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Other News: ProActive #25 March/April 2008 - Official Newsletter of Lotus Engineering
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Lotus Celebrates Diamond Anniversary 60 Years of World Class Innovation From Britain’s Finest Sports Car Manufacturer. Group Lotus March 20, 2008: In this its 60th year, Group Lotus plc is taking the ‘diamond’ element of their anniversary to heart and is celebrating in style. A variety of high profile events have been planned for 2008 that will pay homage to the heritage of the marque and look forward to the future of the international brand. The pinnacle of the campaign is a landmark event held at the Lotus Headquarters in Hethel, England on 14th September 2008 and will be opened by Hazel and Clive Chapman. Lotus has a history of holding fantastic public events and the 60th Birthday Party will follow this vein. It was in 1948 that Colin Chapman built his first racecar. A pioneer, his breakthrough engineering firmly Group Lotus Plc CEO Mike Kimberley speaks passionately about celebrating Lotus milestone, “This is a An invitation is extended to all to join Lotus on 14th September 2008 for a day’s celebrations and with it
Lotus Engineering Has Created a New Research and Development Group Solely for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Group Lotus February 22, 2008: Lotus Engineering, the world renowned automotive consultancy division of Lotus, has created a new research and development group solely for electric and hybrid vehicles. The formation of this group recognises the increasing global importance of hybrid and electric vehicles, and the increasing amount of consultancy project work in this area that is being undertaken by Lotus Engineering. Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer for Group Lotus plc, said, “I am pleased to confirm the ormalisation of this existing team, which will support our strong global growth on ecological technologies. We have an intensely proactive growth plan over the next five years and we are already seeing substantial increases in third party client work for our global client base, of which considerable research and development into hybrid and electric vehicles is a major part. Indeed over the next five years, Lotus will further reinforce its position as a world leader in green transport engineering.” Phil Barker has been appointed as Chief Engineer of Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technologies and will report to Geraint Castleton-White, Head of Powertrain. Geraint is delighted with the group’s formation: “We are committed to driving forward with green technology for both Lotus Cars and our Engineering clients. We have made significant developments over 20 years in hybrid and electric vehicle technologies with recent examples being the Lotus EVE (Efficient, Viable, Environmental) hybrid technology demonstrator and the Low CO2 project undertaken in collaboration with Continental Division Powertrain.” Phil will have full responsibility for research and development of hybrid and electric vehicles within Lotus Engineering and is relishing the challenge: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me to continue the already ground-breaking and successful work conducted on hybrid and electric vehicles by Lotus Engineering. We already have an incredibly strong team of engineers working in this area and the formalisation of this group further enhances our ability to provide both Low CO2 and zero emissions vehicle solutions to our clients.” Phil (41) began his career at Lotus in 2003 as an Executive Engineer focusing on hybrid and electric vehicles. Prior to joining Lotus, he spent over 13 years working for independent automotive design consultancies. Phil is a graduate in Mechanical Engineering from Coventry University and is a Chartered Engineer. He is married and has two young children.
Latest Track Car From Lotus Offers ‘Straight Out Of The Box’ ThrillsModel Year 2008 Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260
Group Lotus – February 14, 2008: Lotus Sport, the motor sport division of Lotus Cars Ltd, has unveiled the MY2008 Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260. A direct development of the 2007 Exige Cup Car, this year’s car has a revised engine management system to take the maximum power output to 257 hp (260 PS), up by nearly 5 hp (5 PS) over last year. Bespoke performance enhancements created to offer a car with even greater levels of handling and acceleration capable of taming Europe’s most challenging race circuits. The Exige Cup 260, once again represents Lotus’ most radical version of the Exige, with the track environment being its home and for 2008, the Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 has full European homologation for road use (a must have for some competitive environments where a road legal car has to be entered). There are further product changes: all Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 cars now have a number of the 2008 Model year improvements from the road versions of the Elise and Exige, namely: · Instrument pack with new graphic design and expanded functionality · New alarm/immobiliser + single integrated function key · Variable Lotus Traction Control · Variable Lotus Launch Control In traditional Lotus style, weight saving is paramount. Weighing in at just 928 kg, the power to weight ratio is an impressive 271 hp / tonne. Such a fantastic power to weight ratio alone of course does not make a superlative track car, so the Exige Cup 260 has a formidable list of standard equipment that includes Lotus specific LTS compound Yokohama A048R tyres, 4-piston AP Racing front brake calipers, adjustable dampers and anti-roll bar, the latest FIA 6-point roll cage and sports driver and passenger seats. The options are even more race-focused with slick tyres*, an FIA approved Recaro/Lotus Sport with de-cat pipe*, dog gearbox* and a plate type Lotus Sport limited slip differential (*track use only and special conditions apply). The Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 is one of the quickest cars around a circuit. Key to thisincredible performance is the aerodynamic package, which produces over 40 kg ofdownforce at 160 kmh increasing grip and stability at higher speeds. With a top speed of237 kmh (147 mph) and a zero to 160 kmh (100 mph) in circa 9.9 seconds, 0 to 100 kmh in circa 4.1 seconds (0 to 60 mph in circa 4 seconds), the MY2008 Exige Cup 260 is the perfect partner for the serious racer. The Exige Cup 260 is available now for sale in mainland Europe at 56,034 GBP, exclusive of local taxes and on the road charges. Mike J Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer Group Lotus plc said: "In keeping with our racing and high performance sports car heritage, we are very pleased to launch this exceptionally exciting, phenomenal-handling Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260. This is yet another example of how Lotus Cars and high-tech engineering with Lotus Sport, can transform an already brilliant road car into an exceptionally high performance product for the track.” Further details about the Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260: Engine The supercharged and intercooled engine in the Exige Cup 260 has a maximum poweroutput of 260 PS (257 hp) at 8000 rpm and a torque figure of 236 Nm (174 lbft) at 6000 rpm. This significant amount of extra power and torque now available together with the VVTL-i variable cam system ensures that there is a smooth and linear surge of power from low engine speeds all the way to the maximum 8000 rpm (8500 rpm transient for 2 seconds). The Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger (with a sealed-for-life internal mechanism meaning that it does not require the use of the engine’s oil) is run from the crankshaft and has an integral bypass valve for part load operation. Charge air (air under pressure from the driver’s seat*, an FIA approved 70 litre fuel cell*, ‘Level Two’ stainless steel sports exhaust scoop) before being fed into the engine itself. All charge air ducting has been kept as short as possible with large diameter pipes to minimise restriction and maximise throttle response and efficiency. Four high capacity injectors and an uprated fuel pump add additional fuel under hard acceleration or continuous high speed driving. A sports-type clutch plate and heavy duty clutch cover transfer the engine power and torque to the lightweight C64 six-speed gearbox (with an aluminium casing) – with the same perfectly spaced ratios as the Exige S. A Torsen type limited slip differential is fitted as standard, with a plate type limited slip differential available as an option. Keen to pass on lessons learned on the track with the Exige GT3 racing programme, Lotus Sport has contributed another important technology – launch control combined with variable traction control. This combo has already made its production debut with the track-oriented Lotus 2-Eleven. From the driver’s seat the launch control allows you to determine the number of revs youwish to use during a standing start. Having programmed that limit, you then hold your foot down hard on the throttle and sidestep the clutch at departure from the line time. The clutch damper cushions the severity of the clutch / transmission engagement to minimise the stresses to the drivetrain (noting that abusive/ continuous standing start applications will destroy the drivetrain components). The launch control also keeps wheelspin at bay until 6 mph, after which the traction control assumes its duties. As with launch control, you can control the amount of traction control you require from the driver’s seats, altering it on the move to suit the characteristics of particular corners. The amount of traction control can be varied in over 30 increments from an optimum 7 percent tyre slip to completely off. The message display in the new instrument pack displays what degree of traction control you have currently dialled in. An Accusump (engine oil accumulator unit) is included in the whole package as an oilreservoir back-up for extreme track use ensuring that, under those conditions, the engine oil pressure remains constant. More than just new dials The new instrument pack fitted to the whole of the MY2008 Exige and Elise range is alsocarried over to the Sport Exige Cup 260. It is more than just a fresh pair of stylishly back-lit dials. It also features a high-definition LCD message panel that can display a scrolling text message with vehicle systems information. The new instrument pack always displays the fuel gauge, engine temperature and odometer, however you can select to display the time, trip distance or a digital read-out of your speed in the opposite calibration to that of your speedometer dial – if your dial is in mph, the readout is in km/h and vice-versa. Warning symbols are ‘secret until lit’, keeping the instrumentation free from visual clutter and distraction until absolutely necessary. New gearchange ‘shift’ lights similarly remain hidden until required. There are three shift up lights, cumulatively lighting when the driver is getting closer to the rev limiter and when all three are illuminated, they flash to indicate that you’re almost on the rev limiter so time to change up a gear! A “key” issue In response to forthcoming legislation, the Exige Cup 260 has a new “Thatcham approved” alarm/immobiliser system. This, in turn, has enabled the new Lotus design of key that incorporates the controls for the alarm/immobiliser and central locking functions. This upmarket key fob features three buttons, the one which locks the doors and sets the alarm/immobiliser is stylishly crowned with the famous Lotus roundel. The second button unlocks the doors and de-actives the alarm/immobiliser, and the final button is a panic button. Roof Scoop The Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 retains the full length roof scoop from the outgoing SportExige Cup 255, which improves the intake ambient air flow rate, so allowing the Exige Cup 260 to gain a higher charge density in the cylinders. Wheels and Tyres 16-spoke cast wheels are shod with Lotus specific LTS compound Yokohama A048R tyres to maximise grip and achieve the ride and handling targets set by Lotus. Brakes The brake system includes large diameter 308 mm 2-piece aluminium belled cast iron cross-drilled and ventilated front discs and 282 mm cross-drilled and ventilated discs at the rear, upgraded Pagid RS14 sports brake pads set into the brake calipers (AP Racing two piece radially mounted, 4 piston at the front and Brembo sliding at the rear), high grade silicone brake fluid and stainless steel braided brake hoses -all linked to the proven Lotus track tuned servo-assisted four-channel ABS system that enhances braking performance and minimizes stopping distance without taking over from the skill of the driver. Suspension Adjustable dampers and a stiffened and adjustable front anti-roll bar allows customers to tailor the handling characteristics of the car to their own requirements. As the Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 cars are equipped for track use, a double shear trackcontrol arm brace is provided to cope with the expected kerb abuse during racing or hardtrack day driving. Safety Equipment Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 cars have the safety equipment expected of a race car, with sports seats, 3-point “Webb Lock” harnesses (4-point driver and passenger seat beltharnesses are provided for track use only). The 6-point roll cage is FIA approved and isprovided with the vehicle as a no-cost option for dealer fit after delivery. Completing theadditional safety equipment is An electronic ignition kill switch with cockpit and external activation and a plumbed electricSpecificationally activated fire extinguisher system, again with cockpit and external panic switches. Specification The standard specification Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 is road legal within the European Union, and can be registered for road use. The vehicle is supplied with a separate FIA approved 6point roll cage and 4-point harnesses. These are for track use only and can be installed by an authorized Lotus dealer at the request of the customer. Other track options are available from Lotus Sport that can be fitted during production. Vehicles fitted with these parts cannot be road registered. Options (All in GBP and subject to local taxation rates) · FIA approved 70 litre fuel cell* -2,394 · Lotus Sport limited slip differential (plate type) -2,127 · Air conditioning -1641.17 · Metallic paint -776.47 · Lifestyle paint -1188.10 · Race battery and holder -167 (*track use only) Other more hardcore track options are available – prices on application (ie ‘Level Two’ exhaust with de-cat pipe, dog gearbox, Recaro/Lotus Sport driver’s seat with 6-point harness etc)
Group Lotus - January 21, 2008: Just 40 right hand drive Lotus Exige Sprints will go on sale in the UK and Ireland in a duo-tone paint scheme of Aspen White on the lower portion of the body and a choice of Solar Yellow or Persian Blue on the upper portion of the body. The two colours are separated by a gold stripe bearing the name Exige Sprint on the doors on either side of the car. To celebrate the start of Lotus production at Hethel in 1967, just 40 cars will be built for the UK market and each one will have an individually numbered chassis year build plate covering1967 to 2007, except for 1982, the year of Colin Chapman’s untimely and tragic death. Each car will also come together with a heritage pack containing a certificate signed by Lotus’ Chief Executive Mike Kimberley and “The Lotus Book” written by William Taylor featuring in depth reviews of the models produced at Hethel. The Exige Sprint honours the colour scheme of the legendary Elan Sprint, which entered production in early 1971, 37 years ago. The design was adapted from the red and gold and white colour scheme of the Team Lotus Formula One sponsors at the time: Gold Leaf Tobacco. Other colours were also introduced including the blue, gold and white and yellow, gold and white, both of which are honoured on the Lotus Exige Sprint. More that just a colour schemeThe Lotus Exige Sprint includes as standard, ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels, air conditioning, Sport Pack, Touring Pack and the newly available Performance Pack giving phenomenal acceleration of zero to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds (estimated), reaching 100 mph in just another 6 seconds (estimated) before topping out at 146 mph. The Sprint also features a unique interior trim with distinctive embroidery and exterior decals. Even without the unique paint and trim features that the Exige Sprint benefits from, equipping a standard Exige to the same specification would cost a customer £44,050 (MSRP), so the £42,550 (MSRP) for the Exige Sprint provides superb value for performance. Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive for Group Lotus plc said, “Back in 1970, I was working on the Elan Sprint with a team of talented engineers led by Tony Rudd. It was a car that at the time was virtually unbeatable on a quick country road dash. The Elan Sprint with its sophisticated and elegant colour scheme was my particular favourite of the Elan range and it is fantastic to see the colour schemes being reintroduced for this limited edition of just 40 UK cars. Of course, being more than just a colour scheme, we are offering the driver an unparalleled Exige driving experience in a car that will, in a few years time, cement itself into the Lotus legend”. Notes: The Lotus Elan Sprint : 1971 to 1973 The Lotus Elan Sprint was the last version of the quintessential 1960s sportscar. Using the 126BHP Lotus “Big Valve” Twin Cam 1558cc engine and weighing just 1570lbs (714 kg) the Elan Sprint shot to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds -a great performance by today’s standards and almost unheard of in 1971. The Elan sprint ended production in August 1973 after 1353 examples were built.
Lotus Racing In North America! Hyper Sport to Carry Lotus Banner in SCCA World Challenge January 23, 2008 - Hyper Sport Engineering has announced the construction of a Lotus Exige S for competition in the 2008 SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championship.
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