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Lotus Cars

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Lotus Group
Company typePublic
Nasdaq:LOT
IndustryAutomotive
Founded1948;76 years ago(1948)
FounderColin Chapman
Headquarters
Hethel,Norfolk
,
England,United Kingdom
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
  • Qingfeng Feng (CEO)
  • Alexious Lee (CFO)
  • Mike Johnstone (CCO)
ProductsAutomobiles
Production output
Increase6,970 units[1](2023)
RevenueIncrease$679 million[1](2023)
Number of employees
1,385 (2021)[2]
ParentGeely Holding(51%)
Etika Automotive(49%)
Websitelotuscars.com

Lotus Group(also known asLotus Cars,and trading asLotus NYOin China[3]) is a British multinational automotive manufacturer of luxury sports cars and electric vehicles.

Lotus Group is composed of three primary entities.Lotus Cars,a high-performance sports car company, is based inHethel,Norfolk.Lotus Tech,an all-electric lifestyle vehicle company, headquartered inWuhan,China, and operates regional facilities in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Germany.[4]Additionally,Lotus Engineering,an engineering consultancy firm, is headquartered at the Lotus Advanced Technology Centre (LATC) located at theUniversity of Warwick'sWellesbourneCampus.[5]

Lotus was founded and owned for many years byColin Chapman.After his death and a period of financial instability, it was bought byGeneral Motors,thenRomano Artioliand thenDRB-HICOMthrough its subsidiaryProton,which owned Lotus from 1996 to 2017. Lotus is currently majority-owned by Chinese multinationalGeely.[6]

Lotus was previously involved inFormula Oneracing, viaTeam Lotus,winning the Formula One World Championship seven times. Notable Lotus cars include theLotus Seven,theElan,theEspritand theElise.

On 23 February 2024, Lotus Technology Inc., a prominent global luxury electric vehicle manufacturer, celebrated its public listing by ringing the opening bell at theNasdaqstock exchange in New York City. The company's American depositary shares (ADSs) began trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker symbol "LOT." This milestone follows the completion of Lotus Tech's business merger with L Catterton Asia Acquisition Corp, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) affiliated withL Catterton,a renowned global consumer-focused investment firm, on 22 February 2024.[7]

History

[edit]

Early years

[edit]

The company was formed in 1952 as Lotus Engineering Ltd. byColin Chapmanbut had earlier origins in 1948 when Chapman built his first trials car in a garage.[8]The four letters in the middle of the logo represent Chapman's full name, Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman. When the logo was created, Chapman's original partners Michael and Nigel Allen were allegedly told that that the letters stood for Colin Chapman and the Allen Brothers.[citation needed][clarification needed]

The first factory was situated in old stables behind the Railway Hotel inHornsey,North London.Team Lotus,which was split from Lotus Engineering in 1954, was active and competitive inFormula Oneracing from 1958 to 1994. The Lotus Group of Companies was formed in 1959. This was composed of Lotus Cars Limited and Lotus Components Limited, which focused on road cars and customer competition-car production, respectively. Lotus Components Limited became Lotus Racing Limited in 1971, but the newly renamed entity ceased operation that same year.[9]

The company moved to a purpose-built factory atCheshuntin 1959,[10]and since 1966 it has occupied a modern factory and road test facility atHethel,nearWymondhaminNorfolk.The site is a formerWorld War IIairfield,RAF Hethel,and the test track uses sections of the old runway.

In its early days, Lotus sold cars aimed at private racers and trialists. Its early road cars could be bought as kits in order to save onpurchase tax.The kit car era ended in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with theLotus ElanPlus Two as the first Lotus road car not offered in kit form, and theLotus EclatandLotus Eliteof the mid-1970s were offered only in factory-built versions.

After the Lotus Elite of the 1950s, which featured a complete fibreglass monocoque fitted with built-in steel pickup points for mounting major components, Lotus found critical and sales success in the 1960s with the Lotus Elan. This two-seater was later developed to two-plus-two form (Elan +2S). Lotus was notable for its use of fibreglass bodies, backbone chassis and overhead camshaft engines, initially supplied byCoventry Climaxbut later replaced by Lotus-Ford units (Fordblock, Lotus head and twin-cam valve gear). Lotus also worked with Ford on theLotus Cortina,a successful sportssaloon.

Another Lotus of the late 1960s and early 1970s was the two-seaterLotus Europa,initially intended only for the European market, which paired a backbone chassis and lightweight body with a mid-mountedRenaultengine, later upgraded to the Lotus-Ford twin-cam unit as used in the Elan.

TheLotus Seven,originating in the 1950s as a simple, lightweight open two-seater. continued in production into the early 1970s. Lotus sold the rights to produce the Seven toCaterham,which has continued to produce the car since then.

By the mid-1970s, Lotus sought to move upmarket with the launch of the Elite and Eclat models, four-seaters aimed at prosperous buyers, with features such as optional air conditioning and automatic transmissions. The mid-engine line continued with theLotus Esprit,which became one of the company's longest-lived and most iconic models. Lotus developed its own series of four-cylinderDOHCengines, theLotus 900 series,and later aV8,andturbochargedversions of the engines appeared in the Esprit.

Variants of the 900-series engine were supplied for theJensen Healeysports carand the Sunbeam Lotus "hot hatchback". In the 1980s, Lotus collaborated withVauxhall Motorsto produce theLotus Carlton,the fastest roadgoing Vauxhall car.

Financial troubles, death of Chapman

[edit]

By 1980, Group Lotus was in serious financial trouble. Production had dropped from 1,200 units per year to a mere 383. This situation resulted from the worldwide economicrecessioncombined with the virtual collapse of sales in the American market and limited development of the model range.[11]

In early 1982, Chapman forged an agreement withToyotato exchange intellectual property and applied expertise. As a result, Lotus Engineering helped develop the Mk2Toyota Supra,also known as theToyota Celica XX.The partnership also allowed Lotus to launch the newLotus Excelto replace the ageingLotus Eclat.Using drivetrain and other components build by Toyota enabled Lotus to sell the Excel for £1,109 less than the outgoing Eclat.[11]

Looking to reenter the North American market, Chapman was approached by young law professor and investment banking consultant Joe Bianco, who proposed a new and separate American sales company for Lotus.[12]By creating an unprecedented tax-incentivised mechanism by which each investor received a personalised Lotus Turbo Esprit, the new American company, Lotus Performance Cars Inc. (LPCI), was able to provide fresh capital to Group Lotus in the United Kingdom. FormerFerrariNorth America general manager John Spiech was recruited to run LPCI, which imported the remarkableGiugiaro-designed Turbo Esprit for the first time. American sales began to quickly jump into six figures annually.[13]

Chapman died of a heart attack on 16 December 1982 at the age of 54. At the time, both Chapman and Lotus were linked to theDeLorean Motor Companyscandal regarding the use ofUK Governmentsubsidies for the production of theDMC DeLorean,for which Lotus had designed the chassis. Chasing large sums of money that had disappeared from the DeLorean company, Lotus was besieged byInland Revenueinspectors, who imposed an £84 million legal "protective assessment" on the company.[14]At the trial of Lotus accountant Fred Bushell, the judge insisted that had Chapman lived, he would have received a sentence "of at least 10 years."[15]

With Group Lotus near bankruptcy in 1983,David Wickins,the founder ofBritish Car Auctions,agreed to become the new company chairman through an introduction by his friendMark Thatcher.[14]Taking a combined 29% BCA/personal stake in Group Lotus,[16]Wickins negotiated with Inland Revenue and recruited new investors:merchant bankSchroeder-Wagg(14%),[16]Michael Ashcroft'sBermudianoperating company Benor (14%)[17]andSir Anthony BamfordofJCB(12%).[16]Wickins oversaw a complete turnaround in the company's fortunes, for which he was dubbed "the saviour of Lotus."[14][18]

International ownership

[edit]
Lotus final assembly

Despite having employed designerPeter Stevensto revamp the range and design two new concept cars,[19]by 1985 the British investors recognised that they lacked the capital to fund production and sought to find a buyer.[16]In January 1986, Wickins oversaw the majority sale of the Group Lotus companies and 100% of North American–based LPCI toGeneral Motors.[16]After four months, Toyota sold GM its stake. By October 1986, GM had acquired a 91% stake in Group Lotus for £22.7 million, which allowed GM to legally force the company buyout.[16]

On 27 August 1993, GM sold the company for £30 million, to A.C.B.N. Holdings S.A. ofLuxembourg,a company controlled by Italian businessmanRomano Artioli,who also ownedBugatti Automobili SpA.In 1996, a majority share in Lotus was sold to Malaysian car companyProton.

Lotus Cars was awarded theQueen's Award for Enterprisefor contribution to international trade, one of 85 companies receiving the recognition in that category in 2002. Lotus cars wore the badge of the award for several years.[20]

On 24 May 2017, Chinese multinationalGeelyannounced that it was taking a 51% controlling stake in Lotus.[21][22]The remaining 49% was acquired byEtika Automotive,a holding company of Proton's major shareholderSyed Mokhtar Albukhary.[23]

In January 2021, Geely announced a joint venture withRenault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Allianceand itsAlpinedivision to develop a range of electric performance cars sharing some of their future platforms.[24]In April 2021, Lotus announced plans to produce only electric cars by 2028 and increase production numbers from around 1,500 per annum to tens of thousands. Geely and Etika Automotive provided two billion pounds (US$2.8 billion) to fund the changes.[25]

Lotus Technology, the electric-vehicle division of Lotus. which has a different ownership structure (30% by Etika and the rest by Geely and Nio Capital), was listed onNasdaqthrough a SPAC acquisition. After the listing, 10.3% of shares will be held by the public.[26]

Operations

[edit]

Currently organised as Group Lotus Limited, the business is divided into Lotus Cars and Lotus Engineering.

In addition to manufacturing sportscars, the company also acts as an engineering consultancy, providing engineering development—particularly ofsuspensions—for other car manufacturers. Lotus's powertrain department is responsible for the design and development of the four-cylinderEcotecengine found in many of GM'sVauxhall,Opel,Saab,ChevroletandSaturncars. The AmericanEliseandExigemodels used the1.8L VVTL-i I4from Toyota's lateCelica GT-Sand theMatrix XRS.

Michael Kimberley, who had been a guiding figure at Lotus in the 1970s, returned as acting chief executive officer in May 2006. He chaired the executive committee of Lotus Group International Limited (LGIL), established in February 2006 with Syed Zainal Abidin (managing director of Proton Holdings Berhad) and Badrul Feisal (non-executive director of Proton Holdings Berhad). LGIL is the holding company of Lotus Group Plc.

Kimberley retired as CEO on 17 July 2009,[27]replaced on 1 October 2009 by formerFerrariexecutiveDany Bahar.Bahar intended to drive the brand into the expanding global luxury-goods sector and away from the company's traditional lightweight simplicity and pure driving-experience focus. Bahar was suspended on 25 May 2012 while an investigation into his conduct was undertaken.[28]On 7 June 2012, Lotus announced the termination of Bahar and the appointment of Aslam Farikullah as the new chief operating officer.[29]The ambitious plans for several new models were cancelled following Bahar's departure. Jean Marc Gales became CEO in 2014, and in 2017, he enabled the company to achieve its first profit in decades. Gales left the company in June 2018 for personal reasons and was replaced by Feng Qingfeng from Lotus Group's parent company, Geely.

October 2018 saw further senior personnel changes as Phil Popham was named CEO of Lotus Cars, with Qingfeng remaining in charge of Group Lotus.[30]

In January 2021, Matt Windle was appointed managing director of Lotus Cars after Phil Popham resigned.[31][32]

Formula One and motorsport

[edit]
Main articles:Team Lotus,Team Lotus (2010–2011),andLotus F1
Lotus 72
Lotus 77
Lotus 99T
Lotus E20

In its early days, the company encouraged its customers to race its cars, and it first enteredFormula Onethrough its sister companyTeam Lotusin 1958. A Lotus Formula One car driven byStirling Mosswon the marque's first Grand Prix in 1960 atMonaco.Moss drove aLotus 18entered by privateerRob Walker.Major success came in 1963 with theLotus 25,which, withJim Clarkdriving, won Team Lotus its first F1World Constructors' Championship.Clark was killed in April 1968 when the rear tyre of hisFormula TwoLotus 48failed while making a turn at a race inHockenheim.His death was a severe blow to the team and to Formula One, as he had been the dominant driver of Lotus's early years. That year's championship was won by Clark's teammateGraham Hill.

Team Lotus is credited with making the mid-engine layout popular forIndyCars,developing the firstmonocoqueFormula One chassis and integrating the engine and transaxle as chassis components. Team Lotus was among the pioneers in Formula One in adding wings and shaping the undersurface of the car to createdownforce.It invented active suspension and was the first to move radiators to the sides of the car to improve aerodynamic performance.

Formula OneDrivers' Championshipwinners for Lotus wereJim Clarkin 1963 and 1965,Graham Hillin 1968,Jochen Rindtin 1970,Emerson Fittipaldiin 1972 andMario Andrettiin 1978. In 1973, Lotus won the constructors' championship only; the drivers' title went toJackie StewartofTyrrell.Chapman saw Lotus beat Ferrari as the first marque to achieve 50 Grand Prix victories, even though Ferrari had won its first nine years sooner.

Until the late 1980s, Team Lotus continued to be a major player in Formula One.Ayrton Sennadrove for the team from 1985 to 1987, winning twice in each year and achieving 17 pole positions.

Team Lotus established Classic Team Lotus in 1992, which continues to maintain Lotus F1 cars and run them in the FIAHistoric Formula One Championship.It also preserves the Team Lotus archive and Works Collection of cars, under the management of Colin Chapman's son Clive.

Team Lotus's participation in Formula One ended after the1994 season,when the team's cars were no longer competitive. Cars constructed by the team won a total of 79 Grand Prix races.

Former racing driverDavid Hunt(brother of F1 world championJames Hunt) purchased the name Team Lotus and licensed it to the Formula One teamPacific Racing,which was rebranded Pacific Team Lotus.[33]The Pacific Team folded at the end of the 1995 season.

The Lotus name returned to Formula One for the2010 season,when a new Malaysian team calledLotus Racingwas awarded an entry. The new team used the Lotus name under licence from Group Lotus and was unrelated to the original Team Lotus. In September 2010 Group Lotus, with agreement from its parent company Proton, terminated the licence for future seasons as a result of what it called "flagrant and persistent breaches of the licence by the team." Lotus Racing then announced that it had acquired Team Lotus Ventures Ltd, the company led by David Hunt, and with it full ownership of the rights to the Team Lotus brand and heritage. The team confirmed that it would be known as Team Lotus from 2011 onward.

In December 2010, Group Lotus announced the creation of Lotus Renault GP, the successor to theRenault F1team. This team contested the2011 seasonhaving purchased a title sponsorship deal with the team, with the option to buy shares in the future. The team's car for that season, theR31,was badged as a Renault, while Team Lotus's car, theT128,was badged as a Lotus. In May 2011, the BritishHigh Court of Justiceruled that Team Lotus could continue to use the Team Lotus name, but Group Lotus had sole right to use the Lotus name. As a consequence, for2012Lotus Renault GP was rebranded asLotus F1 Teamand its entries were badged as Lotus cars, while Team Lotus was renamedCaterham F1 Team(after thesportscar manufacturerowned by team principalTony Fernandes) and its cars were badged as Caterhams.

Group Lotus was also involved in several other categories of motorsport. It sponsored theKVteam in theIndyCar Seriesand theARTteam in theGP2andGP3 Seriesin 2011 and 2012. After fielding underpowered and uncompetitive engines in the 2012Indianapolis 500,in which driversJean AlesiandSimona de Silvestrowere black-flagged after ten laps for failing to maintain a competitive pace, Lotus was released from its contract and did not participate in future seasons.

Lotus car models

[edit]
Main article:List of Lotus vehicles

Current

[edit]

Current Lotus models include:

  • Lotus Evija:The Lotus Evija is a limited production electric sports car; it is the first electric vehicle to be introduced and manufactured by the company. Codenamed "Type 130", production of the Evija will be limited to 130 units. Production is set to begin early-mid 2021 with delivery in early 2023. The Evija is powered by a 70 kWh battery pack developed in conjunction with Williams Advanced Engineering, with electric motors supplied by Integral Powertrain. The four individual motors are placed at the wheels and each is rated at 375 kW (510 PS; 503 hp), for a combined total output of 1,500 kW (2,039 PS; 2,011 hp) and 1,704 N⋅m (1,257 lb⋅ft) of torque. Lotus claims that the Evija will be able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 3 seconds, from 0 to 300 km/h (186 mph) in 9.1 seconds, and achieve a limited top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph).[34]
  • Lotus Emira:This model was unveiled in July 2021, and production began in March 2022. The Emira will be Lotus’ final vehicle powered by aninternal combustion engine.[25]
  • Lotus Eletre:The first electric SUV by Lotus, the Eletre is powered by a 112 kWh battery pack and an 800V high voltage system, achieving a maximum range of 600 km and 400 km of range after 20 minutes of charging. The 2024 model offers 603 horsepower for the base and S models, and 905 horsepower the R model and a top speed of 260 km/h. It is the first Lotus to offer features such aslidar.[35][36]Delivery began on 29 March 2023 and was expected to launch in Europe in the summer or fall of 2023 and in the United States in 2024.[37][38][39]
  • Lotus Emeya

Previous

[edit]
Lotus Mark I,1948
Lotus Mark IXand Lotus 6
Lotus Eleven
Lotus Elite
Lotus Elan +2S, 1973
Lotus EuropaS2
Lotus EclatS2
Lotus EspritV8, 1999
Lotus EliseS1
Lotus Elise GT1Road Car, 1997
Lotus 340R
Opel Speedster/Vauxhall VX220 (based on the Lotus Elise S2)
Lotus Emira
Lotus Eletre
  • Lotus Mark I(1948): Austin 7–based sports car
  • Lotus Mark II(1949–1950): Ford-powered trials car
  • Lotus Mark III(1951): 750 cc formula car
  • Lotus Mark IV(1952): Trials car
  • Lotus Mark V(1952): 750 cc formula car, never built
  • Lotus Mark VI(1953–1955): The first "production" racer, about 100 built
  • Lotus Seven(1957–1972): A minimalist open sports car designed to manoeuvre a racing circuit.[40]
  • Lotus Mark VIII(1954): sports racer,MG1.5 L
  • Lotus Mark IX(1955): sports racer, shorter and improved Eight
  • Lotus Mark X(1955): sports racer for larger displacement,Bristol/BMW2 L
  • Lotus Eleven(1956–1957): small displacement sports racer (750 – 1500 cc)
  • Lotus 12(1956–1957):Formula TwoandFormula Oneracecar
  • Lotus 13:Designation not used
  • Lotus 14(1957–1963): Lotus Elite, the first production street car
  • Lotus 15(1958–1960): Sports racer, update of the Mk.X,Climax1.5 – 2.5 L
  • Lotus 16(1958–1959): F1/F2 car, "Miniature Vanwall"
  • Lotus 17(1959): Lighter sports racer update of the 11 in response toLolaMk.I
  • Lotus 18(1960–1961): First mid-engined Lotus single seater—Formula Junior/F2/F1
  • Lotus 19(1960–1962): Mid-engined larger displacement sports racer, "Monte Carlo"
  • Lotus 20(1961): Formula Junior
  • Lotus 21(1961): Formula One
  • Lotus 22(1962–1965): Formula Junior/F3
  • Lotus 23(1962–1966): Small displacement mid-engined sports racer
  • Lotus 24(1962): Formula One
  • Lotus 25(1962–1964): Formula One World Champion
  • Lotus 26(1962–1971): Lotus Elan, production street sports car
  • Lotus 26R (1962–1966): Racing version of Elan
  • Lotus 27(1963): Formula Junior
  • Lotus 28(1963–1966): Lotus version of the Ford Cortina street/racer
  • Lotus 29(1963): Indy car, Ford all-aluminium OHV small block V8
  • Lotus 30(1964): Large displacement sports racer (Ford small block V8)
  • Lotus 31(1964–1966): Formula Three space frame racer
  • Lotus 32(1964–1965): Monocoque F2 and Tasman Cup racer
  • Lotus 33(1964–1965): Formula One World Champion
  • Lotus 34(1964): Indy car, DOHC Ford V8
  • Lotus 35 (1965): F2/F3/FB
  • Lotus 36(1965–1968): Elan Fixed Head Coupe (Type 26 could be fitted with a removable hard top)
  • Lotus 38(1965): Indy winning mid-engined car
  • Lotus 39(1965–1966): Tasman Cup formula car
  • Lotus 40 (1965): Sports racer, a development of the 30
  • Lotus 41(1965–1968): Formula Three, Formula Two, Formula B
  • Lotus 42(1967): Indy car, Ford V8
  • Lotus 43(1966): Formula One
  • Lotus 44(1967): Formula Two
  • Lotus 45(1966–1974): Convertible (Drop Head Coupe) Elan with permanent side window frames.
  • Lotus 46(1966–1968): Original Renault-enginedEuropa
  • Lotus 47(1966–1970): Racing version of Europa
  • Lotus 48(1967): Formula Two
  • Lotus 49(1967–1969): Formula One World Champion
  • Lotus 50(1967–1974): Lotus Elan +2, four-seat production car
  • Lotus 51(1967–1969): Formula Ford
  • Lotus 52(1968): Prototype Europa Twin Cam
  • Lotus 53 (1968): Small displacement sports racer, never built
  • Lotus 54(1968–1970): Series 2 'Europa' production car.
  • Lotus 55(1968): F3
  • Lotus 56(1968–1969): Indy turbine wedge
  • Lotus 56B(1971): F1 turbine wedge
  • Lotus 57 (1968): F2 design study
  • Lotus 58 (1968): F1 design study
  • Lotus 59(1969–1970): F2/F3/Formula Ford
  • Lotus LX(1960): Lotus Elite built to win at Le Mans with a 2.0 LFPFengine.
  • Lotus 60(1970–1973): Lotus Seven S4, Greatly modified version of the Seven
  • Lotus 61 (1969): Formula Ford, "the wedge"
  • Lotus 62(1969): prototype Europa racer
  • Lotus 63(1969): 4-wheel drive F1
  • Lotus 64(1969): 4-wheel drive Indy car, did not compete
  • Lotus 65(1969–1971): Federalized Europa S2
  • Lotus 66(2024):track daycar based on a 1969Can-Amstudy
  • Lotus 67 (1970): Proposed Tasman Cup car, never built
  • Lotus 68 (1969): F5000 prototype
  • Lotus 69(1970): F2/F3/Formula Ford
  • Lotus 70(1970): F5000/Formula A
  • Lotus 71: Undisclosed design study
  • Lotus 72(1970–1972): Formula One World Champion
  • Lotus 73 (1972–1973): F3
  • Lotus 74 - Texaco Star (1973): F2
  • Lotus 74(1971–1975): Europa Twin Cam production car
  • Lotus 75(1974–1982): Elite II, Luxury 4-seat GT
  • Lotus 76(1974): F1, redundant designation
  • Lotus 76(1975–1982): Éclat S1, fastback version of Elite II, redundant designation
  • Lotus 77(1976): F1
  • Lotus 78(1977–1978): F1 ground effects car
  • Lotus 79(1975–1980) Lotus Esprit, street GT,[41]redundant designation
  • Lotus 79(1978–1979): Formula One World Champion, redundant designation
  • Lotus 80(1979): F1
  • Lotus 81(1979–1980): Sunbeam Talbot Lotus, redundant designation
  • Lotus 81(1980–1981): F1, redundant designation
  • Lotus 82(1982–1987): Turbo Esprit, street GT car
  • Lotus 83(1980): Elite series 2
  • Lotus 84(1980–1982): Éclat series 2
  • Lotus 85(1980–1987): Esprit series 3
  • Lotus 86(1980–1983): F1 dual chassis, never raced
  • Lotus 87(1980–1982): F1
  • Lotus 88(1981): F1 dual chassis car, banned
  • Lotus 89(1982–1992):Lotus ExcelGT, re-engineered Éclat
  • Lotus M90/X100: Toyota-based "new Elan", abandoned in favour of the Elan M100
  • Lotus 91(1982): F1
  • Lotus 92(1983): F1
  • Lotus 93T(1983): F1 Turbo
  • Lotus 94T(1983): F1 Turbo
  • Lotus 95T(1984): F1 Turbo
  • Lotus 96T(1984): Indy car project, abandoned
  • Lotus 97T(1985–1986): F1 Turbo
  • Lotus 98T(1986–1987): F1 Turbo
  • Lotus 99T(1987): F1 Turbo, last originalTeam LotusF1 winner
  • Lotus 100T(1988): F1 Turbo
  • Lotus Elan (Type M100)(1989–1995): Front-drive convertible Elan.
  • Lotus 101(1989): F1
  • Lotus 102(1990–1991): F1
  • Lotus 103 (1990): F1, not produced
  • Lotus 104(1990–1992): Lotus Carlton/Omega, tuned version of the Opel/Vauxhall saloon.
  • Lotus 105 (1990): Racing X180R, IMSA Supercars Drivers Champ (Doc Bundy)
  • Lotus 106 (1991): X180R, roadgoing homologation special
  • Lotus 107(1992–1994): F1
  • Lotus 108(1992): a track only bike ridden byChris Boardmanto win a gold medal at the1992 Barcelona Olympics,also known as the "LotusSport Pursuit Bicycle".
  • Lotus 109(1994): F1, Last originalTeam LotusF1 car.
  • Lotus 110:Road and TT bike. Often mistaken for theLotus 108but completely different bikes.
  • Lotus 111(1996–2022): Lotus Elise
  • Lotus 112:Partial F1 design, reached as far as the monocoque buck
  • Lotus 113: Number not allocated
  • Lotus 114(1996): Lotus Esprit GT1 race car
  • Lotus 115(1997–1998): Lotus Elise GT1
  • Lotus 116:Opel Speedster/Vauxhall VX220, a collaboration with Opel
  • Lotus 117:Elise S2 with Rover engines[citation needed]
  • Lotus 118:Lotus M250, two-seat mid-range sports car concept unveiled in Autumn of 1999, project cancelled in 2001
  • Lotus 119(2002): Soapbox Derby car made of carbon and aluminium, disc brakes, no engine, forGoodwood Festival of Speed
  • Lotus 120(2004-2022): Elise S2 with Toyota engines
  • Lotus 121(2000–2022): Exige S2
  • Lotus 121(2006): Europa S[42]
  • Lotus 122(2007–2011): Lotus 2-Eleven, 0-doorspeedster
  • Lotus 123(2010–2022): Lotus Evora
  • Lotus 124:Lotus Evora, race car
  • Lotus T125(2010): Lotus Exos[43]
  • Lotus 126: Number not allocated
  • Lotus T127(2010):Team LotusF1 car, made for 2010 season
  • Lotus T128 (Formula One car)(2011):Team LotusF1 car, made for 2011 season
  • Lotus T128 (Le Mans Prototype)(2013): race car built for24 Hours of LeMans
  • Lotus 129(2016–2022): Lotus 3-Eleven, 0-door speedster


Announcements of future cars

[edit]
Proposed newLotus Esprit(announced 2010 but subsequently cancelled)

At the 2010 Paris Motorshow, Lotus announced five new models to be introduced over the next five years:[44]Their intention was to replace theElisewith an entirely different model, as well as to introduce two entirely new sports coupes, which would have been known as the Elite and the Elan, a new sports saloon, the Eterne, to rival theAston Martin RapideandMaserati Quattroporte,and a modern interpretation of the Esprit supercar.[45]

It became apparent in July 2012 that the firm's financial difficulties had made this plan impossible to implement, and initially all but the Esprit project were cancelled.[46][47]Subsequently, the Esprit project was also cancelled.[48]

Lotus also showed an unnamed city car concept using its 1.2L range-extender engine.[49] In 2011, Lotus revealed this as theLotus Ethos,a plug-in hybrid car based on theEMASconcept from its parent company Proton, and likely to be primarily built by Proton in Malaysia.[45]This car has also been cancelled.[50]

Lotus CEO at the time Jean Marc Gales confirmed in 2017 that development of an SUV is currently under way, after the company was acquired by the Chinese automotive manufacturer, Geely.[51]

In July 2019 Lotus revealed the Evija, a 1,470 kW (2,000 PS; 1,970 hp) and 1,700 N⋅m (1,254 lb⋅ft) electricsupercar.

In January 2021, Lotus teased that theElise,Exige,andEvorawould be discontinued and be replaced by the Type 131 which had yet to be released at the time of announcement. In July 2021, Lotus revealed that this new model is calledEmira.

In November 2021, Lotus teased the future introduction of the future Type 132 SUV, later named asEletre.[52]

In September 2023, Lotus announced theEmeya,the company's first electric GT car.[53]

Lotus engines

[edit]
  • Lotus-Ford Twin Cam
  • Lotus 900 series
  • Range Extender Engine. This all-aluminium, monoblock, 1200 cc, three-cylinder, 47 horsepower, four-stroke engine is specifically designed to directly drive analternatorfor electricity generation forseries-hybridcars. The engine is small and light at 56 kg (123 lb), having three cylinders and no detachable cylinder head. The cylinder head and engine block are all one casting to reduce size, weight and production costs. As the engine does not turn belt driven ancillaries such as alternator, power-steering pump or an air conditioning compressor, the block requires no strong points to accommodate such ancillaries, resulting in a simple and light block. The engine has a reduced parts count for lightness and cheaper production.[54][55]
  • On 18 August 2011 Lotus developed an all new in-house designed V8 destined for the new era range of cars. At 170 kg (375 lb) and just 612 mm (24.1 in) long, the unit is dry sump lubricated to save depth and will feature a 180° flat plane crank. The engine is being utilised as a stressed component, a technique pioneered by Colin Chapman in F1, specifically with the 1967 Type 49. It was expected to be used in the Le Mans LMP2 car in 2012. Expected performance is likely to be in excess of 590 PS (434 kW; 582 hp) and with a 9,200 rpm redline.[56]
  • Lotus Omnivore,research engine and prototype.

Lotus Engineering

[edit]

Lotus Engineering Limited is anoffshootof Lotus Cars, which provides engineering consultancy to third-party companies primarily in the automotive industry. As well asHethelin the United Kingdom Lotus has engineering centres inAnn Arbor,USA,Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia and Shanghai, China. In 2000, Lotus Engineering, Inc. was established with an office inAnn Arbor,Michigan.[57]

Engineering demonstrators

[edit]
  • Lotus Eco Elise is an engineering demonstrator of its classic sports car that incorporatessolar panelsinto a roof made fromhemp,while also employing natural materials in the body and interior of the car.
  • Lotus Exige 265E Bio-fuel
  • Lotus Exige 270E Tri-fuel
  • Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid. Shown at the 2010 Geneva Motor show
  • Lotus Concept City Car.Shown at the 2010 Paris motor show.

APX and VVA

[edit]
Main article:Lotus APX

The APX (also known as the "Aluminium Performance Crossover" ) is an aluminiumconcept vehiclerevealed at the 2006Geneva Motor Showbuilt on Lotus Engineering'sVersatile Vehicle Architecture(VVA).

Whereas the VVA technology was to be used in the development of a new mid-engine sportscar for Lotus cars, the APX is, in fact, a high-performance 7-seat MPV with four-wheel drive and a front-mounted V6 engine from Lotus Engineering's Powertrain division. The engine was designed and developed to be available in a 2.2-litre naturally aspirated and 3.0-litre supercharged variations. An electric version was also shown in the 2007 NADA show.

Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) is an effort by the Lotus car manufacturing company to reduce the investment needed for producing unique, niche-market cars by sharing a number of common components.

Cars produced using VVA:

Projects undertaken by Lotus Engineering

[edit]
DeLoreanwith Lotus designed chassis
Sinclair C5
Dodge EV
Tesla Roadster

Examples of work undertaken by Lotus Engineering include:

  • LotusTalbot Sunbeam—Talbot'shot hatchrally car of the early 1980s
  • DMC DeLorean.Changes to the original concept led to considerable schedule pressures. The car was deemed to require almost complete re-engineering, which was turned over to engineerColin Chapman,founder of Lotus. Lotus replaced most of the unproven material and manufacturing techniques with those then employed by Lotus in theLotus Esprit
  • Vauxhall Lotus Carlton(also Opel Lotus Omega, internal name Lotus Type 104) – At the time (early 1990s) this was the fastest saloon car available, with a top speed of over 175 mph (280 km/h)
  • The 1991Dodge Spirit R/Twith a version of the 2.2 L K-car engine with a 16-valve DOHC head designed by Lotus with over 220 hp (160 kW)
  • Vauxhall VX220(badged Opel Speedster outside of the UK) – Lotus produced and based the car upon the same aluminium chassis design as theLotus Elise.Production of these models ended in 2005
  • Lotus styled and assisted with the engineering of theTesla Roadster,an electric sports car based on the Elise, as well as licensing some technologies toTesla Motorsand constructing the Roadster at their plant inHethel.[58]
  • TheAston Martin DB9's chassis was developed with the help of Lotus Engineering
  • Lotus was responsible for most of the design, development, and testing, of theLT5DOHC V8 powerplant for theChevrolet Corvette C4 ZR-1
  • Lotus designed, developed and tested the GM Ecotec engine and its variants
  • Lotus was responsible for various aspects of theSinclair C5electric tricycle
  • Lotus was responsible for the suspension calibration of theToyota MR2Mk. I, theToyota SupraMk. II and Mk. III, theIsuzu Piazza,theIsuzu Impulseas well as newer Proton models
  • Lotus did engineering work on thePROTON Satria GTi model
  • Lotus was responsible for the development of theCampro enginetogether with Proton,[59]as well as itsvariable valve timingsystem, the Cam Profile Switching (CPS). Currently available in the 1.6-litre and 1.3-litre variants, the Campro engine now powers most of Proton's newer models
  • Lotus has worked on the suspension of theMahindra Scorpioto make it more stable at high speeds
  • Lotus produced the revised chassis of theIsuzu Piazza
  • Lotus has worked on the suspension and handling of theVolvo 480
  • TheDodge EVconcept electric vehicle fromChrysleris based on aLotus Europa S
  • Lotus has worked on the suspension and handling of theNissan GT-R[60]
  • Lotus rebuilt, modified, and tuned aLada Rivaon Top Gear season 1, episode 8.
  • The 2006 Volkswagen GX3 features a chassis developed by Lotus for VW
  • The 2009Kia Soulfeatures Lotus tuned suspension (UK only)
  • 2010: Limo-Green project withJaguar Cars.Lotus provided the Range Extender engine for a prototypeXJ series-hybrid car. The car returned 58 mpg (imperial) running off the range extender alone[61]
  • Lotus partnered with Jaguar for developing chassis system and engine management of the Jaguar C-X75. The engine is a supercharged 1.6 turbo petrol engine rated at 507 PS (500 hp; 373 kW) coupled with a 177 PS (175 hp; 130 kW).
  • Lotus has worked on handling and steering of the 2015 Hyundai Genesis.
  • The 2015Spyker B6 Venatoris powered by a Lotus-built engine originating from a Toyota-sourced block.
  • TheBaojun 730,a Chinese minivan with Lotus-tuned suspension, built by aGeneral Motorssubsidiary.
  • HB.T, atrack bicyclewith a novel aerodynamic design; produced in collaboration withHope TechnologyandBritish Cycling.[62]

Lotus based cars

[edit]

Electric vehicles

[edit]

Evija

[edit]
Lotus Evija

Lotus unveiled their first production electric hypercar called theEvijain July 2019, production would be limited to 130 units and is scheduled to begin in summer 2020 and is being delivered to customers in early 2023. The car was undergoing development under the codename Type 130. The Evija makes use of a 70 kWh battery pack developed in conjunction with Williams Advanced Engineering. There are 4 electric motors, one placed on each wheel supported by an Integral powertrain. The powertrain is rated at a total output of 2,039 PS (1,500 kW; 2,011 hp) with 1,704 N⋅m (1,257 lb⋅ft) of torque. The Evija has a range of 346 km (215 mi).[63][64][65][66][34]

Other cars

[edit]

TheTesla Roadsteris based on the Elise chassis. On 11 July 2005, Tesla and Lotus entered an agreement about products and services based on the Lotus Elise, where Lotus provided advice on designing and developing a vehicle as well as producing partly assembled vehicles.[67][68]

Lotus Engineering has established a group dedicated to hybrid and electric vehicles.[69]

Lotus Engineering developed the Evora 414E as their first hybrid concept car. Featuring a total hybrid range of more than 300 miles.[70]

Lotus joinedJaguar Cars,MIRA LtdandCaparoon a luxuryhybrid executive sedanproject called "Limo-Green" —funded by the UK GovernmentTechnology Strategy Board.The vehicle will be a seriesplug-in hybrid.[71][72]

See also

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
  • Gérard ( "Jabby" ) Crombac,Colin Chapman: The Man and His Cars(Patrick Stephens, Wellingborough, 1986)
  • Mike Lawrence,Colin Chapman: The Wayward Genius(Breedon Books, Derby, 2002)
  • Ian H. Smith,The Story of Lotus: 1947–1960 Birth of a Legend(republished Motor Racing Publications, Chiswick, 1972)
  • Doug Nye,The Story of Lotus: 1961–1971 Growth of a Legend(Motor Racing Publications, Chiswick, 1972)
  • Robin Read,Colin Chapman's Lotus: The Early Years, the Elite and the Origins of the Elan(Haynes, Sparkford, 1989)
  • Anthony Pritchard,Lotus: All the Cars(Aston Publications, Bourne End, 1990)
  • Doug Nye,Theme Lotus: 1956–1986(Motor Racing Publications, Croydon, 1986)
  • William TaylorThe Lotus Book(Coterie Press, Luton, 1998, 1999, 2005)
  • William TaylorThe Lotus Book Collectibles(Coterie Press, Luton, 2000)
  • Peter Ross,Lotus: The Early Years 1951–54(Coterie Press, Luton, 2004)
  • Rémy Solnon,Lotus Esprit – le grand tourisme à l'anglaise(Editions Les Presses Littéraires, 2007)
  • Andrew Ferguson,Team Lotus: The Indianapolis Years(Haynes Publishing 1996) no longer available

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