Lotus «

Eagerly anticipated and making its official global debut at the British Motorshow in London on July 22nd, the first all-new car from Lotus since the iconic Elise in 1995, will enter the sportscar market as the only mid-engined 2+2 in production.

The new car, which is known only by its project name ‘Eagle’, is a more holistic offering than the Elise and Exige models that have been so massively popular with track day enthusiasts. The car, the name for which will be announced at the British Motorshow on 22nd July at an 11:30 press conference, is designed for people who desire exotic sportscar characteristics of stunning design, exclusivity, dramatic proportions and performance. Project Eagle also offers real-world usability and a unique sense of occasion.

Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 producing 280 PS, the new car employs innovative lightweight chassis technology to ensure visceral all-round dynamic performance, in keeping with the great Lotus tradition. Even in the very early stages of development testing, Lotus ride and handling engineers report that it is considerably faster around the famously demanding Nürburgring circuit than the Elise and more stable at speed than the Exige.

Inside, Project Eagle cocoons occupants with a sumptuous leather surfaces juxtaposed with contemporary high-tech features. With driver focused instrumentation the driver sits in cockpit-esque surroundings. A beautifully appointed dash boasts tactile details such as flush-mounted controls that glow with blue LED haloes and a stylised speedometer and rev counter ensuring that controls are both attractive and accessible.

Styled in-house by Lotus Design, the Project Eagle’s sleek, sophisticated and attention-snaring lines brilliantly disguise its ability to accommodate passengers in the rear of the cabin, giving the car the external characteristics of a small, nimble sportscar whilst belying its internal space. As well as being sold in a 2+2 configuration, the car will also be available as a purely two-seater, the space in the rear being allocated to luggage storage. Other derivatives are also planned for the future, including a convertible and an ultra-high performance version.

Deliveries of Project Eagle will begin in Spring 2009, and with only 2000 of the hand crafted cars planned each year, this exclusive and unique car is creating a real stir with celebrity enthusiasts around the world. Hollywood actor and car enthusiast Patrick Dempsey is just one of the high profile collectors who are on the waiting list for a test drive.

Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc, had this to say about the new model: “Project Eagle is the biggest milestone Lotus has achieved since the Elise was born 13 years ago. We are currently working at broadening the appeal of the Lotus brand through an aggressive 5-year model plan of which this car represents the first exciting step.”

Project Eagle in detail:

Project Eagle is the first of three new models included in the CEO’s (Mike Kimberley) five year strategic business plan initiated in October 2006 to support Lotus’ growth.

Design

Designed in-house by Lotus Design, Head of Design, Russell Carr, explains “Project Eagle’s dynamically sculptured form and dramatic proportions communicate visual drama, speed and agility even when the car is standing still. Sportscars are primarily an emotional rather than a rational purchase and so the design must seduce with its beauty and distinctive character. However, the modern customer also demands that the product offers real-world usability as well as exotic imagery. Therefore every element of the car’s exterior and interior has been carefully designed to create a product that offers comfort and convenience as well as traditional performance car attributes.”

A design language of dynamic lines and fluid surfaces that flow from the ‘Lotus –mouth’ and over the length the cars toned form are unmistakably ‘modern Lotus’. They instantly convey a sense of agility and athleticism that is intrinsic to the car’s driving persona. On Project Eagle they are complemented by the distinctive wraparound visor screen but have been subtly tailored to suit the more sophisticated character of the car, optimise high-speed aerodynamics and artfully disguise the unique 2+2 layout. The cab forward proportion combines with muscular haunches and optimised intake detailing to instantly inform the viewer that this is a serious mid-engine sportscar. Elsewhere a Lotus philosophy for combining function with beauty is evident in the downforce generating, top exit radiator vent, rear diffuser and rear wing.

Inside the car the forms echo the exterior with fast moving surfaces that wrap around the cockpit cosseting the occupants, the contrast colour band that flows from the instrument cluster and sweeps around the cabin highlights this theme. “We recognise that ‘touch’ not only assists with driving enjoyment but also conveys messages about quality and therefore great attention has been paid to all the areas where the driver interfaces with the car.” Carr explains. Figure hugging adjustable sports seats and flat-bottomed steering wheel instantly communicate the driving potential of the car. Project Eagle employs premium quality material and finishes to create an exclusive, British handcrafted ambience that is unique in this price segment. Modern, precision-engineered aluminium inserts and hi-fi quality, edge-lit switches are brilliantly juxtaposed against the traditional contrast stitched leather panels.

Everyday convenience is catered for through ergonomically located touch screen SAT NAV, remote release glove box, storage bins and integrated “cup holders”.

Technology

In a world launch by partners Alpine, Project Eagle boasts a truly cutting edge in-car entertainment and navigation system. The multi-media system features a 7in touch-screen providing advanced audio, satellite navigation, Bluetooth hands-free telephone and iPod® connectivity functions; the screen also serves as a monitor for Project Eagle’s optional reversing camera. The satellite navigation element of the system has a removable hard-drive, allowing you to programme it from the comfort of your home or use it as a roaming satellite navigation unit and MP3 player.

The Alpine audio set-up is one of the most sophisticated automotive systems in the world. Called IMPRINT and using MultEQ sound enhancement technology, it is able to cancel out imbalances in the sound caused by different areas of the cabin – window glass, for instance, creates echoes, while carpets suppress mid-range frequencies – resulting in amazingly crisp, clear, undistorted sound reproduction wherever you are seated in the car.

A bespoke progressive air-conditioning system developed by Bergstrom is standard on all models, while on-board tyre pressure monitoring will be either standard or optional depending on model and market. And in deference to the American market in particular, a module in the headlining will accommodate automatic garage and gate opening remote controls.

Interior space and accommodation

The rear seats of 2+2 versions of Project Eagle are intended for children or smaller adults on short journeys. To maximise comfort in the rear, there is foot-room under the seats in front, while both back seats feature ISOFIX mountings for secure child seat fitment.

When unoccupied, the rear seats provide a convenient stowage area for briefcases and jackets, adding to Project Eagle’s appeal as an everyday car. The boot, which ingeniously features a fresh air cooling system to reduce the effect of heat ingress from the engine bay, will accommodate a set of golf clubs.

A two-seater derivative of Project Eagle is planned and will have a luggage shelf in the back replacing the two rear seats.

Safety

Lotus’ Project Eagle conforms to all regulatory standards and in addition boasts additional safety features; Lotus aluminium chassis technology applied to Project Eagle’s provides the car with immense inherent strength, particularly in regard to side impacts and a tubular steel seatbelt anchorage frame that also acts as a rollover structure.

Anti-lock brakes are standard on all models, as are traction and stability controls; these systems have been specially developed in co-operation with Bosch to provide enhanced safety features whilst maintaining performance characteristics.

Under the bonnet

Lotus continues its excellent working relationship with Toyota, world leaders in engine development and manufacture and Formular1 competitors. For Project Eagle Lotus has modified Toyota’s 3.5-litre V6, with dual VVT-i (‘intelligent’ variable valve timing) for optimum performance.

Performance

At the time of unveiling, full performance figures for the new Lotus will not have been compiled on a production specification car, however Lotus has a further 6 months of development time to conduct these before Project Eagle is available to test drive.

While for Lotus top speed is of less importance than stability at speed, early indications suggest a maximum speed of 160 mph; the 0-60 mph sprint from standstill is estimated at sub 5 seconds (prototype figures).

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Lotus unveils the Eco Elise technology demonstrator at the British Motor Show, capitalising on great strides forward in green technology. The Eco Elise project promotes a different perspective on “green”, one which does not revolve solely around tailpipe CO2. This holistic approach is in keeping with the progressive Lotus culture, driving Lotus to become the world’s green automotive consultancy.

Sustainable materials, hemp, eco wool and sisal have been developed for body panels and trim and, combined with hi-tech water based paint solutions, showcase new affordable green technologies.

The green credentials of the technology on show in the Eco Elise have been analysed throughout the lifecycle of the car. A green gear change display has been integrated into the dashboard to promote greener driving as well as a weight reduction programme, illustrating the holistic approach taken. The energy expended to manufacture the car has been evaluated, working to the 3R’s – Reduce, Re-use and Recycle.

Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc commented “This Eco Elise is a great example of the advanced and affordable green technologies Lotus is developing. We are at the cutting edge of environmental technology and are determined to push forward with our green agenda. The Lotus brand values of lightweight, fuel efficient, and high performance are more relevant today than they ever have been. We are keen to ensure that Lotus as a company and its products offer an ethical, green option that appeals to our customers”.

In keeping with the “performance through light weight” philosophy, the Eco Elise weighs kg (70.5 lbs) less than the standard Elise S, which means that the efficient Elise S engine in the Eco Elise will give higher fuel economy figures and even better performance.

Dramatic improvements to the culture and operations at Lotus has rewarded the company with staggering reductions in energy (Electricity 14%, Gas 30%) and water (11%) consumed across the Hethel headquarters in 2007, compared to 2006. These advances have coincided with improvements in recycling, with 57% of waste product now being recycled.

The new green materials sourced for this car have been carefully studied to ensure that each technology used reduces the environmental impact of the vehicle. The life of the components has been analysed; during the production stage, in-use and at the end of the vehicle’s life. The technology used aims to offer lower emissions of both solvents and CO2 in the lifecycle of the vehicle, with reductions in energy consumed during manufacture. The Eco Elise will be displayed in the Greener Driving Pavilion at the British International Motor Show from 23rd July until 3rd August. The project displays affordable green technology that is intended to be feasible and production viable in the near term future.

The Lotus Eco Elise in more detail

The project focuses on developments in:
Sustainable materials
Cleaner manufacturing processes
Renewable energy generation
Reducing carbon miles
Efficient driving techniques
Weight reduction

The renewable materials have been incorporated into the project, with hemp, eco wool and sisal providing natural, biodegradable engineering materials. Cleaner manufacturing processes have been sought, utilising the latest water based paint technology. Using this paint system saves energy and reduces emissions of solvents from the paint shop. Solar panels have been set into the hemp hard top to help power the electrical systems and give a means of renewable energy generation. With the use of locally farmed hemp, the carbon miles to produce the Eco Elise are reduced, in keeping with the holistic approach to this vehicle. The Eco Elise puts an emphasis on efficient driving techniques by using an “economy” gear change display to improve fuel efficiency and promote greener driving. The car has undergone a weight reduction programme to add a little extra lightness, assisting in more economical, greener driving.

Sustainable materials

Sustainable hemp technical fabrics have been used as the primary constituent in the high quality “A” class composite body panels and spoiler. The renewable hemp has exceptional material properties that make for a very strong fibre. Historically hemp has been used in the manufacture of rope, illustrating the great strength of the material. The hemp fibres have also been used in the manufacture of the lightweight Lotus designed seats. An additional benefit of using hemp is that it is a natural resource that requires relatively low energy to manufacture and absorbs CO2 whilst growing as a plant through natural photosynthesis. This hemp material is used with a polyester resin to form a hybrid composite, however it is hoped that a fully recyclable composite resin will be viable in the short-term future. The Eco Elise seats are upholstered in a durable yet, biodegradable woollen fabric that has been given the EU Flower certificate to exemplify its environmental credentials. This new material is ethically produced and does not use any dyes or harmful processing. In fact the colour is created from the selection of sheep breeds used to produce the wool for the yarn, which increases the natural feel of the wool and reduces the processing of the cloth. Sisal is a renewable crop that, like hemp, is used for its strong material properties. Sisal has been used for the carpets in the Eco Elise, as it is a tough, abrasion resistant material. The use of these materials illustrates the capability at Lotus of utilising new, advanced materials and the flexibility of the manufacturing facilities.

Cleaner manufacturing processes

Whilst improving the green credentials of the Lotus production facilities, the Lotus Paint Facility, in partnership with Du Pont has developed a totally water-based paint system. This paint solution includes primer, colour coat and lacquer, and it is the first time that it has been possible to hand spray a water based “A” class production paint finish. In using this progressive water based technology, Lotus is able to achieve impressive savings in energy consumption due to the low cure temperature this paint requires. An additional benefit of this paint system is the reduction in emissions of solvents, all of which contribute to substantial cost savings for Lotus. This is a result of the unique collaboration with Du Pont in pushing forward low-volume paint spraying technology. This technology is anticipated to be available in production cars in the near future.

Renewable energy generation

The hemp hard top on the Eco Elise has two flexible solar panels neatly embedded in the roof, contributing power to the electrical systems and saving energy that would be drained from the engine. The solar panels have been integrated into the hard top to illustrate the feasibility of applying this technology. This application shows the installation of solar panels into a composite “A” class panel with a double curvature. Using this technology on a greater number of panels would make it possible to provide more power, especially on a larger vehicle.

Reduction in carbon miles

The hemp fibres have been farmed in East Anglia, thus reducing the carbon miles incurred in the production of this Elise. Lotus Manufacturing has component manufacturing facilities and a paint facility at its headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk, with another manufacturing site a short distance away in Norwich. The company operates a carefully managed logistics system operating between sites to improve efficiency, reduce costs and carbon miles. This is a Kanban driven barcode system that has been adopted by key suppliers. The process also uses packaging that is recycled many times over to eliminate waste.

Efficient driving techniques

Lotus cars have red shift lights to help drivers extract the maximum performance from the engine. However for the Eco Elise, Lotus designed software has been developed to assist drivers in maximising the fuel efficiency of the engine. A green gear shift display has been integrated into the instrument panel to ensure that gears are changed at the optimum point to reduce emissions and save fuel.

Weight reduction

“Performance through light weight” is so synonymous with Lotus. The reduction in mass improves the handling and braking performance and also reduces the effort required to accelerate the car. The weight reduction philosophy has even extended to the audio system with an exceptionally lightweight stereo and speaker system from Alpine saving 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs). The system uses MP3/ iPod technology in a sleek modern design. The Eco Elise uses special lightweight wheels that reduce the unsprung mass and contribute a weight saving of approximately 15.8 kg (34.8 lbs) over the already super light Elise wheels. The weight saving programme for the Eco Elise has resulted in a total saving of around 32 kg (70.5 lbs) over the feather light Elise S, which reduces the fuel required to drive the car.

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To celebrate its 60th Birthday Lotus is holding an open event at its Hethel Headquarters in Norfolk on Sunday 14th September and will announce the lucky winner of the ‘Live the Lotus Life’ competition, the prize being a fully insured Lotus Elise for 6 whole months!

For its diamond anniversary Lotus has organised an assortment of activities designed to entertain the whole family; a fun fair, farmers market, auction and RAF displays are all confirmed as well as access to Lotus’ world-class manufacturing and engineering facilities. Visitors will also be privy to a specially commissioned exhibition that charts the development of Lotus’ brand new car, which is still only known by its codename ‘Project Eagle’. Advanced tickets are available online through the dedicated website www.lotus60thanniversary.com and those who book early can buy laps of the famous Hethel test track as a passenger in an iconic Lotus Elise.

The pinnacle of the day will be the ‘Live the Lotus Life’ competition finale. Lotus is giving away a fully insured Elise for 6 months to commemorate this special anniversary through an online competition hosted by Radio Broadland.

“Our cars are for people of character who know who they are and love to have fun.” commented Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus Plc. “The adrenaline fuelled experience of driving a Lotus is legend and we want to give someone the chance to enjoy this exhilarating experience.”

For a chance to win you can enter online at www.radiobroadland.co.uk and entrants who correctly answer the qualifying question will go through to a second round. 60 finalists will be drawn and each will be awarded a key. Each finalist will be invited to try their key at the Lotus Open Day on 14th September, only one key opens the prize Elise though and the lucky key holder will win the car and have the chance to experience the prestige that driving a Lotus brings, for 6 whole months.

Radio Broadland is providing a cash prize of £1000 for the lucky winner. “We hope that the competition winner will whisk their significant other away in the Lotus for a lavish weekend; dine at fine restaurants and take in some retail therapy and generally live like the rich and famous!” Remarked Steve Martin, Programme Controller for Radio Broadland.

Enter on line now and Live the Lotus Life for 6 months!

Lotus broadens Australian motorsport eligibility

Following the new and exciting evolution of the GT Championship, series organisers range of Lotus vehicles to race within the new three-tier structure. This is to allow new and existing Lotus vehicles to enter and be highly competitive in a national category. With previous GT Championship catering solely for GT3 specification cars, the recent announcement of three-class structure is met with much enthusiasm within Lotus Cars Australia.

In support of this, Jonathan Stretton, Sales & Marketing Manager, announced Lotus Cars Australia has secured the allocation of the first four Lotus Exige GT4 specification cars – a pure motorsport-ready Exige – in readiness for the 2009 season. Lotus is also confirming the availability of the Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 version, a race-ready progression of the Lotus Exige S. Full details of the Australian spec Exige Cup 260 cars and the Lotus Sport Exige GT4 will be announced shortly.

Stretton explained: “With the introduction of the new Australian GT Championship class structure Lotus has the opportunity to introduce a number of highly competitive products. We are delighted that both CAMS and the Australian GT Championship have confirmed the changes which will introduce the brand back into mainstream Australian Motorsport.

The current range of Lotus sports cars lends itself to the track environment and competition. The involvement of Lotus, alongside the introduction of the GT4 and Cup 260 variants, will add a positive dimension to the Australian GT Championship. These new cars themselves will also provide a number of options for Australian motorsport enthusiasts who want to race a Lotus at the front, from circuit racing to tarmac rallies.”

The three-class structure allows the following Lotus vehicles:

GT Championship: Lotus Exige GT3 (UK spec)
GT Production: Lotus Sport Exige GT4, Lotus Exige Cup (260 & 240), Exige S, Exige, Elise.

Currently, the Exige S is the halo performance road car for Lotus with a Performance Pack option endowing it with 179kW. The new GT Production class opens eligibility for the Exige S, along with the new Exige Cup 260 and the new Lotus Sport Exige GT4 which are, both motorsport-ready variants of the Exige S

LOTUS RACE CARS AVAILABLE

The GT restructuring also opens eligibility for the ex-Lotus Trophy Series Exiges and Elises. Having been imported into Australia four years ago for an independently run a one-make racing championship, the cars were recovered by Lotus Cars Australia and thoroughly rebuilt.

The Elise race cars run an 89kW 1.8-litre Rover-engine with a CAMS-approved roll cage, fire extinguisher, dual battery isolator, racing harness, race suspension and brakes.

The Exige race cars are similarly race prepared, with the added performance of the 141kW 1.8-litre VVTL-i engine and aerodynamic package.

For enquiries regarding the sale of the Lotus Elise and Exige race cars, contact Tim Williams at Lotus Cars Australia on (02) 8707 2799.

2008 Lotus Elise SC In Detail
2008 Lotus Exige GT3 Revealed
Lotus Exige Sprint Special Edition

Jim Clark is considered by many as the finest and most naturally gifted racing driver of all time. He won the F1 World Championship twice for Team Lotus in 1963 and in 1965.

In total, he won 25 Grand Prix races and was the first Briton to win the Indianapolis 500. Clark won a third of all the F1 races he entered, as well as racing in other formulae such as F2, F3 and Touring Cars. Typically he would race in as many as three different categories per race meeting! How many of the current crop of F1 drivers would do that?

In tribute to Jim Clark’s achievements, Lotus, in association with Classic Team Lotus, is producing the Clark Type 25 Elise SC, with a donation for each of these special cars sold going to the Jim Clark memorial fund. This Elise, limited to just 25 cars in the UK (25 being the Type number of his 1963 Lotus F1 car and his number of F1 wins) has been authorised by the Clark family and coincides with the 40th anniversary of Jim Clark’s death at Hockenheim in 1968.

The Clark Type 25 Elise SC will be launched at The Scottish Classic SpeedFair at Knockhill on the 8th of June 2008 and will form part of a weekend long tribute to Jim Clark. The Club Lotus Jim Clark Remembrance Weekend will take place over the 7th and 8th of June and promises to be a fantastic celebration of the life of Jim Clark.

Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus Plc comments, “It is fitting that the latest version of our award winning Elise, the Clark Type 25 Elise SC, should celebrate the life of Jim Clark. It is also an honour to be able to unveil the car at Knockhill this weekend. Each owner of the Clark Type 25 Elise SC will be joining an unrivalled heritage that recognises motorsport’s greatest partnership, that of Lotus and Jim Clark.” The Clark Type 25 Elise SC draws upon many styling cues from the Type 25 Formula 1 car that Jim Clark raced to win the World Championship in 1963. The car, with a removable hard top as standard, is finished in British Racing Green with a yellow stripe along the centre and features high performance Lotus Sport wheels, finished in an historic black and silver design. The interior is inspired by the Team Lotus Formula 1 cars of the era, with black leather sports seats, trimmed with red leather and all finished off with a fantastic retro wooden gear knob.

The Elise SC is the most powerful production Elise ever produced and offers stunning performance. Power comes from a 1.8 litre non-intercooled, supercharged engine and uses intelligent cam switching technology, enabling the engine to switch to the high performance cam anywhere between 4000 and 6200 rpm. This clever feature gives the engine two characters, allowing the car to be driven economically or giving maximum performance for spirited driving.

The Elise’s light weight gives low CO2 emissions, great handling and affords phenomenal braking. Another benefit of the low weight is incredible acceleration, with the sprint to 60 mph taking just 4.3 seconds and with 100 km/h despatched in 4.6 seconds. The Elise SC accelerates on to a top speed of 148 mph, which is 238 km/h.

All Lotus cars offer exceptional handling and the Elise is no exception. The chassis has a seriously light, stiff structure. Combining this technology with the fantastic Lotus ride and handling gives an inspiring driving experience and the mid-engined layout of the Lotus Elise offers fantastic balance and agility. The Elise SC offers a few technological advances that Jim Clark may have found helpful in his Type 25. Coming as standard on the Elise is traction control, ABS and sequential shift lights, however all the driver aids are included to improve the driving experience and do not intervene unless really called upon. The Clark Type 25 Elise SC is currently only available in the UK and Republic of Ireland and is on sale now. Price: £35,995 MSRP, and includes £5,750 worth of options for just £3,445. On the Road costs are £950 MSRP

Introducing the Supercharged Elise SC, the newest addition to the 2008 Lotus line-up.

Easily defined by its new rear spoiler and unique alloy wheels, this is the first time the multi-award winning roadster has been fitted with an all-new supercharger installation producing 162kW and an electrifying 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds.

This is no mere engine swap from the supercharged Exige. Applied to the current Elise’s 1.8-litre 2-ZZ VVTL-i engine, the Lotus-designed, Magnuson-produced supercharger uses a smaller Eaton rotor pack (an M45 unit) than that of the Exige S, and is married to the bespoke intake manifold plenum as part of a single-piece casting.

Combined with the absence of an intercooler and its associated pipe-work, this integrated supercharger/intake assembly contributes to an 8kg reduction in engine weight compared with the Exige S.

A further benefit of dispensing with the intercooler for the Elise SC application is the supercharger packaging viability for Elise and improved rear visibility.

The Elise SC has been designed to possess different driving characteristics to the Exige S. In keeping with its role as a supremely fast road car rather than extreme track machine, throttle response is very progressive resulting in a measured, more refined driving experience.

The variable camshaft shifting, for example, does not operate at a single point; the switchover can vary between 4000rpm-6200rpm depending on how it’s being driven.

As expected in a car with 162kW and weighing just 870kg, the performance of the Elise SC is stunning: 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds, 0-160km/h in 10.7 seconds and a top speed of 241km/h. Like the 141kW Elise R, the Elise SC runs a six-speed gearbox.

A new bespoke alloy wheel design is introduced to the Elise SC with the rears increasing in width half an inch to 8-inches which offers increased grip from the standard Lotus specific Yokohama AD07 LTS 225/45 R17 tires.

In addition to this extreme performance, the fuel economy of the Elise SC is equally impressive with an estimated combined figure of 8.5litres/100km.

The Elise SC also sees several other enhancements evident across the Elise and Exige range that make it more sophisticated and better value than ever.

An advanced new MY08 instrument cluster provides extra information about vehicle systems. This includes servicing reminders in a ‘secret until lit’ technology, so drivers won’t be alerted to such details until deemed necessary.

A new MY08 alarm/immobiliser system has allowed the introduction of a new Lotus designed key with integrated fob, the famous Lotus roundel operating as one of its three functional buttons.

The number of option packs for the Elise has been simplified from four to two, but with increased specification for each. And should customers wish to further personalise their Lotus, there is a myriad of accessories available.

The Lotus Elise SC is built around the revolutionary and award-winning extruded and bonded aluminum chassis, with a lightweight steel rear subframe. The chassis itself weighs just 68kg with a stiffness of 9500Nm per degree.

Paint ranges have been revised for 2008 including the addition of vibrant pearlescent colors. The new Premium Color Range has been designed to offer further customising and due to the more sophisticated manufacturing process, have been individually priced.

Driving any Lotus is an experience like no other – and the Elise SC is no different. Few cars can match the delicacy and accuracy of the steering, throttle and brakes. Only a Lotus has the relatively soft springs and firm damping to give superb body control and a truly exhilarating ride. And only a Lotus can turn in such performance with such minimal environmental impact in terms of emissions and fuel consumption.

IN MORE DETAIL :

It’s all down to lightweight :

Weighing a lithe 870kg, the Elise SC is just 10kg more than the Elise S – or a 1 percent weight increase; more than compensated with a 62 percent more power. With 212Nm at 5000rpm, the Elise SC also has 15 percent more power and 17 percent more torque than the Elise R.

Light weight has benefits for acceleration, handling, ride comfort, braking and the environment. Braking comes from AP Racing callipers at the front and Brembo calipers at the rear linked to 282mm vented and cross-drilled cast iron discs – you’d never call an Elise ‘under braked’.

An advanced ABS system incorporates an anti-lock system which is so unobtrusive, most drivers will not realise it’s working – unless it’s needed, and even then the system keeps a subtly low profile. The ABS system is linked to a lightweight pedal box with steel pedal arms and extruded aluminum pads. This unit also has an electronic (drive-by-wire) throttle for quick, smooth and more linear engine response.

Finally, the Elise SC enjoys a bespoke spoiler mounted onto the rear wing to which provides an aerodynamic and aesthetic difference to other Elise variants. Add to this unique Lotus 6-spoke Y-type lightweight cast alloy wheels and the Elise SC becomes instantly recognisable as the premier model in the Lotus Elise range.

New dials and more

The new instrument panel in Elise features new stylish black back-lit dials and a new high-definition LCD message panel that can display a scrolling message with vehicle system information.

The new instruments constantly display fuel, engine temperature and odometer; however it can also display the time, trip distance or a digital speed readout in mph.

Warning symbols are ‘secret until lit’, keeping the instrumentation free from visual clutter and distraction until necessary.

New gear-change ‘shift’ lights also remain hidden until required. Three cumulative up-shift lights simultaneously flash just before the rev-limiter at a speed dependent on which gear is selected.

The key issue

Elise and Exige both have a new one-piece alarm/immobiliser and key. This has enabled a new design that incorporates three buttons. The first button is the famous Lotus roundel which locks the doors and sets the immobilizer. The second button unlocks and deactivates it, while the third is a panic function.

Easier options

Partly due to customer demand and partly due to airbags now being standard, across the Elise range, the number of trim option packages has been reduced from four to two, a Touring and a Sport pack.

The revised Elise Touring pack now includes:

Full leather or Microfibre suede-effect interior
ProBax Seats
Leather trimmed centre console and handbrake gaiter
Sound system iPod connection
Full carpets (Black), with embroidered ‘Elise’ logo
Auxiliary driving lights
Sound insulation paneling
Retractable aluminum cup holder

The Elise Sport pack includes:

Bilstein sports dampers
Lotus switchable traction control
Twin oil coolers
ProBax Sport seats with harness eyelets
7 twin spoke ultra lightweight forged wheels (Hi-power Silver) with standard AD07 tires

Touring and Sport packs can also be combined.

Prices:
Elise Touring Pack RRP: $8000
Elise Sport Pack RRP: $7000

The Lotus Elise SC is priced at $104,990, excluding dealer delivery and government charges.

Stand-alone options include Lotus traction control, limited-slip differential and removable hardtop. Further accessories such as adjustable dampers and forged wheels are still available to order through Lotus Aftersales.

Jonathan Stretton, Sales & Marketing Manager for Lotus Cars Australia explains: “The introduction of the Elise SC opens a new sector for Lotus while maintaining its core values of light weight and extreme performance. The Elise SC combines the practicality of the Elise with its removable roof, great vision and superb response, with the exceptional performance of a supercharger installation. The new Elise SC is a formidable package, the very essence of what a real sports car is all about.”

It’s not unusual for a Lotus Exige ‘S’ to turn heads, but one particular car is rousing more curiosity than most. Covered in a patriotic red, white and blue Union Jack design, one Exige ‘S’ is the recent star of the Discovery Channel’s popular series ‘How Do They Do It?’.

With its voluptuous curves and cut-away details, the Exige is one of the most distinctive and unique cars on the road, so it was a perfect choice for the ‘How Do They Do It?’ team who were looking for a challenging case study for their vehicle wrapping feature. ‘Totally Dynamic’ who specialise in the application of vinyl wraps were assigned the project and took 10 hours to transform the iconic Exige for the documentary which follows the project from brief to the finished car making its track debut.

The scheme was developed by Lotus Design to move away from the traditional static Union Jack to that of a flying flag to show the essence of movement and speed. The finished car is a real attention seeker and has amazing track presence.

Lotus has a fantastic history of producing one-off and collectors-edition cars and Union Jack Exige sits amongst Lotus most exceptional and extraordinary looking vehicles. Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus commented, “At Lotus we pride ourselves in spearheading the development of technology in the vehicle market and working on this project was a truly unique opportunity. Lotus Design captured a very special element of our heritage with the brief, ‘great British racing’. The Union Jack theme and the flying flag concept perfectly embody the Lotus spirit”.

‘Totally Dynamic’ supplied the expertise for the intricate process in which a team of 4 installation technicians expertly applied a vinyl wrap to the Exige ‘S’, transforming the car in just 10 hours. The process was exciting but extremely complex, as ‘Totally Dynamic’ MD Adrian Rope explained, “Our whole team was excited by the challenge that the Lotus Exige’s stunning contours presented us. It was a pleasure working on such a thoroughbred car and our experience with high performance vehicles was crucial to creating the professional finish it deserved.

“It was a real privilege to have been chosen out of all the vehicle wrapping companies in the UK by the Discovery Channel and Lotus and their faith in us demonstrates why Totally Dynamic is the cutting edge choice for vehicle transformation.”

For a limited time the Union Jack Lotus Exige ‘S’ will be joining the Lotus Roadshow which consists of the latest Lotus models and is visiting the UK network of Lotus dealers.