possibility of decarbonising transport without the

paradigm shifts required by electrification of the

vehicle fleet or conversion to a hydrogen economy.

The paper describes the SOFT concept (Sustainable

Organic Fuels for Transport) in which carbon-neutral

liquid fuels provide a route to avoiding the climate

change and energy security concerns which

currently challenge the transport sector. The lowcarbon-

number alcohols, and, where necessary,

synthetic diesel and kerosene, offer the prospect of

continued high levels of affordable mobility through

the gradual evolution of the vehicle fleet and fuel

distribution infrastructure to one which is broadly

compatible with that which pervades today. Vehicle

technology to support this transition is described.

The production of liquid fuels from air and water are

reviewed in which fully-closed carbon cycles are

theoretically possible with the development of largescale

renewable energy generation and CO2 capture

from the atmosphere. To expedite air capture,

developments in CO2 concentration and release

based on bipolar membrane electrodialysis are

described and initial results from a laboratory-scale

device are reported.

Increasingly stringent tailpipe CO2 legislation and customer desire to reduce vehicle

fuel consumption are driving new technology developments, particularly in gasoline

engines. Many of these are not entirely complimentary to each other and all carry

various levels of on-cost to the vehicle, both in financial and systems complexity terms.

This paper will describe a downsized engine whose key technology packages include a

second-generation direct injection combustion system combined with turbocharging and

an integrated exhaust manifold (IEM). This engine has already been successfully

applied to a B/C class vehicle. The interaction of the engine technologies is described

together with the level of improvement in high-speed, high-load fuel consumption

possible when cooled EGR is employed. The impact of the IEM on the thermal load of

the vehicle is discussed in the context of what heat rejection would be expected from an

approach adopting cooled EGR in a similarly-powerful engine with a conventional

exhaust manifold is made. Finally, the level of performance increase possible with

differently-matched turbocharger systems is discussed as a means of illustrating the

applicability of the concept to other vehicle classes.

Turboexpansion is a concept which is aimed at reducing the fuel

consumption of pressure-charged gasoline engines by providing overcooled

air to the engine in order to extended the knock limit (relative to a

conventional charge-cooled system). An extension to the knock limit

allows several possible shifts in the compromise adopted in pressurecharged

gasoline engines, including increased specific output, an increase in

trapped compression ratio or a reduction in the octane appetite of the

engine. All are considered important in the drive to reduce the CO2 output

of passenger cars fitted with gasoline engines against the backdrop of the

ACEA commitment of 140g/km of CO2 per km by 2008.

The present work reports on initial results from running a singlecylinder

engine under conditions of varying temperature at fixed charge-air

densities to assess the worth, in combustion terms, of pursuing reduced

charge-air temperature to extend the knock limit. To enable this, a chargeair

conditioning rig has been constructed based on three positivedisplacement

superchargers and heat exchangers. This device is capable of

providing close control of the charge air required for this testing

programme.

It has been shown that reducing the charge air inlet temperature, at a

fixed density, provides an extension to the knock limit of up to 3.5° of spark

advance at high compression ratio for a temperature reduction from 40 to

20°C at 2000rpm.

Proposed long-term options for de-carbonizing transport are assessed. Various

shortcomings of electrification or molecular hydrogen as an energy carrier are discussed

which may prevent their widespread adoption. The development of a Tri-Fuel vehicle,

capable of operating on any combination of gasoline, ethanol, and methanol, using a

single fuel system is described, demonstrating that compatible, affordable transport can

be developed, supplied by sustainable organic fuels. Low-carbon-number alcohols and,

where necessary, synthetic hydrocarbons, can be supplied from the biosphere up to the

biomass limit from biofuels, and beyond the biomass limit from the atmosphere and

oceans using captured CO2 and hydrogen electrolysed from water.

The paper discusses some unconventional approaches to reducing the parts count and

complexity and simplifying the assembly process in reciprocating engines. This is expected to

become increasingly important against the present backdrop of increasing technology content of

passenger car engines (both gasoline and diesel) as the industry strives to meet ACEA

commitments on CO2 reduction in the near- to mid-term.

Some of these approaches permit the adoption of lighter materials such as magnesium and

aluminium in areas of the engine where they are not commonly employed, such as the crankcase

and the exhaust manifold, due to these areas being a normally unfavourable environment for

these materials. Also discussed is the use of bonding technology to reduce the number of noncritical

fasteners in the engine, and so to allow the overall package size to be reduced in both

mass and size, leading to important secondary benefits in-vehicle.

All of the concepts discussed have been individually proven on engines or in vehicle

construction and are complimentary such that, when combined, a new architecture concept

becomes attractive. This concept of a monoblock/integrated exhaust manifold assembly is

presented, together with a discussion of another potentially attractive architecture for the

modern world, the Burt-McCollum sleeve valve engine.

Proposed long-term options for de-carbonizing transport are assessed. Various

shortcomings of electrification or molecular hydrogen as an energy carrier are discussed

which may prevent their widespread adoption. The development of a Tri-Fuel vehicle,

capable of operating on any combination of gasoline, ethanol, and methanol, using a

single fuel system is described, demonstrating that compatible, affordable transport can

be developed, supplied by sustainable organic fuels. Low-carbon-number alcohols and,

where necessary, synthetic hydrocarbons, can be supplied from the biosphere up to the

biomass limit from biofuels, and beyond the biomass limit from the atmosphere and

oceans using captured CO2 and hydrogen electrolysed from water.

Horizon Automobiles has joined Lotus at a very exciting time with the fabulous new multi-award winning Lotus Evora joining the iconic Lotus Elise and Lotus Exige in its product portfolio.

Andreas Prillmann, Chief Commercial Officer for Lotus Cars said, "Looking to the future, we consider Horizon Automobiles with its passion for, and experience in, hand built British Sportscars as the ideal organisation to develop a prosperous business together with Lotus Cars Limited in Qatar."

Salman Abdullah Abdulghani, Chairman of Horizon Automobiles said, "I am very excited to be able to introduce Lotus here in Qatar. There is already strong brand awareness for Lotus in this market in terms of racing heritage and its exciting model line up and it is for these reasons that we have planned to create the first Lotus Race Academy in this region which will be a unique opportunity to promote Lotus in Qatar, provid a platform for driving sales in the region."

Horizon Automobiles Est facilities in Doha, Qatar are in line with corporate image and training standards set out by Lotus Cars and will be located at:

West Corner Centre, Gate 23

Salwa Road - near Medmec Bridge

P.O. Box 37544

Doha

Qatar

The first allocation of Lotus cars, which includes the excellent Lotus Elise SC and the thrilling Lotus Exige S has already arrived at Horizon Automobiles in time for the dealership launch at the end of March 2010. The new Lotus Evora will enter the Qatari market a few weeks afterwards.

Lotus Evora Cup

Lotus Motorsport announces the Evora Cup race car together with an innovative European points based race series for 2010. The race car will make its first public appearance at the Autosport International racing car show in Birmingham, UK on the 14th January 2010.

The Lotus Evora is a highly acclaimed road car that incorporates many race car elements to give it incredible handling and performance. The Evora has a mid-engine layout, high-tech, super-stiff extruded and bonded aluminium chassis and double wishbone suspension all round. These elements mean that it is a relatively easy progression from the production car to a competitive race car.

The Evora Cup race car has been developed by Lotus Motorsport and is designed to offer a level of performance that would make it competitive in GT4 racing. The race car will be eligible to compete in a number of different national and international series, with options for endurance racing and sprint racing.

The Evora Cup show car is finished in Epsom Green with a Solar Yellow stripe down the centre. It is an evocative sports car that will offer a great platform to race in high level motor sport.

At the heart of the Evora Cup race car is a new 4 litre V6 race engine that boasts more than 400 PS and a dry sump system for the high cornering forces encountered during racing. The mid mounted engine is mated to a Cima six speed sequential paddle shift dog gearbox, which is designed for international motor sport.

The efficient Evora body has received a Dallara developed aero package, which includes a number of updated carbon fibre parts and significantly improves performance for racing applications, giving greater downforce and improved cooling.

"Performance through light weight" is a Lotus philosophy and the Evora Cup race car has been pared down to less than 1200 kg, which translates into a reduction of more than 200 kgs over the production car. This weight saving has been achieved by using high performance parts and materials and deleting parts not required for motor sport

The Evora Cup race car will come with adjustable motor sport dampers and six piston front brake callipers, with two piece aluminium belled brake discs. The car has an electrical cut off, fire extinguisher, traction control and is designed to have all the relevant FIA compatible motor sport equipment to race.

Claudio Berro, Director of Motorsport at Group Lotus plc stated, "Lotus has an enviable heritage of producing very competitive racing cars and we wish to continue this heritage with the Evora Cup race car. The company started by creating world beating racing cars and this is evident from the design of Lotus cars as the production cars have many racing car design features and perform exceptionally well on track."

Claudio Berro continues, "The Evora Cup racing car is the first step along the route for Lotus Motorsport to realise its racing ambitions. I am looking forward to seeing the Evora racing this year in the Lotus Evora Cup competition and I am excited by the plans for 2011, where Lotus intends to introduce a pan European one make race series for the Evora Cup."

The 2010 Evora Cup series will be a European event with points initially being awarded to competitors for entering races with the points values awarded relative to Evora finishing positions. There will be five points for attending any eligible national race meeting with five points awarded for the first Evora to finish down to one point for the fifth.

The series will then culminate with two Lotus Festivals, with provisional dates for Donington Park in the UK (16th & 17th October 2010) and the second at Vallelunga in Italy (21st and 22nd November 2010). All the competitors from around Europe will be invited to race at these festivals and there will be double points on offer. The championship winner will be the driver who accrues the most number of points from a maximum of 6 races over the 2010 season.

A prize fund of at least €100,000 will be available.

The final design and specifications will be presented at the Geneva Motorshow in March 2010.

Drivers are invited to register their interest at the Lotus Evora Cup website: http://www.lotusevoracup.com

The Evora Cup race car will go on sale at £120,000 excluding taxes.

Strategic Partnership

Two of Britain's most renowned automotive names to become

closely associated through a strategic partnership looking at

the opportunity to develop high performance engines for

Lotus road and race cars

The new partnership includes the supply by Cosworth of high performance

engines based upon existing Toyota engines for future Lotus cars and the

assembly by Cosworth of racing engines for all motorsport activities which are

based on Toyota powertrains. The first application of these race engines will

be for the V6 engine in the new Lotus Evora Cup racing car.

Dany Bahar CEO of Group Lotus commented, "The ties between Lotus and

Cosworth are, of course, already historical ones but our new strategic

relationship is based purely on Cosworth's competencies, brand and race

engine development capabilities. This new strategic partnership will align two

of the most renowned names in the automotive world and will be of huge

benefit for both organisations."

Tim Routsis, CEO & Managing Director of Cosworth Group said, "I am

delighted that the Cosworth name is once again linked to Lotus through this

new strategic partnership and these new high performance engines. Our

mutual history over many decades resulted in a great number of racing

successes and I expect to see further triumphs not only on the racetrack but

also in the competitive high performance sportscar market, where Lotus is

already acknowledged as a world leader."

The 80th International Geneva Motor Show sees Lotus Engineering unveil the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid concept, a high performance technology demonstrator with a plug-in series hybrid drive system and new technologies for enhanced driver involvement.0-60 mph/97 kph in under 4 secondsTotal hybrid range of over 300 miles/483 kilometresEco mode or Sports mode featuring realistic 7 speed paddle shift with energy recuperationHALOsonic Internal and External Electronic Sound SynthesisTorque vectoring for improved dynamic stabilityIntegrated glass roof and engine cover and interior concept from Lotus Design

The Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid, so-named because this latest environmentally-focused technology demonstrator from Lotus Engineering produces 414 PS (306 kW) of power, promises breathtaking performance from a highly efficient propulsion system. The concept showcases new developments in plug-in, range-extended electric propulsion, new electronic technologies to enhance driver involvement, the adaptability of the Lotus Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) that underpins the Evora 414E Hybrid and a dramatic new roof system and interior concept from Lotus Design. Through all of these aspects it ultimately demonstrates the exceptional ability of Lotus Engineering to integrate and develop advanced technologies for exciting, efficient, high performance niche vehicles.

The range extended electric drive of the Evora 414E Hybrid consists of two electric motors driving each of the rear wheels independently via single speed geartrain, integrated into a common transmission housing, thus enabling torque vectoring for stability control of the vehicle. Electrical power is stored in a lithium polymer battery pack optimised for energy density, efficiency and high power demand, mounted in the centre of the vehicle for stability and safety. Additional range is provided by the Lotus Range Extender engine, an optimised 1.2 litre, three-cylinder engine, designed specifically for series hybrid vehicles. The drivetrain is designed to combine astonishing performance with efficient, low emissions driving.

Driver involvement is enhanced by the incorporation of HALOsonic Internal and External Electronic Sound Synthesis technologies from Lotus and Harman International, which provide sound contouring within the cabin and improve pedestrian safety outside the vehicle. Integrated with the HALOsonic technology, the Evora 414E Hybrid also showcases a brand new technology from Lotus Engineering, a sports mode that simulates a 7 speed, paddle shift transmission that combines exceptional driver involvement for a hybrid sports car and optimised energy recuperation.

The Evora 414E Hybrid has been designed to highlight Lotus' innovative electric and hybrid vehicle technology without distracting from the pure sportscar character of the Evora. The solution is innovative, instantly recognizable, beautiful and sporty. It demonstrates Lotus DNA.

Dr Robert Hentschel, Director of Lotus Engineering said: "Innovation has always been at the heart of Lotus and is needed now more than ever. The Evora 414E Hybrid is the perfect demonstration of Lotus Engineering's core competencies: lightweight architectures, efficient performance, electrical and electronics integration and driving dynamics. The technology demonstrator represents an encapsulation of the advanced technologies that Lotus Engineering continues to develop to overcome the current environmental challenges facing the automotive industry and showcases the future direction that the sector is taking and why Lotus Engineering is perfectly placed to lead the technological development in this area."

The Drivetrain

For the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid, Lotus Engineering has developed a highly efficient, high performance drivetrain system consisting of twin motors each limited to providing 152 kW (207 PS/204 hp) of power and 400 Nm (295 lbft) of torque to each wheel via independent, single speed, reduction transmissions integrated into a single housing, enabling torque vectoring dynamic control of the vehicle.

The vehicle energy storage system is made up of the latest Lithium Polymer battery chemistry providing 17 kWH energy storage capacity. The battery pack is optimised for energy density, efficiency and high power demand, with over 100 kW discharge capability.

The Lotus Range Extender engine provides 35 kW (48 PS/47 hp) of power at 3,500 rpm via the integrated electrical generator and features an innovative architecture comprising an aluminium monoblock construction, integrating the cylinder block, cylinder head and exhaust manifold in one casting. This results in reduced engine mass, assembly costs, package size and improved emissions and engine durability. The engine uses an optimised two-valve, port-fuel injection combustion system to reduce cost and mass and can be operated on alcohol-based fuels and/or gasoline. The generator converts mechanical energy to electrical energy to replenish the battery pack charge and provides additional vehicle range in a small light weight package. The generator is also used as a motor to start the range extender engine. The low mass of the range extender unit (85 kg) and compact package makes it ideal for the series hybrid drivetrain in the Evora 414E Hybird.

All the operation and management of the range extender engine, the power management of the batteries and motor control are controlled by Lotus' electronic control units and software systems. Full energy management of all the operating systems is the key to maximising performance and operation while minimising energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

For everyday commuting journeys, up to 35 miles can be travelled using battery power. The battery can be charged overnight using a conventional domestic mains supply through a socket concealed by the rear number plate. This permits the vehicle to operate with zero tailpipe emissions. For longer journeys, exceeding the battery capacity, the highly efficient range extender engine is used as a generator to supply the motor with electrical power and top up the battery.

Lotus has used its own vehicle simulation tools to determine the size, capacity, power and performance of all the components in the drivetrain system to optimise the system operation. Overall this is far more energy efficient, weight efficient and cost effective than fitting the vehicle with a larger and more expensive battery, which for the majority of short journeys is a redundant weight, which increases energy requirements. With regard to the total lifetime CO2 emissions of the vehicle, including the energy required to manufacture and run it, the range extender solution has a lower overall CO2 footprint than a fully electric car of comparable performance and operating range running with a larger battery.

The Package

The Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid structure is the same award-winning, versatile vehicle architecture used on the Lotus Evora. The low volume architecture was designed with the upmost flexibility in mind. The Evora 414E Hybrid is a perfect example of how to integrate a compact packaged drivetrain, with excellent performance and range, while using this underpinning. The complete chassis has remained unchanged from the Evora which maintains the structural integrity and strength performance of the original car.

The structure progresses the Lotus 'bonded and riveted' technology with new and unique extrusions and folded panels, whilst providing production build modularity and lower cost repairs. The chassis has been designed for scalability so that it can be extended in width, length and height. The strength and stiffness of the low volume VVA chassis can be modified cost effectively by varying the wall thickness of the extrusions, without altering the exterior dimensions. The ability to lengthen or shorten extrusions with the option to tailor the chassis stiffness vastly increases the number of vehicles that can be developed from this vehicle architecture.

Driving Dynamics

The Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid offers exhilarating, all-round dynamic performance and takes advantage of Lotus developed torque vectoring dynamics. Torque vectoring, which is the capacity to generate different torques at each of the driving wheels, is particularly suited to electric vehicles and significantly reduces the conflict between stability and response.

A key benefit of separate motors to drive each rear wheel individually is that this facilitates a much higher level of vehicle dynamics control. Driving the wheels with different levels of torque can not only generate all the capabilities of a conventional ESP system using energy regeneration as opposed to brake application, but it can also actively drive each wheel forward at different rates, producing a turning moment at the rear of the vehicle in addition to the steering input.

This can be used to enhance low speed manoeuvrability and ease of parking but can also be used to produce a much greater level of straight line high speed stability. Incorporating lateral sensors the system also provides stability control capabilities and levels of steering response normally only associated with heavy and expensive rear steer systems. This can provide automatic correction of both understeer and oversteer characteristics. In addition, the standard method to provide high speed stability of designing the rear wheels to toe-in is not required as the torque vectoring system automatically provides this stability control, with toe-in increasing rolling resistance, lowering fuel economy and increasing tyre wear. Lotus' long history of active suspension control provides the core capability to develop this technology and provides extraordinary driving pleasure on the Evora 414E Hybrid.

Driver Interaction

The Evora 414E Hybrid provides less of a psychological step change for people familiar with high performance cars compared to other electric and hybrid sports cars. The car has a simulated paddle shift gear change offering ultra quick gear changes reminiscent of a dual clutch transmission, while actually single speed. This enhances the driver interaction with the vehicle and provides a driving experience similar to current internal combustion engine high performance sports cars. The Evora 414E Hybrid uses a column mounted paddle shift to simulate the gear change and a synthesised engine sound changes frequency with virtual gear selection. The drive torque is also modulated to simulate a physical feeling of a gearshift jolt.

The virtual gearshift simulation, like a conventional gearbox, is used to change the driving characteristics and response of the vehicle. The most significant aspect that this offers the driver is the ability to control the vehicle deceleration by simulating engine braking through a virtual downshift in gears. Unlike true engine braking, the Lotus system does not dissipate the energy of the moving vehicle through internal engine friction but uses the electric motors to regenerate the energy back into the battery. While many electric and hybrid vehicles provide engine braking, this is generally at a fixed rate or preselected rate. In some driving situations this can either be too aggressive, slowing the vehicle unnecessarily, or too light, requiring additional braking application. The Lotus system effectively allows the driver to select the appropriate level of regeneration by simulating stepping down by one, two or even three gears. The simulation of engine braking through both the gear noise change and the retardation of the vehicle is fully intuitive to a driver familiar with a conventional gearbox. The simulated gearchange capability can be selected for greater driving involvement or switched off for more relaxed driving.

The Evora 414E Hybrid uses the Lotus Engineering and Harman International developed HALOsonic suite of noise solutions. The first of which is Electronic Sound Synthesis. This generates engine sounds inside the vehicle through the audio system where it provides an exciting sports sound in line with the brand and nature of the vehicle together with a high level of driver feedback in an intuitive manner. In addition, it also generates sound on the outside of the vehicle through speakers mounted at the front and rear to provide a warning to increase pedestrian safety, which is especially important for electric and hybrid vehicles which can be difficult to hear at slower speeds.

There are four driver selectable engine sounds currently on the vehicle, two of which have been designed to have characteristics of a multi-cylinder conventional V6 and V12 engine. There is also a futuristic sound and a combination of a conventional engine and a futuristic sound, enhancing the brand identity of the vehicle as a step forward in electric vehicle design.

The addition of this Lotus patented simulated gearshift concept not only provides for an exciting and involving driving experience that customers would expect from a Lotus, but also enhances the driver's control of the vehicle while providing the capability for more efficient operation through a greater use of energy regeneration.

The Design

The distinctive colour scheme and 'floating' roof have been carefully designed to accent the cars electric vehicle technology whilst complementing the iconic lines of the Evora.

Copper, a colour often associated with electrical systems, has been chosen for the car's exterior and interior. A contemporary satin finish paint is complemented by electrical circuit inspired graphics that highlight the car's key feature lines and the unique glazed roof panel. The newly extended glazed zone integrates seamlessly with the existing forms of the Evora whilst showcasing the key components behind the hybrid and electric vehicle technology.

The signature copper theme is consistently carried throughout the car from the dramatic seat stripes and instrument panel inserts to the copper callipers that nestle behind the carbon grey forged wheels. Inside the cabin a sense of quality and richness has been created by carefully juxtaposing the different tactile qualities intrinsic to leather, Alcantara and metal.

ReliefTM Haiti' confirmed at €1.4m

It was announced this morning at the Geneva Motor Show

that eight special edition 'Naomi for Haiti' Evoras have

achieved in excess of €1.4m at auction.

As part of a collaboration with Naomi Campbell and the White Ribbon

Alliance's Fashion for Relief campaign, Lotus has designed and donated eight

bespoke charity cars to help raise essential funds for mothers, children and

babies struggling to survive in the aftermath of the tragic earthquake that hit

the Caribbean country of Haiti on 12th of January.

Naomi commented on Lotus Cars' contribution, "Lotus Cars has been Fashion

for Relief's biggest supporter and has been instrumental in helping us to raise

crucial funds for The White Ribbon Alliance and its partners in Haiti who are

working towards rebuilding the healthcare system for mothers and babies.

"To have Lotus on board supporting Fashion for Relief is very important to

Sarah Brown, myself and everyone at The White Ribbon Alliance and we are

truly very grateful."

Lotus CEO, Dany Bahar said "It was a great pleasure for Lotus to work with

Naomi and the White Ribbon Alliance for this excellent cause and we are

delighted that by working with Naomi, our suppliers and the generosity of the

bidders, we have been able to raise such a significant sum of money to help

those in need during this difficult time."

Evora Carbon Concept Makes

Motorshow Debut

The multi-award winning Lotus Evora provides the basis of

the stunning carbon design concept unveiled at the 80th

Geneva Motorshow. The car boasts a stylish carbon fibre,

leather and alcantara interior, aggressive carbon diffuser and

an evocative high tech composite body.

The Evora Carbon Concept car emphasises Lotus' motorsport pedigree,

utilising beautiful high quality materials with exposed carbon fibre and plush

alcantara. The striking white concept car is finished in an advanced water

based pearlesent paint that contrasts with the exquisitely finished weave on

the carbon fibre panels.

The head turning looks of the Evora Carbon Concept car provide a more

purposeful, planted stance with the car looking lower and more aggressive.

This styling direction is continued with a structural carbon fibre roof, Lotus

Motorsport influenced carbon diffuser and carbon splitter. The Evora Carbon

Concept car retains the same class leading handling and high tech aluminium

bonded and extruded chassis of the production car.

The contemporary interior of the Evora Carbon Concept car combines the

lustre of the carbon panels with perforated leather and matt alcantara. The

bespoke interior uses swathes of sumptuous grey alcantara to cover the

footwell, dashboard and roof. The soft texture of the leather and alcantara are

juxtaposed with the hard surfaces of the carbon fibre to provide a satisfying

sensory experience.

The Evora Carbon Concept car has diamond cut forged 19" alloy wheels front

and rear, shod with Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres (235/35 wide front and 285/30

wide rear). The wheels and tyres give the Evora real presence filling the

wheel arches and giving the car a purposeful appearance.

Donato Coco, Director of Lotus Design commented, "The design of the Evora

Carbon Concept car features exotic, high tech materials that offer a good

synergy with the Lotus brand image, expressing our motorsport heritage and

history of stylish sports cars for which Lotus are renowned."

Images here:

http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/index...=sc&cat=193

Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad receives a full business and technology briefing from Lotus Senior Management and test drives the Lotus Evora.

During his visit, Tun Dr. Mahathir was briefed on the latest high technology developed by Lotus Engineering including the innovative Omnivore variable compression ratio system engine concept and the Lotus Range Extender engine designed specifically for the new breed of highly efficient series hybrid vehicles. This briefing was given by Dr Robert Hentschel, Director of Lotus Engineering.

Tun Dr. Mahathir was also given a full briefing on the current and future Lotus business plans by Group Lotus plc CEO, Dany Bahar, before viewing the Lotus assembly line where the award winning Lotus Evora, the iconic Lotus Elise and the stunning Lotus Exige are manufactured.

To finish off his visit, Tun Dr. Mahathir test drove the multi award winning Lotus Evora on the Lotus Test Track and experienced what is regarded by many of the world's motoring press as the best sportscar on the market.

Dany Bahar, CEO of Group Lotus plc, said, "It is an honour for us all at Lotus to welcome Tun Dr. Mahathir to Group Lotus and for him to see how our business is growing and changing to match the new market demands for our sportscars and high technology engineering. Tun Dr. Mahathir was instrumental in leading the acquisition of Lotus by our shareholders PROTON in 1996 and I am grateful for his continuing support of our business over the years."

Lotus, Britain's leading sportscar company was honoured to welcome supermodel Naomi Campbell to its Norfolk HQ when she visited to thank the workforce for their support in her fundraising efforts for victims affected by Haiti's tragic earthquake.

Part of Naomi's plans to achieve maximum charitable support for 'Fashion for ReliefTM' includes a collaboration with sportscar company Lotus and together they have developed a scheme for eight 'Naomi for Haiti' limited edition Lotus Evoras.

Proceeds from the sale of the eight 'Naomi for Haiti' Evoras will be donated to the Fashion for ReliefTM Haiti appeal and are expected to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for the cause. Bidding commenced at last Thursday's Fashion for Relief catwalk show (18 February 2010) when the first of the eight cars went under the hammer and achieved an incredible £320,000. Cars Two and Three also went under the hammer that night, raising £460,000 and the remaining five cars are available to the highest bidder on www.naomiforhaiti.com

During her visit to Lotus, Naomi met the designers and production teams responsible for bringing this very special project together. Each of the Lotus employees involved in creating the eight 'Naomi for Haiti' Evoras has donated their time and expertise to the project and Naomi was keen to thank all involved for their generosity.

Naomi spoke directly to the Lotus team commenting, "I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has generously donated their time and effort to make Fashion For Relief happen. I'm thrilled with the support from Lotus and to have teamed up with my great friend Gino Rosato for this important cause. I hope we continue to raise awareness and as many funds as we can."

Whilst Naomi was at Lotus she posed alongside F1 Driver Jarno Trulli and former Prime Minister of Malaysia Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad with a replica of the 'Naomi for Haiti' Lotus.

Lotus CEO Dany Bahar commented on the pleasure the Lotus team took in Naomi's visit, "Lotus is honoured to work with Naomi on this extremely important campaign for Haiti. I am so proud of the efforts the Lotus people have gone to to ensure Lotus can contribute to the Fashion for Relief charity and support those in need and distress. Naomi's visit has had a great impact on the workforce who were thrilled to see such a high profile celebrity contribute her time to charity, just as they themselves have done."

HRH THE DUKE OF YORK VISITS LOTUS RACING FACTORY

Just one day after Lotus Racing's Hingham factory was officially opened by former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir, the team played host to HRH The Duke of York. Team Principal Tony Fernandes and Chief Technical Officer Mike Gascoyne gave the Duke an official tour of the team's facility and presented him with a commemorative set of his own Lotus Racing overalls.

The Duke's visit was a landmark occasion for Lotus Racing. It gave the team a chance to thank him personally for the pivotal role he played in the formation of the latest British team to join the Formula 1 grid, and provided His Royal Highness with an opportunity to see progress at the factory since the team's formation in September 2009.

During his tour The Duke was introduced to a number of the team's staff, including drivers Heikki Kovalainen, Jarno Trulli and Fairuz Fauzy, together with members of the technical and mechanical departments who were honoured that their workplace was visited by such an esteemed guest.

Speaking about a momentous week for Lotus Racing, Tony Fernandes said "I have been privileged to work with His Royal Highness over a number of years in his role as the UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment. As is well known without HRH's efforts Air Asia X's partnership with Rolls Royce would not have become a reality. What is perhaps less well recognised is that the Duke was one of the primary catalysts behind our substantial capital investment here in Norfolk. Indeed it was thanks to the Duke's advice in June of 2009 that we began another extraordinary partnership between Malaysia and the United Kingdom that has culminated in the successful entry and creation of the Lotus Racing T127 grand prix car. I am delighted that His Royal Highness was able to join us at Lotus Racing today."

Lotus Engineering, the world-renowned automotive consultancy division of Lotus Cars Limited today announces its latest series hybrid vehicle technology application in the PROTON Concept, which will be unveiled at the 80th International Geneva Motor Show. The complete hybrid drivetrain in the PROTON Concept city car has been developed by Lotus Engineering and it includes the Lotus Range Extender engine, designed specifically for series hybrid vehicles.

The PROTON Concept, a plug-in series hybrid city car, has been styled by Italdesign and will be unveiled on the Italdesign stand at the Geneva Motor Show. Lotus Engineering has designed and integrated the complete drivetrain, including the electrical drive system with single-speed transmission, which delivers low emissions, optimised performance and acceptable electric-only operating range for city use. For longer journeys, when the battery charge level falls, the 3 cylinder, 1.2 litre Lotus Range Extender engine is used to replenish the charge in the battery and provide electrical power for the drive motors. The battery can also be recharged via an AC mains domestic outlet to achieve initial electric-only operation.

Dr Robert Hentschel, Director of Lotus Engineering said: "The hybrid drivetrain of the PROTON Concept is another example of Lotus Engineering's expertise in electrical and electronic systems and efficient performance engines. The high efficiency Lotus Range Extender engine, which we unveiled to great acclaim at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show last year is perfectly suited for the advanced series hybrid we have created for the PROTON Concept city car. It is an exciting example of the diverse range of highly efficient total propulsion systems that Lotus Engineering continues to develop for its partners and clients."

PROTON Holdings Berhad Group Managing Director, Dato' Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohd Tahir said, "Our collaboration with Lotus and Italdesign on progressive technology and design will further propel our competitiveness in the world market. Through this association, we strive to acquire and jointly develop new knowledge, skills and technologies that will ultimately benefit our customers."

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In response to the horrific natural disaster that has crippled the nation of Haiti, Naomi Campbell together with Lotus Cars will be auctioning eight special edition "Naomi for Haiti" Lotus Evora sports cars, with the proceeds from the auction going to help the relief effort in Haiti.

The Lotus Evora is a very desirable, multi-award winning, high performance, mid-engined sports car that presents a fantastic piece of design to bid on. The "Naomi for Haiti" Evora sports car has been specially designed by Lotus Design Director Donato Coco and reflects Naomi's design direction. The bespoke styling combines the flag of Haiti with a dramatic colour scheme and the cars include a full range of options, meaning these cars will all become desirable collectors items.

The "Naomi for Haiti" Evoras will be auctioned at Naomi Campbell's Fashion for Relief TM charity fashion show on the 18th of February at the London Fashion Week venue at Somerset House. The remaining "Naomi for Haiti" Evoras will be entered into an auction run on the "Naomi for Haiti" website www.naomiforhaiti.com and bidding will commence at 0800 GMT on the 19th of February and will end at 1200 noon GMT on 28th of February 2010.

The grand total raised for the charity and the highest bidders will be announced by Naomi Campbell at the Geneva Motorshow on the 2nd of March. There will also be a link to the "Naomi for Haiti" website from the Lotus Cars website http://www.grouplotu.../cars/home.html.

The Fashion For Relief TM event has selected to support the White Ribbon Alliance as it campaigns for the health needs and rights of women and girls around the world, especially supporting its partners in Haiti at this time to rebuild the healthcare system for mothers and babies.

Naomi Campbell says, "I am deeply saddened by the recent tragedy in Haiti. So many have been killed and severely affected by the earthquake - women and children in particular are most vulnerable in disasters. Fashion is universal, personal and touches everyone. I am delighted that Lotus Cars is supporting my Fashion for Relief TM charity and I am sure with such generous help we will raise crucial funds to help save the lives of women and children."

Dany Bahar, CEO of Group Lotus Plc, stated, "It is a very admirable cause and we are proud to be supporting Naomi Campbell with her Fashion For Relief TM event in aid of the women and children affected by the terrible disaster in Haiti. The whole of Lotus is supporting this very deserving charity, with many working in their own time in order to raise money for the women and children affected by the earthquake in Haiti."

The Red Cross has said that the earthquake in Haiti has affected approximately 3 million people and it is reported that upwards of 200,000 people have died in the disaster. The magnitude of the earthquake combined with the local geography and house building techniques has exacerbated the destruction.

Ends Notes

Fashion For Relief TM Set up four years ago to demonstrate the kind of contributions the fashion community can make, the first Fashion For Relief TM show was held in 2005 in New York City during their fashion week, and raised more than $1 million dollars for the Hurricane Katrina relief. In 2007 the event, held in London, raised an amazing GBP 1million for the Rotary Flood & Disaster Appeal.

In 2008, Naomi teamed up with Sarah Brown for the first time to host an unforgettable Fashion For Relief TM raising thousands for The White Ribbon Alliance and raising awareness of the charity. Last year Fashion For Relief TM travelled to Mumbai, India and Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

Past participants and supporters include: Beyonce, Boy George, Cheryl Cole, Cilla Black, Christian Slater, Claudia Schiffer, Erin O'Connor, Faye Dunaway, Iman, Jamelia, Jessica Stam, Kate Moss, Yasmin Le Bon, Ronan Keating, Kelly Osbourne, Lily Cole, P. Diddy, Princess Beatrice, Rio Ferdinand, The Duchess of York, Joaquin Cortes, Tyson Beckford and many more.

Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere - where 37,000 pregnant women now face birth in dangerous, unsanitary conditions - White Ribbon Alliance's partner organisation International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is currently struggling to meet the overwhelming need for basic healthcare services. IPPF's clinics, which are based in the communities most affected by the earthquake, have been severely damaged. Despite this, they are operating a number of health clinics from tents, with additional mobile bus clinics from the Dominican Republic into Haiti. Such is the huge need that they are desperately short of staff, medical supplies and diesel fuel. In crisis situations, women and children's health needs and physical safety are at much greater risk; we need your help to address the short term needs and the long term consequences.

The new Lotus Elise probably has the lowest CO2 for its performance for any gasoline high performance sportscar in the world

The Lotus Elise revolutionised the sportscar market 14 years ago when the small lightweight agile 2-seat mid engine sportscar was introduced. By ensuring that the Elise stuck rigidly to Lotus' core values of performance through light weight, the Elise was able to produce supercar performance with city car economy.

Making its debut at the 80th International Geneva Motorshow, the 2011 model year Lotus Elise introduces a number of changes and improvements to maintain its class leading position.

For the 2011 model year, the Elise range will consist of the following variants:

• Lotus Elise – 136 PS, less than 155 g of CO2 /km – new 1.6 litre engine *

• Lotus Elise R - 192 PS, 196 g of CO2 /km - 1.8 litre engine

• Lotus Elise SC – 220 PS, 199 g of CO2 /km - 1.8 litre supercharged engine

Key changes and improvements to the whole of the 2011 model year Elise range

• New evolution body design incorporating new front clamshell, rear bumper and engine cover

• New all in one integrated headlights including LED day light running lights and LED direction indicators

• Improved aerodynamics with a reduction in Cd by 4%, resulting in better fuel economy

• New cast and forged wheels

• Vehicle warranty increased from 2 years to 3 years and 36, 000 miles

Additional changes for the 2011 model year entry level Lotus Elise

• New high technology 1ZR-FAE 1.6 litre engine with Valvematic and Dual VVT-I technology to optimise the performance and efficiency of the engine

• Less than 155 g of CO2 per km (an improvement of over 13% compared to the 2010 Elise S)*

• Combined fuel consumption 6.14 litres / 100 km (46 mpg)*

• New 6 speed close ratio gearbox

• Cruise control available as part of the Touring pack

The body – an evolution

The new 2011 model year Elise range is on sale now and will be in showrooms from April 2010. The body of the new 2011 model year Elise is an evolution of the iconic Elise design, retaining the character and style, while offering a more planted, purposeful stance and a pure, contemporary look that links it to the Evora. As with all Lotus product the design is an exciting blend of dramatic style and functional efficiency

The new Elise body has a fresh sculptured front, including a new bumper, front clam and access panel that combine to give the Elise a wider look with more road presence.

At the rear of the car the new engine has been encased by a distinctive "twin-spine" engine cover whilst lower down a more aggressive diffuser is tightly wrapped by an elegant new bumper design that now includes the rear licence plate.

New headlamp units with distinctively sculptured LED lighting guides (incorporating daytime running lamps and direction indicators) give a contemporary twist to this classic design. Elsewhere, the signature, Lotus "mouth" and familiar sculptured forms have been sensitively refined to give a crisper, more dynamic look. The repositioning of lamp functions has enabled the creation of broad clean surface between the fenders which combines with sleek corner intakes and prominent splitter detail to give a broader more planted stance.

The theme of purity is carried through to the cooling apertures that are efficiently finished with a new lightweight aluminium mesh that gives the car a classically sporting character.

The rear boot is now opened from the cockpit rather than via a separate key operation. The high quality feel of the Elise is continued throughout the car with the Elise graphic incorporated into the new side LED direction indicators, like those on the Evora.

The driving position, from the perfectly positioned pedals and steering wheel, to the comfortable and supportive seats with ProBax** technology means that, like all Lotus cars, the driver becomes part of the car rather than being just a passenger.

With the sleek new body the aerodynamics have improved giving a reduction in the coefficient of drag of 4%.

Finally, a choice of two beautiful, light weight wheel designs are available; an incredibly light forged wheel and a new cast wheel completes the picture for this sensitive update of a Lotus Icon.

Additional changes to the 2011 model year Lotus Elise

The new 2011 model year Elise has a number of additional changes and improvements, with the installation of a new advanced 1.6 litre Valvematic engine meeting EURO 5 regulations. This new engine is 200cc smaller than the outgoing Elise S model and produces similar power (136 PS, 100 kW, 134 hp at 6800 rpm) with maximum torque of 160 Nm, 118 lbft at 4400 rpm, but offers a significant improvement to fuel economy of over 23%, to 6.14 litres / 100km (46 mpg)* and a reduction in CO2 emission by more than 13%*. This provides the new Lotus Elise with the lowest CO2 per performance for any gasoline high performance sportscar in the world. This high technology engine is mated to a new 6-speed manual gearbox, providing closer and more performance orientated ratios than the outgoing 5 speed box.

The 1.6 litre engine is controlled via the bespoke Lotus T6 engine management system. Cruise control is available on the Elise for the first time with the controls present on a stalk located to the left of the steering column.

New cast wheels have been designed specifically for the Elise and the new optional forged wheels weigh just 29.26 kg per set, 2.14 kg lighter than a set of lightweight cast versions. Both are available in silver or black colour.

Dany Bahar, Chief Executive of Group Lotus said, "The Lotus Elise revolutionised the sportscar when it was launched 14 years ago and now the Lotus Elise has become greener, giving drivers access to class leading performance with less guilt."

Donato Coco, Director of Design said, "The Elise is an iconic sportscar and it was important that we did not complicate its design, so we made the car more pure in its look, improved the aerodynamics, and gave it a more contemporary look with high quality detailing."

Paul Newsome, Director of Lotus Product Engineering said, "We are always looking at ways of keeping the Elise ahead of its peers and for the 2011 model year we have improved efficiency without losing the innate fun that has made the Elise legendary."

Andreas Prillmann, Chief Commercial Officer for Lotus Cars said, "In its 14 years of production the Elise has accounted for 32% of all the 61 years of Lotus production, illustrating how significant to the brand and well loved it is. The 2011 model year Elise is greener, purer and more desirable, making it even more relevant to today's marketplace. The new Elise underlines Lotus' reputation as one of the most innovative sports car manufacturers in the world."

Performance

Lotus Elise

0 – 60 mph 6.0 seconds*

0 – 100 km/h 6.7 seconds*

Maximum speed 200 km/h (124 mph)*

Lotus Elise R

0 – 60 mph 5.1 seconds

0 – 100 km/h 5.4 seconds

Maximum speed 222 km/h (138 mph)

Lotus Elise SC

0 – 60 mph 4.3 seconds

0 – 100 km/h 4.6 seconds

Maximum speed 233 km/h (145 mph)

The 2011 model year Elise in more detail.

The Elise - the entry model

Engine

The Lotus Elise introduces the new 1598 cm3, 1ZR-FAE engine, provided by Toyota. The key to this engine's performance and efficiency is the Valvematic system (a variable valve lift mechanism), which is combined with the dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent). The engine continuously controls intake valve opening/closing timing and the intake valve lift to vary the volume of the intake airflow, giving significant improvements in efficiency and fuel economy. This ensures optimal performance based on the engines operational condition, thus helping the Elise achieve both high fuel efficiency and high performance.

First of all, the maximum power output is achieved at near maximum revs (engine speed) of 6800 rpm and maximum torque (a respectable 160 Nm, 118 lb.ft) is reached at 4400 rpm. This gives a good combination of mid range pull but also encourages the driver to rev the engine to the maximum permitted engine speed of 7000 rpm (transient rev limit). Like all Elise sportscars, there are three shift up lights, on the binnacle cumulatively lighting when the driver is getting closer to the rev limiter and when all three are illuminated, they flash to indicate that the driver is almost on the rev limiter so time to change up a gear!

The height of the engine cover has been raised by 34mm to accommodate the taller 1ZR engine compared to the previous 1ZZ engine from the outgoing model due, in part, to the additional Valvematic technology included on the new engine. This has given Lotus engineers an opportunity to subtly redesign the rear engine cover to match the design theme from the front and rear of the car.

Chassis

The Lotus Elise is built around the revolutionary and award winning extruded and bonded aluminium chassis, with a lightweight steel rear subframe. The chassis weighs 68 kg (150 lbs) and has a stiffness of 9,800 Nm per degree, giving a high level of control of the suspension. At the rear, and also acting as a rear energy absorbing crash structure, a lightweight steel subframe carries the engine and gearbox. At the front, the radiator and key ancillaries are mounted into a high tech composite energy absorbing crash structure that is both lightweight, compact and over three times more energy absorbing than the equivalent steel structure.

Ride and handling

The legendary Lotus ride and handling gives a superb high performance, sporty drive, combined with a compliant ride and progressive on limit handling, it makes the Elise a car that demands to be driven. The entry level Lotus Elise weighs 876 kg, making it one of the lightest fully homologated sportscars in the world. This low weight translates into efficient performance with minimal environmental impact in terms of emissions and fuel consumption. The efficiency of the Elise structure means that the 136 PS (100 kW, 134 hp) delivers phenomenal performance. Few cars can match the delicacy and accuracy of the steering, throttle and brakes of the Elise and all of these factors contribute to the excellent driving experience of the Elise.

Safety

The Elise has high performance AP Racing callipers at the front and Brembo callipers at the rear linked to 282 mm vented and cross-drilled cast iron discs to give excellent stopping power. The Elise comes as standard with a track tuned ABS system that is designed to be unobtrusive under normal driving conditions. This system is designed to be used on track and has a high threshold, only intervening in emergencies. The ABS system is linked to a lightweight pedal box with steel pedal arms and extruded aluminium pads. This unit also has an electronic (drive-by-wire) throttle for quick, smooth and more linear engine response. The impressive braking coupled with excellent handling gives good primary safety and the composite front crash structure and rear crash protection offers efficient secondary safety. Driver and passenger airbags and pre-tensioning seatbelt are standard on all Elise models.

Prices will be announced in March 2010.

*The Lotus Elise is currently undergoing EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval and official fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures, plus performance figures are not yet available. The official figures for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions and performance will be published on Group Lotus plc's web site as soon as they become available (www.grouplotus.com) or may be obtained from the PR Department, Lotus Cars Limited, Potash Lane, Hethel, Norfolk, NR14 8EZ, UK.

**"ProBax™" seats

Introduced for 2006 Model Year Lotus Exige and Elise cars, ProBax™ seats are designed by Lotus and specifically adapted and developed by NuBax. ProBax™ seats help to significantly improve the postural position of the occupant's spine whilst seated compared to similar seat shells without ProBax technology. This not only results in an improved level of comfort, but also has significant medical benefits - maintaining a natural curvature of the spine, and markedly improving the body's blood flow. Increased blood flow has been shown to enhance response times, raise alertness levels and reduce the onset of muscle fatigue. Tests on Lotus seats, with the new ProBax™ technology, have shown an improvement in blood flow of up to thirty per cent over the pre-2006 Model Year Lotus seat.

Photos here:

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F1 Racing driver Jarno Trulli assists in the development of the Lotus Evora Cup race car during its first test session at Snetterton.

The Lotus Evora Cup race car is the latest addition to the Lotus Motorsport racing stable. Fresh from its debut at the Autosport International racing car show in Birmingham the Evora Cup race car was given its first shake-down test at a wintery Snetterton circuit in Norfolk, UK on the 10th and 11th of February 2010.

Lotus Motorsport is conducting an extensive development program for the Evora Cup race car, with Jarno Trulli and his Race Engineer, Gianluca Pisanello bringing their vast racing, development and engineering experience to fine tune the latest Lotus mid-engined race car.

Jarno Trulli and Gianluca Pisanello provided specific input into the aerodynamic balance for slow, medium and fast corners, guidance on the racing setup of the suspension geometry and direction on the engine's calibration.

After driving the Lotus Evora Cup for the first time, Jarno Trulli said, "I have enjoyed driving the road going Lotus Evora very much and I believe that the Evora Cup will be a very competitive race car package. It was very rewarding to be the first to drive the Evora Cup race car even though the snowy conditions at Snetterton were fairly challenging at times!"

Jarno continued, "The car will continue to be developed with new updates coming soon, but even after the initial drive it is obvious that the car has huge potential. I look forward to working with Lotus Motorsport in developing the car further and I know that my years of motorsport experience will help make the Evora Cup race car even better."

Claudio Berro, Director of Motorsport at Group Lotus plc stated, "It is a privilege to work on the development of the Evora Cup race car with such an experienced driver and engineering team as Jarno Trulli and Gianluca Pisanello and I believe that this collaboration will produce a great race car for a range of motorsport applications. It is a very exciting time for Lotus and I am honoured to be leading the motorsport programmes at Lotus, starting with the Lotus Evora Cup racing car and race series.

Gianluca Pisanello, Race Engineer for Jarno Trulli said, "I am impressed with the whole Evora Cup race car package, which demonstrates that the road going Lotus Evora is such a competent sports car in the first place and an excellent basis to develop a competitive race car."

In the past a number of Lotus F1 drivers have successfully raced or assisted in the development of Lotus Cars including F1 World Champions Jim Clark and Nigel Mansell. Jim Clark was a great exponent of the three wheel drift in his Lotus Cortina, campaigning the Lotus to win the British Touring Car Championship in 1964. Whilst Nigel Mansell raced for Lotus he was involved in the development of the prototype Active Suspension Lotus Esprit.

The Evora Cup race car is an evocative sports car that will offer a great platform to race in high level motor sport. The GT4 race car will go on sale starting at £120,000 excluding taxes for the sprint racing version, with the endurance specification race car £150,000 excluding taxes.

The final design, aero' package and techincal specifications will be presented at the Geneva Motorshow in March 2010.

For more information please check out http://www.lotusevoracup.com

The Bob Champion Cancer Trust is dedicated to improving the detection and treatment of male cancers. Awareness is vital to early detection of testicular and prostate cancers and as manufacturers of iconic sports cars Lotus recognises a unique opportunity to raise awareness amongst its male customer and fan base.

Lotus is therefore proud to supply Bob with one of its award winning Lotus Evoras as he travels the length and breadth of Britain visiting 60 racecourses in 60 days. Bob will start his epic journey on Sunday, 18th April driving his Evora to Ascot Racecourse where the first of the 60 events is to be held and will conclude his 10,000 mile marathon with a return to Ascot on Wednesday June 16th for the Royal Meeting.

Supporters for each event will be asked for a minimum donation of £50 entitling them not just to racecourse entry, but also a unique opportunity to see behind the scenes, meet with Bob, `walk the track with a jockey before racing, photocall with Bob and guest jockeys, a £10 bet and the chance to enter the prize draw.

Support for the project has been overwhelming and donations to the prize draw give an idea of the high profile partners involved. Prize Draw winners will receive one of a host of magnificent prizes including an all inclusive holiday to Saint Lucia, a fabulous five day trip to the 2011 Dubai World Cup, a weekend at the 2010 Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp, and many more.

Bob says of the 60:60 Challenge "I thought that this would be a novel way to raise money for two very worthy charities as no one has visited 60 race courses in 60 days before!"

Emma Spensor - Channel 4 Racing presenter comments "This is a unique opportunity to attract a new audience to horse racing and gives people an insight into horseracing as well as supporting two great charities."

Roger Becker Lotus' Director of Vehicle Engineering is retiring from Group Lotus after a long career of 44 years.

Roger, 64, joined Lotus in 1966, working on the Elan assembly line at Cheshunt, but his natural driving and engineering skills came to the attention of Lotus founder Colin Chapman and Roger was quickly moved to the vehicle development team where he worked directly with Mike Kimberley (former Lotus CEO) on the Lotus Europa Twin Cam – his first Lotus car development project.

During his career at Lotus, Roger has been responsible for the development of every Lotus car, including the legendary Esprit, Excel, Elan, Elise, Exige and the new critically acclaimed Lotus Evora. Roger has helped to maintain the philosophies laid down by Colin Chapman and has ensured that the essence and purity of Lotus is instilled in all new Lotus cars. He also has imparted his chassis engineering knowledge and development skills to many of the world's major automotive manufacturers in support of Lotus' consultancy engineering business.

On his retirement, Roger Becker said, "I have had a dream career at Lotus, with the honour of not only working directly for Colin Chapman but also working with some of the finest people in the motor industry. With the Lotus Evora successfully entering the market with unprecedented global adulation, and at 64 years of age, I feel now is the natural time to retire. The Evora has given me my finest hour at Lotus and I leave knowing it will be the foundation of all our next generation cars. The product engineering team will build on this to develop many more award-winning products and I wish them every success for what promises to be a very exciting future for Lotus cars and the Lotus brand."

Dany Bahar, CEO of Group Lotus plc said, "On behalf of all the staff at Lotus, I would like to thank Roger for his contribution to Lotus over 44 years and we wish him well in his retirement. However, I know that he will not go far, as I am looking forward to him taking on a consultancy role for Lotus in the near future."

It was a real thrill for the Lotus workforce to see Lotus F1 Racing Driver Heikki as he was given a personal tour of the production facilities yesterday, and even more exciting for those few employees who got a rare chance to be driven by the F1 star as he tested the Lotus Evora on Lotus' own test track for the first time.

During his day with Lotus Cars Heikki was given a special tour of the Classic Team Lotus workshops by Clive Chapman, son of Lotus founder Colin Chapman during which he chatted to Clive and Engineer Bob Dance about their first hand experience of some of the most successful and iconic F1 racing cars of all time. The tour was steeped in Lotus history and included some of the F1 cars that helped Lotus to achieve 79 GP wins, seven constructor's titles and 6 drivers' championships, including Emerson Fittipaldi's Type 72.

Dany Bahar, CEO of Group Lotus plc said, "Group Lotus is very proud of its racing pedigree and we are all very excited to share our story with Heikki. It was our honour to welcome Heikki to Group Lotus and we wish him and the Lotus F1 Racing team every success for the 2010 F1 season."

Dany Bahar continued, "We take great pride in the sports cars that we produce at Hethel and Heikki's visit provided a great opportunity to show off the multi-award winning cars that we produce and the advanced niche production facilities at Hethel."

Heikki was not on Lotus soil long before he was behind the wheel of the Lotus Evora trying it on for size on Lotus' own test track and commented "The Evora was everything I expected, Lotus is famous for fantastic sports cars and the Evora did not disappoint. The power to weight ratio gives the car a real racecar feel and allowed me to really push the car round the track. I enjoyed every lap and had fun sliding it sideways!"

He went on to say, "The day has been great, I was really excited to see so many happy, motivated people and the support of the Lotus workforce is very much appreciated, I really got a sense of the passion the people have for the Lotus brand."

Heikki concluded, "I'd really like to thank every one at Lotus for a great day, it was an honour to meet Clive Chapman and learn more abut his legendary father and to see Lotus' classic F1 cars. I'm really keen to drive one of the JPS cars and maybe will be at Lotus again sometime soon to drive the Type 72!"

Everyone connected with the brake testing programme, conducted on the punishing corners, climbs and descents of the Nürburgring and Stelvio Pass, has described the brakes as 'phenomenal' with excellent thermal performance and outstanding feel even after extended sessions of extreme use. Part of that testing programme was to finalise settings for the ABS system being developed in conjunction with Bosch. The system is tuned for performance driving and thus has very high thresholds and operates so progressively that drivers are often unaware that they have actually triggered the ABS.

Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) are also fitted as standard. HBA detects an emergency braking situation and increases brake pressure up to ABS activation threshold which results in shorter emergency stopping distances.

Related images are here:

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By Russell Carr – Head of Lotus Design

Evora, designed in-house by Lotus Design, is our first all-new Lotus since the

iconic Elise and represents the first stage of an exciting three-car model line

up on which we are hard at work.

The bold decision to create a unique 2+2 mid-engine layout was all part of our

strategy to broaden the Lotus customer base by offering a vehicle that offers

greater everyday usability and cabin accessibility without compromising looks

or driving experience. However, we are not about to abandon Lotus' unique

performance through light-weight philosophy and will continue to develop the

Elise-based product lines (Exige and 2-Eleven) for those customers who

demand the purest driving experience. Whereas Elise was originally conceived

as a track car for the road, Evora is perceived as a road car for the track.

The brief we were given by the Lotus Chief Executive, was simply to design a

stunning 2+2 mid-engine sports car which also offered the everyday usability

demanded by modern customers. We knew that we had to move the game on

and create a progressive and dynamic design statement that also retained

strong Lotus DNA. Although aggressive aerodynamic and packaging criteria

dictated that the form would have to complement the function, we never lost

sight of the fact that sports cars are, above all, emotional purchases that

seduce the customer through beautiful design. Therefore we ensured that the

2+2 capability became a hidden bonus rather than the dominant feature of the

design. It was also important to consider the longevity of the production life

and avoid fashionable themes in favour of designs that were contemporary

with a classical twist.

Exterior

We kicked off the programme in the autumn of 2006 with a plan to start

production in January 2009. A three-week exterior sketch programme,

involving all the design team, was concluded by the selection of the three

designs from Anthony Bushell, Steven Crijns and myself. These themes were

then developed into 1/3 scale models for review in December 2006. During

this phase, the studio worked closely with the vehicle architect, Richard

Rackham, and the packaging group to optimise the proportions around this

tight package and challenging 2+2 layout.

Although we don't have a rigid corporate design language there are some

common visual philosophies which guided the early designs. Firstly, the design

should reflect the unique driving experience of our cars, and therefore it needs

to be athletic, agile and sleek. Secondly, we like where appropriate to make a

feature of functional details. Thirdly, and most obviously, we have a distinctive

front intake, the 'Lotus Mouth', which has evolved from the simple elliptical

device applied to our road and race cars of the 1950s.

Unsurprisingly then, the three themes clearly showed some consistent design

ideas but were subtly differentiated by surface language and window graphics.

The themes convey agility through a strong stance which is created by the

short rear overhang and 'cut away' sill that push the large (larger than the

front), rear wheels to the extremities of the body. Athleticism comes from the

taut body that wraps tightly over the package and the strong 'Coke bottle' form

that highlights the muscle of the rear fender. Sleekness is communicated by

the fast, visor screen graphic that sweeps around the tear-drop cabin and by

the fluid surfaces that draw the eye effortlessly over the length of the car.

The ingenious treatment of aerodynamic criteria such as the downforce

generating, top exit radiator vent, diffuser and rear wing clearly demonstrate

the integration of form and function. Elsewhere intakes, such as the shoulder

scoops have been located in the optimised position. However, form and

function is also evident in the distinctive, cutaway sill that not only improves

stance by removing visual weight from the bodyside but also improves ingress

and egress.

The scale model from Steve Crijns was selected in December 2006 for

development as fully feasible full-size clay which achieved sign-off in early

August 2007. Everyone is very proud of the whole design but I think the

greatest success is the way in which we were able to work with the proportions

of a 2+2 layout. We had to play a few tricks to disguise the length of the

wheelbase (the kicked shoulder line and sill cut) and the height of the cabin

(the 'crossover graphic' between the side glass and rear screen) but they

have, ironically, become some of the car's signature features.

Interior Design

In order to be instantly recognisable as a Lotus, the Evora's interior had to be

sporty, pure and driver-focused. However, within this market segment, the

race car inspired technical minimalism of the Elise and Exige was

inappropriate. The cabin had to feel more luxurious, special and surprising. We

have played on our skills as a lowvolume manufacturer by using soft handstitched

leather trimmed surfaces but juxtaposed them against precisionengineered

metal inserts to give a contemporary but classical, British handcrafted

ambience.

Tactile quality is incredibly important within this segment and so we wanted the

interior to use honest premium materials. Much of the switchgear is bespoke,

and every component that looks as though it is made from metal genuinely is

made from metal. High-quality features abound such as the flush-mounted

metal momentary switches that sit within the metal panels. They feel special to

use and their edge-lit design is reminiscent of a high-end hi-fi.

The fluid surfaces and crisp feature lines of the interior perfectly harmonise

with the forms of the exterior design. From the outset the team wanted to

create a cockpit-like environment that would connect the occupants with the

driving experience. To achieve this, careful attention was paid to both layout

and form. Inspired by the

dramatic sweep of the visor screen, the interior surfaces, which are highlighted

by a contrast band of colour, wrap seamlessly around the cabin and cosset the

passengers. The flat-bottomed steering wheel, figure-hugging sports seats,

contemporary instrumentation and ergonomically-positioned controls provide

an intuitive connection between driver and car, ensuring that it becomes a

natural extension of their body.

Prior to the British International Motorshow unveiling, I was frequently asked

whether I was nervous about the public and press reaction. Designing a new

Lotus obviously carries a significant responsibility but I was uncharacteristically

confident because I was 100% sure that as a team we had met and exceeded

the expectations of the brief. So far my confidence does not appear to have

been misplaced and the car has received generous praise from press, industry

and customers. The initial feedback appears to confirm that we have

successfully extended our brand beyond the enthusiast market while retaining

the DNA to make the car instantly recognisable as a Lotus.

Lotus Evora: 205 g/km CO2

32.5 mpg (8.7 litres / 100 km) - Combined Cycle

22.8 mpg (12.4 litres / 100 km) - Urban Cycle

43.5 mpg (6.5 litres / 100 km) - Extra Urban Cycle

Related images are here:

http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/index...=sc&cat=178