• The new Evora 400 set to be one of the stars of the show
• Evora 400 is joined by examples from the Elise and Exige Range
including the Elise 20th Anniversary Special Edition
• Auto Zurich Car Show 2015 runs from 29 October to 1 November
2015
After its successful launch in the summer of 2015 and collecting the first enthusiastic feedback
from the international press, Lotus marks the Auto Zurich Car Show 2015 with the Swiss debut of
the new and highly anticipated Evora 400.

Supported by the Lotus dealers Kumschick Sports Cars AG (in Schotz) Lotus West AG (in St.
Gallen) and Pfenninger Autos AG (in Zumikon), Lotus will also exhibit two versions of the Elise,
the 20th Anniversary edition and the 220 Cup and from the Exige range, the S Cup and the S
complete the five car line-up on the Lotus stand in Hall 3.
Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc, said: “Switzerland is a very
important market for Lotus. We have always had a great following and good sales in this country
and with the launch of the new Evora 400 and the active dealers such as the three supporting this
show we are confident our new model will be a sales success and contribute further to the growth
in the region.”
With over 60,000 visitors last year, the Auto Zurich Car Show is the biggest automotive show in
the German speaking part of Switzerland and the second biggest in the country behind the
Geneva Motorshow. Automotive enthusiasts travel from all over Europe to see the latest models
from premium automotive manufacturers such as Lotus.
Running over four days inside the Messe Zürich exhibition centre, the Auto Zurich Car Show 2015
provides the perfect platform to showcase the new critically acclaimed model from Lotus to an
expectant audience.
Those seeking more information on the Auto Zurich Car Show 2015 should visit http://www.autozuerich.
ch

View attachment: Vor Beginn Auto ZH.jpg

• New Lotus Evora 400 now available to drive at Hethel test track
• New Elise and Exige models added to Lotus Driving Academy
fleet
• New Evora and Exige Experience packages launched

The Lotus Driving Academy is pleased to announce the addition of the new, critically acclaimed
Evora 400 to its fleet. What’s more, the entire fleet is renewed, with five Elise 220 Cup, two Exige
S and one Exige S Club Racer model joining the new Evora 400 and now available to drive on
the famed Hethel test track at Lotus’ Norfolk HQ.
Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc, commented: “We are pleased to
offer potential customers and track driving enthusiasts the opportunity to drive the new Lotus
Evora 400 and our other high-performance models at our Hethel test track. Lotus prides itself on
offering benchmark handling and pure driving experience and the Evora 400, developed at
Hethel, is the latest proof of this concept. To drive the Evora 400 at the very track used
throughout the model development process is a truly unique and privileged opportunity and we
are delighted to be able to offer this experience to the public.”
The Lotus Driving Academy rewards passionate car enthusiasts – including the Lotus driver of
today and tomorrow – with an unforgettable driving experience. Those attending one of the Elise,
Exige and now Evora Experience can explore the performance of Lotus’ very latest sports cars
on a purpose-built test track facility, under the guidance of world-class instructors who are skilled
at teaching drivers how to get the best out of the car and themselves.
To coincide with the launch of the new fleet, the Lotus Driving Academy also launches two brand
new driving experiences, the Exige Experience and Evora Experience. These will run alongside
the hugely successful Elise Experience that has been part of the Lotus Driving Academy’s
programme for several years.
The first ever Evora Experience will take place on 30 October for six lucky customers who will be
among the first members of the public to drive the Evora 400 on the famous Hethel test track.
The Evora Experience costs £349 and includes a vehicle dynamics briefing, two 20 minute track
driving sessions, a Lotus factory tour and a tour of the motorsport facility.
The Exige Experience costs £299 and includes a vehicle dynamics briefing, two 20 minute track
driving sessions, a Lotus factory tour and a tour of the motorsport facility.
Those seeking more information on the Lotus Driving Academy should visit
www.lotusdrivingacademy.com. Those wishing to register their interest in the new Lotus Evora
400 should visit www.lotuscars.com/lotus-evora-400

View attachment: LDA Group Shot 13_10_15 32.jpg

· Video release documenting two week test programme for the Lotus 3-Eleven at the Nürburgring

The new Lotus 3-Eleven completed a successful two-week test session at the fearsome and challenging Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit. The video documenting this comprehensive test and development programme can be found on the Group Lotus YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRuA9jHDoLw where the embed code can be copied.
Individual areas of expertise and vehicle set-up were a specific focus – aerodynamics, engine calibration, chassis tuning and suspension geometry – as the model continues its development towards start of production in early 2016.
The Lotus 3-Eleven is the quickest and most powerful production Lotus road car ever produced, offering the ultimate pure driving experience. Heralding the next generation of Lotus high-performance sports cars, the 3-Eleven re-affirms Lotus core values as the perfect demonstration of "lighter, faster" and benchmark handling which comes from Lotus’ roots in competitive motorsport.
Prices start at £82,000 for the Road version (including VAT and on the road costs) and £96,000 excluding VAT for the Race version (£115,200 including VAT).
Official fuel consumption figures and CO2 emissions figures for the Lotus 3-Eleven are not currently available. They will be provided on the Lotus website www.lotuscars.com as soon as available.

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• The new Evora 400 is one of the stars of the show
• Visitors invited to test drive iconic models from the Elise and
Exige ranges
• Salon Automobile de Lyon runs until the 28th of September 2015
After its successful debut in the last months and collecting the first enthusiastic feedback from the
international press, Lotus marks the Salon Automobile de Lyon with the new and highly
anticipated Evora 400.
Supported by the Lotus dealer TLA (Technique Loisirs Automobiles), based in Saint-Étienne, the
Elise 20th Anniversary, Elise 220 Cup and Exige S, are exhibited on the Lotus stand in the
Prestige Area alongside the new Evora 400.
Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc, said: “France is a very important
market for Lotus and we are delighted to debut the new Evora 400 to the French public at the
Salon Automobile de Lyon. France is an important growth area for Lotus where, last financial
year, we saw a 177% increase in sales. With the launch of the new Evora 400, we expect this
increase to continue.”
The Salon Automobile de Lyon is not only a stage for those who want to view new models but
also to test-drive them. In the four testing areas outside the pavilions, fans of Lotus have the
opportunity to get behind the wheel of the iconic sports cars, the Lotus Elise 20th Anniversary and
the Lotus Exige S to experience for themselves the pure driving experience and benchmark
handling that all Lotus cars possess.
Running over five days inside the Eurexpo exhibition and convention centre and featuring 40
manufacturers with more than 90 new models on display, the Salon Automobile de Lyon provides
the perfect platform to showcase the new critically acclaimed model from Lotus.
The Salon will open every day from 10am to 7pm and until 10pm on Friday 25th of September
2015.
Those seeking more information on the Salon Automobile de Lyon should visit www.salonautomobile-
lyon.com

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· The largest event celebrating Malaysian culture in the UK

For the 6^th year, London hosted the most vibrant and important event for Malaysian culture in the UK. On Friday the 18^th September from noon to 10pm, Trafalgar Square became an open air market to celebrate Malaysian culture and its vibrant mix of music, food and entertainment.
As part of the DRB-HICOM Group, one of Malaysia’s leading conglomerates, Lotus renewed its participation in the event for the second year running, after a previous successful attendance in 2014.
Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc, commented: “We were pleased to attend Malaysian Night once again in 2015. Events such as this are extremely important to Lotus, not only to reinforce our link with Malaysia but also to showcase our products within the heart of London as part of a rich celebration of global culture.”
Funded by the Malaysian External Trade Department (MATRADE), the event saw 53,000 people converge on Trafalgar Square in the centre of London. The Malaysian Minister for Trade and Industry, Honourable Dato' Sri Mustapa Mohamed, and The High Commissioner of Malaysia to the UK, His Excellency Dato’ Ahmad Rasidi Hazizi, were also present to welcome the thousands of visitors and took time to visit the Lotus display featuring the new Lotus Evora 400.
The new model from Lotus further enhanced the event as part of an impressive display on the North Terrace, in front of the National Gallery, overlooking Trafalgar Square. Visitors were invited to sit in the hand built car, experience the distinctive ambience and admire the handmade details within the cabin. Supported by the London-based Lotus dealer, Hexagon, interested parties also had the opportunity to enquire about booking a test drive and gain further information about how they might own a Lotus sports car, an iconic product of Norfolk, England.

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Lotus exhibits new models at Frankfurt Airport as part
of promotional campaign
• Display of Lotus models including the German debut of the new
Evora 400 and latest versions of Elise and Exige
• Frankfurt Airport marketing campaign supported by Lotus Cars
and the Lotus dealer, Dörr Group, based in Frankfurt
• Opportunity to win a dream Lotus sports car

Frankfurt Airport supported Lotus Cars and the Lotus dealer Dörr Group, based in Frankfurt,
Germany, has embarked on a promotional campaign that offers travellers in transit through
Frankfurt Airport a chance to win their dream Lotus sports car.

Three cars are located in both the Shopping Avenue (Terminal 1) and in the E Concourse
(Terminal 2), a promotional installation showcases a selection of Lotus’ latest models – including
the critically acclaimed Lotus Evora 400, Lotus Elise and Exige – supported by a variety of
premium advertising spots in the check-in and Departures area of the airport. The display
showcases some of the finest models from the British sports car manufacturer renowned for
delivering lightweight cars that offer benchmark handling and the purist of driving experiences.
Since the 16th September the new and much anticipated Evora 400 is making its German market
debut an will be displayed in Terminal 2 at the Frankfurt Airport.
Travellers moving through Frankfurt Airport are invited to try and win their dream Lotus sports
car, worth up to €120.000* when they visit the Heinemann Duty Free Shops and obtain a winning
code**. The winner will then be able to choose their favourite car and configure it to their ideal
specification.
Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer for Group Lotus plc, commented, "Germany is an
important market for us and in the last 12 months we have seen a sales increase of 130% on the
same period last year. We are experiencing greater demand for Lotus cars in Germany and it is
important for us to capitalise on opportunities to showcase our latest cars to potential future
customers.”

The Frankfurt Airport promotional installation will be present until January 2016 with the winner
set to be announced during the same month.
For more information on Lotus Cars and the current model range or to find a dealer nearest to
you, visit www.lotuscars.com
*Not redeemable for cash / total amount is a gross amount
**For those wishing to enter the competition - Locate your winning code on your HEINEMANN
Duty Free cash register receipt**. Enter the code in your winning coupon, cut it off, and put it into
a sweepstakes box at one of the 25 HEINEMANN Duty Free Shops.

• Receives a full business briefing including a review of the exciting future Lotus model line-up
• Test drives the new Lotus Evora 400
• Is impressed by the progress of Lotus over the last 12 months
The Chairman of Group Lotus plc and PROTON Holdings Bhd, and former Prime Minister of Malaysia, was briefed on the current Lotus business plan and future model line-up by Jean-Marc Gales, CEO, Group Lotus plc, before viewing the Lotus assembly line where the new Lotus Evora 400 sports cars are hand built.
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Chairman of Group Lotus plc, said, “Over the last 12 months since my last visit to Hethel, I have been greatly impressed with the step change that has been made by the management team at Lotus. The business has made great progress and it is clear that the turnaround of Lotus is underway. It is always a pleasure to visit the home of Lotus and having seen the progress achieved and the forthcoming range of Lotus cars, I am encouraged and excited for the future of the company.”
Jean-Marc Gales, CEO, Group Lotus plc said, “It is an honour for us to welcome Tun Dr Mahathir to Lotus once again and we are grateful for his valuable feedback and comments. We have worked extremely hard to get to where we are today. With the unveiling of the Lotus 3-Eleven and the delivery of the new Evora 400 into European markets already underway we are on track to return to profitability by the end of the financial year, which will be a great achievement.”
To finish off his visit, Tun Dr. Mahathir drove the Lotus Evora 400 on the Lotus Test Track where he was impressed with the capabilities of the latest sports car from Hethel, complimenting its performance and experiencing for himself the pure driving experience and benchmark handling that has been praised by the world’s automotive press.

• Lotus 3-Eleven covers over 2,000km in Nürburgring testing
• The quickest and most powerful production Lotus road car ever
• Ongoing development for model entering production in early 2016
• One of the fastest ever drives of the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit
The new Lotus 3-Eleven marked its first public outing with a successful two-week test session during the industry pool test weeks at the renowned proving ground of the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit, in which over 2,000kms were covered as part of a comprehensive test and development programme.
Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer for Group Lotus plc, commented, "The success of this test session is proof that our development philosophy for the 3-Eleven is the right way to go. We’ve always said that to make a car faster you must make it lighter and this new car carries that philosophy to a new level. It condenses all of our engineering know-how into an undiluted performance-focused package and we’re pleased to showcase to the world, the quickest and most powerful production Lotus to date. The 3-Eleven achieved one of the fastest ever lap times around the Nürburgring for any class of car and faster than many other supercars”
Heralding a new generation of Lotus high performance sports cars, the 3-Eleven features an all-new lightweight body, with an open cockpit design and a V6 supercharged engine developing 450 hp. The 3-Eleven re-affirms Lotus core values, offering the ultimate pure driving experience and providing the perfect demonstration of "faster and lighter" which comes from Lotus’ roots in competitive motorsport and underlines the company’s ability to deliver benchmark handling.
In what was its first turn of a wheel outside of Lotus’ Hethel HQ, the new 3-Eleven was piloted by three different drivers with individual areas of expertise and vehicle set-up with specific focus – aerodynamics, engine calibration, chassis tuning and suspension geometry.
Gavan Kershaw, Technical Manager for Lotus Motorsport and Lotus 3-Eleven Development Driver, commented, “It has been a hugely successful test for us in which we have thoroughly investigated areas of the car which are a specific focus for high performance driving. We have methodically worked through a test matrix concentrating on, aerodynamic balance, suspension settings, tyre and brake development, optimising engine calibration and throttle mapping to reach the required benchmark for performance.”
With clear running on the circuit an inhibiting factor over the course of the two week period – in which the track was not designated solely for the use of Lotus – the 3-Eleven lapped regularly on or below the target simulation time. By combining the quickest sector times achieved during the fastest 2 laps on the “Sport Auto” magazine lap configuration, a total lap time of 7 minutes 06 seconds was recorded by the vehicle’s data logging acquisition system.
Marc Basseng, Lotus 3-Eleven Driver, stated, “I know the Nürburgring Nordschleife very well and have driven many cars around the circuit. I can say that the 3-Eleven is the perfect car for a fast lap here. It is so sharp and so focussed; a true weapon! This was proven in the sector times set and I’m sure, with the track completely to itself, the car could push towards a 7min flat lap time.”
The new Lotus 3-Eleven will enter production in February 2016 with deliveries scheduled to commence in April 2016. Production will be limited to just 311 vehicles in total.
Prices start at £82,000 for the Road version (including VAT and on the road costs) and £96,000 excluding VAT for the Race version (£115,200 including VAT). The 3-Eleven will be sold in all markets as a race car and in Europe and Asia as a road car.
Those wishing to register their interest in the Lotus 3-Eleven, should visit: http://www.lotuscars.com/3eleven
Official fuel consumption figures and CO2 emissions figures for the Lotus 3-Eleven are not currently available. They will be provided on the Lotus website www.lotuscars.com as soon as they are available.

The first Evora 400 sports cars destined for customers and dealers have driven off the assembly line and are soon to arrive at dealerships across the UK and mainland Europe. The significant occasion was marked by a small celebration with proud members of the engineering and manufacturing team at Lotus, who are responsible for hand-building Lotus’ fastest production car to date.
Jean-Marc Gales, CEO, Group Lotus plc states, “The Evora 400 has already received admiration and critical acclaim from media around the world, praising its performance, handling and design. In September and October, Lotus dealers throughout the UK and mainland Europe will be receiving their demonstrator and customers cars, so now is the opportunity for drivers to get behind the wheel and experience the Evora 400 for themselves.”
Over two thirds of the Lotus Evora 400 is new, including its supercharged and charge-cooled mid-mounted 3.5-litre V6 engine which produces 400 hp and 410 Nm of torque. Such revisions result in a faster and dynamically more capable model than the previous Evora and are the reason the new Evora 400 has become the most eagerly anticipated Lotus model for several years.
Weighing just 1395 kg, (42 kg lighter than the previous Lotus Evora S) the new Evora 400 combines high performance with the legendary Lotus benchmark handling. This performance, and handling, combined with a maximum speed of 186 mph (300 km/h) and acceleration 0-60 mph in just 4.1 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds), enables the new Lotus Evora 400 to lap the Lotus test track at Hethel seven seconds faster than the previous Evora S in a time of 1 minute 31 seconds.
The Lotus Evora 400 benefits from a high level of standard specification including 370 mm composite two piece brake discs from AP Racing, a Limited Slip Differential, automatic air-conditioning and infotainment system including satellite navigation. In addition to this, the options list includes automatic transmission, cruise control, Alcantara or Leather trim upgrades and metallic paint.
A “Black Pack” option provides a distinctive look, with selected exterior panels including the roof, sills and centre section of the three-element rear wing in gloss black and a dark headlining in the interior. Lightweight forged alloy wheels can be specified along with optional yellow or black brake callipers.
Over the last 15 months, Lotus has increased its number of dealers worldwide from 138 to 193.
North American markets and China will receive the Evora 400 as a 2017 model year in early 2016.
Drivers who are interested in test driving the new Lotus 400 are encouraged to contact their nearest Lotus dealer or to visit http://www.lotuscars.com/testdrive.

Lotus Evora 400 International pricing including local taxes where applicable:
UK (Pound Sterling) - £72,000
Germany (Euros) - €96,000
Japan (Yen) - ¥13,200,000
USA (Dollars) - $89,900 (excluding local sales taxes)
China (RMB) - 1,318,000

Lotus Evora 400 Fuel Consumption

Manual
Automatic

mpg (l/100 km)
mpg (l/100 km)
Urban
20.8 (13.6)
20.0 (14.1)
Extra Urban
38.7 (7.3)
39.8 (7.1)
Combined
29.1 (9.7)
29.1 (9.7)
CO₂ emissions
225 g/km
225 g/km

Lotus Motorsport redefines the Exige V6 Cup with the introduction of the Exige 360 Cup. New lightweight panels and an increase in power mean the Lotus Motorsport Cup model continues to provide a benchmark in handling and performance.
The Exige 360 Cup bespoke styling signals an evolution in design, with an option of four colours (Metallic White, Metallic Grey, Metallic Black and Metallic Silver) and stealth matt black roof, front access panel and louvered tailgate. This design is a limited edition run of 50 vehicles and each of these special Exige 360 Cup cars will receive a numbered Lotus Motorsport build plate.
This new model boasts an increase in power of 10 PS with freer flowing induction and a sports exhaust system, which combined with a low vehicle weight of 1130 kg gives an incredibly pure driving experience on road and track. The powertrain updates also give the Exige 360 Cup a sportier soundtrack to enhance the driving experience.
Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus plc, commented: “The V6 Cup was a favourite amongst many knowledgeable customers with its incredible track performance and distinctive design. I am excited about the introduction of the new 360 Cup which moves the game forward with striking new design features and performance upgrades that offer phenomenal ability on road and track.”
The Exige 360 Cup uses the track proven aero package from the Exige V6 Cup with an aerodynamically optimised front splitter, rear diffuser and wing. Together with the flat underside these aerodynamic aids offer 42 kg of downforce at 100 mph (160 km/h).
The chassis on the Exige 360 Cup is a Lotus designed stiff and lightweight bonded aluminium chassis with double wishbone suspension all round. The car is fitted with track focused 2-way adjustable suspension and a 4-dynamic mode (drive, sport, race and off) system, including launch control.
New features for the Exige 360 Cup include a bespoke lightweight front access panel, new lightweight rear tailgate and louvered panel. The Exige 360 Cup has a distinctive design, updated grooved brake discs for improved performance, Motorsport Red wheels, embroidered seats and dash panel.
The options available for the Exige 360 Cup include a new red Alcantara interior, adjustable anti-roll bars, Öhlins race dampers, fire extinguisher and electrical cut-off, FIA carbon seats, air conditioning and removable steering wheel.
The Exige 360 Cup is on sale now through the Lotus dealer network with prices starting at £62,995 (MSRP) including 20% tax.
As with all Lotus Motorsport Cup models the Exige 360 Cup is eligible for Lotus Cup race series.

View attachment: image002.gif

• Hand Made at the Lotus HQ in Hethel, England
  
• First customers to receive their cars in August 2015
  

In a small celebration with a selection of senior management, manufacturing and engineering staff, the first new Lotus Evora 400 has driven off the assembly line at Hethel.

Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc, says, “Today is a very significant stage in our long term plan, which we set-out more than a year ago. With the first Evora 400 coming off the line, we have achieved a key milestone for Lotus.”

Jean-Marc Gales continues, “None of this would be possible, of course, without the confidence and commitment of our workforce who, with great skill and talent, hand build every Lotus car at Hethel.”

The new Lotus Evora 400 laps the Lotus test track at Hethel six seconds faster than the previous Evora S in a time of 1 minute 32 seconds. Combining high performance with the legendary Lotus benchmark handling, it is faster and dynamically more capable than the previous Lotus Evora leading to greater agility and a more involving drive.

Maximum speed is 186 mph (300 km/h) and acceleration 0-60 mph is just 4.1 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds). Over two thirds of the Lotus Evora 400 is new, including its supercharged and charge-cooled mid-mounted 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 410 Nm of torque. A new aluminium chassis incorporates a new interior and the lightweight composite body has changed significantly both front and rear.

The new Evora 400, which was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March, will enter production for European markets in the summer and deliveries will commence in August this year. China and North American markets will receive the Evora 400 as a 2017 model year in early 2016.

The first Lotus Evora 400, finished in metallic black is destined to be a promotion car for Lotus.

Lotus Evora 400 International pricing including local taxes where applicable:

UK (Pound Sterling) - £72,000

Germany (Euros) - €96,000

Japan (Yen) - ¥13,200,000

USA (Dollars) - $89,900 (excluding local sales taxes)

China (RMB) - 1,318,000

Official fuel consumption figures and CO2 emissions figures are not available at the time of going to press. They will be provided on the Lotus website www.lotuscars.com as soon as they are available.

The all new Lotus 3-Eleven

• The quickest production Lotus road car ever

• Dramatic, all-new lightweight composite body

• Two versions, Road and Race, both developed through Lotus

Motorsport

Heralding a new generation of Lotus high performance sports cars, today saw the unveiling of the

company’s quickest and most expensive series production car ever, the 3-Eleven, at the 2015

Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Designed as an uncompromised manifestation of the Lotus spirit, the new car is focused on

providing an undiluted driving experience, and underlines the company’s ability to deliver

legendary handling and blistering speed.

Working on the concept of less is more, and keeping close to Lotus’ track roots, the dramatic new

vehicle features an all-new lightweight body, with an open cockpit design and a revised V6

supercharged engine developing 450 hp.

Two variations of the Lotus 3-Eleven will be available: Road and Race; both delivering an

impressive combination of high performance, agility and precision. Based on the Road version,

the Race includes a more aggressive aero kit, a sequential gearbox and an FIA approved driver’s

seat with a six-point harness.

With a dry weight of below 900 kg (Race version), the 3-Eleven offers an enviable power to

weight ratio, in excess of 500 hp per tonne, and is capable of sprinting from 0-60 mph in less than

3.0 seconds before reaching a maximum speed of 174 mph (280 km/h) for the Race version and

180 mph (290 km/h) for the Road version

Speaking at Goodwood, Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer for Group Lotus plc, stated,

"We always say that to make a sports car better, you make it faster and lighter. The new Lotus 3-

Eleven carries that philosophy to a new level, and is perfectly in keeping with our brand values.”

Jean-Marc Gales continued, “This new car is a giant slayer, capable of embarrassing far more

expensive rivals. It condenses our engineering know-how into one, hard-core package, and is so

focused that it won’t suit everyone. This is a perfect demonstration of the faster and lighter

concept, something which will be crucial to all Lotus cars in the future.”

The new Lotus 3-Eleven will enter production in February 2016 and deliveries will commence in

April 2016. Production will be limited to just 311 vehicles in total.

Prices start at £82,000 for the Road version (including VAT and on the road costs) and £96,000

excluding VAT for the Race version (£115,200 including VAT).

The Lotus 3-Eleven in more detail:

Performance

• Quickest Lotus production car ever, lapping the Hethel track in 1 min 22 secs

• Aerodynamic downforce of up to 215 kg at 150 mph (240 km/h) - Race version

The 3-Eleven utilises a bespoke chassis based on the proven Lotus design of extruded and

bonded aluminium sections. The Road roll-cage incorporates twin side bars for side impact

protection, whilst the Race cage has additional bars to meet international requirements for

motorsport.

The Lotus 3-Eleven’s suspension features lightweight, double-wishbones front and rear,

adjustable front anti-roll bar and Eibach springs with Öhlins adjustable dampers. This allows

owners to fine tune the vehicle’s handling characteristics.

Powertrain

• Supercharged and charge-cooled 3.5-litre V6 engine

• Limited Slip Differential as standard

• Lotus traction control system

The new Lotus 3-Eleven is powered by a revised version of the 3.5-litre V6 engine first shown in

the Evora 400, which includes a supercharger with integrated water-to-air charge cooler.

Maximum power output has increased to 450hp (456 PS / 336 kW) at 7000 rpm and torque has

increased to 450 Nm / 332 lbs ft with maximum torque available from 3500 rpm through to 6500

rpm.

A close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox with a Torsen-type limited slip differential, featuring a

performance clutch assembly and oil cooler, come as standard on the Road version. The Race

model has a 6-speed sequential transmission with a semi-dry sump, oil cooler, limited slip

differential and paddle shift.

Brakes and Tyres

• Lightweight forged Aluminium wheels as standard

• AP Racing four-pot calipers

• Bosch ABS tuned by Lotus

Designed to cope with the 3-Eleven’s potential, lightweight forged Aluminium wheels are fitted as

standard on the 3-Eleven, with either Michelin Pilot Super Sport or Michelin Cup 2 tyres

depending on if it’s in Road or Race configuration.

At the front 225/40 ZR18 tyres are standard, and to help transfer the 3-Eleven’s considerable

power and torque to the road, the rear tyres has been specified as 275/35 ZR19.

In order to deliver the stopping power required for such a quick car, AP Racing four-piston

calipers are complemented by two-part grooved and vented brake discs (332 mm front and rear).

Upgraded brake pads are fitted to the Race version.

Exterior Design

• Lightweight body panels, using new resin infusion composite technology

• Dramatic silhouette underlines car’s performance-focused nature

Manufactured from very light weight composite materials, optimizing vehicle weight, aerodynamic

and structural requirements, the 3-Eleven’s composite body is 40% lighter than the GRP

equivalent.

This new process is a first for a production car, and an example of Lotus’ focus on utilising

pioneering new technology and lightweight materials in its vehicles. The choice of material

technology has allowed extreme vehicle performance targets to be met, and help realise the 3-

Eleven’s dynamic styling.

Undeniably a track car, the 3-Eleven’s aggressive stance leaves no doubt of its intentions. The

dramatically sculpted body perfectly balances the technical efficiency of a track car with the

surface refinement of a road-going supercar. Form follows function, with a minimised cross

sectional area that keeps drag to a minimum while optimising cooling.

As an extreme design evolution of Lotus predecessors, the Lotus 3-Eleven’s new front clam shell

incorporates larger openings to deliver the necessary cooling for the powertrain and transmission.

This helps give the vehicle a much more aggressive stance.

Two front splitter configurations are available, depending on whether the vehicle is configured for

road or race use, and the front arches are wide enough to cover the car’s wide track and the new

225/40 ZR18 tyres.

Dramatic side scallops provide a clean exit from the front wheels arches, and the car’s profile is

dominated by an aerodynamically significant roll bar cover. The car is without a windscreen and

doors, with the roll bar fully enclosing the rear cage. As well as generating downforce, the roll bar

forms a vital part of the car’s homologation to international motorsport safety standards.

The rear clamshell emphasises the aggressive stance of the car, with different fixed spoilers

available, depending on whether the vehicle is specified for road or race use.

The new rear diffuser and under-tray, which has been developed to ensure minimum drag,

complements an exhaust system designed specifically to minimize back pressure and enhance

engine performance.

Interior Design

• Focussed race interior

• New race spec colour TFT instrument cluster can be switched between road and track

modes

Fitted with the standard aeroscreen and the optional passenger seat, a passenger can be easily

accommodated in the two seater. However, these can be removed and the optional tonneau

panel fitted - to envelope the driver and improve overall aerodynamics.

The new instrument cluster has been designed around a colour TFT screen, and can be switched

between road and track modes, providing relevant information direct to the driver.

A quick release steering wheel and Lotus sports seats with four-point harnesses are fitted as

standard, while the Race variant has the option of a data logger system, FIA approved driver’s

race seat, and six-point harness - as well as a fire extinguisher & battery kill switch.

Manufacturing

• Hand built in Hethel, England

The Lotus 3-Eleven will be hand made by the highly skilled craftsmen and women at the Lotus

Headquarters in Hethel, alongside the rest of the Lotus sports car range, supported by Lotus

Motorsport technicians. All 3-Elevens will then be finished in Lotus Motorsport’s dedicated

workshops prior to delivery.

Official fuel consumption figures and CO 2 emissions figures for the Lotus 3-Eleven are not

available at the time of going to press. They will be provided on the Lotus website

www.lotuscars.com as soon as they are available.

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Ann Arbor, MI to support growth

• First deliveries of New Lotus Evora 400 in USA and Canada in

December 2015

• Expansion of the Lotus dealer network

The introduction of the Lotus Evora 400, as a 2017 North American Model Year, marks the start

of a fresh period in Lotus’ presence in this vital market. The previous model Evora already

received positive acclaim from media, customers and dealers alike and reaffirmed Lotus as the

maker of some of the finest, purest, most lightweight and most efficient sports cars sold today.

Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer, Group Lotus plc, explains: “The Lotus Evora 400

combines high performance with the legendary Lotus benchmark handling. It is lighter, more

efficient and dynamically better than ever. It is the perfect high performance machine for those

discerning buyers seeking a hand built British-built sports car that possesses a purer driving

experience, greater agility and a more involving drive.”

To coincide with the introduction of the Lotus Evora 400 into the North American market, the

company has expanded its dealer network to 47 outlets, with the introduction of four new dealers

in both West Covina and Thermal (in California), Scottsdale (Arizona) and Calgary (Alberta), with

exciting growth planned for the near future.

In addition, and in the most significant change in Lotus’ presence in the USA for many years,

Lotus Cars USA. Inc, (LCU), based currently in Lawrenceville, Georgia, will co-locate to Lotus

Engineering. Inc, (LEI) in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the heart of the US motor industry. This will

ensure that both divisions can grow their individual operations, while benefiting from improved

efficiency through sharing a number of business functions. This co-location is expected to be

completed by the end of July 2015.

Jean-Marc Gales continued: “North America, as the largest sports car market in the world, is

important for Lotus, both for model sales and for our engineering consultancy business. By

having both of our USA organisations located in Michigan, we shall be within the heartland of the

USA automotive sector, where the headquarters of some of the most important, influential and

significant automotive manufacturers and suppliers are based. This will reaffirm our presence in

the North American market, by providing improved customer service, better technical and

consultancy support, while ensuring that we have access to a skills base not found anywhere

else in the territory. All of this fits with Lotus developing speedily in North America in years to

come.”

The Lotus Evora 400, unveiled at the Geneva Show in March 2015, has already generated

excitement worldwide. With 400 hp, an acceleration to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and a maximum

speed of 186mph, the Lotus Evora 400 is six seconds quicker around the company’s Hethel test

track than the previous Evora S.

Lotus will be present at the “Open Air Car Show at the Parco del Valentino in Turin from 11 to 14 June

Lotus will be represented by its new partner, Gino s.p.a. the official dealer for Lotus in Turin and Cuneo.

Lotus will turn the spotlight upon the Lotus Elise with the showing of the 20th Anniversary model celebrating the unveiling of this iconic and legendary model in 1995.

Lotus will be present at "en plein air" at the Valentino park from 11 to 14 June

Lotus will be 'represented by its new partner, Gino spa, the official dealer for the Lotus headquarters in Turin and Cuneo.

Exposure Parco del Valentino, totally outdoors, will point 'spotlight on ELISE 20th Anniversary, the icon of the house of Hethel will be' this fact with its celebratory version of the famous model presented in 1995.

"The partnership with Gino aligns perfectly with the strategy of qualitative and quantitative development of the commercial network Lotus in Europe and worldwide, we are confident that having two sites in an area of the northwest of Italy from so 'high potential' represents one of the systems more 'effective to seize the opportunity' that Lotus offers "says Jean Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus plc.

"Gino Spa will 'soon present in Piedmont with two centers dedicated to Lotus: Moncalieri in Corso Trieste 30 and Cuneo in Via Torino 234, the recognized professionalism' and experience of this historic organization combine perfectly with the values ​​of the Lotus brand" Alessandro says Casto Lotus Director Southern Europe.

"We are proud to join the family for what Lotus' that this brand represents in terms of performance, style and technology, but also for the passion that we have for the car competitions Gino" Gino says Alessandro Director General of Gino spa.

The Lotus 20th Anniversary precedes the launch of the new Evora 400 that will take place 'du September next month, the new Lotus Evora 400 is the last pure sports car from Lotus, which combines high performance with the' now legendary driving pleasure Lotus became benchmark for all homes competitors. And 'faster and dynamic than its predecessor and offers more agility and an even more engaging.

Lotus Elise 20th Anniversary

The 20th Anniversary Elise, weighs only 914 kg, 10 kg less than the Elise S, thanks to its lightweight aluminum frame and optimized, is powered by a 1.8-liter supercharged runs from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.6 seconds and it has a top speed of 237 km / h.

The 20th Anniversary Elise consumes just 5.9 liters / 100 km in the extra-urban route and emits only 173 g of CO2 per km.

hyenas in four classic colors: Blue, Green, Yellow and Silver; the rear, the door mirrors and the rear cross member are in matt black. The wheels are in glossy black with forged 14-spoke, 16 "front and 17" rear.

The center console is lightened and in body color and the seats are sporty, light, leather or Alcantara with seams with default color.

The Lotus 20th Anniversary has a list price of 54,850 Euros, including VAT and excluding costs of entry road.

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· UK registrations for Lotus cars increase by 109% year to date

MotorExpo, held at Canary Wharf in London’s Docklands commercial zone, holds the honour of the UK debut of the Lotus Evora 400, ahead of deliveries to customers commencing in August 2015.

The arrival of the Evora 400 will boost the upwards trend in the UK sales demand for Lotus, led currently by both Elise and Exige models, notably as registrations of new Lotus cars in the UK have increased by 109% in the first five months of 2015. This increase is more than for any other sports car marque on sale in the UK.

The new Lotus, which boasts supercar performance, is joined by the Exige S Club Racer, with a Lotus Exige S Roadster available for test drives on the roads around Canary Wharf.

Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer, Group Lotus plc, commented: “London’s MotorExpo is the perfect showcase for the new Lotus Evora 400. Taking place in the heartland of the city’s finance and commercial centre allows us to follow-up the excitement of the world reveal at Geneva, with a long-awaited UK debut. With a strong history of positive, high-end sales potential, MotorExpo is a hugely effective opportunity to present today’s Lotus to potential buyers.

“In addition, our excellent UK registration figures also reflect the worldwide growth for the company, with 333 sportscars sold globally in just April and May, our best two-months performance for that period since 2010.”

From figures provided by the SMMT, a total of 153 Lotus cars were registered in the UK for the first five months of 2015, an increase of 80 registered units over the equivalent period in 2014 and a measure of the company‘s performance arising from its development plan.

The London MotorExpo at Canary Wharf, runs until the 14^th of June 2015. It is open from 10am-6pm and Sunday 11am-5pm.

The Lotus Evora 400 in more detail

The Lotus Evora 400 combines high performance with the legendary Lotus benchmark handling and is lighter, more efficient and dynamically better than ever, providing a purer driving experience, greater agility and a more involving drive. In recent tests, a standard road specification prototype Evora 400, running on road tyres and with standard road suspension lapped the Lotus test track at Hethel six seconds faster than the previous Evora S in a time of 1 minute 32 seconds.

UK prices will start from £72,000. For this price the car benefits from a high level of standard specification including 370 mm composite two piece brake discs from AP Racing, a Limited Slip Differential, automatic air-conditioning and infotainment system including satellite navigation. In addition to this, the options list includes automatic transmission at £2,000, Alcantara, or Leather, trim upgrades at £2,500 and metallic paint at £900.

A ‘Black Pack’ option, available at £1,250, provides a distinctive look, with selected exterior panels including the roof, sills and centre section of the three-element rear wing in gloss black and a dark headlining in the interior. Lightweight forged alloy wheels can be fitted for £2,000 and cruise control and yellow, or black, brake callipers are priced at £300 each.

Maximum speed is 186 mph (300 km/h) and acceleration 0-60 mph is just 4.1 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds). Over two thirds of the Lotus Evora 400 is new, including its supercharged and charge-cooled, mid-mounted 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 410 Nm of torque. A new aluminium chassis incorporates a new interior and the lightweight composite body has changed significantly both front and rear.

Official fuel consumption figures and CO₂ emissions figures for the Lotus Evora 400 are not available at the time of going to press. They will be provided on the Lotus website www.lotuscars.com as soon as they are available.

Lotus Exige S Club Racer in more detail

Applying the Lotus refined Club Racer principles to the already stunning Exige S results in the most inspiring version of an already class-leading sports car.

The Exige S is a model that already excels, thanks to its lightweight aluminium chassis-tub and aerodynamically enhanced composite bodywork. Its 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine delivers exciting performance, benchmark handling and a pure driving experience combined with a 4.0 seconds 0-62mph (0-100km/h) acceleration time and a top speed of 274 km/h (170 mph).

Available only as a coupe model, the car possesses 42 kg of aerodynamic downforce at 100 mph (160 km/h), thanks to the front splitter, rear wing and flat underside, all contributing to its phenomenal performance and handling balance.

At 1161 kg, it is lighter by 15 kg compared to the Exige S, because of its new lightweight battery, lightweight centre console in body colour, lighter doors and lightweight sports seats in leather or Alcantara with colour coded stitching. Traction slip thresholds (‘Drive‘, ‘Sport’ and ‘Race’ settings) allowing the driver enhanced vehicle control before intervention is required can be altered via a driver-selectable switch which is now fitted as standard. Both ‘Sport’ and ‘Race’ settings increase throttle responsiveness.

The Exige S Club Racer is available in Metallic White, Exige Orange, Metallic Yellow and Matt Black (option). The front splitter, rear wing, front access panel, roof panel, wing mirrors and rear transom are in matt black. Club Racer decals inside on the dashboard and seats and outside above the side indicator identify this latest special addition to the Exige range.

All this additional equipment amounts to £4,500 worth of extra value, for only £2,400 more than the standard Exige S (£54,500).

The Lotus Exige S Club Racer is on sale now with an MSRP of £56,900.

Fuel Consumption (mpg [l/100 km]): Urban - 19.5 (14.5); Extra Urban - 37.2 (7.6); Combined - 28.0 (10.1).

CO₂ emissions: 235 g/km

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We return to the Canary Wharf MotorExpo for another year from Monday 8th until Sunday14th June transforming the heart of London’s financial district to a supercar-studded motorshow.

Taking centre stage is the new Lotus Evora 400, the latest pure and focused supercar from Lotus, combining high performance with the legendary Lotus benchmark handling. It is faster and dynamically more capable than the previous Lotus Evora leading to greater agility and a more involving drive.

Alongside our flagship car, we will present the latest Exige S Club Racer, the most inspiring version of an already class-leading sports car.

There will also be an Exige S Roadster available for a test drive around Canary Wharf.

The Lotus team will be based in One Canada Square from Monday 8th until Saturday 13th June at 10.00am to 18.00pm and on Sunday 14th June from 11am until 5pm

We look forward to seeing you!

· Prices start at £72,000 (UK)

· Deliveries from August 2015

Lotus Cars is delighted to announce the prices of the new Evora 400. The latest supercar from Lotus combines high performance with the legendary Lotus benchmark handling and is lighter, more efficient and dynamically better than ever, providing a purer driving experience.

UK prices will start from £72,000 (for other markets, see table below). For this price the car benefits from a high level of standard specification including 370 mm composite two piece brake discs from AP Racing, a Limited Slip Differential, automatic air-conditioning and infotainment system including satellite navigation. In addition to this, the options list includes automatic transmission at £2,000, Alcantara or Leather trim upgrades at £2,500 and metallic paint at £900.

A “Black Pack” option, available at £1,250, provides a distinctive look, with selected exterior panels including the roof, sills and centre section of the three-element rear wing in gloss black and a dark headlining in the interior. Lightweight forged alloy wheels can be fitted for £2,000 and cruise control and yellow or black brake callipers are priced at £300 each.

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO, Group Lotus plc states: “We know that the Lotus Evora 400 can deliver the performance of a car costing significantly more and we are conscious that the pricing is highly competitive. Yet, the greatest merit which no other sports car or supercar can deliver is a peerless Lotus driving experience.”

Jean-Marc Gales concludes: “The Evora 400 is the fastest road-going Lotus that we have ever produced. It delivers supercar looks allied to supercar performance and our global dealer network of 179 dealers which will grow to 200 by the end of the year is excited to be able to deliver this high performing benchmark handling supercar to the ever growing customer waiting list.”

The new Lotus Evora 400 laps the Lotus test track at Hethel six seconds faster than the previous Evora S in a time of 1 minute 32 seconds. Combining high performance with the legendary Lotus benchmark handling, it is faster and dynamically more capable than the previous Lotus Evora leading to greater agility and a more involving drive.

Maximum speed is 186 mph (300 km/h) and acceleration 0-60 mph is just 4.1 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds). Over two thirds of the Lotus Evora 400 is new, including its supercharged and charge-cooled mid-mounted 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 410 Nm of torque. A new aluminium chassis incorporates a new interior and the lightweight composite body has changed significantly both front and rear.

The new Evora 400, which was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March, will enter production for European markets in the summer and deliveries will commence in August this year. North American markets will receive the Evora 400 as a 2016 model year in December, with China taking first deliveries in early 2016.

Lotus Evora 400 International pricing including local taxes where applicable:

UK (Pound Sterling) - £72,000

Germany (Euros) - €96,000

Japan (Yen) - ¥13,200,000

USA (Dollars) - $89,900 (excluding local sales taxes)

China (RMB) - 1,318,000

Official fuel consumption figures and CO2 emissions figures are not available at the time of going to press. They will be provided on the Lotus website www.lotuscars.com as soon as they are available.

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First Lotus Virtual Showroom

Customers can view and configure the specification of their new

Lotus and arrange a test drive at their nearest Lotus dealer

Opened on 13 May 2015

The newly refitted Lotus Brand Centre in Piccadilly, London, introduces an opportunity to learn

more about Lotus and get closer to the company’s pure and lightweight sports cars in central

London.

Two of the company’s best-selling models are currently central to the showroom presence. The

Elise 220 Cup and the Exige S take centre-stage. The new Lotus Evora 400, the fastest

production Lotus ever, will be displayed later in the summer.

The main area of the new Lotus store is dedicated to a fully interactive Lotus sports car

configurator where customers can chose the specifications of their new Lotus, take a look at

examples of the latest range of Lotus cars, the iconic Elise and stunning Exige. Customers are

then referred to their nearest dealer – of which there are 179 around the world from which to

chose, including the latest and recently opened Lotus dealership in South Kensington, London,

for a test drive.

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO, Group Lotus plc, stated, “Our Piccadilly Brand Centre will be regarded as

a must visit location in the West End. With this new Brand Centre concept, we will further

introduce our exciting cars and illustrious brand to more fans and potential customers of Lotus.

There is no better place, outside of our headquarters in Norfolk, to learn about Lotus and our

stunning cars with the legendary Lotus benchmark handling. Now customers can get even closer

to the cars and perhaps translate the dream of owning a Lotus into a reality!”

The Lotus Piccadilly Store is located on the north side of Piccadilly Circus with two entrances on

Regent Street and Glasshouse Street.

The Lotus Piccadilly Store is open seven days a week:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 1000 until 1900

Thursday: 1000 until 2000

Sunday: 1200 until 1800

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Lotus Cars is delighted to welcome Hexagon Lotus as its new brand representative in prestigious South Kensington, London. Hexagon is not new to Lotus having been a Lotus dealer from 1964 to 1976. Their reintroduction offers customers two Lotus dealerships in London, from their Headquarters in East Finchley as well as South Kensington.

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO, Group Lotus plc, stated: “We are pleased to welcome Hexagon back to Lotus. This is a perfect partnership for us and the opening of Hexagon Lotus brings to an end a six year period where we have not had a Lotus dealership in London.” Paul Michaels, Chairman of Hexagon Classics said, “We decided to rejoin Lotus after nearly 40 years as we can see a very exciting future for Lotus and we want to be part of it. Many of our customers already appreciate the core values of Lotus sports cars and the forthcoming introduction of the all-new Evora 400 is already attracting a huge amount of attention. We are delighted to be able to bring this and the stunning Lotus Elise and Exige cars to the London motoring scene.” Jean-Marc Gales concludes, “Hexagon Lotus is perfectly located to provide central London customers with the best opportunity to experience Lotus and I know that Paul Michaels and his team will carry the brand with pride. With such a close connection to Lotus in the past, Hexagon fully understands that Lotus stands for benchmark handling, lightweight, efficiency and a pure driving experience.” The new Lotus showroom in South Kensington, London was formally opened by JeanMarc Gales on 12 May 2015.

Having stated that the new Evora 400 supercar would exceed expectations, Lotus has now validated the claim. Early tests, carried out by Gavan Kershaw, Technical Manager for Lotus Motorsport, allowed Lotus to boast of a six seconds per lap advantage at Hethel. This validation drive of a standard road specification prototype Evora 400, running on road tyres and with standard road suspension supports the initial claim.

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO, Group Lotus plc stated: “Internally, we all knew that the Evora 400 would be capable of exceeding expectations. Our initial pre-production tests provided immense confidence and a SIX seconds lap time advantage at Hethel. The previous best time achieved in the Evora S model was 1 minute 38 seconds; the new lap time set by Gavan is 1 minute 32 seconds.

“Our commitment to reducing weight to create a lightweight and efficient supercar has paid off. The extra 55 hp in conjunction with the 22 kg weight reduction and the tremendous traction from the Limited Slip Differential (LSD) lead to benchmark handling. We are delighted that our customers will soon feel the benefits, when the first examples are delivered in August of this year.”

The new Lotus Evora 400 is the latest pure and focused supercar from Lotus, combining high performance with the legendary Lotus signature benchmark handling. It is faster and dynamically more capable than the previous Lotus Evora leading to greater agility and a more involving drive.

Maximum speed is 186 mph (300 km/h) and acceleration 0-60 mph is just 4.1 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds). Over two thirds of the Lotus Evora 400 is new, including its supercharged and charge-cooled mid-mounted 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 410 Nm of torque. A new aluminium chassis incorporates a new interior and the lightweight composite body has changed significantly both front and rear.

The new Evora 400, which was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March will enter production for European markets in the summer and deliveries will commence in August this year. North American markets will receive the Evora 400 as a 2016 model year presentation in the Autumn, with China markets taking first deliveries in early 2016.

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• 40,000 “Small Car Platform” Lotus models
  
• Continuously improved industry benchmark
  
• 40,000^th model is the first Elise S 20th Anniversary off the line
  

Since the unveiling of the pioneering and ground-breaking Lotus Elise in 1995, Lotus has reached another production landmark. No less than 40,000 examples have been produced of its technologically advanced “small car platform”, epitomised by the brilliant Lotus Elise, which has maintained exceptional standards in light weight and efficiency, while producing a benchmark in handling, to result in a pure driving experience.

The “small car platform” and its sheer production flexibility is defined by the various models based on it, which have included the Lotus Elise, Exige, Europa, 2-Eleven, 340R and racing variants.

In being the first carmaker to use extruded and bonded aluminium, Lotus revolutionised the industry and it has become a method that is being widely adopted amongst the rest of the motor industry. In the meantime, Lotus continues to refine and develop its own lightweight structure currently weighing just 68 kg.

The landmark has not been achieved without considerable effort, as outlined by Jean-Marc Gales, CEO, Group Lotus plc, “The small car platform was a landmark development in 1995 and developed at the right time in the company’s history. Yet, in an environment of continuous improvement, while a correlation exists between today’s platform and the first of the lightweight, bonded and extruded aluminium structures, it has altered radically. It remains a benchmark in light weight and efficiency and is as advanced and market-leading today as it was 20 years ago.”

The small car platform underpins the current Elise and Exige models, with the same aluminium extruded and bonded technology used in the new Lotus Evora 400. Outstanding structural rigidity ensures that Lotus benchmark handling is uncorrupted, which underscores the pure driving experience that enthuses owners, racers and the motoring media.

Jean-Marc Gales continued, “We are especially delighted that the 40,000^th version of our small car platform will underpin, appropriately, an Elise 20^th Anniversary model, the latest Elise model that celebrates our landmark achievements. Looking to the future, the platform will continue to be developed, improved upon and form a solid and dependable base for future new models demonstrating the production flexibility of the technology and its importance to Lotus.”

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KUALA LUMPUR – PROTON Holdings Berhad (“PROTON”) the ultimate holding company of Lotus Group, announced that it has signed a Joint Venture (“JV”) Agreement with Lotus Group International Limited, United Kingdom (“Lotus Group”) and Goldstar Heavy Industrial Co. Ltd. (“Goldstar”) for a possible business expansion of Lotus cars in the People's Republic of China.

The exchange of documents cementing the partnership between PROTON, Lotus and Goldstar. Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Chairman of PROTON (third from left), Dato’ Abdul Harith Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON (fourth from right), Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer, Group Lotus plc (third from right)

The collaboration seeks to accelerate the development of Lotus cars in the premium sports segment in China, leveraging on the incentives offered by the Fujian Provincial Government. Both PROTON and Lotus Group are subsidiaries of DRB-HICOM Berhad.

Signing on behalf of PROTON was the Honourable Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Chairman of PROTON and former Prime Minister of Malaysia and witnessed by Dato’ Abdul Harith Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON. Signing on behalf of Lotus Group International Limited, United Kingdom was Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer and witnessed by Mr Rohime Shafie, Director of Lotus Group and Chief Financial Officer of PROTON; and signing on behalf of Goldstar was Mr Zheng Qianghui, Chairman of Goldstar and witnessed by Mr Zhai Wenliang, President of Goldstar.

Dato’ Abdul Harith Abdullah said “The JV Agreement will see the establishment of a new JV Company for the purpose of undertaking research and development (R&D) activities in the use of efficient and advanced technology. The JV Company will then produce and sell Lotus branded passenger cars as well as provide after sales services in connection with its products in the People’s Republic of China.

“The automotive market in China is the single largest in the world today, and is still growing, therefore it is only natural for an established iconic company like Lotus to embark upon the possibility of expansion, venture into the market and seek the available opportunities, in light of the keen interest shown by the many enquiries received thus far. It is very difficult to ignore the market and Lotus will fill the gap in providing a lifestyle alternative to the growing demands of the affluent and market conscious local community,” Dato' Harith added.

"On April 7, 2015, Lotus announced 55% increase in car sales for its 2014/15 financial year, compared to the previous year with 36 new dealers appointed during the period 2014/15. And China has appeared to be the top key growth market for Lotus exports and is expected to grow at a very fast rate. Lotus Group is excited about the opportunities of this new Joint Venture," Jean-Marc Gales commented further.

Lotus will continue to manufacture its current range of Lotus sports cars (Evora, Exige and Elise) exclusively at its HQ in Hethel, England.