• Cars sales up by 55% for 2014/15 compared to 2013/14
  
• 
  
• 36 New Dealers appointed in last 11 months
  
• 
  
• All models see an increase in sales with the Lotus Elise range heading the table.
  
• 
  

Today, Lotus is pleased to announce a 55% rise in its global sports car sales at the conclusion of the 2014/15 financial year.

For the full year, the company has increased its sales volume to an excellent 2015 units, contrasted with 1,296 units in the year 2013/14. This is the best result achieved by Lotus since FY 2008/09.

Key global markets showing the renaissance experienced by Lotus are in China (+186%), France (+177%) and Germany (+130%), while Japan (+103%) remains the company’s largest export market. Sales in the UK have more than doubled to 346 units (+102%). The USA market, which sells the Evora range as a road car and the Elise and Exige ranges for track use only, has increased by 24%.

Leading the excellent performance is the Elise range, with a 80% increase in volume to 729 cars. The Exige S range continues its positive growth (+52%) with 724 cars, while the Evora is up by 35% with 562 cars. However, these figures are expected to change radically with the launch of Evora 400 in August.

Helping the progress are two new models, the Elise 220 Cup and the Exige S automatic option in both coupe and roadster forms. Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus plc, stated: “This positive result is something that we have not witnessed at Lotus for many years. We are meeting both time and budget deadlines. Yet, we appreciate that we still have hard work to do to maintain the progress. Our continued expansion demonstrates the customer confidence in Lotus and that our product development strategy is meeting its objectives, while remaining true to our core pillars of efficiency, light weight, high performance and driving purity in the most desirable packaging.”

Naturally, dealer strength has grown, with 36 new dealers in the global network in FY 2014/15 taking the total to 174 dealers worldwide.

As well as the new Evora 400 and the aforementioned Elise 220 Cup and Exige S automatic, two additional new models - the Elise S 20^th Anniversary and the Exige S Club Racer - are exciting the market. Strong residual values for all Lotus cars help customers to appreciate the value of the products.

View attachment: sales.png

Jean-Marc continued: “The reason that we are making such vital headway lies in our employees’ commitment to avoid delays in project deliveries and I am immensely pleased with the cultural changes that have been effected by our staff across the whole of Lotus. Looking to the future, we are working on new Lotus cars and have a number of exciting announcements and reveals over the next 18 months.”

"Does swapping a stick for paddles detract from one of Hethel's most involving driving experiences?"

"...Take control of the shifts yourself via the paddles - simply pull one of the levers back and the 'box switches to manual mode - and the gears slot home quickly amd precisely.'"

"With no opportunity for the revs to drop off, the Exige S is duly let off its leash."

"The level of performance requires concentration, with the road passing beneath at serious speed and one's senses consequently bombarded."

"Yes, there's that harshness you expect of a car with such a sparse interior, but the engine and exhaust notes are addictive, the steering a delight, the ride exemplary and the experience utterly absorbing..."

"...A Boxter GTS with PDK costs almost the same. However, while Porsche is the better all-round package, the Exige S auto offers a dynamic edge that is hard to ignore if nothing but thrills is what you are after."

• Club Racer ethos applied to searingly quick Exige S
  
• Weight reduced by 15 kg
  
• Lotus benchmarks for handling and pure driving experience
  

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).

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus plc, expressed his enthusiasm for the new model: “Factoring the Club Racer ethos into the Exige enhances the track-focussed potential of this important model. It encompasses our legendary benchmark in handling, with lightweight and efficient construction and that we will always put a peerless and pure driving experience first.”

The new Exige S Club Racer occupies an important niche within the Exige range and arrives hot on the heels of the Elise 220 Cup and the forthcoming Evora 400, unveiled recently at the Geneva Motor Show.

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. For other currency prices, please contact the Lotus press office. Orders can be placed now.

Specifications:

Each Lotus Exige S Club Racer will have the following as standard:

Options

Fuel consumption for Exige S Club Racer:

Urban 19.5 mpg – 14.5 litres / 100 km. Extra urban 37.2 mpg – 7.6 litres / 100 km.

Combined – 28.0 mpg – 10.1 litres / 100 km. CO₂ emissions 235 g CO₂ / km.

View attachment: unnamed.jpg

Lotus Elise celebrates 20 years

Celebratory 20th Anniversary Special Edition Elise

Special edition, based on the Elise S Club Racer, including classic Elise colour schemes

Pioneering and iconic Elise continues to innovate and evolve Weight reduced by 10 kg

The Lotus Elise 20  Anniversary Special Edition celebrates the unveiling of the iconic sports car at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1995. 20  years  ago,  the  Lotus  Elise  revolutionised  the  sports  car  world,  setting  the  benchmark  for handling, purity of the driving experience, lightweight and efficiency. Its pioneering and advanced bonded aluminium chassis was a market-leading technological innovation at the time and over the years has improved and evolved and remains core to the Elise’s exceptional performance today. 

Jean-Marc  Gales,  CEO  of  Group  Lotus  plc,  welcomes  the  Elise  20   Anniversary  model,  “It  is sometimes hard to believe that the Elise has been around for 20 years. It was ground breaking when it was launched and continues to be the benchmark for handling and performance in its class. Over the years we have improved and refined the Elise but we have also ensured that we have retained the purity of the driving experience and for the Elise to remain as the sports car to which other marques aspire.”             thThe Elise 20  Anniversary, with its lightweight aero-optimised, composite body, is powered by a 1.8-litre supercharged engine. It reaches 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.6 seconds and has a top                                                                                  thspeed of 145 mph (237 km/h). The benefit of this light weight is that the Elise 20  Anniversary consumes just 5.9 litres / 100 km (47.6 mpg) extra urban and emits just 173 g of CO 2per km.                                                              thWeighing just 914 kg, 10 kg less than the Elise S, the Elise 20  Anniversary is the sports car that both enthusiasts and newcomers to the brand will desire. Lightweight, efficient and totally pure in its  driving  experience,  its  benchmark  in  handling  remains  the  envy  of  the  sports  car  scene. Additional  equipment  compared  to  the  Elise  S  comes  as  standard  and  is  designed  to  reduce weight, including lightweight matt black forged wheels, lightweight centre console in body colour and lightweight sports seats in leather or Alcantara with colour coded stitching. A sport mode is also included which increases throttle response and alters the traction slip thresholds allowing the driver enhanced control before intervention. Four classic Elise colours are available in Blue, Green, Yellow and Silver and the rear diffuser,                                                                         th wing mirrors, roll hoop cover and rear transom are in matt black. Elise 20 Anniversary decals inside on the dashboard and seats and outside above the side indicator identify the anniversary special edition. All this additional equipment amounts to £5,150 worth of extra value, for only £2,700 more than                                              ththe standard Elise S (£37,200) and the Elise 20  Anniversary will become a driving investment for the future. The Elise is the most successful Lotus model in terms of numbers built, with a total of almost 32,000 built and sold globally. In addition to the Elise, the Lotus small platform technology has been used to great success in the Lotus Exige, Lotus Europa and Lotus 2-Eleven models, all of which are, or have been manufactured by Lotus at its Headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk.                  thThe Lotus Elise 20  Anniversary is on sale now with an MSRP of £39,900. It replaces the Elise S Club Racer. Specifications:

Each 20  Anniversary Lotus Elise Edition will have the following as standard: *  Body colour, lighter weight interior centre console *  Leather, or Alcantara (no cost), lighter sports seat trim option *  Colour-coded stitching on seats and door cards *  Colour-coded seat hoops *  Matt Black forged alloy wheels *  Matt Black distinguishing exterior trim *  A choice of four exterior colours - Classic Blue / Green / Yellow / Silver *  Auxiliary driving lights         th*  Elise 20  Anniversary decals externally and on dashboard stereo blanking-plate Options Hardtop                                           £1,200  Air Conditioning                                  £1,250  CD/Radio and USB Connection and NVH Pack          £1,200                              thFuel consumption for Elise 20  Anniversary:  Urban 27.3 mpg – 10.3 litres / 100 km. Extra urban 47.6 mpg – 5.9 litres / 100 km.  Combined – 37.5 mpg – 7.5 litres / 100 km. CO 2emissions 173 g CO 2 / km. 

This year’s Bosch Hockenheim Historic - Jim Clark Revival meeting will be a treat for Lotus fans and owners

This year’s Bosch Hockenheim Historic - Jim Clark Revival meeting will be a treat for Lotus fans and owners, with a variety of activities including a special tribute to Team Lotus’s double World Champion, 50 years on from his most successful season in motorsport.

Jim Clark dominated the 1965 Formula One season, claiming six Grands Prix on his way to the title, including a run of five consecutive victories. He also conquered America, winning the Indianapolis 500 with Team Lotus. This stunning achievement will be marked at the Hockenheim event with a display of his cars, including his Dutch GP-winning Lotus 33, his Lotus 35 Formula 2 car, and the ‘Jim Clark’ Lotus 29 IndyGoKart from 1964, manufactured to commemorate Ford’s entry into the Indy 500 in 1963. There will also be a display of pictures, models and other exhibits celebrating the legendary driver.

The event also features the opening round of Lotus Cup Europe, the only race series for modern-day machinery on the event’s schedule. Over 40 cars have been entered, headed by reigning champion Jeremy Lourenco, who has graduated to the V6 Cup class with team mate Xavier Georges in a pair of Exiges. They will be fighting for overall victories with favourites Jon Walker, and Nikolaj Ipsen, plus the Evoras of Gregory Rasse and the returning Steve Williams.

Championship runner-up Andrew Wright has moved up to the 2-Eleven class from Production, where he’ll be battling Jean-Baptiste Loup and Christophe Lisandre, and Mark Gooday will be making his return to Lotus racing.

An expanded Open class includes the four-cylinder Exiges and is expected to feature David Harvey and Nicolas Ferrer, plus the Lotus Cup Eastern Europe visitors Benedek Major and Tamas Vizin. Meanwhile a close Production fight should include Markus Nikowitsch, John Rasse and James Knight.

Lotus enthusiasts can join in the event with a variety of activities including a special Lotus parade on the Grand Prix circuit. There will also be awards for the oldest, most extraordinary, best-looking original and restored Lotus cars, plus a special prize for the driver who has travelled the furthest in their Lotus.

There will also be a Lotus photo competition open to all where twelve Lotus model series will be photographed and the winners will receive a free calendar.

· Fastest and most powerful production Lotus ever

· Lighter and more efficient than before

· Legendary benchmark Lotus handling

· Unveiled today by Tun Dr Mahathir, Chairman of Lotus, Dato Harith, CEO of PROTON and Jean-Marc Gales, Lotus CEO.

Lotus Chief Executive Officer, Jean-Marc Gales states: “This is a big day for Lotus with the unveiling of the new Evora 400 and I am delighted with the fantastic reception that our super car was given today.”

About the Lotus Evora 400

The new Lotus Evora 400 is 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.

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). This enables the new Lotus Evora 400 to lap the challenging test track at the Lotus Headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk, a scintillating SIX seconds faster than the previous model.

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.

Following the core values of the company, not only is the new Lotus Evora 400 faster than the previous model, it is also 22 kg lighter, achieved through careful and clever design and attention to detail. This weight reduction is even more impressive considering that the supercar has more power and a higher standard specification than before.

In describing the remit for the new Lotus Evora 400, Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer for Group Lotus plc, states, “A requirement for all Lotus cars is to be a benchmark for handling, to be the quickest car from A to B and to provide the driver with a pure and involving driving experience. The Evora 400 is the fastest road-going Lotus that we have ever produced, possessing performance that can only be matched by cars costing significantly more. It delivers supercar looks allied to supercar performance.”

Jean-Marc Gales continues, “We have always said that to make a car better, you must make it faster and lighter. We have achieved this, of course, but we didn’t stop there, as the considerable number of changes in the interior, chassis, engine and body design have warranted emphatically, the title of a new Lotus Evora.

The new Lotus Evora 400 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.

Combined production for all Lotus models, the Elise, Exige and Evora, will increase to 70 cars per week by September 2015 and an additional 150 highly skilled operators and craftsmen and women will be recruited in the next four months to accommodate this rise in production.

View attachment: 20150303183811-03099b6b.jpg

Global unveiling of the new Lotus Evora 400 supercar on Tuesday 3^rd of March 2015

Faster, Lighter and more Efficient

Legendary Lotus Benchmark Handling

Come and see the new Lotus Evora 400 be unveiled at the Geneva International Motorshow 2015

About the Lotus Evora 400

Ready to be unveiled to the international media at the Geneva Motorshow, the new Lotus Evora 400 is 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.

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). This enables the new Lotus Evora 400 to lap the challenging test track at the Lotus Headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk, a scintillating six seconds faster than the previous model.

The new Lotus Evora 400 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.

The all new Lotus Evora 400

• All new supercar from Lotus

• Fastest and most powerful production Lotus ever

• Lighter and more efficient than before

The new Lotus Evora 400 is 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.

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). This enables the new Lotus Evora 400 to lap the challenging test track at

the Lotus Headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk, a scintillating SIX seconds faster than the previous

model.

Over two thirds of the Lotus Evora 400 is new, including its supercharged and charge-cooled midmounted

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.

Following the core values of the company, not only is the new Lotus Evora 400 faster than the

previous model, it is also 22 kg lighter, achieved through careful and clever design and attention

to detail. This weight reduction is even more impressive considering that the supercar has more

power and a higher standard specification than before.

In describing the remit for the new Lotus Evora 400, Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer for

Group Lotus plc, states, “A requirement for all Lotus cars is to be a benchmark for handling, to be

the quickest car from A to B and to provide the driver with a pure and involving driving

experience. The Evora 400 is the fastest road-going Lotus that we have ever produced,

possessing performance that can only be matched by cars costing significantly more. It delivers

supercar looks allied to supercar performance.”

Jean-Marc Gales continues, “We have always said that to make a car better, you must make it

faster and lighter. We have achieved this, of course, but we didn’t stop there, as the considerable

number of changes in the interior, chassis, engine and body design have warranted emphatically,

the title of a new Lotus Evora.

“Our dealer network stands at 168 worldwide, which is still growing to reach 200 dealers by the

end of 2015, while our sales volumes have increased by over 50% in the last 10 months. The

new Lotus Evora 400 will make its mark as a significant milestone in the history of Lotus. Looking

to the future, the Lotus Evora 400 will remain core to our product line up for many years to come,

with more exciting derivatives planned within the next few years.”

The new Lotus Evora 400 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.

Combined production for all Lotus models, the Elise, Exige and Evora, will increase to 70 cars per

week by September 2015 and an additional 150 highly skilled operators and craftsmen and

women will be recruited in the next four months to accommodate this rise in production.

Prices will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Supercar Performance

• Fastest production Lotus ever, laps Hethel SIX seconds faster than previous model

• Aerodynamic downforce of 32 kg at 150 mph (242 km/h)

Engine power has been increased from that of the Evora S; a respected 345 hp (350 PS; 257.3

kW) to 400 hp (406 PS; 298.3 kW) at 7,000rpm. The supercharger fitment ensures strong bottomend

torque and the figure has also been increased to 302 lbs ft (410 Nm) achieved between

3,500 to 6,500 rpm. This translates into even more strident acceleration for a 0-60 mph time of

just 4.1 seconds (0-100 kph in 4.2 seconds).

Traction slip thresholds (‘Drive‘, ‘Sport’ and ‘Race’ settings) can be altered via a driver-selectable

switch, which allows the driver enhanced vehicle control before intervention is required. Both

‘Sport’ and ‘Race’ settings increase throttle responsiveness.

Its top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h) propels the Evora 400 to the upper segment of supercar

performance expectations. The benchmark lap time at the Lotus Test Track at Hethel, has been

slashed by a phenomenal SIX seconds due to higher engine power, revised spring and damper

settings, a Limited Slip Differential (LSD) and a downforce figure of 32 kg (70 lbs) at 150 mph

(242 km/h). This downforce equates to 12 kg, 26 lbs front; 20 kg, 44 lbs rear, achieved by the

Supercar Performance

• Fastest production Lotus ever, laps Hethel SIX seconds faster than previous model

• Aerodynamic downforce of 32 kg at 150 mph (242 km/h)

Engine power has been increased from that of the Evora S; a respected 345 hp (350 PS; 257.3

kW) to 400 hp (406 PS; 298.3 kW) at 7,000rpm. The supercharger fitment ensures strong bottomend

torque and the figure has also been increased to 302 lbs ft (410 Nm) achieved between

3,500 to 6,500 rpm. This translates into even more strident acceleration for a 0-60 mph time of

just 4.1 seconds (0-100 kph in 4.2 seconds).

Traction slip thresholds (‘Drive‘, ‘Sport’ and ‘Race’ settings) can be altered via a driver-selectable

switch, which allows the driver enhanced vehicle control before intervention is required. Both

‘Sport’ and ‘Race’ settings increase throttle responsiveness.

Its top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h) propels the Evora 400 to the upper segment of supercar

performance expectations. The benchmark lap time at the Lotus Test Track at Hethel, has been

slashed by a phenomenal SIX seconds due to higher engine power, revised spring and damper

settings, a Limited Slip Differential (LSD) and a downforce figure of 32 kg (70 lbs) at 150 mph

(242 km/h). This downforce equates to 12 kg, 26 lbs front; 20 kg, 44 lbs rear, achieved by the

An additional benefit arising from the improved efficiency is a reduction in CO2 exhaust emissions

from 229 g/km to 225 g/km (automatic: 220 g/km down from 224 g/km), which equates to a lower

tax band in many markets (subject to Type Approval).

Brakes and Tyres

• Lightweight cast and forged wheel options

• New, larger and more powerful brakes

Braking comes from new, more powerful, two-piece, cross-drilled and ventilated brake discs,

which are 370 x 32 mm front and 350 x 30 mm rear diameters (previous Evora: 350 x 32 mm

front and 332 x 26 mm rear).

Finally, lightweight forged aluminium wheels, 19” on the front and 20” on the rear, are 3.3 kg

lighter than the forged wheels on the previous Evora and are now shod with Michelin Pilot Super

Sport tyres (235/35x19 91Y front; 285/30x20 99Y rear), which not only increase vehicle stability

and grip levels but also enhance the overall quality of the class-leading dynamics package.

Exterior Design

The new Evora 400 exudes a visual appeal that is perfectly in line with its supercar status

• New front end:

o Bold, purposeful front end and bumper design that incorporates larger cooling

apertures and attractive daytime running lamps

• New rear end

o New rear bumper, lightweight composite rear diffuser and three-element rear wing

• Two new lighter weight wheel designs (both forged and cast options)

• New door mirror design

The overall effect is of a car with a more aggressive stance, that appears lower, wider and more

planted on the road, despite no increase in width compared with the previous Evora. The overall

length has increased by 35 mm (1.4 inches) to 4394 mm (173 inches). The approach angle has

been reduced from 11.5 degrees to 10 degrees to aid aerodynamic downforce.

Lotus Head of Design, Russell Carr, was adamant about providing the new Evora 400 with an

unique signature.

“We were certain that a more focused and purposeful frontal aspect was essential for a modern

supercar,” he outlines. “However, we were also sure that to alter greatly the profile of the

recognisable, award-winning, mid-engined Evora design would have been wrong intrinsically.

“Our ambition was to create a high quality innovative design. This was significantly assisted by an

integrated digital design process that allows us to translate computer data rapidly into physical

models, using our state-of-the-art milling and 3-D printing facilities.”

The front of the car features an evolution of the traditional ‘Lotus mouth’ that balances perfectly

the needs for both form and function. The large side intakes not only give the car more road

presence but also fulfil the technical requirements to cool the 400 hp engine and increase

aerodynamic downforce.

At the rear, a wide and powerful look is combined resourcefully with aerodynamic efficiency.

Sharp corner features maximise the width perception and give clean airflow separation. The

distinctive three-element wing and new lightweight composite rear diffuser contribute to the

impressive 32 kg of downforce at 150 mph.

While there is no increase in frontal area of the Evora 400 (at 1.91m²), the small increase in Cd,

from 0.33 to 0.35, is due largely to the cooling requirements driven by the huge increase in

engine power. However the aerodynamic downforce is greatly increased – it is approximately

double that of the previous Lotus Evora at any speed. For example, at 150 mph the downforce is

32 kg (12 kg on the front and 20 kg on the rear) for the Evora 400. The previous Evora S

generated 6 kg front and 10 kg on the rear.

Interior Design

• New and revised interior

• Improved cabin occupant entry and exit

A comprehensive round of changes has resulted in an all new interior for the Lotus Evora 400.

Designed elegantly and functionally to be both lightweight and of high quality, the interior is a

perfect match for the striking exterior of the car.

The high-tech aluminium bonded and extruded chassis has been redesigned to improve both

entry to and exit from the new Lotus Evora 400 cockpit. The sills are 43 mm per side narrower

and 56mm lower than the previous Evora. The substantial changes to the chassis have been

achieved without degradation of either torsional stiffness, which remains at a rigid 27,000 Nm /

degree, or bending stiffness of the chassis.

Ingress, egress and cockpit space are further improved with the introduction of higher quality,

lighter weight and narrower door inner panels.

All new front seats are lighter (by 3 kg each) and provide greater support for both driver and front

passenger. As an option, rear passengers are also catered for, with the rear seats being 280 mm

wider than the previous Lotus Evora; weight has been reduced in the rear seats by 3.4 kg.

As a hand-crafted sports car, the bespoke feel is carried across three new trim levels, including

trim upgrades in full Alcantara, or Scottish leather, with each featuring specific trim detailing.

Apart from the materials used, the new door casings, centre console and more space in the rear

support a determined approach to improve both accessibility into and egress from the car‘s cabin.

Both comfort and ergonomics have been improved dramatically, with a new HVAC system that

provides greater airflow and operator control, within an all-new dashboard layout.

As befits a driver orientated car, the cabin features a lightweight forged magnesium steering

wheel with a red race-inspired position stripe and a revised instrument cluster that possesses

simple clear dials (white on black graphics). Switchgear haptics and ergonomics have also been

improved significantly, the latter through location to the upper-central dashboard and, for the first

time, a new engine start-stop button has been fitted to the Lotus Evora 400.

A high-end in-car entertainment system is standard, with the latest, lightweight and slim-line door

speakers being fitted within the new door casings, while A-pillar incorporated tweeters improve

the sound reproduction quality.

Manufacturing

• Hand built at Hethel, England

• High quality and efficient manufacturing process

The new Lotus Evora 400 will be manufactured at the Lotus Headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk.

Three hundred trained and highly skilled operators and craftsmen and women (rising to 450 in the

next four months) assemble the cars by hand and every car built is road tested. Huge strides

have been made to improve efficiency over the last few months resulting in a 10% reduction in

the build cycle time.

Weight reductions have come from all over the car primarily through attention to detail. It is the

Lotus approach – brackets designed precisely, correct material selection and, wherever possible,

a reliance on multi-functionality. All Lotus staff at Hethel are given the opportunity to contribute to

reducing the weight of each Lotus model within the Lotus ‘Lightweight Laboratory’, where every

component is scrutinised to determine where “lightness can be added”.

To accommodate the expected worldwide demand for the new Lotus Evora 400, total production

of Lotus cars is planned to increase to 70 cars per week by September 2015. Current build

volumes are around 45 cars per week.

Expansion

• Global expansion of dealer network

Lotus has 168 dealers globally at present: 14 in the UK, 49 in Mainland Europe, 49 in North

America, 20 in Japan, 8 in China and 24 in other markets. Since May 2014, 30 new dealers have

been recruited and it is planned to further increase the Lotus dealer network to 200 dealers by the

end of 2015.

Summary

Lotus remains agile in its thoughts, actions and its products. Thanks to a dedicated, skilled and

enthusiastic workforce, it is able to maximise its potential at every stage of its operations. The

substantial structural and material changes made to create the exciting new Evora 400 underpin

the company’s intrinsic aims of lightness, super-efficiency, high performance and purity of driving

pleasure.

Jean-Marc Gales states: “Our ten month sales figures showed a volume increase of over 50%,

with the majority of markets increasing sales over the previous year. The new Lotus Evora 400

joins the Elise range, with the new S Cup grabbing the recent motoring media headlines, and the

Exige S, enhanced with an exciting new automatic option, sharing the growth in numbers. Our

strategy is being borne out.

“We work to maintain the lightness, purity and performance of our products as, at Lotus, we love

our cars and we know that our customers do too. The Lotus Evora 400 is a pinnacle of

achievement but we shall continue to aim higher in the months and years to come.”

Photos:

View attachment: 400-1.jpg

View attachment: 400-2.jpg

View attachment: 400-3.jpg

The new Lotus Exige S Automatic gives the pure, extreme, high performance Lotus driving experience with both automatic and paddle shift.

The much-loved Lotus Exige, with its ground-breaking, extruding aluminium and bonded chassis, lightweight composite body and race-bred double wishbone suspension now features an automatic transmission option that continues its uncompromised sporting profile.

With an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 292 hp/tonne and stunning performance, an even more focused driving experience is made possible by including the 6-speed automatic gearbox option. The automatic control panel is integrated neatly into the centre console of the cockpit, with buttons for Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive with beautifully crafted, forged aluminium, manual-shift paddles located behind the steering wheel cross-spokes, upshifts take just 240 milliseconds, with rapid downshifts accompanied by a throttle-blip (when in Sport mode).

In both automatic and manual gearshift modes, the Exige S provides the driver with a very rapid driving experience. In Sport mode, throttle response is sharpened and the Lotus Dynamic Performance Management (DPM) increases the traction slip thresholds allowing the driver even more vehicle control before an intervention is required. The system also opens the engine exhaust bypass valve at mid-to-high engine speeds. The Optional Race Pack includes Race mode, which reduces the intervention of the DPM further.

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO Group Lotus plc, stated: “Expanding the Exige range, with a new automatic gearbox, opens up a new market for those who prefer using a paddle shift with the alternative of an automatic gearshift. We expect that the Exige S Automatic will account for over a third of the total global sales for the Exige S range as many drivers will appreciate the involvement of a manual paddle-shift and the convenience of an automatic.”

Aided by the 345bhp, 3.5-litre, supercharged V6 engine, the Lotus Exige S Automatic reaches 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and 100 km/h in only 3.9 seconds. 100 mph (160 km/h) comes up in just over 9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 162 mph (261 km/h); 145 mph (233 km/h) for the Exige S Roadster. Its CO₂ emissions rating of 222g/km is low enough to warrant a tax reduction in some markets compared to the Exige S with the manual.

The automatic transmission is available on both Exige S and Exige S Roadster models. The RRP, excluding tax, is £1,667 (UK) and €2,185. Orders can be placed immediately.

Performance figures:

0-60mph 3.8 s

0-100kph 3.9 s

0-100mph (0-160kph) 9.2 s

Max speed 162mph; 261kph

Power 345bhp; 350PS; 258 kW

Power to Weight 292 hp/tonne (296 PS/tonne; 218 kW/tonne)

Torque 295 lbft; 400 Nm

Kerbweight 1182 kg

Consumption and emissions:

Urban 20.9mpg (13.6 litres / 100km)

Extra Urban 39.2mpg (7.2 litres / 100 km

Combined: (official combined) 29.4mpg (9.6 litres / 100 km)

CO₂ 222g/km (manual Exige S – 235 g/km)

View attachment: unnamed.jpg

View attachment: unnamed.png

Announcing that overall sales are up by 54% in the past nine months provides tangible proof that the forward strategy established by Lotus Cars is working. In volume terms, the increase of 551 cars over the previous year, to a total of 1,565, is an excellent result for the British sports car maker.

Lotus has enlarged and strengthened its representation globally, with 25 new dealers enrolled across a number of territories in the past nine months, with another 50 new dealers joining Lotus by the end of 2015.

Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer, Group Lotus plc, said, “Our sales growth and dealer expansion is performing to plan and demonstrates the confidence that our customers have in Lotus. The positive reception that all our new Lotus cars are receiving in both new and established markets shows that our product development strategy is heading in the right direction.”

Lotus is revealing an exciting new car at the important Geneva International Motor Show in early March 2015. The product will remain true to its core pillars of lightness, performance and driving purity by embodying all of them in a most desirable package.

The most recent Elise S Cup model is already creating vital banner headlines and comments like “…most intoxicating sports car at any price” and “…it’s about as much fun as driving gets”, are some of the justified rewards for the effort expended at Hethel; and that is for a version of an existing model….the Geneva reveal will produce even more for the new model.

The demand for Lotus Cars in places like China and Japan continues to grow and market reports are quietly confident that the new model to be unveiled at Geneva will accelerate the sales volumes in the USA, Europe, Middle East and Asia by considerable margins.

Renowned for its race-bred ethos, the development of the Elise Cup R into an enticing new model is now complete.

Following extensive testing, Lotus has finely honed its engaging Elise S into a Cup variant. A dramatic 3.0s reduction of the Hethel lap time of the Elise S suggests that enthusiasts seeking a viable track-day / road car need look no further.

Visual appeal has been bolstered with the striking addition of a front splitter, with end winglets, lateral bargeboards, a fixed roof, tail wing and a purposeful rear diffuser. The combined aerodynamic benefits increase downforce by 66kg at 100mph and a remarkably effective 125kg at maximum velocity.

Marking the first Elise S Cup to roll off the Lotus production line, Jean-Marc Gales, CEO Group Lotus plc, stated: “This engaging new model accentuates the pure driving competence elicited by Lotus. Light, agile and significantly faster on-track than the standard Elise S, it will appeal to competition-minded enthusiasts.”

The Lotus Elise S Cup has been developed from the successful Elise Cup R race car. In line with Lotus history, the crossover between road and race models remains inherent to the brand. The S Cup variant has been developed both at Hethel and the Nürburgring Circuit in Germany, with the primary aim of not losing the important race car pedigree.

Yet, at no stage of development have the vital Lotus characteristics of combined lightweight engineering and inherent chassis rigidity been compromised. While the modifications are track biased, the ride and handling remains in perfect balance, thereby making the Elise S Cup a realistic and uncompromised ownership proposition.

The ‘fresh out of the box’ appeal, allied to Lotus’s focused attention to detail, means that the Elise S Cup can be used on the track on Sunday and driven to work on Monday, such is its dual-nature character. As the car has been developed by Lotus’s renowned engineering department, embodying the knowledge gained from its long history, owners can feel confident in making the right choice.

To create the transition from road to thoroughly focused track car, the Elise S Cup is equipped with a T45 specification roll-hoop, which allows for future upgrades to competition harnesses and full roll cage. Electrical modifications enable the easier installation of a fire extinguisher and ‘kill-switch’. UK price starts at £43,500 and €56,525 in Germany (for other currency prices, please contact the Lotus press office). Orders can be placed now.

Max power - 217 hp at 6800 rpm (220 PS)

Max torque - 184 lbft at 4600rpm (250 Nm)

0-60 mph - 4.2 seconds

0-100 km/h - 4.6 seconds

Max speed - 140 mph (225 km/h)

Fuel Consumption (mpg (l/100 km)

Urban – 28.5 (9.9)

Extra Urban – 46.3 (6.1)

Combined - 37.5 (7.5)

CO2 emissions - 175 g/km

Unladen weight - 932 kg

View attachment: 20150115093213-f611c5a4.jpg

Lotus Elise S Cup

The Elise S Cup is the most track focused of the Lotus Elise road car range and carries the ‘Cup’ brand synonymous with the Lotus Motorsport division. The Elise S Cup accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds and generates an incredible 125kg of downforce at top speed making it 3 seconds a lap quicker around the Lotus test track at Hethel than the Elise S.

Lotus Exige V6 Cup R

The Exige V6 Cup R is the full race version of the Lotus Motorsport Exige V6 Cup. The car offers a high downforce aerodynamic body and a 60 kg weight reduction over the road car; with race dampers, safety equipment and an optional sequential gearbox it provides a competitive race car package.

The Exige V6 Cup R is exceptionally fast, but has an accessible price tag and is eligible to race in many exciting series around the world including the Lotus Cup Series.

Lotus Evora GT4

The championship-winning Evora GT4 race car has been developed from the highly acclaimed Lotus Evora road car and has been engineered to give drivers a competitive race car package straight ‘out of the box’.

The car has a naturally-aspirated V6 engine which is managed by Cosworth Electronics Systems and delivers 360 PS (Euro GT4) @ 6500 rpm powering the rear wheels through a 6-speed sequential gear box, with a paddle shift gear selection.

The Evora GT4 is homologated in many of the world’s leading GT series and has been very competitive in endurance racing.

Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer, Group Lotus plc said, “Motorsport has been, and always will be, at the heart of Lotus and it is important that the each one of our sports cars has a race winning motorsport offering. The development of each of these race cars is done in conjunction with the respective road car programme which ensures the delivery of a no compromise and competitive product as proven by the number of podiums and championships that have been won by drivers in Lotus racing cars over the recent years.”

Lotus Motorsport has seen an increase in wholesales of race cars of 29% for the first nine months of this financial year (from April 2014 to the end of December 2014) compared to the whole of the last financial year (49 cars in FY 2013-14 and 63 year to date in FY 2014-15).

Autosport International – The Racing Car Show runs from Thursday, 8^th January until 11^th January 2015 at the NEC in Birmingham UK. Lotus will be on stand 2400 in the main hall next to the Autosport stage.

The 1000^th Exige S has just rolled off the Lotus production line marking a key milestone for the British sports car and is testament to the skill and dedication of the workforce based at Hethel, Worcester, Wellingborough and North Norwich.

Since its launch in 2012 the Exige S and its Roadster sibling has achieved critical acclaim for its agility and handling performance, receiving praise from the international media and high profile accolades. The Exige has been impressing customers too, particularly in Japan where the car has received most of its orders followed by the UK, Switzerland, Australia, Hong Kong and Belgium.

Lotus continues to expand the appeal of the Exige S and the 1000^th car (pictured) is destined for Lotus’s Test and Development team where it will be used for the final sign-off of the new automatic gearbox, an optional extra that can be specified on either coupé or Roadster variants.

Lotus Cars Chief Executive Officer Jean-Marc Gales commented, “Our customers want a pure driving experience and the Exige S epitomises the Lotus DNA of performance and handling excellence. It is thanks to the considerable talent and experience across our UK manufacturing facilities and at our Hethel headquarters that we are able, and proud to give this exceptional machine a Lotus badge.”

Gales continued, “We have just recorded our strongest October since 2009 for sales which demonstrates the demand for Lotus cars, but we also acknowledge the strong global demand in new markets. There is incredible potential for growth in the Middle East, China and ASEAN countries, where the automatic option for the Exige is anticipated to stimulate customer demand further.”

Fuel consumption for Exige S;

Urban 19.5 mpg – 14.5 litres / 100km

Extra urban 37.2 mpg – 7.6 litres / 100km

Combined – 28.0 mpg – 10.1 litres / 100km

CO₂ emissions 236g CO₂ / km

Integrating smooth and intuitive gear shifts with engine response and exhaust note, the Exige S Automatic provides its driver with all round engagement and excitement and reflects the Lotus DNA of pure driving experience.

For drivers who enjoy a more spirited drive, the gear-shift characteristics have been calibrated to reflect the dynamic system changes that are activated when the driver selects either ‘Sport’ or ‘Race’ mode. Optimised gear selection and response deliver quicker all-round performance when a sportier experience is desired.

Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer, Group Lotus plc said, “By introducing a paddle-shift, we have expanded the Exige product range to make it more accessible to customers worldwide. Now, customers who are more accustomed to two pedals and automatic transmissions can enjoy the unbelievable performance and handling of the Exige S without compromise.”

The new Exige S Automatic is currently completing its final stages of testing and is anticipated to exceed the manual variant in performance when it goes on sale in January 2015. In fact, the Exige S with automatic transmission as fast as its manual counterpart around the Hethel test track and achieves the 0 - 100 km/h sprint achieving, 0.1 seconds quicker than the Exige S manual in 3.9 seconds.

Automatic transmission will be available as a cost option to the Exige S and Exige S Roadster models in all markets where the Exige is currently on sale. Prices for UK customers will be £2,000 including VAT and €2,185 in Europe excluding local taxes.

View attachment: unnamed.jpg

Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc said, “I would like to welcome Russell to the role. Russell has a proven track-record of producing distinctive and compelling designs for Lotus over the years and is perfectly positioned to lead the Lotus design team in the future.”

Jean-Marc Gales continues, “I would also like to thank Donato for his contribution to Lotus over the last five years and wish him well in his future ventures. Donato leaves a legacy of a strong, motivated and talented team within Lotus Design which under the new leadership of Russell will continue to design innovative, authentic and iconic Lotus products.”

Russell Car said, “It is an honour to take on the role of Head of Design for Lotus. Design is extremely important to Lotus as it conveys the pure, competitive and unconventional values of Lotus.”

Donato Coco said, "My five years at Lotus have been one of the strongest experiences in my career so far and I will look back with great fondness and affection for this iconic company.”

The appointment of Russell Carr as Head of Design is effective from the 1^st of November 2014.

Now all customers purchasing a new Lotus Elise, Exige or Evora will have the option to collect their new car from the home of Lotus, its headquarters in Hethel, UK.

With the introduction of two new exciting customer experiences, all Lotus customers have the opportunity to visit Lotus for a personal hand-over of their new car, receive a personalised commemorative owner’s booklet charting the build of their car and meet the team who brought their Lotus to life.

The experiences also include a tour of the manufacturing facility where every Lotus has been hand built by skilled craftsmen and women since 1967 and a visit to Classic Team Lotus to see many of the iconic race cars of Team Lotus.

For customers looking for the ultimate Lotus immersion there is even chance to spend some time with a Lotus instructor on the famous Hethel test track and get a first-hand insight into how Lotus’ ethos of ‘pure driving’ is engineered into every Lotus car.

Group Lotus plc Chief Executive Officer Jean-Marc Gales said, “Hethel is the heart of Lotus, where we have been designing, developing and building the most exciting and uncompromising handmade British sports cars for nearly 50 years and we are delighted to open our doors to customers so that they can collect their new car from us direct.

“It is here at our Headquarters that Colin Chapman himself conceived and built the original cars that were lighter, faster and more dynamic to drive and race than anything else. The Hethel experience gives our new, existing and future customers the opportunity to see, hear and feel for themselves the ambition that has been core to Lotus; to build cars that give you one of the most thrilling ‘pure driving’ experiences imaginable.”

The options in more detail:

Lotus ‘Handmade in Hethel’ Experience

• Arrival at Lotus and welcome
  
• Refreshments
  
• Lotus factory tour
  
• Visit to Classic Team Lotus
  
• Car presentation in Hethel Lotus Originals store
  
• Presentation of bespoke signed owner’s booklet
  
• Photoshoot of the event
  

Lotus ‘Handmade in Hethel’ Experience + Track Time

• Arrival at Lotus and welcome
  
• Refreshments
  
• Lotus factory tour
  
• Visit to Classic Team Lotus
  
• Car presentation in Hethel Lotus Originals store
  
• Track drive with Lotus instructor
  
• Presentation of bespoke signed owner’s booklet
  
• Photoshoot
  

Packages are available through the Lotus dealer network at the time of purchase and for a limited time after order.

In addition, car sales for the second quarter of the current financial year show a rise of 69% compared to 2013-14.

For the months of July, August and September 2014, Lotus sold 609 cars worldwide, a 69% increase over the same period last year and the best figure since 2007/08. This quarter contributed to the half year total of 1114 cars, compared to 746 cars in the first six months of the last financial year – a 49% increase – and the best half year car sales since 2008/09.

Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc said, “I am delighted with these first six months’ cars sales results. These results are a testament to the hard work of not just our sales teams around the world but also to our skilled workforce. I would also like to thank our dealers, suppliers and manufacturing partners for their continued support and look forward to maintaining and building this momentum for the future”.

Leading the sales is the Lotus Exige which accounts for around 39% sales and advanced orders, closely followed by the Lotus Elise and the Lotus Evora. Japan continues to be the leading market for Lotus sports car sales, followed closely by the UK, USA, Germany and France. The highest growth in sales was recorded in Japan, followed by Germany and France.

Jean-Marc Gales added, “We have just announced a proposal to restructure Lotus’ worldwide workforce in order to reshape the organisation and to reduce costs. This reshaping, combined with increasing sales of cars is vital to Lotus building a strong, sustainable future for the business.”

The next Lotus to enter the market in November 2014, the new Lotus Elise S Cup, is the most track-focused of the Lotus Elise range. The Elise S Cup combines the Lotus attributes of a pure driving experience, high performance, and light weight with high levels of aerodynamic downforce. This enables the latest Lotus sports car to lap the Lotus test track three seconds quicker than Elise S.

The sprint will form part of a special Lotus day at the Norfolk circuit, which is situated less than 15 miles from the Hethel factory. The final round of the Lotus Cup UK and Elise Trophy championships will also take place on the day, with the Lotus Cup UK SuperSport and Production titles both being decided under cover of darkness at the climax of an extended two-hour race.

The sprint is open to all Lotus cars, with three classes running on the day. In addition to the Lotus Cup UK Speed Championship’s SuperSport and Production classes, there will be an invitation category for other Lotus cars.

The sprint course will run on the Snetterton 300 circuit, from the start line on the Senna Straight and ending at two-thirds distance of the Bentley Straight. The combination of fast and slow corners will provide a thrilling challenge to enthusiastic drivers.

Entrants can enjoy parade laps and a pitwalk on the day, and, of course, the chance to perform in front of a crowd of Lotus enthusiasts. There will be the opportunity for everyone who attends in a Lotus to take part in a parade lap around the circuit.

Drivers will have two practice runs in the morning, followed by three timed runs after lunch. Entries cost just £110 per driver and can be made by visiting www.lotrdc.com/forms/lotus-cup-uk-speedchampionship-fees-forms-2014-11544/

After a successful first season of racing the Elise S Cup R completes the next stage of its development and is evolved with a road focus to bring a touch of motorsport to the road-going Elise. To ensure its race car pedigree is not lost, the Lotus Test and Development team has been putting the newest version of the Elise through its paces on the Lotus test track and the famous ‘ring’.

The Elise S Cup has received the same unmistakable and unique aerodynamics as the ‘R’ version and delivers a significantly enhanced dynamic performance over the standard Elise S. Not only does the focused ‘R’ inspired aero package have a striking visual appeal, the unique combination of front splitter and winglets, barge boards, rear diffuser, rear wing and a fixed roof create 66kg of downforce at 100 mph and an incredible 125kg of downforce at top speed. As a result, the Elise S Cup generates enough downforce in the corners of the Lotus test track to beat the Elise S by 3 seconds.

Designed for driving enthusiasts looking for a road car that can be taken on track days with ease, the Elise S Cup is a compelling alternative to race biased products. Priced at around £57,000 including VAT (excluding on the roads costs), the standard car can be upgraded with a selection of road and track options which can be introduced according to preference. A competition spec roll hoop is fitted as standard while wiring harness modifications mean that a fire extinguisher system and electrical kill switch can be retrofitted if a phased conversion from road car to race car is desired.

Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc, said, “The Lotus Elise S Cup is all about the pure driving experience with the Lotus attributes of high performance, light weight and excellent ride and handling. It is perfect for the driver who desires a quick, authentic, desirable and competitive sports car.”

The Elise S Cup is the most track focused of the Lotus Elise range. Carrying the ‘Cup’ brand synonymous with the Lotus Motorsport division, it sits above the Elise, Elise S and Club Racer variants in terms of price and levels of extremity and will be available for purchase through the Lotus dealer network.

Group Lotus plc is pleased to announce the appointment of Miguel Fragoso as Engineering Director. He will have overall responsibility for all aspects of engineering at Lotus.

Miguel will be based at Lotus’ Headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk and will report to the CEO of Group Lotus plc, Jean-Marc Gales.

A Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Miguel has held a number of senior roles with the automotive industry, most recently as CEO of Millbrook Proving Ground, where he grew and diversified Millbrook from a proving ground and test site to become a complete vehicle engineering development centre.

Prior to the role at Millbrook, he held senior positions in engineering and corporate planning at General Motors, in the UK, mainland Europe and Japan.

Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc, said, “I would like to welcome Miguel to Lotus. His background in the automotive industry in delivering vehicle programmes will assist in the delivery of our growth plans for the future.”

Miguel Fragoso said, “I am delighted to join the Lotus team and I look forward to contributing to the exciting future of Lotus, to help grow the business and lead the teams that will continue to develop sports cars that are distinctive, competitive, pure and possess unrivalled ride and handling.”

Miguel Fragoso is an engineering graduate from Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, and holds a post graduate in engineering from Glasgow University where he was a Stevenson Fellow. He also holds an MBA from the University of Chicago.

Fabio Randaccio and Craig Denman shared the race wins at the Lotus Festival on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit. The event included Formula 1 and rally demonstrations, club displays and a trade village.

On the track, Randaccio took the Lotus Cup UK pole position by over a second with just one lap in qualifying and he held his advantage over fellow front-row-starter Adrian Hall until the pitstops. Both lost out to Ken Savage and Steve Train, but Randaccio was able to pass them in the late stages.

Savage lost places with a pitstop penalty, promoting Adam Knight to the podium, whilst Adam Gore raced from the back to win the Production class from Stuart Ratcliffe/Anthony Dunn and Jason Baker.

Marcus Jewell was on course for a podium position but made a late pitstop then crashed heavily on the Grand Prix loop whilst battling to regain third place from Knight. The track repair work meant that the second Elise Trophy race was cancelled.

In the sole Elise Trophy race pole position starter and championship leader Gore retired early on, leaving Martin Donnelly at the head of the field. A thrilling race unfolded as the Ulsterman controlled the pace to lead Craig Denman, James Little and Jason Baker. On the final lap Denman made his move late on, but judged it to perfection to take the spoils.

the Cars Commercial team to develop the Lotus network in France,

Italy, Spain and Portugal.

Jean-Charles brings with him 37 years of experience in the car industry and distribution having

occupied senior positions at Toyota Europe and KIA Europe. His mission is to strengthen the

network with qualified and professional partners in order to optimise and increase the presence of

the Lotus brand in the Southern European region.

Jean Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc said, “We are growing our dealer

network throughout Asia, North America and Europe. The appointment of Jean-Charles Lievens

comes at an appropriate time. We are looking to increase our presence in Southern Europe

where there is a high demand for Lotus sports cars.”

Lotus Cars recently announced a 31% rise in global sports car sales for the first financial quarter

of 2014, its best for 3 years, followed in July by the best month for sports car sales since March

2011 with a 65% increase compared to July 2013.

View attachment: 1Jean-Charles Lievens 13_08_14_3.jpg

The Lotus Elise has beaten the Alfa Romeo 4C yet again in the latest comparison test by Sport Auto in France.

The August issue of France's widest-read sports car magazine rates the Elise S Club Racer for its ride and handling, as well as its "delightful simplicity", preferring it to the Alfa Romeo, stating “the most simple recipes are the best". Sport Auto also praises the Elise S as a "reassuring and easy to understand sports car, whose performance delivers the pure driving experience sports car fans love." The magazine also comments that the Lotus is "easy to live with" and is "a real pleasure to drive".

This is the third comparison test the Elise S has won against the Alfa Romeo 4C, recently beating the Italian car in German magazine AutoBild and Dutch magazine AutoWeek.

Wolfgang brings with him a wealth of sales and brand management experience and assists in strengthening the Lotus dealer network, while enhancing Lotus’ performance in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Eastern European countries.

Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc welcomes Wolfgang to the team, “Wolfgang’s vast experience fits in perfectly with our exciting plans for Lotus in the future. Central Europe is one of the regions where we see additional growth for our award winning Elise, Exige and Evora sports cars and we look forward to introducing the Lotus brand to those who desire an authentic, competitive and pure driving experience.”

Georg Prisner continues as Business Development Manager for Austria, Germany and Switzerland and will report to Wolfgang.

July 2014 shows the best sales results for Lotus sports cars for over three years

Group Lotus plc had its best month for sports car sales since March 2011, selling 226 cars in July - an increase of 65% compared to July 2013. The UK, up by 110%, and Germany, up by 83%, saw the strongest growth. In addition, as part of these results Lotus Motorsport grew its global sales by 100%.

These sales results follow a 31% rise in Lotus car sales for the first quarter of the financial year 2014/15 compared to the same quarter last year.

Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc commented, “The improved sales results for July reward our efforts over the last months and I look forward to continuing this sales trend in the future. In addition, I would like to thank our parent company PROTON Holdings Berhad for its unwavering and continued support for Group Lotus plc. I would also like to thank our growing global dealer network for their efforts and loyalty over the last months in helping us achieve these excellent results.”