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· Quickest ever line up of Lotus cars · Engineering focus on added lightness · Carbon fibre as standard on new models · Exige Sport 350 Roadster, Evora Sport 410, Elise Cup 250 and 3-Eleven on show The fastest ever line up of Lotus production road cars has been unveiled at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show, with carbon fibre and lightweight engineering taking centre stage. With all of the four new models capable of 0-60 in 3.9 seconds or less, Lotus’ 2016 range drives home the company’s commitment to developing pure, driver-focused sports cars with exceptional performance. The lightened and faster line up of Lotus cars continues the company’s recent successes. Over the last 12-months it has consistently cut mass from its vehicles in order to enhance handling and boost straight-line speed. Covering the entire Lotus portfolio, the four new cars displayed include the debut of the Exige Sport 350 Roadster as well as the recently announced Evora Sport 410 and Elise Cup 250. If that wasn’t enough, the spectacular Lotus 3-Eleven is also on show - following its success on the notorious Nürburgring Nordschleife. Each of the four cars in Geneva has been developed through Lotus’ Lightweight Laboratory concept. Thoroughly re-evaluated - with every component assessed, optimised and reengineered as required – the cars represent the epitome of Lotus’ “light is right” approach to engineering. Personally pulling the covers from the lightweight legends, Lotus CEO, Jean-Marc Gales remarked on the company’s return to form, “Today, we set the benchmark for added lightness - this is what Lotus does and nobody does it better. We are making our best ever cars, and across the world more customers are experiencing what a Lotus is capable of.” With a heritage of efficient design, that stretches back to 1948, Lotus enjoys an unrivalled reputation for the development of lightweight sports cars. The current line up remains true to the ethos of Lotus founder Colin Chapman and his approach to car design and construction. As the first constructor to introduce a carbon fibre Formula One car, Lotus has over 35 years’ experience with the lightweight, reinforced composite material. This next generation of car on show in Geneva draws heavily on the use of carbon fibre, using it to form key components including: rear wings, front splitters, roof panels, tailgates, rear diffusers, sports seats and access panels. The Lotus cars on display at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show include: Evora Sport 410 This new, top-of-the-range Evora has been thoroughly re-evaluated, with a 70kg drop in kerb weight and a power boost, thanks to the supercharged engine it shares with the track-bred Lotus 3-Eleven. With a host of high-performance carbon fibre components as standard, the Lotus Evora Sport 410 clocks 0-60 in 3.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 186mph. With a lower centre of gravity, and a kerb weight slashed to just 1,325 kg, the car provides an impressive 309 hp/tonne, and builds on the achievements of the excellent Evora 400. In addition to boosting acceleration, the significant reduction in mass has allowed the recalibration of the suspension, with revised geometry and damping, to deliver sharper, more agile and intuitive handling. However, far from a stripped-out special, the Evora Sport 410 retains excellent road manners proving refined and composed during everyday driving. Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus plc said, “We’ve really gone flat out to cut weight - front splitter, roof panel, tailgate, and rear diffuser, seats - all in carbon fibre. And it’s all fitted as standard on this car. Of course, by losing all this weight the car isn’t just faster, it’s also better to drive. The steering feel, and agility, is incredible for a car of this size and the ride is outstanding.” As the logical evolution of one of Lotus’ most recent success stories, this year’s Geneva Motorshow is the world debut of the new Exige Sport 350 Roadster. Hot on the heels of the coupe version, announced at the end of 2015, this Roadster derivative of the iconic sports car is lighter and faster than ever before, thanks to a 40 kg weight drop, compared to the hardtop version. By selecting the lightweight options available, including a Lithium-ion battery, lightweight forged alloy wheels, cross drilled and vented two-piece brake discs, together with carbon fibre items such as the rear tailgate, side air intakes and seats as well as a revised composite front access panel the total weight of the car can be reduced to 1,085 kg – the lightest possible incarnation of the current generation Exige. The Lotus Exige Sport 350 Roadster on display at the Geneva Motorshow benefits from not just the available lightweight options but also the Carbon Aero Pack includes a front splitter, rear wing and rear diffuser made from carbon fibre. Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus plc, commented, “We achieved so much when developing the Exige Sport 350, reducing weight and making it even sharper and tightly focussed; and the Exige Sport 350 Roadster takes this yet further. Yet again we’ve been able to slash weight to produce something that should be on every sports car fan’s wish list.” As the lightest ever V6 powered Exige, the 345 hp roadster boasts a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds, and a top speed of 150 mph. The Roadster also features the heavily revised manual gearbox from the coupe, to provide faster and more precise gear selection. Using lightweight machined and cast aluminium components, the mechanism is not only aesthetically appealing but also cuts the complexity, and weight, of construction for the car’s centre console. As standard, lightweight components include a louvered tailgate panel, a lighter battery and lightweight engine mounts. A smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic gearbox is available as an option, with electronically optimised up-shifts. Drivers can change gears manually via forged aluminium paddles mounted to the steering wheel, or rely on the gearbox’s fully automatic mode. Optional trim packs provide a heritage theme to the cabin with lightweight sports seats and door panels clad in red or yellow Tartan, with leather or Alcantara interior trim options also available. The legendary Elise returns to Geneva in its fastest ever guise: the Elise Cup 250. Having shed 21 kg and gained 26 hp, the Elise Cup 250 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds and deliver a top speed of 154 mph. Powered by a new higher-output version of the supercharged, 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine, the Elise Cup 250 boasts 243 hp. Long seen as the benchmark for handling, the Lotus Elise Cup 250 is available for the first time as a roadster as standard with a hard top available as an option. Included on the Geneva show Elise is the optional Carbon Aero Pack which replaces the standard front splitter, rear wing, rear diffuser and side floor-extensions with lightweight carbon components. Suitable for those wanting to boost performance, the pack cuts the car’s weight by an extra 10 kg, reducing the mass to just 921 kg. Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus plc said, “More important than the performance figures is how good it is to drive. Supremely sharp and pure, it is capable of amazing things on a track, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be driven and enjoyed every day.” With the new car lapping the company’s test track in 1 minute 34 seconds, the changes and engineering adaptions to the Elise Cup 250 have taken an impressive four seconds off the previous Elise Cup 220’s best time. The aerodynamically optimised body kit provides 66kg of downforce at 100mph and an impressive 155 kg at maximum velocity of 154 mph. Heralding the next generation of Lotus high performance sports cars, the 3-Eleven is the company’s quickest and most expensive series production car ever. Designed to deliver an undiluted experience, the Lotus 3-Eleven utilises an all-new lightweight composite body, and a bespoke chassis based on the proven Lotus design of extruded and bonded aluminium sections. The 3-Eleven offers a giant-slaying power-to-weight ratio, thanks to a revised V6 supercharged engine developing 460 hp, to provide in excess of 500 hp per tonne. It is capable of sprinting from 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds before reaching a maximum speed of 180 mph (290 km/h). As part of its development the Lotus 3-Eleven spent time at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, where it was one of the fastest road going cars to ever tackle the track, capable of setting a sub-7 minute lap time. Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus plc said, “When we announced the 3-Eleven last year we knew that it would be fast, but the times that it has set at the Nürburgring have been world class. This shows how we are looking to the future, and engineering lightness into all our cars.” All of the models on the Lotus stand at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show are available for order from now. Those wishing to register their interest in a new Lotus should visit: www.lotuscars.com View attachment: image007.jpg View attachment: image008.jpg View attachment: image009.jpg View attachment: image010.jpg View attachment: image011.jpg View attachment: image013.jpg View attachment: image014.jpg View attachment: image015.jpg View attachment: image016.jpg

For serious drivers, the new Lotus Evora ‘Sports Racer’ – its impressive performance is matched only by its impressive value. It’s been a busy year for Lotus; the arrival of the acclaimed Exige S; featured marque at the Goodwood Festival of Speed; a new flagship retail store in Regent Street; third place in the F1 Drivers’ Championship and fourth in the F1 Constructors’ Championship; and amongst various racing exploits, another series win for a Lotus with an Evora GTC taking the MSA British Endurance Championship. Following the excitement of this race series win, the new Evora ‘Sports Racer’ is a visually enhanced and optimised version of the mid-engined 3.5 litre V6 sports car, available in both naturally-aspirated or supercharged variants. The Evora ‘Sports Racer’ proves its value on the pocket, as well as on the road and track - it delivers phenomenal performance, exclusive style, incredible excitement and genuine affordability! There are three main factors that set the ‘Sports Racer’ apart from the existing Evora range; firstly, it receives a unique exterior colour scheme with an optimised interior to match. Secondly, it comes fully loaded, boasting Lotus’ ultimate specification. While thirdly, it’s more affordable than ever, representing great value. Here’s the detail: Aesthetics: The Evora ‘Sports Racer’ is available in a choice of four colours: Aspen White, Carbon Grey, Nightfall Blue and Ardent Red. To stand out from the crowd, the ‘Sports Racer’ receives unique contrasting accents of gloss black across the roof, front splitter, rear diffuser and side sills, exaggerating the Evora’s aggressive stance and sleek silhouette. Further black elements include black rear badging, black door mirror pods and gloss black forged wheels with a choice of either red or black brake calipers which all work to give the ‘Sports Racer’ a more dramatic and focused appearance. Inside, the 2+2 seating option is standard and comes adorned with black leather ‘Premium Sports’ seats trimmed with red contrast piping and stitching. The dash, doors and centre console receive a liberal dose of Slate Grey SuedeTexTM with red contrast stitching, highlighting the car’s sporting character. Like your interiors a bit louder? Go for Venom Red leather ‘Premium Sports’ seats with black contrast piping and stitching. All Evora ‘Sport Racer’ interiors are complemented by gunmetal dashboard panels, as is standard in the Evora S. Gadgets: The Evora ‘Sports Racer’ comes loaded with optional extras as standard. The ‘Sports Pack’ provides switchable sports mode with sharper throttle response, increased rpm limit and sportier setting for Dynamic Performance Management (DPM), sports diffuser and cross-drilled brake discs. The ‘Tech Pack’ provides upgraded speakers and stereo system, DVD player, 7" WVGA touch screen display, Bluetooth® mobile phone connection, USB connection for various iPod® models, MP3 players and memory sticks, tyre pressure monitoring, cruise control and rear parking sensors. This is topped of with electric power-fold mirrors and a reversing camera as standard. Price: Available in the UK and across Europe, the Evora ‘Sports Racer’ adds outstanding value to the already exceptional Evora range, priced in the UK at £57,900* for the Evora with 280 PS or £65,900* for the 350 PS supercharged Evora S. For UK customers, the cost benefits are clear; by opting for the pre-packaged Evora ‘Sports Racer’ savings range from £6,450 to £7,150 respectively. Lotus Evora race cars This year Team Bullrun won the title in the MSA British Endurance Championship in the newly developed Evora GTC and Alex Job Racing has been enjoying success in the ALMS series with the Evora GTE. Meanwhile, the Evora GT4 has been racing successfully in the Brazilian GT, the Iberian Supercar Trophy, Campeonato de España/IBER GT, Cameonato de Portugal GT, the Dutch GT championship and 24 hour races in Dubai, Barcelona and at Silverstone. The Evora GT4 is also competing in Lotus Cup series across the globe. * Prices shown include local taxes, but exclude OTR costs. Fuel consumption for Evora is – urban 21.5 mpg – 13.2 litres / 100km, extra urban 39.6 mpg – 7.1 litres / 100km, combined - 30.3 mpg – 9.3 litres / 100km. CO2 emissions 217 g CO2 / km.

Snetterton, Sunday 18th November The Exige S will be running alongside millions of pounds worth of classics and supercars at Snetterton on Sunday to support the ‘Charity Race Experience’. Charity Race Experience, Snetterton, Kevin Foley, Radio Norwich, John Venes ‘Charity Race Experience’ is an initiative set up to raise vital funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), a fantastic cause providing free accommodation in, or close to, hospitals and hospices throughout the UK giving families of seriously ill children a place to stay so that families can remain together during treatment. For a small fee visitors can buy a passenger lap in a selection of 120 classic, track and supercars including the Exige S driven by our very own Darren Cockle. There will be over 350 car exhibits from local and national car clubs, a lunchtime air display led by the Wildcat Aerobatics team and the chance of being a trucker in one of 11 of the East Coast Truckers articulated lorries. The Charity Race Experience is organised by three Norwich businessmen Kevin Foley, owner of two McDonald’s franchises in the city, Devin Grosse, general manger of Holiday Inn Norwich-North and Shawn Taylor from ST Racing. All proceeds from the event are donated to the RMHC. The Charity Race Day 2012 takes place on Sunday 18 November at Snetterton Race Circuit, Norfolk. Entry is £5 per vehicle. Prices for passenger rides are £10 for classic cars, race cars from £20 and supercar runs from £60 and are all available on the day. Gates open 9am – 4pm. For more information visit www.charityraceexperience.com

LOTUS ROYALTY First held in 1929, the Monaco Grand Prix is the most prestigious race on the calendar, and one of the most evocative. It was on these streets that Lotus made its grand prix debut in 1958, and tasted victory for the first time in 1960 with Stirling Moss at the wheel of a blue and white Rob Walker-entered Lotus 18. Later that decade, Graham Hill became the unofficial King of Monaco with five epic wins, including two at the wheel of the handsome Lotus 49B. His record was eventually beaten by Ayrton Senna, who still holds the all time record of six Monaco wins – the first of which came courtesy of the Camel yellow Lotus 99T in 1987. In total, Lotus F1 cars have won the Monaco Grand Prix seven times. ON TRACK Sunbathers watch from balconies and yachts as the cars race around the harbour; the deafening echo of the engines bouncing off the walls of high-rise apartment blocks. Landmarks such as the Garnier-designed Casino de Monte Carlo and the famous Hotel de Paris line the twisting streets that are barely wide enough to fit the cars through. This renders overtaking almost impossible, and thus qualifying is all important. Monaco also has the biggest elevations of any grand prix circuit – the cars power up the Beau Rivage up to Casino Square and then wind their way back down through the famous hairpin section. There is very little grip, so the highest possible downforce setting are the order of the day. Most corners are taken in first or second gear, requiring teams to install low ratios. Traction and torque will play and important role here. The most challenging corners are Turn 1, Sainte Devote, where drivers are greeted with an Armco barrier if they turn in just 1km/h too fast. It’s easy to miss the braking point as the entrance to the corner is so bumpy; Massenet, at the crest of the Beau Rivage, is blind on entry, and often the scene of pile-ups; The hairpin – the most famous turn in motor racing – is also the slowest and requires full lock and gentle throttle application; The tunnel - the only one in F1 - really is a shock to the eyes as drivers plunge in and out of darkness – the sound as the engine noise bounces off the walls is incredible; And the chicane at the Swimming Pool really does defy physics as the cars bounce across its kerbs. This circuit requires 100 percent concentration from all the drivers, as the slightest mistake could ruin their weekend. After qualifying, the drivers’ eyes appear to be on stalks. Because Monaco isn’t as aero-dependent as other tracks, this circuit is a great leveler. It’s less about the cars, more about the drivers and occasionally you’ll get a wild card winner. After all, there’s nothing predictable about 2012. Romain won the GP2 feature race here in 2009, while Kimi won the Monaco Grand Prix with McLaren in 2005. His last result here, in 2009 with Ferrari, was third place. RACE DETAILS: Local start time: 14h00 Number of laps: 78 Circuit length: 3.340km Race distance: 260.520km Lap record: Michael Schumacher (Ferrari, 2004), 1:14.439 WHAT THE DRIVERS SAY: Kimi Raikkonen: “To race in the streets of Monte Carlo is really different from everywhere else; a challenge I look forward to every year. It is very, very difficult, almost impossible, to have a clean weekend there. I’ve only managed to get it right once before. My win in 2005 ranks up there with my most memorable. So to win it again would be just as special. It’s such a twisty and narrow track. You have to be extra sharp and focussed in every single metre you go fast there. It gives such a good feeling a fast lap in Monaco. Overtaking has been almost impossible there in the past so to really enjoy racing there you have to be at the front.” Romain Grosjean: “I think Monaco is going to be a fantastic event and it is a special race for me for sure. There are certain to be a lot of French fans, and I’m looking forward to their support. It’s also a very special event in its own right, and the atmosphere is quite crazy! As a driver you have to stay calm and relaxed and try to do your job. It’s a track that doesn’t allow any mistakes. You have to respect it and that is the key there I think. Hopefully we can have another good result.” OFF TRACK: Beaux-arts landmark the Casino de Monte Carlo was designed by Charles Garnier and carries many of its architectural hallmarks from his Paris opera house. Games include roulette in various forms, baccarat, craps and blackjack. You can use the atrium slots for free, but entry into the main rooms is 10 Euros and 20 Euros for the Salons Privés. There is a dress code – jackets are recommended after 8pm, but you don’t have to go the full 007. Of course, you should. And have a crib-sheet of pithy one-liners up your impeccably pressed sleeve. The Café de Paris is considered one of the world’s finest venues for people watching. It sits outdoors on the Place du Casino, so you can watch all the exotic cars drive by. However, given the tariff for beverages you should probably just stick to one. The tables are crammed close together, which is ideal because you can listen in on people’s conversations. Jimmy’z is the world’s most notorious nightspot. While places like the Viper Room and Studio 54 claim their place in pop culture thanks to the various overdoses that have occurred on their carpet, Jimmy’z claim to fame is its prices. If you have to ask, you can’t afford it. Bottles are P.O.A. Are you sitting down while you’re reading this? A Coke is 80 Euros! Every single A-lister has passed through its rock-lined corridors. Paris Hilton got engaged here, at least once. Inside, it’s pure Eurotrash so best bring a sense of irony as well as your AmEx. If that all sounds a bit over-the-top, head to La Rascasse cafe. As you’re shoving people aside at the bar, fighting for a Fosters, you might think ‘what’s so special about this place?’ But just remember, you’re stood (not) drinking in what is one of F1’s most famous turns. This bar has been an obstacle for Fangio, Senna and Schumacher who, at one point, looked like he’d stopped in front for a beer himself. Chances are you’ll bump into his pit crew, as the Rascasse is teaming with paddock folk every night of the GP week – and if they’ve had a few, they’ll probably offer you a pint. You might only come here once a year, but you can consider this your local. There are seven Michelin-stared restaurants in Monaco, but if you fancy something simple visit the legendary Tip Top bar. Right next to the circuit on the run down to Mirabeau, this Italian is a Monaco mainstay thanks to its inexpensive, unpretentious food and 24 hour service. Yes, when you’re staggering back from the Amber Lounge salvation can be found right here, with a delicious pepperoni pizza. A meal and a beer should leave you with change from 15 Euros – otherwise unheard of in the Principality! The walls are plastered with signed driver photos. Many are regulars and even Prince Albert has been known to rock up at 5am with the munchies.