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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Lotus Evora GT4 Concept – a racing class apart

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some notable Lotus ‘Type’ numbers include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Lotus Evora GT4 Concept – a racing class apart

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Geely Holding Announces Management Change at Group Lotus
• Feng Qingfeng to succeed Jean-Marc Gales as Lotus Global Chief Executive Officer
• Jean-Marc Gales to become Chief Strategic Advisor to Lotus Chairman

June 4th 2018, Hangzhou, China. Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely Holding), China’s leading
privately-owned automotive group, announced today that Mr. Feng Qingfeng, vice president and
chief technical officer of Geely Auto Group, has been appointed to succeed Jean-Marc Gales as chief
executive officer of Group Lotus effective immediately. Mr. Jean-Marc Gales has chosen to leave for
personal reasons and will become Chief Strategic Advisor to Lotus Chairman, Daniel Donghui Li.
Geely Holding, which acquired a controlling stake in Group Lotus in 2017, thanked Mr Gales for his
contribution to the company over the past four years.
Daniel Donghui Li, chief financial officer of Geely Holding and Lotus Cars Chairman, said: “Jean-Marc
has stabilised and turned Lotus to profitability for the first time in the iconic brands history with new
industry leading products and unique business models since joining the company in 2014. Lotus is
poised for the next phase of growth under Feng Qingfeng’s leadership, where its expertise in
lightweight materials and sport cars-engineering will form part of the wider expansion of Geely ‘s
automotive portfolio. At the same time I will welcome Jean-Marc‘s Council as Chief Strategic Advisor
to myself and the Board of Directors”
Geely acquired a majority holding in UK-based Lotus – a world leader in high-performance
lightweight sports cars – as part of its agreement last year to acquire 49.9 percent of the shares of
PROTON from HICOM Bhd (DRB) of Malaysia, Lotus’s former parent.
Feng Qingfeng (Mr. Feng) said: “I am honoured to have been appointed to lead this iconic British
sports car group. With Geely’s global synergies and total support I am confident that Lotus has an
exciting opportunity to achieve its full potential as a luxury sports brand, based around its
engineering legacy and its future product pipeline.”
On 2017 Group Lotus sold 1600 sports vehicles, an increase of 10% versus 2016, produced at its
plant in Norfolk, England. In 2017 the company showed a profit for the first time in history.

• New series production model for revised Exige range
• Ultimate road car developed directly from the track focused Exige
Cup 430
• 0-60 mph in 3.3 secs, 410 hp, 420 Nm, dry weight from 1,054 kg
• Outstanding performance from 389 hp per tonne
• 150 kg of downforce
• Available in Coupe and Roadster configurations
With a stunning combination of raw speed and real-world ability, the Lotus Exige Sport 410 joins a
line-up like no other to complete the Exige family of peerless sports cars.
Starting with the revised Exige Sport 350, the comprehensive Exige range now includes the new
Exige Sport 410 and culminates with the extreme Exige Cup 430: each at a distinct price point,
performance level and degree of motorsport focus.
Developed directly from the track focused Exige Cup 430, the Exige Sport 410 is designed to be
the ultimate road drive, unrivalled in its class.
This latest addition to the Exige range packs the advanced chassis, suspension and powertrain
set-up from its more powerful stablemate, the track focused Exige Cup 430, with a recalibrated
engine producing 410 hp (416 PS) at 7,000 rpm and 420 Nm (310 lbft) on tap from 3,000 rpm to
7000 rpm. The high-performance 3.5-litre, supercharged and charge cooled V6 engine combined
with a dry weight of just 1,054 kg (lightest possible dry) delivers a class-leading power to weight
ratio of 389 hp / tonne, and makes the Exige Sport 410 the lightest V6 Exige ever.
Capable of 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, it records fierce in-gear acceleration before reaching a
top speed of 180 mph / 290 km/h (Coupe configuration) – equal to the range-topping Exige Cup
430.
The Exige Sport 410 has been developed to generate 150 kg of downforce, sharing design cues
from the Exige Cup 430, adopting a visually arresting revised lightweight front clam panel
incorporating wider grilles and carbon fibre air curtains and front splitter.
As with all Lotus cars, the Exige Sport 410 has outstanding handling and lightweight agility
engineered into its very DNA. Conveying an extraordinary level of tactility and precision, it’s
developed to perform at its very best with maximum enjoyment and driver feedback on the road.
Jean-Marc Gales, CEO, Group Lotus plc said, “With every new Lotus we look to move the bar
higher and apply technology and development ideas drawn from top-of-the-range models. Our
agility as a company means that the lessons learnt today can quickly be incorporated into the cars
of tomorrow and the Exige Sport 410 is a perfect example of this. We have taken the Exige Cup
430, the ultimate track-centric Exige, and developed it into the perfect road orientated sports car,
ensuring that we stay ahead of rivals when it comes to cars that deliver a truly engaging analogue
driving experience.”
Completing the update to the entire Exige range, the new front clam design also transitions across
to the Exige Sport 350, giving a visual refresh to the entry-level model in the Exige line-up.
Both the Exige Sport 410 and Exige Sport 350 are available in Coupe and Roadster configurations,
with the Roadster having a lightweight black removable soft-top which can be easily stowed within
the car for open-top driving. The Roadster configuration is not available for the Exige Cup 430.
The Exige Sport 410 – forged through development
Reflecting its Sport nomenclature, the new Exige Sport 410 treads the fine balance of cars that
retain their focus on road driving yet remain supremely responsive and agile. Whilst Lotus’ Cup
variants are developed with circuit driving at heart, the Sport models are tuned to provide the
perfect balance of performance, agility and power delivery for the road.
Working from Lotus’ standpoint as the leader in lightweight design, every gram has been justified,
from the standard lightweight carbon front splitter and access panel at the front to the carbon side
pods, tailgate and wing at the rear.
Distinctive in its appearance, thanks to wider aperture grilles in the new front clam panel, the Exige
Sport 410’s revised aero configuration provides total downforce of 150 kg (60 kg at the front and 90
kg at the rear); developed through extensive CFD modelling and wind tunnel testing in order to
preserve the car’s handling balance and high-speed stability.
The front splitter helps separate and speed airflow under the car, and the inclusion of air curtain
elements into the front clam panel efficiently moves air through to the front wheel cavities to help
reduce turbulence and drag created by the front wheels. In addition, the enlarged front clam panel
openings, with wider radiator apertures, aid cooling. At the rear, the extended Aluminium diffuser,
combined with the new high-mounted wing all contribute to the Exige Sport 410’s enhanced
downforce.
The Exige Sport 410 uses the Exige Cup 430’s 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine with supercharger
and water-to-air charge cooler, calibrated to generate 410 hp (416 PS) at 7,000 rpm and 420 Nm
(310 lbft) of torque from 3,000 rpm to 7,000 rpm. The latest addition to the range also employs the
oil cooler configuration and larger clutch from the Exige Cup 430, perfectly matched to the closeratio,
six-speed manual transmission with exposed-gear-change linkage.
Befitting an industry benchmark, the Exige Sport 410 takes the chassis, suspension and dampers
from the Exige Cup 430, re-tuning the three-way adjustable Nitron dampers for a road bias and to
suit the car’s revised aerodynamic set-up. These can be customised to the driver’s precise
requirements (rebound and low and high-speed compression) along with the Eibach adjustable
front and rear anti-roll bars, fitted as standard, which complete the car’s class-leading chassis setup.
The Exige Sport 410 is fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres (285/30 ZR18 rear and 215/45
ZR17 front), 20 mm wider at the rear deliver improved traction and work in harmony with the car’s
ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels, which are available in either black or silver. Braking is
courtesy of AP Racing, with forged, four-piston calipers and performance two-piece J-hook brake
discs. With a higher thermal capacity and improved bite, these discs have better debris clearance
and impart consistent pedal feel with greater stopping power.
Performance options for the Exige Sport 410 include a full exhaust system in titanium, removing 10
kg from beyond the rear axle, and a number of high-gloss, visible weave carbon fibre components
including instrument binnacle, sill covers, barge boards and roof. A host of motorsport-centric
options are also available including electrical cut-off and fire extinguisher controls, airbag deletion,
a non-airbag steering wheel, 4-point harnesses and a dealer fit FIA compliant roll cage.
Centre of attention in the cabin is Lotus’ acclaimed open-gate manual gearshift design giving quick
and precise changes. The fine detailing continues with an Alcantara® steering wheel and Lotus’
own carbon fibre sports seats trimmed with either a combination of Alcantara® and leather or
optional full leather, both featuring contrast stitching.
The optional Interior Colour Pack (in a choice of four colours) provides contrasting surrounds to the
transmission console, HVAC surround, carbon seat eyelets and electric window bezels. As
standard, the centre console and dashboard are trimmed in Alcantara® with the door cards, a
combination of Alcantara® and leather. Air conditioning and an integrated entertainment system
including iPod® connectivity and Bluetooth® functionality can also be specified.
Lotus Exclusive
The new Exige Sport 410 can be personalised through the popular Lotus Exclusive programme.
Combining traditional British craftsmanship with modern design, the service inspires customers to
spend time tailoring the character of their Lotus with a comprehensive array of options.

Chapman once again behind the wheel of a Lotus sports car
• New Lotus Evora GT410 Sport for Clive Chapman
• Hand built at Lotus’ historic Hethel site in Norfolk
• Coincides with 70th anniversary of Colin Chapman’s first car
In an anniversary year, Jean-Marc Gales, CEO, Group Lotus has personally delivered the
keys to one of Lotus’ most advanced cars to Clive Chapman, son of Lotus founder Colin
Chapman.
The stunning new Evora GT410 Sport in Empire Green will travel the UK and Europe with
Clive, Director of Classic Team Lotus. Preserving and promoting the history of the famous
motorsport team, Clive and the squad run historic Lotus race cars that appear at
international motoring events and meets around the world.
Jean-Marc Gales, CEO, Group Lotus plc said, “With 2018 marking the 70th anniversary of
Colin Chapman’s first car, it’s the perfect time for both us and Classic Team Lotus to join in
celebrating the importance of the marque. The Evora GT410 Sport is one of our most
evolved models yet remains true to the concepts of lightweight design, advanced
aerodynamics and high-speed handling, exactly as Colin Chapman would have expected
from one of his cars. It’s fitting that Clive has chosen to drive one of the greatest and fastest
cars that Hethel has ever produced.
Clive Chapman, son of the Lotus founder and Director of Classic Team Lotus, said,
“Remaining close to the Lotus sports cars of today is important to me and my family; to be
able to appreciate just how far the brand has developed and how advanced the cars are is
a privilege. I’m proud to be behind the wheel of a Lotus sports car and I’m looking forward
to the miles ahead.”
About the Evora GT410 Sport
Drawn from a process of continual evolution, the phenomenal Evora GT410 Sport
incorporates specifically designed composite front and rear body panels and advanced
aerodynamics, so that the GT-class coupe generates up to 96kg of downforce. A hike of
50% over the Evora Sport 410 it replaced, it’s become the benchmark among similarly
priced rivals.
As with all high-performance Evoras, visible-weave carbon fibre plays a considerable role in
the car’s kerb appeal. Standard composite parts include the front access panel, roof panel
and a one-piece louvered tailgate with integrated spoiler, as well as the elements within the
front air blade system and rear wheel exit ports.
The high-output version of Lotus’ supercharged, 3.5-litre 6-cylinder engine, with integrated
water-to-air charge cooler, powers the GT410 Sport from 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds
(automatic or 4.0 seconds manual) and produces 410 hp at 7000 rpm and 420 Nm of
torque from 3500 rpm. As an alternative to Lotus’ slick, six-speed manual gearbox, with a
Torsen type limited slip differential (LSD), the Evora GT410 Sport can be ordered with an
automatic transmission, which is slightly quicker through the gears. The six-speed auto
gearbox utilises an optimised ECU for ultra-fast changes and gear selection is made via
lightweight aluminium paddles mounted to the steering wheel.
Every new Lotus Evora GT410 Sport can be personalised through the increasingly popular
Lotus Exclusive programme. Developed by the Lotus Design team to inspire customers, it
combines traditional British craftsmanship with the best of modern design and allows
owners to tailor vehicles to their personal taste. Since its introduction, roughly a third of all
new Lotus cars now undergo some form of customisation.

• Lotus’ most accomplished Exige ever as fitting tribute
• Just 25 examples to be hand built in Norfolk
• Unique heritage documentation to accompany each car
• Bespoke exterior and interior livery
• 407 hp per tonne and 220 kg of downforce
• 0-60 mph in 3.2 secs, dry weight from 1,056 kg

Without equal and a class apart: the new Lotus Exige Cup 430 Type 25 is a collector’s piece like no other and a fitting tribute to one of the most successful and influential
Formula 1 cars of all time.
Based on the celebrated Exige Cup 430, unveiled at the end of last year, the two-seat
Type 25 is a unique opportunity to relish a universally acclaimed sports car named in partnership with Classic Team Lotus. Referencing the Type 25, the single seat Lotus racing car that dominated the 1963 season, the new car features a raft of exotic and unique features as well as specially commissioned heritage documentation.
Powered by Lotus’ formidable 3.5-litre supercharged and charge cooled V6, producing 430 hp and 440 Nm, the Lotus Exige Cup 430 Type 25 is not only the fastest in its class, sprinting from 0-60 in just 3.2 seconds, its carefully optimised aerodynamics generate up to 220 kg of downforce.

Classic Team Lotus preserve and promote the history of the race team that operated from 1954-1994, and Lotus has worked with Clive Chapman, Director and son of Lotus founder Colin Chapman, so that this edition proudly wears a Type 25 classification in tribute to a legendary Formula 1 car. Helping mark Lotus’ historic motorsport successes, this bespoke version of Lotus’ quickest real-world sports car is ensured instant collector status.
Jean-Marc Gales, CEO, Group Lotus plc said, “We are proud to have named this unique Lotus Exige Cup 430 in honour of the Lotus Type 25, a car which left an indelible mark on the development of motorsport. It was revolutionary when introduced and the first car to win Lotus a Constructor’s World Championship, the first of eight. It is a perfect example of Lotus’ design philosophy – light, yet incredibly strong and peerless on the racetrack. That same ethos, our company DNA, is found in the Exige Cup 430 Type 25, which is lighter than its predecessors and even more powerful. Combined with a class-leading balance in handling and agility, it’s our ultimate point-to-point two-seater sports car.”
Just 25 editions of this landmark vehicle will be produced, each accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity, signed by Jean-Marc Gales, and proudly wearing a matching plaque detailing its number in the limited production run. Owners have the option of collecting their Exige Cup 430 Type 25 from the famous Hethel factory as well as guided tours of Lotus’ modern vehicle production facility and of the Classic Team Lotus facility. A signed hardback copy of the acclaimed book: Jim Clark: Tribute to a Champion by Eric Dymock signed by Clive Chapman, and Bob Dance, a principal mechanic for Jim Clark during his Formula 1 race career, accompanies every car.

The Type 25 – pole position
Driven by some of the greatest names in racing, including Jim Clark, Mike Hailwood, Chris Amon, and Richard Attwood, the Lotus Type 25 competed against the best on the grid from 1962 to 1967, and changed the evolution of racing cars forever. Abandoning existing conventions, it was the first Formula 1 car to use a revolutionary fully stressed ‘monocoque’ chassis design, reinforcing Lotus founder Colin Chapman’s reputation as a ground-breaking engineer. It led directly to the Lotus Type 33 and Type 49 racing cars, themselves championship winning designs.
Winning three Formula 1 races in its first year, at the hands of the talented Jim Clark, the Type 25 just missed out on the Constructors’ Championship in the final race. For the 1963 season the Lotus Type 25 reigned supreme, winning seven of the ten championship races, with seven pole positions and six fastest laps, and recording the first Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships for the Lotus team.
As befitting a multiple champion, the new Lotus Exige Cup 430 Type 25 takes its inspiration from the race car, with the Hethel-based company’s quickest real-world sports car as its starting point, before being lavished with time and materials to produce something special.
Distinguishing the edition, every Exige Cup 430 Type 25’s unique livery is appropriately finished in metallic Lotus Racing Green, or Old English White, with subtle but sharp contrasting pinstripes on the front splitter, front access panel, new and unique bargeboards, roof panel and rear wing, as well as unique decals on each rear buttress. The work of the increasingly popular Lotus Exclusive programme, the Exige Cup 430 Type 25 combines traditional British craftsmanship with the best of modern design, as well as a nod to the brand’s heritage.

Drawing on the same high-performance installation as the Exige Cup 430, the Type 25 employs a supercharger and chargecooler designed specifically for the unique demands of the engine. With a blistering 430 hp at 7,000 rpm and 440 Nm (325 lbft) of torque from 4,000 rpm, 0-60mph is achieved in just 3.2 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds) before reaching a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h). With all this power, the Lotus Exige Cup 430 Type 25 is one of the fastest ever road cars to lap the Hethel circuit, covering the 2.2 miles in just 1 minute 24.8 seconds.
Built for the road, but with a track focus, motorsport inspired aerodynamics play their part in defining the car’s performance. The carbon front splitter with trailing lip helps separate and speed airflow under the car and the inclusion of new air curtain elements into the front clam panel efficiently moves air though to the front wheel cavities to help reduce turbulence and drag generated by the front wheels. The front louvers reduce the pressure within the front wheel arches, increasing downforce. At the rear, large cut-out sections behind the rear wheels also reduce wheel arch pressure, boosting downforce. Coupled with the high-set rear wing and rear diffuser, these elements work in harmony to generate up to 220 kg of downforce.

Available as standard with a six-speed manual transmission, the Exige Cup 430 Type 25 features Lotus’ acclaimed open-gate manual gearbox, designed specifically for fast and fluid shifts. The Lotus Exige Cup 430 Type 25 also includes a variable traction control function, linked directly to the ECU. The six-position rotary switch is located on the steering column, and only active with ESP switched to off, with five pre-set traction levels as well as “off”, displayed via the instrument cluster.

The Exige is renowned for its ride and handling, but the Exige Cup 430 Type 25 sharpens this with Nitron three-way adjustable dampers (tuning rebound, as well as low-speed and high-speed compression) and Eibach adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars, as standard. The car’s motorsport theme continues with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres (215/45 ZR17 front and 285/30 ZR18 rear), fitted to ultra-lightweight, fully machined, forged aluminium wheels in black sun rims, while forged, four-piston AP Racing brake calipers and race-derived two-piece, J-hook brake discs provide improved bite and consistent stopping power after extended track work. Contrasting colour brake calipers, set against the black wheels complete the car’s distinctive exterior.
Composite technology plays a considerable role in the Exige’s construction, with every area reconsidered in order to shed unnecessary mass. The car’s composite body panels influence the car’s styling as well as its aerodynamics and include high-gloss visible weave carbon components include front splitter, front clam, air blades, unique bargeboards, roof panel, rear tailgate, straight-cut wing and diffuser surround. The extensive weight saving even extends to the lightweight titanium exhaust system, fitted as standard, which is 10kg lighter than the stainless-steel alternative.

The racing lines continue inside with the Type 25 edition’s unique interior pack. Lotus’ in-house manufactured carbon race seats, trimmed in black Alcantara®, feature bespoke trim, with a custom stripe for the head and backrest as well as new contrast double stitching which is matched in the door panels and face-level vents. Bodywork keyed colour inserts for the seats, transmission console, HVAC surround and window switches are complemented by the cabin’s anodised aluminium and carbon fibre elements, including dashboard inserts and instrument binnacle cover. In a nod to the original Lotus Type 25 Formula 1 car, the Exige Cup 430 Type 25 comes with a wooden gear selector knob.

As standard the new Exige Cup 430 Type 25 includes air conditioning, an in-car entertainment system, including iPod® connectivity and Bluetooth® functionality, cruise control, a full carpet set and floor mats. Buyers can tailor their cars with a colour change of the door mirror caps and with the deletion of some standard fit items, including the air conditioning, stereo system and carpet set.
Announcing the new car, Jean-Marc Gales, CEO, Group Lotus plc said: “Although the Lotus Exige Cup 430 Type 25 is street legal, it blurs the line between road and race car to provide owners with an unbeatable blend of power, road holding, intuitive handling at any speed. On everyday open roads it rewards its driver with a pure analogue experience, like only a Lotus can, yet venture onto the track and you’ll find a depth in performance that only the very best driver can truly exploit. Like the Lotus Type 25 in 1963, this car is without any rival.”