experience. All of our cars retain motorsport within their DNA, and almost every road car in the company’s history has raced successfully at some point. It’s the philosophy that Colin Chapman founded Lotus on, and that we proudly continue to this day.”

As part of the car and drivers’ development, the team will be based at Hethel this summer. Using the legendary test track as a proving facility, and with tutelage from Gavan Kershaw, they will work on race craft, familiarisation and setup.

The Lotus Evora GT4 Concept – a racing class apart

With an unrivalled pedigree on track, Lotus has returned to its roots to produce a racer worthy of the famous green and yellow roundel. Developed through the company’s extensive motorsport experience, it continues a legacy of 70 years in competition. Lotus’ motorsport results rank it among the all-time greats, with 81 Grand Prix wins, six Drivers’ World Championships and seven Constructors’ World Championships along with countless wins and Championship titles over a multitude of other categories.

Rather than rest on its laurels, Lotus considered the lessons learnt from the previous championship/race winning generation Evora GT car to frame the performance characteristics of the new racer. Using the same anodised, lightweight aluminium, extruded, epoxy bonded and rivetted high-stiffness chassis architecture as the road car, the Evora GT4 Concept incorporates the latest motorsport safety systems and technology to ensure the car retains a light but strong ethos.

In a case of ‘road to race’, the new Evora GT4 Concept draws from the development of Lotus’ acclaimed sports cars. Retaining the Evora’s distinctive profile, but with added aggression, the GT4 Concept model is strikingly similar to the phenomenal Evora GT430 and GT430 Sport, the most powerful road-going Evoras ever. Sized identically as the road cars, the GT4 Concept incorporates the lessons learnt through the British marque’s extensive development process. Using countless hours on the Hethel test track to deliver benchmark performance and handling in the road cars, the transition to full-blown race car is straightforward.  

Gavan Kershaw explains “Every Lotus is famed for its performance in ride and handling on challenging roads, surfaces and through tight corners. This performance is borne from years of motorsport experience and testing at our HQ test track in Hethel, UK. All of which delivers confidence, response and feel to the driver. With this knowledge and the underpinning of a stiff chassis, low centre of gravity, double wish bone suspension and all the traits expected of a Lotus race car, this Lotus race car will give the driver a competitive edge right from the start.”  

Lotus’ reputation as a leader in intelligent engineering is preserved through the car’s use of a lightweight carbon-composite body – optimised to ensure every gram serves a purpose. Despite the addition of enhanced structural and motorsport safety systems, this Lotus racer will weigh 1200 kg (subject to ballast), while reaching a top speed of 170mph.

The use of specifically designed hybrid body panels, incorporating carbon weave sections. This allows for the introduction of advanced aerodynamics to boost downforce and high-speed stability, with a competition biased balance. It employs the same front clam layout as the Evora GT430 road car, but with a different configuration to allow for the cooling requirements of a race car. This includes removable canards and in-mouth brake ducts, as well as louvers positioned on top of each front wheel arch to reduce pressure above the wheel. The car’s rear also uses the same set up as the road car, with sculpted ducts behind each wheel to vent airflow as quickly as possible from the wheel arches, but adds a composite, four-vein diffuser and an adjustable, carbon-fibre, flat-plan motorsport wing.

Safe and fast, the Evora employs a full complement of measures to ensure driver protection, including an eight-point T45 roll cage, a six-point FIA HANS approved harnesses and HANS compliant seat, FIA compliant electrical kill switch and fire extinguisher. The car’s instrumentation has also been uprated to including a six-inch TFT colour screen, incorporating data logging and critical issue text alert.

Further details on the Evora GT4 Concept and Lotus motorsport in China will be confirmed later this year.

• Renowned British engineering companies to collaborate on advanced propulsion technologies
• Combined capabilities to lead high performance automotive evolution across multiple vehicle sectors

Lotus and Williams Advanced Engineering announce a strategic technical partnership in which the companies will share research and development into advanced propulsion technologies.

Lotus Engineering has extensive and proven expertise in the integration and application of new technologies – for Lotus Cars and many global engineering clients, and is an acknowledged leader in lightweight structures and advanced materials.

Williams Advanced Engineering has acclaimed experience across the automotive sector and beyond, which will continue alongside this partnership. This expertise includes advanced propulsion systems and award-winning work applying knowledge derived from the pinnacle of battery technology during the inaugural four seasons of Formula E into electric vehicles.

Phil Popham, CEO, Lotus Cars said, “Our new technology partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering is part of a strategy to expand our knowledge and capability in the rapidly changing automotive landscape. Applying advanced propulsion powertrains can provide numerous exciting solutions across multiple vehicle sectors. Our combined and complementary experiences make this a very compelling match of engineering talent, technical ability and pioneering British spirit.”

Craig Wilson, Managing Director of Williams Advanced Engineering said, “Williams Advanced Engineering takes great pride in delivering innovation for our customers at a rapid pace of development, born from our Formula One heritage. We will be further developing next generation powertrains in this partnership with Lotus.”

• James Andrew appointed Director, Communications & PR
• Simon Clare appointed Director, Global Marketing

Group Lotus is delighted to announce two new senior appointments to its executive team, reporting to Lotus Cars CEO, Phil Popham.

James Andrew joins from leading automotive and luxury communications agency, Influence Associates – the business he helped establish in London with veteran international automotive PR, Stuart Dyble – now among the most sought-after PR and strategy consultancies in the industry. Previous to this James held senior PR positions at Jaguar Land Rover and in the technology and EV sectors internationally. He joins the Lotus executive team as Director of Communications, effective immediately.

Simon Clare is a highly experienced brand and product strategist and joins from Sunseeker International where he held the position of Marketing Director. In his 17-plus years as a senior marketer, Simon has worked for a number of the world’s best-known luxury brands, including Bentley, Jaguar Land Rover and most recently, Sunseeker – where he played a pivotal role in re-establishing the iconic brand and turning around the business to be Britain’s largest and most famous boat builder. Simon starts as Global Marketing Director on 1 February. 

Commenting on the appointments, Phil Popham said: “I welcome both James and Simon to the reinvigorated Lotus business. Their collective experience in the auto industry internationally, in the luxury sector and with British brands, provides Lotus with key new talent as the business and brand develop and expand into new horizons. Together, the executive team will take Lotus to new levels as a truly global business with a hugely exciting new range of products.”

Lotus’ recruitment drive continues further in to 2019 with new positions available across the company in multiple locations in the UK and internationally. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit www.lotuscars.com/jobs-and-careers-at-lotus.

• Global retail sales up 2% on 2017
• Concludes a landmark year for Lotus in 2018
• Growing confidence in the brand as new investment and development plans take shape

Lotus Cars has posted its strongest sales results in seven years with 1,630 cars sold worldwide in 2018.
Concluding a landmark year for the company, 2018 saw Lotus celebrate its 70th birthday, new majority ownership from Geely, substantial investment in product development and new facilities, and a number of senior appointments, with respected auto and luxury-sector leader, Phil Popham, joining as CEO.
Commenting on 2018’s sales, Phil Popham said: “The year’s results show success on many levels, in what is a new dawn for the brand and business. Strong sales and an increasing presence in many international markets underline growing confidence as new shareholder backing starts to shape our future. The many appointments to the company in the executive team and across the business demonstrate a real confidence and ability to deliver our ambitions for Lotus globally.”
Sales highlights around the world include Sweden, up 87%; Japan, up 59%; Australia, up 50%; Middle East (GCC), up 39%; Italy, up 14% with a solid sales performance also delivered across most of mainland Europe and the UK.

* All retail figures based on Lotus warranty registrations in the calendar year.  
** 274 UK cars sold in 2018 vs. 267 in 2017

• Accolade awarded as part of EVO’s Car of the Year 2018
• 0-60 mph in 3.3 secs, 410 hp, 420 Nm, dry weight from 1,054 kg and 150 kg of downforce
• Second win in a row for Lotus with the Elise Sport 220 winning in Sports Car of the Year in 2017

A fitting end to the 70^th Anniversary year of Lotus and the company has one more reason to celebrate with EVO Magazine announcing that the Lotus Exige Sport 410 has been awarded Roadster of the Year 2018 in its latest issue #257.

In the words of EVO, “It’s a genuinely fabulous piece of kit, engineered with an obsessional zeal for driver entertainment and finished with the sort of care normally reserved for vehicles with far more chunkier price tags.”

Developed directly from the track focused Exige Cup 430, the Exige Sport 410 is designed to be the ultimate road drive, unrivalled in its class.

Packing the advanced chassis, suspension and powertrain set-up from its more powerful stablemate, the track focused Exige Cup 430, with a recalibrated engine producing 410 hp (416 PS) at 7,000 rpm and 420 Nm (310 lbft) on tap from 3,000 rpm to 7000 rpm. The high-performance 3.5-litre, supercharged and charge cooled V6 engine combined with a dry weight of just 1,054 kg (lightest possible dry) delivers a class-leading power to weight ratio of 389 hp / tonne, and makes the Exige Sport 410 the lightest V6 Exige ever.

Capable of 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, it records fierce in-gear acceleration before reaching a top speed of 180 mph / 290 km/h (Coupe configuration) – equal to the range-topping Exige Cup 430.

The Exige Sport 410 has been developed to generate 150 kg of downforce, sharing design cues from the Exige Cup 430, adopting a visually arresting revised lightweight front clam panel incorporating wider grilles and carbon fibre air curtains and front splitter.

As with all Lotus cars, the Exige Sport 410 has outstanding handling and lightweight agility engineered into its very DNA. Conveying an extraordinary level of tactility and precision, it’s developed to perform at its very best with maximum enjoyment and driver feedback on the road.

The final word comes from EVO magazine, “The extremely talkative steering (unassisted of course) is heavy at first but once up to speed requires nothing more than wristy inputs, the Exige diving through corners fast and flat, its sense of balance simply sublime.”

While many look back over the year during the festive season, Lotus looks sideways in the #DriftmasEvora.
Delivering a Christmas tree with a 410hp sleigh, the engineering elves at Lotus wanted an ingenious way to transport a Christmas tree using an Evora GT410 Sport.

The first-ever #MerryDriftmas video, created by Lotus, sees a festive delivery with a difference - all filmed on site at its Hethel home in Norfolk.

While most Christmas trees travel strapped to roof racks or stuffed in car boots, Lotus knew it could do it differently with carbon fibre, a little welding and a lot of burning rubber. Using closed roads, and with thanks to an understanding security guard, the two-minute video encompasses the whole facility, and even includes two of the marque’s most famous cars (and a bike). Extra points for your viewers if they can spot and name them.

Intended as a light-hearted way to mark the festive period, the video celebrates Lotus sports cars and the pure pleasure of driving. This film was created on closed roads using professional drivers, and no attempt should be made to recreate the driving shown.

Lotus wishes its customers and fans around the world a very Merry Driftmas and a Happy New Year.

Lotus’ official 70th anniversary celebration held in Hethel,
Norfolk on Saturday 29th September 2018
• 8,000 Lotus owners and enthusiasts attended, with
another 8,000 joining the online live streams
• 1,600 Lotus cars returned home to Lotus in Norfolk
• Secret concours awarded to ex-Fréquelin/Todt Sunbeam Lotus
rally car
• Road cars, race cars, rally cars and even pursuit bicycles on
track
• Grand finale saw 700 cars take to Hethel track in celebration

Marking its 70th anniversary, Lotus held a spectacular event to commemorate the significant
milestone of founder Colin Chapman’s first Lotus, built in 1948.
The home of Lotus in Hethel hosted 8,000 Lotus owners and enthusiasts from all over the
world, as well as 1,600 Lotus cars of all eras. From the Team Lotus F1 race cars to the rally
Sunbeam Lotus, Lotus Cortina all the way to the present line-up of Evora, Exige and Elise,
there were Lotus road and competition cars of all ages present.
Group Lotus Plc’s CEO Mr. Feng Qingfeng presented the company’s vision to the crowds
present and viewers online. As well as leading the anniversary track procession, he also
personally revealed two bespoke Lotus Exclusive Evora GT410s, both in heritage
livery.Speaking at the event, Group Lotus Plc’s CEO, Mr. Feng Qingfeng said: “Today has
been an amazing day of celebration. To have met so many Lotus owners and enthusiasts,
and understand their passion for our brand is truly inspiring. We are committed to our home
in Norfolk, and there’s no place better to gather and remember what Lotus stands for and
what makes it so special as a leading automotive marque. To have so many of our cars
return home has really made the day, and I’d like to thank everyone for their help and
support, both now and in the future, as we grow and develop the business.”
Lotus’ 70th anniversary in numbers
For the first time ever, fans from all over the world were able to watch online via the live
streams on YouTube as well as Facebook Live and other social media channels. With over
8,000 viewers catching all the action on the web, a further 8,000 were there on the sold out
day to celebrate Lotus and its 70th anniversary.
The live stream and social channels used #Lotus70 to share top moments throughout the
day, and both the YouTube chat and Facebook Live feeds were filled with anecdotes and
praise for Lotus during its 70th anniversary event.

Largest gathering of Lotus cars ever seen
The day saw the largest ever collection of Lotus cars assembled. With 1,600 cars arriving to
the Hethel site, it was a special way to mark the 70th anniversary.
The British marque invited owners to showcase some of their pride and joys to celebrate.
From a heritage Lotus Mark VI to the latest Lotus Evora GT430s, ex-rally Sunbeam Lotus’
and immaculate Lotus Cortinas, there was something for everyone to appreciate and enjoy.
Seven decades of Lotus on track
Presenting some of the racing team’s legendary F1 cars, responsible for Lotus’ 13 world
championships: including seven constructors and six drivers totalling 81 race victories,
Classic Team Lotus wowed the crowds with demonstration runs, allowing enthusiasts to
witness the sights and the sounds of the cars in action.
Highlights included the DFV-powered Lotus 49 designed by Colin Chapman and Maurice
Philippe for the 1967 F1 season and the famed 1978 Lotus 79, the first F1 car to take full
advantage of ground effect aerodynamics, not to mention the iconic 1966 Lotus 43.

The audience in the grandstands also cheered as they saw Lotus’ professional drivers
smoke up the tarmac in an Evora GT410 Sport, an Exige Sport 410 and the Elise Sport
220. With the addition of smoke bombs in Lotus green and yellow, it was a fitting spectacle
for the crowds and online viewers.
The Jim Clark Special Edition Evora GT410 Sport
Also on display was the 100,000th Lotus ever built. Previously announced at Goodwood
Festival of Speed, the Jim Clark Trust’s Lotus Evora GT410 Sport was showcased during

the anniversary event. Created by Lotus Exclusive, the Evora GT410 Sport had been
reimagined in the livery of Jim Clark’s famous Lotus Elan. Finished in red and silver, visitors
were able to buy tickets to win the car in a special raffle on the day. More details on how to
win can be found at www.jimclarklotus.com.
700 cars lap the Hethel track to commemorate 70 years of Lotus
Celebrating 70 years of Lotus, the British marque hosted the largest parade of Lotus sports
cars ever seen on the Hethel track. A finishing flourish to a special day, 700 cars and their
owners were part of the anniversary parade that will go down in Lotus’ history books.

Poignant for all Lotus owners that took part, the procession included the very latest models
as well as the historically important Lotus Mark VII and even a Sunbeam Lotus and a Lotus
Carlton. Led by Group Lotus Plc’s CEO Mr. Feng Qingfeng, in a Lotus Eleven driven by
Clive Chapman, the car which was once owned by his father, Colin Chapman. The Eleven
of Qingfeng/Chapman was followed by an Evora GT430 and a GT410 Sport in hot pursuit.

Lotus Bikes and owners’ clubs
Amidst all the four-wheeled fun, Lotus’ two wheel achievements were recognised with a
display from the 110 Lotus Bike Club, showing both the Lotus Engineering 108 and 110
bikes in action.

Lotus owners’ clubs were also on hand with static displays of their own. Showcasing some
of the most incredible and sought-after models of Lotus’ past and present line-up, 14
owners clubs and members from all over the world were part of the display.
In addition, a secret concours competition took place with online influencer Sam Fane,
otherwise known as Seen Through Glass. Sam, in secret, judged all of the cars on site. A
tricky decision, Sam finally awarded a Sunbeam Lotus of Fréquelin/Todt fame as his
winner.
Lotus legends
Joining the 8,000 attendees on site were a range of Lotus legends – the people that made
Lotus what it is today – all with their own stories to tell on the live broadcast feed.
Interviewed throughout the day, viewers saw famous Lotus alumni such as Mike Kimberley,
Bob Dance, as well as Elisa Artioli, all telling anecdotes and their own Lotus memories. It
gave viewers online and attendees on the day a glimpse into Lotus’ past through the eyes
of those who created its history.

Major developments planned for Lotus’ Hethel HQ
• Customer Experience Centre, Heritage Centre and Museum all
proposed
• Renovation of original buildings including Chapman’s office
• A destination to experience the brand’s history and heritage
• Home to Lotus for over 50 years, development ensures Hethel remains
the heart of Lotus
As the company prepares for the culmination of its 70th celebrations, Lotus has unveiled the latest stage
in its investment plan, which will see the 100 acre site undergo extensive development and renovation
work.
With a new Customer Experience Centre, Heritage Centre and Museum designed by architects
Feilden+Mawson and submitted for planning, the British marque has outlined a bold vision for its future
at the famous Hethel facility, its home for over 50 years. The plans were unveiled just ahead of the
company’s 70th celebrations in Norfolk, marking the anniversary of the founding of Lotus by engineering
genius Colin Chapman.
Combining the creation of brand new facilities and the renovation of some of Hethel’s historic sections,
the scope of the work perfectly reflects the company’s ambitions going forward. The planning application
also includes a spacious, modern new restaurant catering for all staff and visitors to the Lotus site.

Speaking at the unveiling of the plans, Group Lotus’ chief executive officer, Mr. Feng Qingfeng said:
“The progress of these developments at Hethel demonstrates our commitment to Lotus and its bright
future. Hethel is rightly the centre of the brand and what better place for customers, aspiring owners and
staff to experience our values? Hethel is, and will always be, the heart of Lotus and our plans are the
next step in readying the site for the next 50 years.”
The future of Hethel
Dynamic and modern in their design, the plans for Hethel are the next chapter in the story of the famous
site. In 1966 Lotus’ founder Colin Chapman reimagined the old WW2 airbase as the company’s
headquarters and manufacturing facility that have evolved into the Lotus of today, encompassing all
aspects of the modern sports car company.

The new purpose-built Customer Experience Centre will be located alongside the pitlane of the famous
test track to create a focal point at Hethel and afford fantastic views across the entire site. Showcasing
the Lotus brand and its range of vehicles, it will provide a destination for customers as they develop the
specification for, and later return to take delivery of, their vehicles. With a two-storey display area, the
building will include private vehicle specification salons and delivery areas, as well as preparation and
service facilities.

An impressive Heritage Centre and Museum will also be created, incorporating the site’s original main
office and executive suites. This extensive renovation and conversion work will provide a modern space,
fit to display a wide range of Lotus vehicles and exhibits. Bringing the original executive suite, including
Colin Chapman’s office, to life, the Heritage Centre and Museum will allow visitors and staff to
experience the history and heritage at the heart of Lotus.

Alongside the Heritage Centre and Museum, a modern new restaurant facility will extend forward from
the existing buildings to create an impressive, and uniform façade. With views over the garden areas of
the site, it will provide hospitality facilities for a wide range of activities.
The site’s existing clubhouse (the control tower of the former airbase) will be extensively renovated as
part of the plans. Located near the test track, it will incorporate a new roof terrace and modern facilities
for track-based activities and customer or staff events.

As well as the new buildings, the development of Hethel will see extensive enhancements and the
landscaping of the site, including improvements to access, parking areas for staff and security.

• Campaign to find founder Colin Chapman’s first car
• Lotus Mark I built in London in 1948
• Whereabouts unknown for over 60 years
• The inception of Lotus’ performance-orientated approach
• Search marks 70 years since Chapman’s founding principles
Calling on enthusiasts, collectors and car hunters worldwide, Lotus needs your help in tracking
down the long-lost Lotus Mark I, the first car built by company founder Colin Chapman.

As the British marque continues its 70th celebrations, it wants fans from around the world to pick up
the trail of the most elusive Lotus ever – the competition car that the young engineer hand-built in a
small London garage owned by his then girlfriend’s parents. Overcoming the standard car’s
limitation Chapman applied innovative approaches to improve its performance in challenging trials
competitions.
Despite its existence being well documented, the current whereabouts of the Mark I remain a
mystery. Built by Chapman, with the help of friends and his girlfriend (who later became his wife),
Hazel, he entered a number of events in 1948 with immediate success. However, Colin was
constantly innovating, and was soon hard at work on the Mark II. The first car was sold in
November 1950 but, from there, the car’s trail goes cold. Despite much research over the years, its
whereabouts have never been established.
Joining Lotus in the hunt for the origin of its species is the son of the company’s founder, and
director of Classic Team Lotus, Clive Chapman. “The Mark I is the holy grail of Lotus’ history,”
explains Clive. “It’s the first time that my father was able to put his theories for improved
performance into practice when designing and building a car. To locate this landmark Lotus, as we
celebrate the 70th anniversary, would be a monumental achievement. We want fans to take this
opportunity to look in every garage, shed, barn and lock up they’re allowed to. It’s even possible
that the Mark I was shipped from the UK, and we’d love to know if it survives in another country.”

The birth of the Lotus legend
In 1948 Colin Chapman built his first competition car, following his own theories for improved
performance. Chapman’s way of thinking and his principles remain as relevant today as they were
70 years ago and his ethos still allows the company to optimise mass and aerodynamics in order to
maximise performance and handling.
Covering everything from suspension configuration and layout, making sure that ground clearance
was not compromised, improvements included reinforcing the chassis, cladding the body in
lightweight bespoke panels and ensuring that components frequently damaged in competition
could be quickly reattached. Appling theories learnt from this formal training as an engineer, Colin
was already developing the principles that would go on to define Lotus cars of the future. One
notable decision was to extend the rear of the car, and include two spare wheels. This allowed for
the better allocation of ballast, distributing weight within the car to maximise traction for each event.
In a lock-up borrowed from Hazel’s parents, Colin re-imagined and re-engineered the Austin Seven
to create the first Lotus. Built by hand, and with Hazel (his then-girlfriend) helping where needed,
he completed the car in the spring of 1948 and immediately entered it in competitive trials. With
Hazel in the passenger seat and Colin behind the wheel, they picked up two class awards in the
car’s first events.
Originally finished in bare, unpolished alloy, the car was then painted white, before repainted in
red. A restless engineer, Chapman was soon working on the next car, the Mark II, designed using
the lessons learned from his first and the experience gain through the competitions he’d entered.
As a result, an advert placed in Motor Sport magazine, describing an Austin Seven Special fourseater
sports-cum-trials car saw the Mark I sold in November 1950. Chapman received £135 for
the car, but the only thing now known about the new owner was that they were based in the north
of England.
Over the years many enthusiasts have looked for the car, but to no avail. Lotus has previously
called on experts to help locate the lost vehicle but, as the company gears up for the highpoint of
its anniversary celebrations at the end of September, it’s hoped that a renewed search, on a global
scale, will help track down the landmark car.

Lotus Cars shows its commitment to the UAE with the official opening of the brand-new Lotus showroom in Dubai. The Lotus Dubai facility on Sheikh Zayed Road is the result of a partnership with Adamas Motors and offers new and existing customers the opportunity to experience the famous brand first hand in the heart of Dubai.
Officially opened by Marcus Blake, Commercial Director, Group Lotus plc and His Excellency Majid Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the ceremony included esteemed guests, key media and senior management from across the Lotus operations.

Marcus Blake, Commercial Director, Group Lotus plc; His Excellency Majid Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Karl Hamer, Chief Executive Officer of Adamas Motors LLC; Jonathan Stretton, Regional Director of Lotus Cars Middle East
The new 5000 square feet, capable of showcasing up to 10 cars, opened its doors with the presentation of the range of Lotus vehicles carefully selected and optioned to suit the aspirations of customers in the UAE. On display at the inaugural event was the limited-edition Lotus Exige Cup 430 Type 25 with 3 of the worldwide volume of 25 units making their way to the GCC; the only Lotus 3-Eleven 430 in the Middle East finished in the famous Lotus black and gold livery; and the internationally acclaimed and fastest Lotus production vehicle ever, the Lotus Evora GT430.

Marcus Blake, Commercial Director, Group Lotus plc commented, “On behalf of Group Lotus, I welcome Adamas Motors to the Lotus brand, in our 70th Anniversary year. Adamas Motors joins Lotus at a very exciting point in the company’s history. Our desirable, benchmark and handcrafted sports cars are consistently being awarded five-star accolades from media around the world. The Lotus business is also growing globally and expanding into new markets so welcoming even more discerning drivers behind the wheel of this exclusive and British brand.
“The UAE is an important market for Lotus and it has even greater potential for the future. With Lotus Cars Middle East and Adamas Motors, we’re looking forward to welcoming both our current and new customers in the region to the Lotus brand.”
Mr Karl Hamer, Chief Executive Officer of Adamas Motors said, “We are extremely proud to be appointed as the new Lotus Cars dealer for the UAE. The Lotus DNA fits perfectly to Adamas Motors’ business platform, specializing in prestige and performance vehicles and being committed to providing UAE customers with an unrivalled motoring and ownership experience.
“With Lotus now in its 70th year, I reflect on my personal interest in Lotus since I was a young man, growing up watching James Bond movies and the true days on Formula 1, so I am so pleased and excited to be working with this wonderful brand in the UAE today. Our showroom design and ambience can be likened to that of a boutique hotel, where our customers can come and enjoy a coffee and hold business meetings, we want it to be a place that UAE motorists can enjoy. Relationship is everything and we will ensure that our customers, manufacturers and our employees experience a business they are proud to be associated with.”
Jonathan Stretton, Regional Director of Lotus Cars Middle East commented, “Dubai is an important market in the Middle East and partnering with Adamas Motors in this impressive facility further presents our commitment to supporting the Lotus brand and developing our presence in the region. Adamas Motors management has a great deal of expertise in the sports and performance car sector and much experience in the GCC. The investment in this new Lotus Dubai showroom and the focus from Adamas Motors on offering exceptional customer service means that Lotus is set to create growth and significant customer loyalty in the UAE today, and as the new era for Lotus unfolds.”

The new Lotus Dubai showroom includes a configuration room, allowing customers to plan their Lotus vehicle colour and trim selections in a comfortable and private space, alongside a customer lounge where guests can relax and enjoy a coffee made by a professional barista.
Lotus customers in Dubai will be able to service their cars at a new solus Lotus, state-of-the-art workshop facility in Al Quoz, with customers welcomed to the facility in person or invited to use a performance vehicle transporter specifically designed to safely carry the range of Lotus vehicles.
Lotus is to be presented by Adamas Motors in the capital of the UAE, with the launch of the first ever Lotus showroom in Abu Dhabi due to be announced in the coming months.

Group Lotus plc is delighted to announce the appointment of Phil Popham as Senior Vice
President – Commercial Operations for Group Lotus and CEO – Lotus Sports Cars, effective from
01 October 2018. Phil will report to Group Lotus plc CEO, Mr Feng Qingfeng.

Phil joins Lotus from Sunseeker International where he held the role of CEO for four years.
Prior to Sunseeker, he was part of the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) executive team for 9 years with
global responsibility for commercial operations.
The arrival of Phil Popham is the latest in a series of high level appointments at Lotus, from both
the global automotive industry and from within Lotus. A new business and operating structure has
been put in place and the Lotus business is now set for the next stage of its future growth and
global expansion.
Mr Feng Qingfeng welcomes Phil to Lotus, “I am delighted that Phil has joined Lotus at this
important time in our 70 year history. We are growing the Lotus business not only at our
Headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk but also worldwide so the foundations are laid to become a
globally competitive brand and a well recognised leader in the sports car market.”
Phil Popham said, “I have spent my career working with, and have a passion for famous British
luxury, high tech and pioneering brands and Lotus, with its amazing history, definitely fits into that
category. I am looking forward to being part of the team that will drive the substantial future growth
of the Lotus business.”
 

• Unique Jim Clark special edition Evora GT410 Sport created to raise
funds for the Jim Clark Trust
• Based on Clark’s famous Lotus Elan road car with matching colour
scheme and trim
• Unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2018
• The 100,000th Lotus sports car built
• Enter the competition now at www.jimclarklotus.com  
 

In a fitting tribute to one of the most successful racing drivers of all time, the Jim Clark Trust has
launched a competition to win the 100,000th Lotus sports car built - a one off Jim Clark special
edition Lotus Evora GT410 Sport.   
 

Commissioned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of 1968 and unveiled at the world famous
motoring event in the presence the Duke of Richmond, Group Lotus’ Chief Executive Officer Mr.
Feng Qingfeng and Trustees of the charity, the unique vehicle will be offered as the ultimate prize
for enthusiasts in a competition organised by the Jim Clark Trust - the official charity of this years’
Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The charity competition, which can be entered at www.jimclarklotus.com, gives participants the
chance to own a truly landmark Lotus while raising funds to help complete the new Jim Clark
Museum.
Proudly supporting the Trust, the British sports car manufacturer has designated the Jim Clark special edition its 100,000th car, and production of the unique model coincided with Lotus’ 70th
anniversary celebrations at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.  
The Jim Clark Trust is marking the 50th anniversary of Clark’s tragic death while competing at
Hockenheim. Formula 1 World Champion in 1963 and 1965, and the winner on the Indianapolis
500 in 1965, Clark made 72 Grand Prix starts, took 25 wins and 33 pole positions - all behind the
wheel of a Lotus. Today Clark is recognised as not only the greatest driver of his generation but
also one of the sport’s true icons, and the Jim Clark Trust is currently working on the new and
expanded museum in the racer’s home town of Duns, due to open in 2019.

Inspired by the red Lotus Elan driven by Clark in the 1960s, registration number 997 NUR, the new
Evora GT410 Sport has been hand built at Lotus’ Hethel site – the home of the company for the
last 50 years. Echoing the original car’s colour scheme, with red paintwork, a silver roof and silver
wheels, plus tartan upholstery, it commemorates the legacy of the one of motorsport’s most
enduring figures. The car also carries Clark’s signature on each rear buttress.

Entrusted to the Formula 1 World Campion by Lotus founder Colin Chapman, the first production
Lotus Elan (Type 26, Chassis 001) was Clark’s company car, and he regularly made the commute
from the racing team’s then base is in Cheshunt, just outside London, to his family home in Duns,
in the Scottish Borders. A trip of roughly 350 miles each way, Clark clocked up around 15,500
miles in a year, leaving the car with the team when he was away racing.   
His Grace the Duke of Richmond commented, “It’s fantastic to see the crowds here at Festival of
Speed so engaged and excited to remember Jim Clark and celebrate his achievements in our
Silver Jubilee year. The stunning Jim Clark special edition Evora is a fitting tribute to a legendary
man and his iconic Elan. Clark’s exploits on track were very special indeed and we are proud to
launch this competition here at Goodwood.”

Launched in Lotus’ 70th year, the Evora GT410 Sport is a winning blend of raw ability and style.
Drawing from its more potent stablemate, the Evora GT430, it incorporates many high
performance elements yet retains a subtler, understated profile. The Evora GT410 Sport is
powered by a specially calibrated and tuned higher-output version of Lotus’ supercharged, 3.5-litre
6-cylinder engine. With an integrated water-to-air charge cooler, it produces 410 hp at 7000 rpm
and 420 Nm of torque from 3500 rpm, allowing the Evora GT410 Sport to sprint from 0-60 mph in
just 3.9 seconds.

Continuing a linage of lightweight car design, that can trace its roots back to Clark’s 1960’s Elan S2
and beyond, the development of the Evora GT410 Sport allowed Lotus the opportunity to optimise
mass, resulting in a lightest possible dry weight of just 1,256 kg. Standard carbon fibre composite
components include the front access panel, roof panel and a one-piece louvered tailgate with
integrated spoiler, as well as the elements within the front air blade system and rear wheel exit
ports.
 

In keeping with Lotus’ philosophy of maximising aerodynamics to match the car’s personality, the
GT-class coupe generates up to 96kg of downforce, providing better handling and stability at high
speeds.

Lotus at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2018
Lotus celebrated its 70th anniversary at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2018 as an Automotive
Partner of the event. This year’s Festival allowed visitors to see outstanding cars from the
marques’ past running the Hill. This included Jim Clark’s World Championship winning Lotus Type
25, Graham Hill’s World Championship winning Lotus Type 49, Ayton Senna’s first F1 race winning
car, the Lotus 97T, and the revolutionary Lotus Type 56 gas turbine Indycar.  
Acting as the centre of the celebrations, Lotus’ current line-up of sports cars were displayed on the
company’s stand in the main exhibitors’ space. This included the Celebration Exige Type 79, which
appeared with a Type 79 racing car campaigned by Mario Andretti as part of his Championship
winning year. The second of two Celebration cars for Goodwood, the Exige Type 49, featured in
the First Glance paddock and drove the Hillclimb route all weekend. Competing in the timed
shootout on Saturday afternoon, the Exige Type 49 set an impressive 53.51 seconds.
 
 

• Elisa Artioli returns to Lotus 22 years after launch of Elise
• Lotus Elise named after Elisa
• Surprise reunion with the first ever production line built Lotus Elise
• Lotus visit includes her first-ever track laps in a Lotus
Reunited with the iconic car that bears her name, Elisa Artioli paid tribute to one of the most
renowned and lightweight sports cars ever made, the Lotus Elise, and drove her first ever laps of
the Hethel test track.
Returning to the home of Lotus in Hethel, Elisa was reunited with the second Elise ever built, and
the first built down the production line, a car with which she was photographed 1996. As well as the
surprise reunion with the Elise, she took to the famous Hethel test track for a series of laps behind
the wheel in a Lotus Exige Sport 410 and Evora GT410 Sport.
The granddaughter of Lotus’ then Chairman, Romano Artioli, Elisa was the original inspiration for
the car’s name, and was present for its launch in 1995.
 

The latest in a series of high profile appointments, Group Lotus is pleased to announce that
Uday Senapati joins the iconic British sports car marque. Uday joins Lotus as the company
undergoes the next stage of its growth and return to prominence, under the leadership of
Group Lotus’ Chief Executive Officer, Feng Qingfeng. Further confirming the Norfolk
brand’s commitment to excellence, and attracting new talent to Hethel.  
Well-known and respected within the industry, Uday will take responsibility for Product
Strategy and Management for all current and future product lines, including digital products
and services.

Prior to joining Lotus, Uday started his career as an automotive engineer, specializing in
automotive refinement, aerodynamics and vehicle engineering. Moving quickly into
technical management roles at both GM and JLR he most recently held senior
management positions at Bentley Motors Ltd, based in Crewe, England.   
Speaking of the announcement, Feng Qingfeng welcomed Uday to the team, “With a wealth
of experience in the automotive sector Uday has a proven record of leading successful
teams in premium segment automotive companies. At Lotus he will take the lead in
developing and delivering our product plans and he will play a vital role as Lotus continues
to challenge conventions and innovate as it looks to the future.”
 

Uday Senapati said, “Lotus has a tremendous sporting and racing heritage and is in the
enviable position of having produced some of the world’s most iconic sports cars. To be
able to work closely with some of the best people in the industry on bringing the next
generation of advanced high-performance vehicles to market is immensely exciting and I’m
looking forward to the challenges ahead.”
Uday Senapati holds a BEng (Hons) - Mechanical Engineering Degree from the University
of Pune, India, an MSc – Acoustics degree from Southampton University and an MBA from
Manchester Business School.
 

• Widow of Lotus founder joins sports car company’s
celebrations
• Helping mark the 70th anniversary of Colin Chapman’s first car
• 100,000th Lotus built in tribute to Team Lotus racer Jim Clark
• Commissioned to support the Jim Clark Trust
• Enter the competition to win the car at www.jimclarklotus.com

Joining the celebrations for one of the world’s most iconic sports car manufacturers, the widow of company founder Colin Chapman has personally approved the 100,000th Lotus, as part of the marque’s 70th anniversary celebration.
Hand built on the same site that Hazel Chapman helped establish, the Jim Clark Trust special edition Lotus Evora GT410 Sport is the 100,000th Lotus built and a milestone in the
iconic British company’s history.  
 

Reviewing the car for the first time with her son Clive Chapman, Hazel Chapman said: “70 years ago, I never dreamt that there would be a 100,000th Lotus. I’m immensely proud of
the company and Colin’s legacy. Today Lotus still builds such fantastic sports cars and I’m touched to be able to see the 100,000th car.” The Evora continues a lineage of lightweight
car design that can trace its roots back the very first Lotus - an ethos that drives the
company to optimise mass and aerodynamics in order to maximise performance and
handling.
In 1948 Colin Chapman built his first competition car, following his own theories for
improved performance. He formed Lotus Engineering in 1952 and from there the company
continued to innovate in both road and race cars. Changing the very nature and intent of
vehicle design forever, Chapman was in the vanguard of a new way of thinking and his
principles remain as relevant today as they were 70 years ago.
Hazel was the first investor in Lotus. Loaning her then boyfriend Colin the £50 he needed to
establish Lotus Engineering in a lock-up borrowed from Hazel’s parents. Colin Chapman re
imagined and re-engineered an Austin Seven to create the first Lotus – the Mark I. Built by
hand, and with Hazel helping where needed, Colin completed the car in the spring of 1948

and immediately entered it in competitive trials. With Hazel in the passenger seat and Colin
behind the wheel, they picked up two class awards in the Mark I’s first events.

From that small garage on the outskirts of London sprang a global brand and Hazel worked
alongside Colin as the business grew and found fame. She was even instrumental in
establishing the company’s current site in Hethel, working on the layout and design, as the
old airbase was rebuilt as the Lotus headquarters and manufacturing facility.
A fitting tribute to one of the most successful racing drivers of all time, the 100,000th Lotus
Evora GT410 Sport is a one-off produced in collaboration with the Jim Clark Trust, which
has launched a competition to win the landmark Lotus while raising funds to help complete
its new museum. Inspired by the very first Lotus Elan, driven by Clark in the 1960s, the new
Evora was conceived and constructed at the famous Hethel site – the home of the company
for the last 50 years.  
Commissioned to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Clark’s tragic death while competing at Hockenheim in 1968, the 100,000th Lotus was unveiled at this year’s Goodwood Festival
of Speed. Echoing the original Lotus Elan’s colour scheme, with red paintwork, a silver roof
and silver wheels, plus tartan upholstery, it commemorates the legacy of the one of
motorsport’s most enduring figures.  
About the Evora GT410 Sport
Launched in Lotus’ 70th year, the Evora GT410 Sport is a winning blend of raw ability and
style. Drawing from its more potent stablemate, the Evora GT430, it incorporates many
high-performance elements yet retains a subtler, understated profile.

Forged though a process of continual evolution, the Evora GT410 Sport incorporates
specifically designed composite front and rear body panels and advanced aerodynamics,
so that the GT-class coupe generates up to 96kg of downforce. As with all high
performance Evoras, visible-weave carbon fibre plays a considerable role in the car’s
construction, enabling a lightest possible dry weight of just 1,256 kg.  

The Evora GT410 Sport is powered by a specially calibrated version of Lotus’
supercharged, 3.5-litre 6-cylinder engine. With an integrated water-to-air charge cooler, it
produces 410 hp at 7000 rpm and 420 Nm of torque from 3500 rpm, allowing the Evora
GT410 Sport to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds
As an alternative to Lotus’ slick, six-speed manual gearbox, with a Torsen type limited slip
differential (LSD), the Evora GT410 Sport can be ordered with an automatic transmission,
which is slightly quicker through the gears. The six-speed auto gearbox utilises an
optimised ECU for ultra-fast changes and gear selection is made via lightweight aluminium
paddles mounted to the steering wheel.

 

• Celebrating 70 years of innovation at VIP reception at heart of Goodwood
• Great British brand marked occasion in English garden party splendour at Festival of Speed
• 70th birthday weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed continues with Hillclimb spectacles, heritage racers and new Celebration car launches

Proudly celebrating 70 years of innovation and a pure driving experience that’s second to none, Lotus has marked the anniversary of its inception with a birthday cake and Champagne reception with the Duke of Richmond and Gordon at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Joining His Grace was Group Lotus’ recently appointed chief executive officer, Mr. Feng Qingfeng, and Clive Chapman, son of Lotus founder Colin Chapman and Director of Classic Team Lotus. A number of VIPs were also part of the festivities, surrounded by the company’s latest line-up of cars as well its racing heritage, on the company’s stand at the Festival.
The entirely appropriate celebration of the thoroughly British brand heralds a new chapter for Lotus, as the company marks its impact on the world of sports and competition cars. From humble beginnings in 1948, it has grown to a global brand, producing iconic road cars and World Championship winning race cars. The current range of Lotus cars is the brands strongest ever line up, and perfectly encapsulates its core principles of founder Colin Chapman’s obsession with innovation through weight reduction and aerodynamics.
Lotus’ unconventional approach and entrepreneurial spirit ensures that the brand remains as agile, fast and responsive as its cars. Lotus continues its founder’s principle by building some of the fastest and best handling sports cars available. With the son of the founder, Clive Chapman, representing the heritage of Lotus, and its racing success, it marks the start of a new chapter for the manufacturer.
Speaking at the event Mr. Feng Qingfeng said: “Colin Chapman had a clear vision for how cars should be engineered and developed. Over the last seven decades we have innovated and influenced the development of sports cars. Colin Chapman’s philosophy of efficiency and effective car design is as relevant today as it was in 1948, and the next 70 years presents us with an amazing opportunity for the marque as it develops the market leading cars of the future.”
Lotus at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2018
Lotus is celebrating its 70th anniversary at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2018 as an Automotive Partner of the event. This year’s Festival will allow visitors to see some outstanding cars from the marques’ past running the Hill. This includes Jim Clark’s World Championship winning Lotus 25, Graham Hill’s World Championship winning Lotus 49, Ayton Senna’s first F1 race winning car, the Lotus 97T, and the revolutionary Lotus Type 56 gas turbine Indycar.
Acting as the centre of the celebrations, Lotus’ current line-up of sports cars are proudly displayed on the company’s stand in the main exhibitors’ space. This includes the Celebration Exige Type 79, which is appearing with a Type 79 racing car campaigned by Mario Andretti as part of his Championship winning year. The second of two Celebration cars for Goodwood, the Exige Type 49 can be found in the First Glance paddock, and will be driving the Hillclimb route until Sunday.
In a fitting tribute to Lotus’ most successful racing driver, the British manufacturer is a proud supporter of the Jim Clark Trust, the official charity of this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. Working with Lotus, the Trust will be making a special dedication at this year’s Festival with an unveiling that recognises the legacy of the one of motorsport’s most enduring figures.

With a pedigree and heritage like no other, Lotus has today unveiled two unique Celebration cars, the Exige Type 49 and 79, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2018 to pay homage to some of the most recognisable racers in the British brand’s history and its 70th birthday.

• Lotus Celebration Exige Type 49 and 79 unveiled at Goodwood
• Marking anniversaries of World Championship winning F1 race cars • Part of Lotus’ 70th birthday activity at the Festival of Speed
• Lotus Exige Type 49 debuts on the famous Hillclimb
• Celebrations show bespoke nature of Lotus Exclusive  
 

With a pedigree and heritage like no other, Lotus has today unveiled two unique Celebration cars, the Exige Type 49 and 79, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2018 to pay homage to some of the most recognisable racers in the British brand’s history and its 70th birthday.

The Exige Type 49 and 79 Celebration cars have been hand crafted by Lotus Exclusive in a salute to Lotus’ 70th birthday, and the victory anniversaries of two historic race cars that helped define the
brand as one of the all-time great automotive marques. On display and in action over all four days
of the Festival of Speed weekend, with the Exige Type 49 competing in the timed supercar runs on
the Saturday, they’re a fitting tribute to one of the pioneering and entrepreneurial spirit of Lotus’
founder.
In 1948 Colin Chapman built his first competition car, in a small London lock-up garage, following
his own theories for improved performance. He formed Lotus in 1952 and from there the company
continued to innovate in both road and race engineering. Changing the very nature and intent of
car design for ever, Chapman was at the vanguard of a new way of thinking and his concepts are
as relevant today as they were 70 years ago.
Speaking of the unveiling, and the company’s 70th anniversary, Group Lotus’ chief executive
officer, Mr. Feng Qingfeng, said: “Lotus is an iconic British brand and its contribution to both the
world of motorsport, and development of sports car as we know them today, is undeniable. To be
able to unveil our Celebration Exiges at the Goodwood Festival of Speed is truly historic, especially
as the cars that inspired them are also here on display and in action. These Celebration cars are a
fitting tribute to our past, but they reflect our future and show that we’re still true to our principles in
building the very best luxury sports cars.”

In addition to 2018 marking the anniversary of Lotus’ birth, it’s a milestone for two historic racers.
With the two one-off cars containing the marque’s DNA, the Exige Type 49 marks the 50 years
since Graham Hill clinched both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championship in the Lotus
Type 49. The Exige Type 79 salutes the 40 years since Mario Andretti won his World
Championship, and Lotus the Constructors’ Championship, in the Lotus Type 79.  
 

The Type 49 and 79 are just two of the cars that helped forge Lotus’ reputation in competition. In
Formula 1 alone it has more than 500 Grand Prix starts, complete with 81 victories and 13 World
Championships. As well as the laurels gained in Grand prix racing, Lotus has successfully
competed in Rally, Le Mans, Indy and saloon car classes around the world.
A Celebration of Cups
Far from being just for show, the Exige Type 49 and 79 Celebration cars by Lotus Exclusive pack
phenomenal performance into one of the all-time great chassis designs. Based on the wildest ever
incarnation of the Exige the Cup 430, the Type 49 and 79 set the fastest lap time for a road car
around Lotus’ hallowed Hethel test track, covering the 2.2 miles in just 1 minute 24.8 seconds.
Showing its potential, the Exige Type 49 is taking to the Hill for the Festival weekend, with
demonstration runs over all four days and a sprint against the clock in the timed Supercar run on
the Saturday afternoon.  
Employing a supercharger and chargecooler designed specifically for the potent engine, both the
Exige Type 49 and 79 possess 430 hp at 7,000 rpm and 440 Nm (325 lbft) of torque from 4,000

rpm. 0-60mph is demolished in just 3.2 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds) before they reach a
top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h).  
As the leader in lightweight sports cars, the Type 49 and 79 maximise the benefits of the latest
technologies and advanced materials to weight just 1,056 kg in their lightest configuration,
bestowing the Celebration cars with a power to weight of 407 hp / tonne. In addition to cutting
mass, the carbon composite body panels also deliver the cars’ distinctive styling and aerodynamic
set up. The high-gloss visible weave components include the front splitter, front clam, air blades,
unique bargeboards, roof panel, rear tailgate, straight-cut wing and diffuser surround.
Aerodynamically evolved, the cars deploy up to 220 kg of downforce through the careful
management of airflow under and over the car. Air curtain elements and louvers in the front clam
panel efficiently regulate turbulence and drag, and reduce pressure within the front wheel arches,
increasing downforce. The cut-out sections behind the rear wheels also reduce wheel arch
pressure, while the high mounted straight rear wing and rear diffuser plant the cars to maximise
traction and stability at high speeds.
With Nitron three-way adjustable dampers (tuning rebound, as well as low-speed and high-speed
compression) and Eibach adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars, as standard, the cars use
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres (215/45 ZR17 front and 285/30 ZR18 rear), fitted on ultra
lightweight, fully machined, forged aluminium wheels. Superior stopping power is provided by
forged, four-piston AP Racing brake calipers and race-derived two-piece, J-hook brake discs -
provide improved bite and consistent stopping power after high-intensity track work.
A Celebration of Lotus Exclusive
These two unique Celebration cars perfectly demonstrate the appeal of Lotus Exclusive, which
offers Lotus buyers a unique ownership proposition by combining traditional British craftsmanship
with modern design.  
Developed by the in-house Design team, the Exclusive scheme has been conceived to inspire
customers to further personalise the character of their Lotus cars. With the ability to tailor vehicles
to their taste, it provides an alluring alternative to an off-the-peg sports car - covering everything
from colour coding through to race car preparation. Establishing itself with new buyers, roughly one
third of all new Lotus cars built feature some form of personalisation.
Both the one-off Celebration Exige Type 49 and 79 appearing a Goodwood Festival of Speed have
been curated by Lotus Exclusive to provide a bespoke yet tasteful interpretation of the marque’s
two iconic race cars. Inspired by the famous racing colours schemes of their namesakes, they
connect the brand to its past but anchor it to the present, with the formidable Exige Cup 430.

Respectively finished in solid red and motorsport black, the 49 and 79 augment subtle but sharp
contrasting pinstripes on the front splitters, front access panels, bargeboards, roof panels and rear
wings in Championship Gold. Comprehensively composite in nature, both incorporate carbon fibre
front splitters, air curtains, front access panels, side intakes, hard top roof panels, lightweight full
tailgate panels, straight rear wings and rear diffuser finishers into their design. Ultra-lightweight
gold painted wheels with diamond cut rims, and red brake calipers, seal their appeal along with
unique Type decals on each rear buttress.
Inside, each cars’ racing colours are referenced, with Lotus’ in-house manufactured carbon race
seats trimmed in black Alcantara®, and finished with colour keyed red and gold, or black and gold,
contrast double stitching. This is echoed by the door panels and face-level vents, transmission
console, and complemented by the cabin’s anodised aluminium and carbon fibre elements -
including door sills and an instrument binnacle cover. Topping off Lotus’ acclaimed open-gate
manual gearbox, designed specifically for fast and fluid shifts, is a wooden gear knob.
With every single Lotus Sports hand built by a team of skilled craftsmen and women, the Lotus
Exclusive scheme draws on the collective to create something exceptional for the customer.
Including everything from non-standard paint colours, stand-out roof panels, tasteful colour decals,
as well as contrast brake calipers, the same level of attention can be centred on the cabin, with
bespoke upholstery and finish options available.

Lotus Exclusive is available on all Lotus cars, from the entry level Elise to the range topping Evora,
with a full range of performance options making it truly made to measure.  
A Celebration of Champions – the Lotus Type 49 and 79

As two cars that cleared the field before them and dominated the sport, the Lotus Type 49 and 79
F1 single seaters are as memorable for their design and colours schemes as they are for their race
victories. Part of Lotus’ unrivalled motorsport legacy, they are exemplars or the brand DNA as
defined by company founder Colin Chapman.
Designed to accommodate the new Cosworth DFV engine, the Lotus Type 49 won its first race
with Jim Clark at the wheel in Zandvoort 1967. The following year, resplendent in the Gold Leaf
colours, it powered Graham Hill to his second World Championship, and Lotus to the Constructors'
Championship, and It continued to win races until 1970. Its four-year reign at the front of the grid
marks the Lotus 49 as one of the most significant racing cars of all time.

Equally as inspiring, the Lotus 79 is regarded as one of the most visually stunning F1 cars ever
built - especially in the John Player Special livery. With the underside of the car designed as an
inverted wing, the resulting reduction in air pressure beneath the body dramatically boosted
aerodynamic downforce. In the 1978 season the Lotus Type 79 proved almost unbeatable, helping
Mario Andretti to the F1 Drivers' Championship and Lotus to the Constructors' Championship.
Lotus is proudly celebrating its 70th anniversary at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2018 as an
Automotive Partner of the event. This year’s Festival will allow visitors to see some outstanding
cars from the marques’ past running the Hill. This includes Jim Clark’s World Championship
winning Lotus 25, Graham Hill’s World Championship winning Lotus 49, Ayton Senna’s first F1
race winning car, the Lotus 97T, and the revolutionary Lotus Type 56 gas turbine Indycar.  
Acting as the centre of the celebrations, Lotus’ current line-up of sports cars will be proudly
displayed on the company’s stand in the main exhibitors’ space. This includes the Celebration
Exige Type 79, which is appearing with a Type 79 racing car campaigned by Mario Andretti as part
of his Championship winning year.