Hethel, UK – 18 August 2022  Welcome to a new series of content from Lotus Engineering, the consultancy division of performance car manufacturer Lotus. With regular updates over the coming months, the team will explain its portfolio of capabilities and its key priorities as the automotive world moves to an all-electric future. It will also share how yesterday’s successes – some you might not be aware of – are inspiring the projects of today and tomorrow.

Lotus Engineering provides comprehensive consultancy services to many of the world's OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. It is internationally recognised for its long-standing contribution to ground-breaking engineering and innovative vehicle development.

The three core pillars of its expertise and its commercial offering are Platforms, Control Systems and Technical Services, which includes intelligent design, product concept development, attribute development, advanced engineering and even whole-vehicle manufacturing.

The Platforms pillar is very simple to explain; it’s the commercialisation of Lotus’ vehicle architectures, so other businesses can develop their own cars through an accelerated timescale and with reduced investment.

Lotus has four unique vehicle platforms, three of which are fully electric, plus the chassis on which the petrol-powered Emira is built. In addition, what Lotus Engineering calls ‘legacy architectures’ – on which the Elise, Exige and Evora were built until last year – are also available.

Platforms is an area where Lotus Engineering has significant and high-profile experience, for example, the Opel Speedster / Vauxhall VX220 launched by General Motors’ European divisions in 2000.

Working side by side with the client, Lotus Engineering commercialised the platform of the acclaimed Elise to create a two-seater sports car designed to source a new type of customer for the twin brands. While the styling was done by Opel and GM engines were used, the project centre and manufacturing were at the Lotus HQ in Hethel, Norfolk, In total, more than 7,000 Opel Speedster / Vauxhall VX220 sports cars were manufactured, in the same production facility as the Lotus Elise and Exige.

Mark Stringer, Commercial Director, Lotus Engineering, commented: “We had our pioneering extruded and bonded aluminium small-vehicle platform which, with its great flexibility, efficiency and versatility, could be successfully re-engineered to form the basis of another car, in this case the Opel Speedster. The result was a unique and award winning sports car for GM which carried the Opel and Vauxhall DNA and which was manufactured efficiently and to globally recognised quality standards. It’s an excellent illustration of how our clients can benefit from the all the work Lotus has already carried out, reducing costs and time-to-market.”

Although platform-sharing is a common practice within global OEMs with multiple brands, Lotus Engineering provides solutions to third parties with both low and higher volume requirements. An added benefit is access to Lotus’ full suite of product development services, including manufacturing.

Mark added: “Today, one of our key selling points with clients is that Lotus has transitioned quickly to electrification in its own range of vehicles, from the Eletre SUV to the Evija hypercar and the Type 135, our future EV sports car. It means we can make those segments accessible to clients who are looking to ramp-up to electrification quickly with reduced investment, while also supporting with our technical services.”

The three fully electric architectures available means Lotus Engineering can support development of vehicles across a range of segments. There is also technical flexibility in the architectures themselves, and how they, and the integrated components, can be adapted to suit clients’ needs.

“Our commitment to lightweighting provides a great basis for adaptation, and there are high levels of flexibility in each platform so we can work with the client to develop unique attributes to embody its own DNA,” explained Mark. “Like everything Lotus Engineering offers, manufacturing is also scalable because our all-new production facilities have been created with additional capacity to enable third party work.”

• Appointed Head of Exterior Design at the Lotus Tech Creative Centre
• Joins from previous leadership roles at Aston Martin and Bentley
• LTCC team, headed up by Ben Payne, takes the lead on creating the range of all-new, all-electric lifestyle cars

Coventry, UK – 17 August 2022  Lotus  announces the appointment of John Paul Gregory as Head of Exterior Design at the Lotus Tech Creative Centre (LTCC) in Coventry, UK.  The LTCC team, headed up by Ben Payne, takes the lead on creating the range of all-new, all-electric lifestyle cars, working in close collaboration with the sportscar design team at Hethel, led by Russell Carr. 

John Paul joins from previous leadership roles at Aston Martin and Bentley, bringing a wealth of creative experience from some of the world’s most recognised premium brands. At Bentley, John Paul was responsible for the exterior designs for much of the current lineup.

John Paul will embody the values of the brand and lead a team to research, design and progress the future of Lotus, reporting directly to head of LTCC, Ben Payne.

At LTCC John Paul joins an ever-growing international creative team, where diverse minds come together to design Lotus’ all-electric lifestyle vehicle lineup and continue to influence world-class creativity and innovation across Group Lotus.

Ben Payne said “JP is a world-class talent with a proven track record in creativity, communication, and leading people. His appointment comes at a key time when we are moving our business to the next level. His mindset and experience will be invaluable as Lotus continues to evolve and LTCC continues to develop – I look forward to realising the full potential of the team we are building.” 

John Paul added “Lotus is a brand that has already started its transition into its future as a true global performance brand, and LTCC has so far played a big part in that. With an iconic history to honour, I look forward to working with Ben and the team to help shape the next chapter of the brand”.

• Track bike developed by Lotus Engineering helping riders win medals at Commonwealth Games
• Consultancy division of Lotus provides comprehensive consultancy services to many OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers
• Commercial capabilities grouped under three pillars – Platforms, Control Systems and Technical Services

Hethel, UK – 3 August 2022  With track riders from the home nations winning medals at the Commonwealth Games, attention has again turned to the innovative Hope / Lotus track bike that they’re using. Its unique front end, with forks far wider than anything else in the velodrome, was developed by Lotus Engineering. Such high-profile success on the global sporting stage is the perfect opportunity to profile the portfolio of capabilities offered by the consultancy division of the business.

Lotus Engineering provides comprehensive consultancy services to many of the world's OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. It is internationally recognised for its long-standing contribution to ground-breaking engineering and innovative vehicle development.

Mark Stringer, Commercial Director, Lotus Engineering, explained: “Our expertise and capability is grouped together under three pillars – Platforms, Control Systems and Technical Services – but there is a huge range of diversity within those.”

The Platforms pillar is very simple to explain; it’s the commercialisation of Lotus’ vehicle architectures, so other businesses can develop their own cars on them. Lotus has four unique platforms, three of which are fully electric, plus the chassis on which the petrol-powered Emira is built. In addition, what Lotus Engineering calls ‘legacy architectures’ – on which the Elise, Exige and Evora were built until last year – are also available.

Mark explained: “These platforms offer significant flexibility in terms of dimensions, powertrain, layout and performance. We can help companies to realise their new-product aspirations through an accelerated timescale and with reduced investment because we’ve already done the development work for them. And, because we also have access to Lotus Design and production lines, we can offer whole-vehicle programme delivery, from first sketch to full-scale manufacturing,”

The Control Systems pillar is about selling the technology that accompanies the platforms. Examples include engine controllers, Lotus Active Valve Train^TM and active noise control. The Lotus engine control unit (ECU) is a great example of in-house innovation and has been in continuous development for more than 30 years. It’s been proven in numerous petrol-powered Lotus cars, as well as hybrid and EV demonstrators programmes and, more recently, production hypercars for Lotus Engineering’s clients, where low volumes and high technical complexity make Lotus control systems a great fit.

“With expertise in EV powertrains stretching back more than 20 years, Lotus Engineering is the perfect partner as the automotive world moves into the all-electric era. Our solutions can be used to support another company’s own R&D, reducing the time to market and cutting their development costs,” said Mark.

Technical Services is the third pillar, and encompasses everything else that Lotus Engineering can offer. That ranges from intelligent design and product concept development to proof-of-concept, validation work, and attribute development. The Hethel site – just to the south of Norwich, in Norfolk, UK – even has its own 2.2-mile test track for dynamic evaluation.

It’s under Technical Services that the Hope / Lotus track bike fits, with innovation and expertise in light-weighting, advanced materials and aerodynamics all playing their part in helping riders win medals at the velodrome.

Mark continued: “Lotus Engineering is a world-class consultancy that’s completely unique in the global automotive business. As part of the ongoing transformation of Lotus, we are rapidly expanding our client base and our portfolio of expertise. It’s a hugely exciting time for us.”

Hethel, UK – 28 July 2022  Car manufacturer Lotus has announced the appointment of Pui-Yee Tang as its new Director of Legal & Compliance.

Pui-Yee has been the Head of Legal & Compliance since March 2021. This promotion to Director is recognition of her performance as the business transforms from a UK sports car company to a truly global performance car business and brand.

In addition to being responsible for all legal and compliance affairs at Lotus, Pui-Yee leads the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the company. She is also the Data Protection Officer at Lotus and an existing member of the Executive management team.

Pui-Yee commented: “Leading the Legal & Compliance team at Lotus is an exciting challenge where every day is different. We are going through a hugely ambitious transition, which means navigating through a wide variety of complex commercial procedures.”

She added: “I’m also proud to lead DEI at Lotus. We are further developing our framework to educate ourselves about how to correct inequities and lead inclusively. I am personally committed to support the company’s roadmap to promote equality.”

Prior to joining Lotus in September 2019, Pui-Yee was a director at a London law firm where her practice focused on complex commercial disputes, cross-border proceedings, class actions and investment activities.

Pui-Yee was admitted to the Bar (Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn) as a barrister in 2010 and she subsequently cross-qualified as a solicitor.

• Pioneering collaboration combines AI-enabled invention tech with engineering expertise
• Iprova supports creation of breakthrough inventions, Lotus Engineering adds proof of concept, design and engineering of products based on them
• Targeting the transportation sector in its widest sense – from e-scooters to autonomous trucks

Hethel, UK and Lausanne, Switzerland – 1000 BST, Wednesday 27 July 2022

Lotus Engineering and Iprova have announced a partnership which, for the first time, combines the latest AI-enabled way of creating breakthrough inventions with the ability to develop proof of concept, design and engineering of products based on them.

Targeting the transportation sector in its widest sense – from e-scooters to autonomous trucks – the two companies will deploy their respective engineering expertise and data-driven invention technology. The pioneering joint venture will promote innovation at key points of industry disruption, then productionise the resulting inventions more quickly and efficiently than ever before.

The products we all use every day – from mobile devices through to domestic appliances – come to market using technologies drawn from a wide range of business fields. The same is increasingly true for transportation solutions, which now integrate components from the worlds of mobile tech, sustainability and many others.

Lotus has a wealth of experience in identifying and adapting ideas from other fields of industry. Most famously, inspiration for the invention of the now ubiquitous automotive adhesive bonding process pioneered on the Lotus Elise resulted from its development team looking at the non-stick coating used on cookware, then combining this concept with further insights from other domains.

By contrast, Iprova uses data and algorithms to inspire potential inventions and, because this is done in real-time, they are created much sooner and more reliably than using traditional methods.

Iprova’s Invention Studio platform leverages AI, data and automation to transform what can often be very manual and slow-moving invention processes. Its data-driven approach to invention brings a systematic and repeatable process to creating breakthrough inventions across the transportation sector.

Lotus Engineering has world-class prototyping, proof-of-concept and development expertise based on more than four decades of experience as a global consultancy.  It provides comprehensive consultancy services to many of the world's OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers and is internationally recognised for its long-standing contribution to ground-breaking engineering and innovative vehicle development.

Together, Lotus Engineering and Iprova now offer a unique proposition which provides a comprehensive and integrated solution for companies that need to ‘invent big and implement fast’ in order to stay ahead of their competition.

Commenting on the partnership, Julian Nolan, CEO, Iprova, said: “Lotus leads the world in driving dynamics and engagement by enabling the driver to sense feedback from the road.  Our invention platform, Invention Studio, transforms the process of invention by enabling engineers and scientists to sense inventive signals as they occur, in real-time, even if they are very distant to the target invention area. This enables sector-defining inventions to be created with great speed and efficiency.  There are no prizes for coming second in the race to invent and implement and, for this reason, partnering with Lotus Engineering makes perfect sense.  Together we are able to invent and implement faster, minimising the time from opportunity identification through to product launch.”

Mark Stringer, Commercial Director, Lotus Engineering, added: “Our clients have told us that they want to make bold and breakthrough products at key points of disruption. It’s a process driven by creativity and therefore a need to invent.  Iprova’s technology delivers this efficiently at scale and so this collaboration adds a vital new element to our portfolio of consultancy services.”

He added: “Just as there is a need for invention, there is also a need for implementation – to develop proof-of-concept prototypes and then engineer products.  This is what Lotus Engineering provides.  Our own technical services range from design and concept engineering through to full-scale industrialisation, attribute development and even manufacturing.  This partnership with Iprova means we can better support our clients throughout the product development process, aiding collaboration and ingenuity right from the very start.”

James Andrew appointed Chief Brand Officer

Group Lotus announces a new Global Brand and PR centre structure has been established. The new centre will be headed up by James Andrew, who has been appointed Chief Brand Officer.

Initially with offices in the UK, Netherlands and China, the new centre will oversee the evolution and deployment of the Lotus brand around the world.

The Global Brand & PR Centre will report into Group CEO Mr. Feng Qingfeng, with the regional divisions headed up by Nigel Bromley (UK office – covering UK and RoW regions), Giuseppe Mele (Netherlands office – covering Europe region) and Chen Qi (China office – covering Greater China region).

The newly formed team will embark on establishing systems, processes, teams and facilities around the world, ensuring the most impactful and consistent treatment of the Lotus brand as the business evolves and develops in line with the company’s Vision 80 strategy. 

In addition to heading up the Global Brand Centre as Chief Brand Officer, James Andrew will also continue his responsibilities as Executive Director of Communications for Lotus Cars Limited, reporting to Group VP and Managing Director of Lotus Cars, Matt Windle.

• All new Lotus production vehicles from 2023 will be fully electric
• Lotus will be certified as a net-zero business through a commitment to become a SBTi (Science-Based Target initiative) organisation
• Lotus signs up to COP26 Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) declaration

Hethel, UK – 28 June 2022  Lotus has launched ‘Driving Change’, its new Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Charter. Its four core commitments will pave the way for the car maker’s future success as a responsible global business.

The four core commitments are:

• All new mainstream vehicles from Lotus from 2023 will be fully electric
• Lotus will be certified as a net-zero business through a commitment to become a SBTi (Science-Based Target initiative) organisation
• The global community of Lotus colleagues – US LOT – will be at heart of global sustainable growth, ensuring all those inside the business are ‘called to action’ on the ESG priorities
• Lotus is fully committed to inspiring the next generation through education and global communities’ outreach

Highlighting how Lotus will become the first established sports car maker in the world to have a fully electric product range, the charter is a key part of the Vision80 strategy which is guiding the transformation of Lotus, from a UK sports car company to a truly global performance car business and brand ahead of its 80th anniversary in 2028.

A strong ESG proposition promotes business efficiency, employee engagement and productivity, investment and asset optimisation. It also ensures Lotus is always aligned to its external regulatory commitments, driving innovation and competitiveness across all aspects of the business.

Matt Windle, Managing Director, Lotus Cars, said: “Our new ESG Charter formalises many activities that we have been carrying out for a number of years. Lotus as a business has always been agile, efficient and impactful within the automotive industry. Now, more than ever, as we transform rapidly to become a global pioneer of electric performance vehicles, we recognise our responsibility to do so in ways that lead our industry in minimising its impact on the environment, benefitting society and the planet as a whole.”

All new mainstream vehicles from Lotus from 2023 will be fully electric
The first of the four core ESG commitments is through the Lotus product line-up; all future new mainstream vehicles from Lotus will be fully electric. It’s a move inspired by the Lotus Evija – the world’s most powerful production car – launched in 2019 as the first British electric hypercar. Customer deliveries begin later this year.

The Evija was followed by the Emira sports car launched in 2021. It is not an EV but was designed using the same aerodynamic and efficiency principles, and is the last internal combustion engine-powered production car from Lotus. The Emira has also been designed and engineered to be more than 95% recoverable and more than 85% recyclable.

The latest of Lotus’ new generation of cars is the Eletre, launched earlier this year. It marks the company’s transition to a full line-up of electric vehicles and seals the brand’s place in history as the world’s first established sports car maker to go fully electric. The Eletre is a bold new hyper-SUV and sees the iconic Lotus sports car DNA evolved for a new generation of customers.

These new Lotus models will be joined by three more EVs in the next four years – a four-door sports sedan (the Type 133, which launches in 2023), a second SUV (Type 134, in 2025) and a lightweight next-generation sports car (Type 135, in 2026).

Lotus is also supporting other businesses in their desire to move to an all-electric future. The company’s Lightweight Electric Vehicle Architecture (LEVA) is the innovative new technology underpinning the Type 135 for Lotus, and is also commercially available through Lotus Engineering, the consultancy division of the business.

The passion that Lotus owners have for the brand is also part of the sustainability story. Since 1948, when the first Lotus car was born, more than 105,000 have been built and Lotus estimates up to 70% are still in use.

Lotus will become a net zero company through a commitment to become a Science-Based Target initiative (SBTi) organisation
The ESG Charter commits Lotus to become a SBTi organisation. Using an SBTi provides guidance and methods to companies to set science-based targets in line with the latest climate science.

The ultimate goal for Lotus is for certification as a net-zero company. This will be achieved through sustainability in the design of its products and the way they are manufactured, and is well underway today. The Driving Change commitment includes significant reduction in carbon emissions throughout the business; substantial elimination of waste; driving efficient and sustainable use of resources in both operations and supply chains; and protecting and preserving natural environments.

Much of this work is already in progress. For example, Lotus is a proud signatory of the COP26 zero emissions vehicle declaration, uses a REGO (Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin) energy tariff to power all UK sites, has installed energy sensors to monitor and analyse energy consumption and a solar array is in development to provide up to 30% of the total requirement. In addition, all human waste from the site is recycled and used to support local agriculture.

The global community of Lotus colleagues – US LOT – will be at heart of global sustainable growth, ensuring all those inside the business are ‘called to action’ on the ESG priorities
Lotus is and always will be a ‘people business’, constantly recognising teams of colleagues around the world. The global community of Lotus colleagues – collectively known as US LOT – will be at heart of its sustainable growth. Priority is given to the health and well-being of the entire Lotus community – both inside (employees and business partners) and outside the business (customers and fans) and this is key to the success of the business as it grows.

The Driving Change ESG Charter also ensures that diversity, equality and inclusion continue to be aligned to the core culture of respect; these are the fundamentals which have been passed down through the last 74 years, from when founders Colin and Hazel Chapman built the first Lotus car in 1948.

Lotus is fully committed to inspiring the next generation through education and global communities’ outreach programmes
To help inspire the next generation of Lotus colleagues, the business is leveraging its unique global appeal to stimulate the ambitions of young people, especially in the creative STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics). Educational outreach programmes, including school visits to Lotus manufacturing facilities and the Lotus Learning Academy, have proved popular with local communities, and will continue and evolve.

Linked to this is how the company recognises that the Lotus family thrives beyond its site boundaries. It is already working with its communities outside the core business to provide support and stability within its environments.

To underpin the new ESG Charter, Lotus is adopting and aligning its strategy to external frameworks including the UN Global Compact. These frameworks follow recognised and accepted best practice for like-minded organisations. They include commitments to transparent, responsible and ethical business management with complete compliance to all legislation, yet allow Lotus as it grows to remain nimble so governance processes can expand and evolve.

Hethel, UK – 24 June 2022  It was an exceptionally busy day for Lotus at Goodwood Festival of Speed as crowds flocked to the stand for the world public debut of the Eletre.

The highly anticipated hyper-SUV was a star attraction. with visitors eager to see the car and ask questions of the many product specialists on hand. The bold, progressive and exotic EV has the soul of a Lotus and the usability of an SUV, and the retail team reported that several customers placed orders immediately after seeing it in the metal.

Yesterday also marked the premiere of the ultimate three-car garage from Lotus, as the Eletre was joined on stage by the beautiful Emira sports car and the pioneering Evija hypercar. Also there – in a vibrant yellow competition-inspired finish – was the Emira GT4 race car, unveiled just last month and already sold out for the first year.

All four cars are taking part in the iconic Goodwood Hill Climb over the weekend, with Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button behind the wheel and on the Lotus stand throughout the weekend.

Visitors were also treated to a ‘VIP walkaround’ of the Lotus stand, hosted by motoring TV presenter Andy Jaye. He interviewed Matt Windle, Managing Director, Lotus Cars; Ben Payne, Head of Studio at Lotus Tech Creative Centre and the man who led the Eletre design; and Russell Carr, Lotus Design Director and the man behind the Evija and Emira.

Matt Windle commented: “What an amazing first day at Goodwood – with such a passionate and knowledgeable crowd it never disappoints! The Lotus stand was busy from the moment the gates opened at 7am, and was great to see the fans new and old getting up close to our cars and chatting with our team. If day one was anything to go by, the rest of the weekend will be a massive success too!”

Hethel, UK – 22 June 2022  Lotus and Norwich City Football Club are delighted to announce they are continuing their Principal Partnership into the upcoming 2022/23 season.

The extension of the deal sees the iconic Lotus brand remain on the front of the Canaries' home, away and third shirts throughout the season, with the team's new kit designs being revealed soon.

Ahead of the upcoming campaign, City will wear the new kit during the pre-season fixtures against Dereham Town, King’s Lynn Town, Cambridge United, Celtic and Hibernian. Further details of additional pre-season fixtures will be announced in due course.

In addition to securing the premium shirt position, City and Lotus will be delivering a series of exciting activations throughout the season to help promote Lotus' new range of industry-leading vehicles, including the all-electric Eletre hyper-SUV and the Evija hypercar.

Matt Windle, Managing Director, Lotus Cars, commented: “I’m thrilled that we can extend the partnership between Lotus and Norwich City for another season. We are two highly ambitious Norfolk brands, each with a pioneering spirit and a passion at the core of everything we do. Collaboration like this is good for both businesses, and also helps raise the profile of both our region and community around the world.”

Sam Jeffery, Commercial Director at Norwich City, praised the continued commitment from Lotus. “We’re delighted that the iconic Lotus brand will adorn our shirts once again this season. It’s a partnership built on mutual respect and one that encapsulates two organisations striving to innovate and constantly grow.”

He added “Sincere thanks must go to Lotus Cars MD Matt Windle, who’s been steadfast in his support of not just Norwich City, but the Foundation too. He, along with his executive team, deserve great credit. Our partnership goes from strength to strength and is the latest exciting announcement after the launch of our revamped crest and brand identity.”

• Eletre hyper-SUV makes world public debut later this week
• With Emira and Evija, Eletre completes ultimate three-garage from Lotus
• Emira GT4 race car also makes public dynamic debut tackling Goodwood Hill Climb
• Emira and Evija also in action on track
• “We can’t wait for another exceptionally busy and very successful Goodwood” – Matt Windle, MD, Lotus Cars

Hethel, UK – 22 June 2022  One of the world’s most eagerly anticipated performance cars, the Lotus Eletre hyper-SUV, will make its world debut in public later this week at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Unveiled on 29 March, the bold, progressive and exotic EV has the soul of a Lotus and the usability of an SUV. It will take centre stage on the all-new Lotus stand at the UK’s biggest four-day annual showcase of motoring and motorsport.

And if last year’s event is anything to go by – when car fans queued round the block to see the all-new Emira, unquestionably the star of the show – the Lotus stand will be a huge attraction once again.

Goodwood also marks the public premiere of the ultimate three-car garage from Lotus, as the Eletre will be joined on stage by the beautiful Emira sports car and the pioneering Evija hypercar – a whole new generation of Lotus performance road cars. And creating a four-car family will be the Emira GT4; the race car was unveiled just last month, making its dramatic dynamic debut on the test track at Hethel, the home of Lotus since 1966.

The Emira GT4 will be in the thick of the action on the iconic Goodwood Hill Climb on Thursday, Friday Saturday and Sunday, as will the Emira and Evija. And look out for Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button, who will be behind the wheel and on the Lotus stand at selected times during the event.

Matt Windle, Managing Director, Lotus Cars, commented: “Last year we were the featured marque at Goodwood Festival of Speed and all eyes were on the Emira. The attention it attracted and the deposits we took on the stand were phenomenal. Fast forward 12 months… another Festival, another new car from Lotus. The Eletre is equally as exciting for us; the most significant milestone yet in the ongoing transformation of Lotus and something genuinely different to everything else on the market. We can’t wait for another exceptionally busy and very successful Goodwood.”

The Lotus Eletre – which can also be seen in the event’s Electric Avenue showcase – is the first of a new breed of pure electric SUVs. It takes the core principles and Lotus DNA from more than 70 years of sports car design and engineering, evolving them into a desirable all-new lifestyle car for the next generation of Lotus customers.

The company’s famed expertise in the fields of ride and handling, steering and optimised aerodynamics have been carefully and respectfully evolved. The Eletre takes the heart and soul of the Emira and the revolutionary aero performance of the Evija, and reinterprets them as a hyper-SUV.

A bold new dimension to the Lotus performance car portfolio, the Eletre delivers a significant number of firsts for Lotus – the first five-door production car, the first model outside sports car segments, the first lifestyle EV, the most ‘connected’ Lotus ever. And yet it remains a true Lotus, a beautiful car ‘carved by air’, packed with pioneering technology, genuine sporting performance and simplicity of purpose, designed and developed by a passionate and global team.

The Eletre is 4WD, has a battery capacity that’s over 100kWh and with power range from 600hp to 900hp. A 350kW charger will deliver a 400km (248 miles) range in just 20 minutes. The car’s target maximum WLTP driving range is circa 600km (373 miles). It also comes with the ability as standard to accept 22kW AC charging which, where available, reduces the time plugged in.

Technology includes the most advanced active aerodynamics package on any production SUV, and intelligent driving technologies such as the world’s first deployable Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system in a production car. Add in a dynamic walk-up sequence that delivers a moment of theatre every time the driver approaches the car, and it’s clear the Eletre is making a simple statement – this is Lotus reinvented, the birth of a new icon into the Lotus stable. Production starts at an all-new state-of-the-art factory in China at the end of this year and first customer cars will arrive in Europe in spring 2023.

The Lotus Emira GT4 marks the start of an exciting new era in performance GT racing for Lotus. It is the first new model from Lotus Advanced Performance, the bespoke vehicle and experiential division of the business launched earlier this year. The first year of production is already sold out.

The return to world motorsport is a key pillar of the company’s transformation from a UK sports car company to a global performance car business and brand.

Each Emira GT4 customer will receive a homologated performance machine, hand-built with lightweight motorsport components and equipment to meet the latest safety regulations. The advanced composite bodywork makes the car exceptionally lightweight, and is coupled with Toyota’s race-proven 3.5-litre V6 engine and optimised GT4 aerodynamics derived from the road-going Emira’s advanced exterior design.

• Lotus to create exclusive community of automotive enthusiasts, collectors and crypto-fans with non-fungible tokens (NFTs)
• Created in-house by Lotus Design, NFTs will pay tribute to pioneering Lotus spirit
• Next innovative project from recently launched Lotus Advanced Performance division
• Look out for more information later this month

Hethel, UK – 16 June 2022  Lotus, the iconic British performance car brand, has announced plans to launch into the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

NFTs are assets which exist exclusively in the digital world, are bought and sold online, and frequently with cryptocurrency because they are coded with the same software – the so-called ‘blockchain’.

Lotus is to collaborate on its first NFT Collection with industry expert NFT PRO, and with Ripple as the blockchain partner providing technical support on the ultra-fast, low-cost and carbon-neutral XRP Ledger (XRPL) blockchain.

The partnership between Lotus and NFT PRO marks the car brand’s debut in the Web3 space by creating a community of – and exciting new opportunities for – Lotus customers, NFT collectors and crypto-fans. Web3 is the name given to the next-generation online environment incorporating concepts such as cryptocurrency.

NFTs are the next innovative project from Lotus Advanced Performance, the division of the business launched earlier this year. It is dedicated to delivering thrilling bespoke vehicles and world-class customer experiences. Created in-house by Lotus Design, each new NFT will pay tribute to the pioneering spirit of the iconic performance car brand.

Simon Lane, Director, Lotus Advanced Performance, commented: “Lotus has always been about cutting-edge innovation, and entering the Web3 space in this way, with a truly customer-focused NFT programme, is another excellent example of that. Partnering with NFT PRO, a real expert in this field, means we are guaranteed to deliver truly memorable content for a new digital community of Lotus fans.”

NFT PRO has been chosen by Lotus to help it make a seamless entry into the world of Web3. Christian Ferri, CEO, NFT PRO, added: “It’s a privilege to partner with such an iconic British automotive brand and to help the Lotus Advanced Performance team connect with a new generation of fans. This announcement is only the beginning for this collaboration.”

The forthcoming launch of the Lotus NFTs on the XRPL allows creators and collectors to come together and experience Lotus Cars in a new and exciting environment, including unique perks exclusive to holders of the Lotus NFTs. Look out for more news later this month.

• Emira owners and fans can lap the iconic Hethel test track with expert tuition
• Three different LDA experiences means something for everyone
• LDA global expansion plan over next three years revealed
• Hethel sessions start from 22 June – book now online

Hethel, UK – 18 May 2022

One of the UK’s best-known track experience days, the Lotus Driving Academy (LDA), is relaunching, offering customers the chance to get behind the wheel of the thrilling all-new Lotus Emira.

The completely revamped programme is the next exciting project delivered by Lotus Advanced Performance, the bespoke vehicle and experiential division launched earlier this year.

LDA sessions start on 22 June and will run on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday three weeks out of every four on the iconic 2.2-mile test track at Hethel, the home of Lotus since 1966. The booking platform is now live at https://www.lotuscars.com/en-GB/driving-academy

Simon Lane, Director, Lotus Advanced Performance, commented: “Relaunching the Lotus Driving Academy for the UK’s warmer summer months has been a top priority for the team. With the all-new Lotus Emira sports car now in production, it means we can support owners and fans in getting the most from what is a sensational car to drive.”

Initially three distinct LDA courses will be available:

• A Taste of Lotus – a 20-minute drive in an Emira on the full Hethel test track. Guided from the passenger seat by a highly experienced professional instructor, this course is aimed at those who want to experience or gift the chance to drive a Lotus Emira in a truly iconic location.
• Introduction to Sports Cars – a full-day programme, guests will have 2 x 20 minutes of driving with a professional instructor on the test track, understanding basic sports car control and the Emira’s different drive modes. That’s followed by a guided Hethel factory tour, which includes access to the Chapman Production Centre where the Emira is built. Guests will also see other parts of the Norfolk site which have benefited from a £100million upgrade as part of the transformation of Lotus into a global performance car brand. The day is completed with a tour of Classic Team Lotus to see its unique collection of historic Lotus race cars.
• Tailor-Made Advanced – with a 3-to-1 ratio of guests to instructors, this tailored course will help drivers achieve their personal goals through the use of skills training including slalom, oversteer and understeer activities. The course runs over a full day, allowing guests time to learn, practise and master their new skills.

Stewart Croucher, Manager, Motorsport and Drive Programmes, Lotus, added: “Relaunching the Lotus Driving Academy has given us the chance to restructure what we offer to customers to guarantee them a fantastic experience. With three distinct packages there is something for everyone, whether you’ve never driven a sports car before or you’re an experienced racer looking to improve your lap times. That we can now include the Hethel factory and Classic Team Lotus tours is the icing on the cake for a great day out.”

Prices are £180 for A Taste of Lotus, £720 for Introduction to Sports Cars, and £960 for Tailor-Made Advanced.

And this is just the start for the LDA. The relaunch at Hethel is the first step of a three-year growth plan that will see the current USA Lotus experience centres – in Utah, Georgia and Arizona – become full LDA operations. The existing LDA in Italy, in Pavia, just south of Milan, will also relaunch with an Emira fleet. In addition, two all-new LDA teams will open in all-new locations. More details will follow closer to launch.

The relaunch of the LDA is the second experiential activity to be started at Hethel in the last two months. The first is the Hethel factory tour, as detailed above, which can be booked separately at https://www.lotuscars.com/en-GB/factory-tours

• Mark leads strategic planning and delivery of external Lotus Engineering consultancy projects 
• More than 20 years of front-line leadership experience across wide range of engineering disciplines
• Priorities include commercialising Lotus’ four proprietary high-performance architectures to grow whole-vehicle engineering business
• Fresh focus on advanced technologies in design and concept engineering, control systems, product attributes and propulsion across multiple mobility sectors

Hethel, UK – 11 May 2022
Lotus has announced the appointment of Mark Stringer as the new Commercial Director of Lotus Engineering, the consultancy division of the business.

Mark leads the strategic planning and delivery of projects for a wide range of OEM and supplier clients across the automotive industry and beyond. This includes the ongoing collaboration between Lotus and Alpine, the performance car division of Groupe Renault that is spearheading next-generation EV sports cars for both brands.

Mark commented: “I’m delighted to be leading Lotus Engineering at this pivotal point in the transformation of the whole Lotus business and brand, and also at such a fascinating time for the industry, as technology and innovation drives new mobility and propulsion solutions across all sectors.”

Mark has more than 20 years of front-line leadership experience across commercial, corporate, strategic, technical and operational engineering environments. He is currently in his second term with Lotus, having rejoined the business from Aston Martin in 2018. Most recently he has served as Director of Corporate Planning at Lotus, and prior to that was Director of Programme Management. Mark was previously employed at Lotus from 2002-2005 as a Senior Project Engineer within the consultancy.

The growth and commercial success of Lotus Engineering, which was officially established as a separate business division in 1980, is a key pillar of Vision80, the strategic plan which is guiding the transformation of Lotus as it moves towards its 80^th anniversary in 2028.

A key element of Lotus Engineering’s strategy is the commercial opportunity presented by Lotus’ four all-new proprietary vehicle architectures. Three of these are dedicated purely to EVs – the Hypercar, Premium and Sports Car architectures – while the fourth provides the basis for the critically acclaimed Lotus Emira. In addition, the innovative and lightweight bonded extruded aluminium ‘legacy’ platform, on which the Elise, Exige and Evora were built, is also available.

Priorities for Mark and his experienced team include using all architectures to grow the whole-vehicle engineering business, while also creating a fresh focus on deploying advanced technologies in design and concept engineering, control systems, product attributes and propulsion across multiple mobility sectors.

Mark explained: “As the automotive industry shifts its focus to the opportunities and challenges of an all-electric future, Lotus Engineering is perfectly placed to capitalise on more than four decades of experience and success. Using our three new full EV platforms, plus the Emira and legacy architectures, we can enable businesses to realise their product aspirations through an accelerated timescale and with reduced investment. From design and concept engineering to full-scale industrialisation, attribute development and even manufacturing, our broad range of services mean we can support customers through the entire product development process and beyond.”

He added: “We’re also driving innovation in other fields where our design, engineering and manufacturing expertise can be applied and add value. A great example is in our high-profile collaboration on an innovative new track bike that led British Cycling to seven medals at last summer’s Tokyo Olympics.”

Lotus Engineering is today headquartered at the Lotus Advanced Technology Centre (LATC), part of the Wellesbourne Campus of the University of Warwick.  From this base it supports customers by accessing Lotus’ hugely capable global team and state-of-the-art facilities across the UK, Europe and China.

Consultancy work has always been part of the Lotus business and started when company founder Colin Chapman was hired to develop the 1956 F1 Championship-winning Vanwall race car. More recently it was at the forefront of work on commercial EVs, developing and manufacturing the 2008 Tesla Roadster, the world’s first production electric sports car.

Much of the work of Lotus Engineering remains confidential, though low-carbon powertrain projects in the public arena include work on the Rolls-Royce 102EX feasibility study, the hydrogen fuel cell taxi for LTI (now renamed LEVC and, like Lotus, part of the Geely group of companies), and the Dodge Circuit EV sports car. Lotus Engineering’s best-known projects include work on the Lotus Cortina (1963), Chrysler/Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus (1979), Lotus Carlton (1990), the Type 108 Lotus track bike (1992), Vauxhall VX220/Opel Speedster (2000), the Aston Martin Vanquish (2001), and the Tesla Roadster (2008).

• Guests at VIP event treated to multi-lap thrill ride with Gavan Kershaw behind the wheel
• Emira GT4 is first new model to be launched by Lotus Advanced Performance
• Car marks start of exciting new era in performance GT racing for Lotus
• All-new competition spec car sold out for first year
• See the Lotus Emira GT4 in action at Hethel on YouTube or the Lotus media site

Hethel, UK – 5 May 2022

Lotus has unveiled the all-new Emira GT4 race car on the iconic Hethel test track, with a dynamic demonstration of its thrilling performance.

At an exclusive event earlier this week VIP guests were treated to passenger laps of the legendary 2.2-mile circuit with Gavan Kershaw, Director of Vehicle Attributes at Lotus and a former British GT Championship winner, at the wheel.

The culmination of more than 70 years of innovation on the road and track, the Emira GT4 marks the start of an exciting new era in performance GT racing for Lotus. It is the first new model from Lotus Advanced Performance, the bespoke vehicle and experiential division of the business launched earlier this year.

The return to world motorsport is a key pillar of the company’s transformation from a UK sports car company to a global performance car business and brand.

This week’s event follows last September’s announcement that Lotus would create a GT version of the critically acclaimed Emira road car. Order books for the Emira GT4 opened at the time and the car has sold out for the first year of production.

Gavan Kershaw, who has been heavily involved in the development, commented: “We knew we had an excellent starting point for the Emira GT4 because of all the work done to make the road car such a great performer. Showing off the GT4’s dynamic capabilities on the Hethel test track – which has shaped countless race cars and their drivers since Lotus moved to the site in 1966 – is a very special moment for me and all the team involved.”

Almost all modern Lotus road cars have had race-ready siblings and the Emira is no exception. Each Emira GT4 customer will receive a homologated performance machine, hand-built with lightweight motorsport components and equipment to meet the latest safety regulations. The project has been a collaboration with Lotus and RML Group.

The advanced composite bodywork makes the car exceptionally lightweight, and is coupled with Toyota’s race-proven 3.5-litre V6 engine and optimised GT4 aerodynamics derived from the road-going Emira’s advanced exterior design.

Since last September’s announcement, the Hethel-based development team has focused on precision engineering to deliver outstanding dynamics and high-speed stability. Many hundreds of hours of validation work have taken place on the test track, and over the winter the Emira GT4 also headed to Portimão in Portugal for a week. In addition to the better weather, it’s one of the most challenging circuits in Europe, making it the perfect destination to validate aero performance and component reliability.

Richard Selwin, Race Programme Manager, Lotus, commented: “We’re delighted with how the Emira GT4 programme has progressed. We have an appealing spec and a level of performance that’s going to thrill both customers and spectators around the world. I believe in the Emira GT4 we have a car that promises to be more than competitive.”

Simon Lane, Director, Lotus Advanced Performance, added: “Lotus’ commitment to motorsport is world-renowned and is one of the key elements of enhanced customer engagement within this recently launched division of the business. We have exciting plans for Lotus Advanced Performance – there is much more to come.”

Also at Hethel for the Emira GT4 launch event was a Lotus Type 30 sports racer. This white 1965 GT is powered by a Ford 4.7-litre V8, is privately owned and won the Whitsun Trophy at last year’s Goodwood Revival. Only 33 examples of the Type 30 were built and achieved numerous wins in the hands of Lotus legend Jim Clark and others.

Lotus has been synonymous with racing success ever since the Mark I, a trials car hand-built by founder Colin Chapman in 1948, and the company has pioneered many of the technical innovations which make racing the thrilling sport it is today. Lotus’ impressive roll-call of honours includes seven Formula 1 Constructors' titles, six Drivers' Championships and victory in the legendary Indianapolis 500.

Most recently Lotus has been racing with the Evora GT4, which won prestigious races and championships including in British GT, Dubai 24hrs, Barcelona 24hrs, European GT, Sepang 12hrs and the Pirelli World Challenge.

Lotus aims to fulfil customer orders for the Emira GT4 race cars during 2022, increasing production for 2023 in line with global demand. Interested parties are invited to contact the Lotus motorsport department directly via motorsport@lotuscars.com

Lotus Emira GT4 tech spec and target performance data

                                                                                                             
*Subject to balance of performance

• Chapman Production Centre is latest stage of £100million redevelopment of Lotus’ UK facilities
• World-class manufacturing centre of excellence that’s already building Lotus Emira
• Formally opened by Matt Windle, MD, Lotus Cars, and Clive Chapman, son of Lotus founder Colin Chapman

Hethel, UK – 4 May 2022
Lotus has officially opened its new sports car manufacturing facility at Hethel, naming it in honour of the company’s founder and inspiration.

The Chapman Production Centre is a world-class centre of excellence that is already building the Emira, the last petrol-powered car from Lotus and best of breed.

The ceremony was carried out by Matt Windle, Managing Director of Lotus Cars, and Clive Chapman, Managing Director of Classic Team Lotus and the son of Colin Chapman and Hazel Chapman, co-founders of Lotus. Also attending was Jane Payton, Clive’s sister, plus several hundred Lotus employees.

Together with Lotus Advanced Structures (LAS), Lotus’ new sub-assembly facility in Norwich, the Chapman Production Centre is part of a £100 million investment by Lotus in the UK. It is also an investment in the skills and passion of the Lotus team, which has more than doubled since 2017 when Geely became the majority shareholder.

Lotus has recruited new staff across all areas of the business including skilled manufacturing operatives, engineers and technicians. In vehicle assembly and production operations specifically, 300 new staff have joined the company. Through the new Lotus Learning Academy, based at LAS, all recruits have been trained in the high quality manufacturing operations they need to begin their career at Lotus.

Performing the opening ceremony, Matt Windle said: “Lotus is transforming from a UK sports car company to a truly global performance car business and brand, and the new Chapman Production Centre is a symbol of us delivering on that ambition. We are proud of our past successes and excited about our all-electric future, which was started all those years ago by our founder Colin Chapman, and I am honoured that Clive and Jane could join us to mark this occasion.”

Clive Chapman added: “I am honoured to have been part of this significant day in the history of Lotus. For the Chapman family it is extraordinary to witness Lotus on the path to becoming a global car manufacturer. I am delighted to have this opportunity to wish every success to all those who will be working in the Chapman Production Centre, and to thank Geely and Lotus for honouring Hazel and Colin in such a splendid manner.”

The new Chapman Production Centre is one of the most advanced low-volume automotive manufacturing facilities in the world and has the capacity to build around 5,000 cars a year. The all-new paint shop is a state-of-the art facility that uses automation to apply primer, colour and clearcoat, ensuring an exceptionally high-quality finish, a high through-put of vehicles and perfect repeatability. The new Lotus system is highly efficient: dry filtration uses 60% less energy than a wet system, while an electrostatic primer on body panels will reduce paint usage by 30-40% compared to the previous hand-sprayed process. All Lotus sports car operations at Hethel and in Norwich are powered by 100% renewable electricity thanks to a partnership with energy supplier Centrica.

The buildings which housed the previous Lotus assembly lines have been converted to sub-assembly. They are now home to the all-new framing line which builds the car bodies as part of Emira pre-production, with robots applying bonding agent to the sides, roof and cantrails.

All-new Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) ensure the highly efficient movement of cars-in-build on set routes around the factory, allowing operations teams to focus on assembling the vehicles. By using AGVs, Lotus has future-proofed its sports car manufacturing system as changes can be made quickly and easily to accommodate different manufacturing processes as new vehicle models are introduced.

The main assembly line also includes Wheel Alignment and Headlamp Aim (WAHA) equipment, a Vehicle Configuration and Test System (VCaTS), monsoon water test booth, rolling road and fuel fill area.

Adjacent to the Chapman Production Centre is a new validation track where all production cars are tested as part of the quality assurance process. This dynamic test facility is a key element of the vehicle sign-off, one of many such processes ensuring visual the highest quality.

Lotus Advanced Structures, Norwich
All-new sub-assembly facility, Lotus Advanced Structures, in Norwich, just a few miles to the north of Hethel, houses the bonded and extruded chassis assembly and the subframe and fuel tank manufacture for all Lotus cars. The chassis and front-end assembly line includes robot bonding agent application, 12 new CNC milling machines and a new laser cutting machine to manufacture fuel tanks, rear subframes and many of the steel and aluminium components used on the Emira.

• Piccadilly store directly opposite iconic Ritz Hotel will open this autumn – the first of many in major world cities
• Two-storey site includes three-car showroom, the perfect shop window for Eletre, Emira and Evija
• Lotus Mayfair will serve as London home for Lotus Advanced Performance division

Hethel, UK – 28 April 2022
Many of the world’s best-known premium and luxury brands, automotive and beyond, have a retail presence in London’s upmarket Mayfair district. Later this year Lotus will join them.

The company is to open its first ever global store at 73 Piccadilly, on the corner of Berkeley Street and directly opposite one of the most famous buildings in the UK’s capital city – the iconic Ritz Hotel. More such stores are planned for major cities around the world.

Currently under construction, the all-new Lotus store’s prime position makes it the perfect location to offer direct sales of Lotus cars to customers. As a brand beacon it will boast more than 450m² of stunning retail space over two floors and serve as the perfect shop window for the Eletre hyper-SUV, the Emira sports car and the Evija hypercar.

The ground floor has space to show three Lotus cars in a spectacular environment and will include a full Lotus merchandise retail outlet. Below will be a VIP lounge for visiting customers – existing or future – and a full Lotus digital configuration suite. The store will also provide a discreet London home for clients of Lotus Advanced Performance, the bespoke and experiential division of the business launched earlier this year.

The store will open in the autumn with a launch event, celebrating the latest milestone in the ongoing transformation of Lotus from a UK sports car company to a global performance business and brand.

Geoff Dowding, Executive Director, Sales and Aftersales, Lotus, commented: “This flagship facility will allow anyone to see our exciting three-car range, understand our brand, speak with a Lotus Expert, configure a car using state-of-the-art digital e-commerce technology and even reserve it through our recently launched e-commerce platform.”

He added: “As this is the first of our global stores and as it’s in the very centre of London, we fully expect Lotus Mayfair to attract many visitors from around the world. As such, it will play host to some of the most amazing Lotus cars from today and yesterday – including from our legendary racing past – as well as a packed calendar of events at the store.”

News of the forthcoming Lotus Mayfair store was shared earlier this week with more than 300 representatives of the Lotus international network at the brand’s first Global Retailer Conference since the launch of the Vision80 strategy to transform the business and brand. Staged at Hethel, UK – the home of Lotus since 1966 – to showcase the Norfolk site’s £100million redevelopment, VIP guests had travelled from as far away as New Zealand and Hawaii for a deep dive into the future of Lotus. They were among the first in the world to drive the critically acclaimed Emira, the last petrol-powered car from Lotus, and were given a thrilling glimpse of exciting new products to be launched in the coming months.

• Global roll-out of sculptural and artistic new retail environment continues
• “As we evolve and expand our product range, we are enhancing the Lotus customer experience” – Geoff Dowding, Executive Director, Sales and Aftersales
• More Lotus Centres will adopt new visual identity in coming months

Hethel, UK – 13 April 2022

The ongoing transformation of the Lotus global retail network continues apace, with showrooms worldwide now upgrading to the brand’s new visual identity. The UK, North America and mainland Europe now have sites fully installed with the new look, and more will follow in the coming months.

The first Lotus showroom to integrate the new retail identity opened in the Kingdom of Bahrain last autumn. Sculptural and artistic in its execution, it draws directly on the company’s design and engineering prowess, capturing the energy of the brand as it transforms from a UK sports car company to a global performance car business and brand.

In the UK, the first showroom to be completed is Lotus Exeter, a solus site operated by Hendy Group. It’s at Marsh Barton, the largest retail park in the south-west and the city’s main destination for automotive retail customers.

In the USA, Lotus Dallas is operated by Earth Motorcars, the leader in the luxury and exotic car market in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas. The business is a key participant in a local monthly auto show, an event which draws thousands of car enthusiasts who are learning about the exciting future of Lotus.

In Europe, the teams at the first two showrooms to feature the new retail identity celebrated by staging events to introduce their customers to the Lotus Emira. In Brussels, Belgium, an all-new Lotus showroom has been delivered by the highly respected Sterckx-Desmet automotive group. In Italy, Lotus Turin is a long-standing partner of the brand which has invested in the new retail identity to improve the experience for customers.

Geoff Dowding, Executive Director, Sales and Aftersales, Lotus, commented: “As we evolve and expand our product range, we are enhancing the Lotus customer experience. The physical transformation of our retailers and retail agencies worldwide, coupled with the launch of our digital e-commerce platform, is a key element of that process.”

• Stunning world premiere at BBC TV Studios and livestreamed across the globe
• VIP event included aerial ballet and parade of Lotus cars
• Eletre is all-new and all-electric hyper-SUV
• Watch the highlights on Lotus Facebook or YouTube channels

Hethel, UK – 30 March 2022
Coming to Life – the Lotus Eletre – the world’s first electric hyper-SUV has been launched in London. On Tuesday 29 March the car made its global debut in front of a live audience of several hundred VIP guests, viewing action inside and outside the world-famous BBC Television Centre in West London.

The Eletre is an all-new and all-electric hyper-SUV, a striking and progressive addition to the Lotus range, and the first of a new breed of pure electric SUVs. It takes the core principles and Lotus DNA from more than 70 years of sports car design and engineering, evolving them into a desirable all-new lifestyle car for the next generation of Lotus customers.

Guests at the ‘Carved by Air’ event included F1 world champion and Lotus customer Jenson Button, who was behind the wheel of the Eletre as it debuted on stage from behind a huge TV screen. Also present were famous faces from the world of motoring and from the global Lotus community, including members of the Chapman family and Elisa Artioli, after whom the Lotus Elise was named.

Highlights included a parade of Lotus cars past and present, followed by a five-minute live-action telling of ‘The Story of Lotus’. It was all shot in one continuous take, making full use of the iconic circular Helios courtyard at the heart of the BBC Studios. It featured a cast of actors portraying everyone from Lotus founders Colin and Hazel Chapman to legendary racing drivers Jim Clark and Emerson Fittipaldi.

Inside, seated guests were treated to a stunning aerial ballet and the on-stage debut of the Lotus Eletre. A bold new dimension to the Lotus performance car portfolio, the Eletre delivers a significant number of firsts for Lotus – the first five-door production car, the first model outside sports car segments, the first lifestyle EV, the most ‘connected’ Lotus ever. And yet it remains a true Lotus, a beautiful car ‘carved by air’, packed with pioneering technology, genuine sporting performance and simplicity of purpose, designed and developed by a passionate and global team.

The hour-long show was hosted by TV presenters Andy Jaye and Julia Hardy, and livestreamed to legions of fans around the world. Numerous retail partners in all corners of the globe hosted customer events in their showrooms to watch live.

Matt Windle, Managing Director, Lotus Cars, commented: “London is the birthplace of Lotus and to take over the iconic BBC Studios, inside and out, to launch the Lotus Eletre to the world, is fantastic. The Eletre is a hugely significant moment in our ongoing transformation of Lotus; we are delivering on our commitment to move the business and brand into completely new segments to widen our global appeal and accessibility.”

You can watch the full hour-long presentation or a shorter highlights film on the Lotus Facebook or YouTube channels.

The world premiere of the Lotus Eletre takes place tomorrow night – Tuesday 29 March 2022 – and you are invited to join what promises to be another amazing milestone event in the company’s history.

Eletre – it is pronounced ‘El-etra’ and means ‘Coming to Life’ in some Eastern European languages – is the first lifestyle electric vehicle from Lotus. The name was revealed yesterday in central London as a bespoke yellow cube containing the car made its way up the River Thames on a specially commissioned boat.

Lotus is recognised globally for the pioneering spirit which has helped shape today’s motoring landscape. That story of innovation continues with the all-new Lotus Eletre, the world’s first pure electric Hyper-SUV.

Watch the covers come off live from 19.30 BST at www.lotuscars.com or on Facebook or YouTube.

• Home of Lotus since 1966 reopens to visitors
• Tour the all-new production facility that’s home to Emira sports car
• Visit the Lotus Cars website to book now, tours start on 4 April

Hethel, UK – 21 March 2022  One of the world’s best-known performance car production facilities – Hethel, the home of Lotus since 1966 – is reopening to the public.

Factory tours of the iconic Norfolk site were paused in November 2017 as the £100 million redevelopment began. With the Emira, the last petrol-powered car from Lotus, now in production in an all-new, start-of-the-art assembly hall, they will restart.

The tour programme has been developed by the experiential team within the recently launched Lotus Advanced Performance division, and will begin on Monday 4 April. The booking platform is live now on www.lotuscars.com.

Simon Lane, Director, Lotus Advanced Performance, commented: “Tours of the Hethel site were part of the Lotus story for many years and hugely popular. We get emails and calls every week with people asking about them but, with all the development work on site, it was not appropriate to have the public here. With the Emira now in production, I’m delighted to announce that the time is right to relaunch the factory tours.”

Guests will arrive and gather in the Retail Centre where refreshments will be available. There they will learn about the ongoing transformation of Lotus, and experience for themselves how all Lotus showrooms will look in the future.

Under the leadership of an expert guide, the story of Lotus at Hethel – past, present and future – will be brought to life. Guests will walk through older sections of the factory where, most recently, the Elise, Exige and Evora were built, before heading into the all-new Emira hall. They will see the new automated elements of the car’s production – a first for Lotus – as well as how much of the process remains ‘hands-on’.

Outside, the walking route will pass the dynamic test areas, including the famous 2.2-mile Hethel test track that has hosted some of the most famous names in the history of motorsport – Jim Clark, Mario Andretti, Emerson Fittipaldi, Ayrton Senna and countless others.

The Hethel factory tours will run Monday to Thursday every week, with tour groups consisting of up to eight people. There will be two groups per day with starts at 10am and 2pm, with each tour lasting approximately two hours.

On selected days there is the option to upgrade to a Heritage Tour, which includes a visit to Classic Team Lotus. A separate business situated just across the road from the main Lotus facility, it’s run by Clive Chapman – the son of Lotus founder, Colin Chapman – and includes countless historic Lotus race cars.

Minimum age for guests on all tours is 10 years and all under 18s must be accompanied by an adult, with not more than two children per adult. All elements are fully accessible to wheelchair users, and all guests will receive a specially designed lanyard and pin badge as a memento of their trip to Hethel. No photography will be allowed.

The Lotus Factory Tour is priced £95 per person and the Lotus Factory & Heritage Tour is £140 per person. Book now at https://www.lotuscars.com/en-GB/factory-tours

• Price and high spec of desirable new version of Emira announced
• Lightweight and powerful with numerous elements unique to Lotus
• Eight-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) joins Emira V6 manual and auto
• Available to order from 8 April

(Hethel, UK – 16 March 2022) Lotus has confirmed full details on the price and spec of the eagerly anticipated Emira First Edition. Fully loaded with a host of desirable technology, infotainment and comfort features, plus unique badging, the configurator for the four-cylinder two-seater is now live on www.lotuscars.com.

The Emira is the last petrol-powered car from Lotus before a thrilling new all-electric era begins on 29 March when the Type 132 makes its world debut. Critically acclaimed by the media, customer orders for the Emira V6 First Edition have far exceeded expectation and continue to flood in from all over the world. Last week there was a 50% increase in website traffic and an 175% increase in Emira enquiries following overwhelmingly positive global coverage of prototype ‘first drives’.

The new four-cylinder Emira is powered by a bespoke version of AMG’s M139 direct injection engine. It is manufactured specifically for the Lotus Emira, and includes hardware changes to aid mid-mounted integration and new software to give it a true Lotus character. It is the world’s most powerful four-cylinder engine homologated for road use (up to 208bhp / litre), widely regarded as the world’s best i4 unit and has an enviable reputation for reliability.

Using cutting-edge technology, it delivers outstanding performance for comparatively low emissions. The twin-scroll turbocharger with roller bearings is optimised for fast spool-up and minimum lag. The exhaust system is designed by Lotus and unique to the Emira.

Key to its appeal is the standard-fit eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with paddleshift – a first for Lotus. Gavan Kershaw, Director, Vehicle Attributes, Lotus, said: “It’s a bespoke rear-wheel drive variant of the transmission developed by Lotus in collaboration with AMG. On top of that, the gearshift strategy has been defined by the Hethel team as part of the car’s performance attributes. It is unique to the Emira and optimised for the best blend of outstanding driving engagement and performance, fuel consumption and emissions.”

Delivering 360bhp, the car features a unique engine bay cover and C-pillar badging. As with the Emira V6 First Edition, the i4 version offers a high level of standard equipment and is available with a variety of ‘no-cost’ optional finishes and materials to enable customers to tailor the car to their own style. A number of additional cost options add an extra touch of personalisation.

The car rides on 20-inch ultra-lightweight V-spoke forged alloy wheels. They’re diamond-cut to create a premium two-tone finish, though silver or gloss black versions are available as a no-cost option. Two-piece brake discs – with branded calipers in either red, black, yellow or silver – are part of the First Edition spec, plus a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The car comes in one of six vibrant paint colours: Seneca Blue, Magma Red, Hethel Yellow, Dark Verdant, Shadow Grey and Nimbus Grey.

Exterior details include LED lights all round, a titanium exhaust finisher, heated power-fold door mirrors and rear parking sensors. The Lower Black Pack is fitted as standard, which means the front bumper air blades, front splitter, side sills and rear diffuser are all in finished in gloss black.

There are seven interior colour choices, all available at no extra cost. They are red, black, grey and tan Nappa leather, as well as black Alcantara with either red, yellow or grey stitching. Satin chrome trim finishers, white interior mood lighting and Lotus-branded sill kick plates complete the premium look.

The heated seats feature 12-way adjustability and two memory presets linked to the door mirrors (driver’s seat only). Climate control, cruise control, keyless start, voice control and selectable drive modes are all included.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are part of the spec, supported by Bluetooth and USB/12v sockets. Integrated satellite navigation is available in selected markets. The 10-channel/340W premium audio system has been developed in partnership with respected British brand KEF and includes DAB digital radio. All functions are accessed through a 10.25-inch centrally mounted touch-screen, with driver feedback through a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster ahead of the multi-function steering wheel.

Three more option packs are fitted as standard to the car, making four in total. The Lotus Drivers Pack gives customers the choice of Tour or Sport suspension, and the choice of Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport or Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. It also includes Track Mode ESP, with a new Track mode highlighted on the TFT instrument display screen which prioritises information required for high-performance driving.

The Design Pack adds privacy glass, sports pedals, a black Alcantara headliner and Emira-branded footwell mats. The Convenience Pack adds front parking sensors, rear reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers with aero blades, auto-dimming mirrors and a rear luggage storage net. The Emira First Edition costs £71,995 (€87,995 in Germany, $85,900 in USA) and is now live on the configurator on www.lotuscars.com. Customers in the UK can reserve their chosen car via the website from 8 April and deliveries will start towards the end of the year.

The entry level four-cylinder Emira will, as previously revealed, cost £59,995. The full spec will be announced later this year, with cars available next spring. The entry level Emira V6 will be launched in January 2023 and will cost £64,995 (€81,995 in Germany, $82,900 in USA). More details on both models, including the full spec and options pricing, will be made available this summer. Online customer reservations will start at the same time.

In addition, Lotus has confirmed that an extended palette of new paints will be available exclusively on the entry level versions of both the Emira and Emira V6. There will be seven vibrant new shades coming at the start of 2023, with further details revealed this summer.

• Online platform to configure, choose payment method, value part-exchange and place order direct with Lotus
• Process integrated with recently upgraded model configurator
• Delivers consistent and highly personal shopping experience for customers
• Choose to collect car from Hethel and receive unique Lotus factory experience

Hethel, UK – 2 March 2022

Lotus has launched Lotus Drive, a new e-commerce platform which allows customers to configure a car, choose a payment method, value a part-exchange, and place an order directly with Lotus.

It’s live now on www.lotuscars.com, and has been carefully created to be intuitive and easy to use.

The Lotus Drive purchase process has been integrated with the model configurator, recently upgraded so customers can view their potential purchase from every angle and in multiple lighting environments. They can even see it dynamically, as the advanced technology can place their exact spec of car in a stunning ‘movie’ backdrop on a beautiful Californian mountain road.

The launch of Lotus Drive follows the restructure of the UK showroom network from a retailer to a retail agency model, announced by Lotus in January.

Completing the sale is also direct with Lotus. When their Emira is built and ready for delivery, the customer completes their transaction via Lotus Drive and decides if they want to collect their car from a retail agent or have it delivered to their door. Customers can even pick it up from the newly upgraded Hethel site in Norfolk – the home of Lotus since 1966 – as part of a unique Lotus factory experience.

Lotus Drive is about placing every customer at the heart of every transaction to meet their needs. A recent Capgemini survey found 69% of customers said they expect to purchase their next car online, 74% said they prefer prices being the same online as offline, and 88% said they would prefer buying direct from the manufacturer if it’s a seamless online process.*

Geoff Dowding, Executive Director, Sales and Aftersales, Lotus, said: “Lotus Drive gives us the ability to deliver a consistent and highly personal shopping experience to our customers. Additionally, it will allow us to understand what cars customers want and build them to order, as well as gather and use customer data to personalise offers.”

Lotus Drive is currently only available to UK customers, selling UK-homologated versions of the Emira V6 First Edition. The purchase process delivers a logical and intuitive journey for the customer.

• Start by clicking ‘Configure & Reserve’ to access the upgraded configurator, customising the spec with selections on powertrain, paint, wheels, tyres and other elements via the on-screen menu
• Once complete, click ‘Reserve Your Emira’ and indicate whether it’s a Hire Purchase (HP), Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or Cash Purchase
• If it’s HP or PCP, tailor the finance package to suit your budget
• Got a car to trade in? Value your part-exchange vehicle based on its condition
• Check for finance eligibility and complete the credit check
• Choose how you want to take delivery – retail agent, home or Hethel
• The final step is to reserve the vehicle with your personal details
• Once completed, a programme of regular communications from Lotus will follow

Lotus Experts working at Lotus retail agents have been trained on how to help customers complete the process in the showroom. And Lotus Customer Care (0330 0948 047) is on hand to provide further support, answering any questions relating to the order.

*Agency Sales Model: Accelerating the Future of Automotive Sales, Capgemini, 2022

• New ‘special operations’ team from Lotus, delivering halo projects, limited editions and unique content for customers
• Enticing new image hints at an exciting future project
• Experiential elements include Lotus Driving Academy and tours of the revitalised advanced production facility in Hethel, Norfolk
• Simon Lane joins Lotus as Executive Director, Lotus Advanced Performance, to lead the team

(Hethel, UK – 9 February 2022) - Introducing Lotus Advanced Performance, a new division of the business dedicated to delivering thrilling bespoke vehicles and world-class customer experiences.

It is another significant development in the ongoing transformation of Lotus from a UK sports car company to a global performance car business and brand. An enticing new image of a rear wing from Lotus Design hints at an exciting future project.

The portfolio of services that Lotus Advanced Performance will offer includes:

• Halo projects – ultra-exclusive and unique vehicles that expand the Lotus product portfolio in exciting new directions
• Limited editions – exclusive high-spec and highly desirable versions of Lotus cars, allowing customers to stand out from the crowd
• Bespoke – personalise your Lotus car with exclusive colours, trims and materials
• Experiential – from tours of the new £100m Hethel sports car and hypercar production lines to ‘money can’t buy’ opportunities all around the world, activities to enable customers, fans and partners to experience the Lotus brand
• Lotus Driving Academy – expert tuition at the wheel of a Lotus at locations around the world, including the iconic Hethel test track in Norfolk
• Motorsport – starting with the Emira GT4 race car, Lotus Advanced Performance will support and deliver lightweight competition cars to customers around the world
• Options – exclusive extras for your Lotus
• Accessories – a broad range of Lotus Advanced Performance products and brand merchandise ‘For The Drivers’

All programmes are being led by Simon Lane, Executive Director, Lotus Advanced Performance, who has joined from the bespoke 'Q by Aston Martin' business.

Simon commented: “I have always been a Lotus fan, and this has to be one of the most exciting roles in the automotive industry right now – a blank sheet of paper and the opportunity to launch a completely new division at the world’s most ambitious car brand. The LAP team and I have some fantastic and truly innovative ideas with very broad appeal, for Lotus fans young and old to those in search of unique experiences and collectible opportunities.”

He added: “Working in tandem with the hugely experienced Lotus Design team, and colleagues in our engineering teams around the world, we are going to build the most exciting and exclusive Lotus cars, embracing our exciting electrified future while also honouring our illustrious past.”

To learn more about Simon Lane read his full biography here.

Matt Windle, Managing Director, Lotus Cars, commented: “With high-profile success in leading the delivery of bespoke vehicles and world-class customer experiences, Simon Lane is the perfect person to lead Lotus Advanced Performance. This new division is an exciting addition to our business and another key element of our Vision80 transformation.”

He added: “With the Emira and Evija starting production in the coming months, Lotus Advanced Performance is another significant opportunity to enhance our brand and communicate direct with customers.”