Lotus «

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. Over 15,000 visitors are expected and will be a fun-filled day that all the family can enjoy.

It was in 1948 that Colin Chapman built his first racecar. A pioneer, his breakthrough engineering firmly established him as one of the greatest automotive engineers of the 20th century. Chapman’s theory of “performance through lightweight” formed the foundation of one of the most successful racing teams to date and is imbedded in the Lotus philosophy.

Group Lotus Plc CEO Mike Kimberley speaks passionately about celebrating Lotus milestone, “This is a great opportunity to celebrate the past and look forward to both a very special year for Lotus and a fantastic future. It’s important to us to celebrate the spirit of Lotus and we invite everyone to our headquarters to meet our people, our staff and our fans, and see us moving forwards. In 2008 an all new car will be unveiled at the London Motorshow and an impressive global expansion programme is planned for our high tech Lotus Engineering Consultancy, so there’s an exciting energy at Lotus that we want to share with our wider communities.”

An invitation is extended to all to join Lotus on 14th September 2008 for a day’s celebrations and with it the chance to experience the majesty of the marque and be part of Lotus’ tomorrow.

The Lotus Elise has earned the reputation for being one of the finest handling, and quickest sports cars available. Now it’s available with a supercharger, giving the £32,000 SC model truly super-car levels of performance.

Jason Plato takes the car to the track to find out if this is the finest car Lotus has ever produced.

It’s back and it looks better than ever. The Lotus Exige GT3 of Angelo Lazaris has been updated in readiness for an attack on the 2008 GT Championship this weekend at the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Based on the European race car that competed in the FIA GT3 category, this is the world’s fastest Lotus, fitted with extreme aerodynamic aids and a highly developed 1.8-litre engine based on the same unit in the Exige S road car.

Lazaris competed in selected rounds of the 2006 GT Championship, and has updated the car from 2006 to 2007 specification, improving two key areas to make it more competitive. “We wanted to give it a freshen-up over the off season”, explained Lazaris, “so we used the opportunity to update to the 2007 spec and the performance improvements it offers. We’ve been doing some 20 hour days and the guys have put in a lot of effort just to get it to the F1 support race this weekend.”

Providing some assistance over the weekend will be Russel Gibbons from Lotus Sport UK. Russel was instrumental in the Lotus Exige GT3′s success in the 2006 British GT championship and will bring a vast amount of knowledge and experience to the new team. Russel will be providing assistance to team manager Arthur Magaitis and is also expected to help guide the team with car setup and track tuning.

Lotus Sport UK developed the car following its victory in the 2006 British GT3 Manufacturers Championship. Two major changes were necessary to keep the car competitive for the 2007 season: the reduction of high speed drag, and achieving more power than the 261kW at 7000rpm and 305Nm at 6000rpm from the 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine.

Aerodynamic drag has a huge impact on speed. When a car is running at 320km/h, improving its drag coefficient by just 0.007Cd adds 1.6km/h to its speed.

The 2006 race car was based on a road-going Exige with widened wheel arches, but the 2007 body would start with a new design.

It was necessary to increase the frontal area to accommodate the wider track, however the aerodynamic effect was reduced by revising the front radiator inlet and outlet areas, and reducing the cross-sectional areas of both, along with extending the nose forward by approximately 3cm.

Major design changes are more evident on the rear, with the bodywork extending 8cm rearward, widening 10cm and losing almost 3cm in height at the rear deck. The body style also moved to a more conventional ‘fastback’ design. All the body parts were produced in lightweight ZPREG carbon fibre using an innovative mould-making process that features room temperature curing rather than an oven.

The GT3′s rear deck lid has the effect of a sheered-off tail, which reduces aerodynamic wake. Integral rear wheel arch vents have been incorporated into the rear clam.

Another significant change to the body was a result of a mechanical change. The roof scoop that fed cooling air to the engine’s intercooler on the 2006 model was eliminated for 2007, which allows for a cleaner, smoother airflow over the car and rear clamshell. This resulted from a change to a water-to-air intercooler, from the previous air-to-air.

Lotus Engineering’s work on the 1.8-litre VVTL-I four-cylinder Toyota 2ZZ-GE engine has been pushing the boundaries of just what is attainable from a production road car engine. It has evolved from 141kW, to 188kW as fitted to the road registerable (UK) Lotus 2-Eleven, now peaking at a massive 261kW, in 2007 GT3 specification – or an increase of 85 percent.

That’s an 89 percent increase over base specification, and a colossal 148kW per-litre. In comparison a Porsche 997 GT3 generates 83kW/litre and the Aston Martin DBRS9 achieves 62kW/litre in race trim. A Holden Commodore SS road car produces just 45kW/litre.

This will be the second season for aspiring driver Angelo Lazaris as he competes against the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini. His 2007-spec Exige GT3 will make its debut in this weekend’s round three of the GT Championship, supporting the Australian Formula One Grand Prix.

Low CO2 with high performance is affordable and available 240Nm, 160ps and 15% CO2 Reduction

Lotus Engineering, the automotive consultancy division of Lotus, and Continental Division Powertrain have presented the results of their “Low CO2” research collaboration. The Low CO2 vehicle concept is being proposed as a practical option for manufacturers to reduce their fleet average CO2 emissions.

The Low CO2 vehicle concept is demonstrated in an Opel Astra and uses a Lotus Engineering-designed pressure-charged three-cylinder 1.5-litre gasoline engine integrated with a number of Lotus and Continental technologies. It features an innovative integrated exhaust manifold design, centrally-mounted injectors, cam profile switching for lift and timing, a high pressure fuel pump, and a mild hybrid drive. The Low CO2 Astra produces a g/km CO2 reduction of 15% against the naturally aspirated 1.8 litre 4 cylinder engine version of the same vehicle. While forging comparisons to the most frugal B-segment cars, the Low CO2 Astra – on the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) – produces performance figures that are comparable to market leading C-segment cars with larger engines.

The primary objective of the Low CO2 project was to deliver greatly reduced CO2 emissions while maintaining an engaging driving experience from an affordable set of technologies. The solution employs a cleverly integrated set of powertrain systems within a downsized overall package.

The collaboration concluded in early February with the completion of extensive dynamometer and road testing at Continental’s facility in Toulouse, France and Lotus Engineering’s Hethel Headquarters in the UK. The programme was grant-aided through the UK’s Energy Saving Trust’s Low Carbon R&D Programme funded by the UK Government’s Department for Transport.

Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc, said: “Through intelligent integration of a range of proven and newly available technologies, we have delivered a car that engages and excites the keen motorist with the superb power and torque figures and crucially has a lower impact on the environment. The most important part of this project is that the solution is a combination of technologies that are available and can be implemented in next generation models and with further work beyond the scope of this initial project, dramatic reductions in CO2 can theoretically be achieved.

He continued: “I am very pleased with what has been achieved in this project. Lotus Engineering is leading the industry across a number of advanced green powertrain technologies, including electric vehicles, hybrids, bio-fuels and developing more efficient gasoline and diesel engines. We believe a crucial factor in the adoption of green cars in the future will be ensuring they remain fun to drive. This Low CO2 collaboration with Continental Division Powertrain proves that objective has been reached.”

Dr. Hans Nuglisch, Senior Manager of this Low CO2 project at Continental Division Powertrain, said: “The cooperation with our partner, Lotus Engineering, has shown once again, that there is still an enormous potential for additional innovation within the internal combustion engine. Obviously electronics and mechatronics are making vehicles more economical without compromising driving fun. Additionally turbo charging combined with direct injection means noticeably better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions for the gasoline engine. With our advanced expertise in low CO2 know how, we provide clear benefits for our customers and will further strengthen and improve our role as systems integration experts.” Transport Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said, “I am determined that transport should play its part in tackling climate change, so it is essential that our strategy focuses on driving forward new technologies to make engines greener. This engine is one of the more environmentally-friendly petrol engines around, raising the standard for others to meet. I am pleased the Government was able to support this project through the Low Carbon Research and Development programme and look forward to the day when this type of technology becomes commonplace on our roads”

“With over 20% of the UK’s total carbon emissions produced by road transport every year, technological advances in this area are vital,” explains Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust, which is managing the initiative. “This project is an exciting opportunity for innovative technologies to be developed and showcased.”

Lotus brought to the project its world-class powertrain design, development, testing and validation capabilities, with specific expertise in engine downsizing and systems integration. Continental Division Powertrain supplied its extensive experience in powertrain management and control systems, especially in the areas of direct fuel injection systems, hybrid drives, energy management, emission after-treatment and a number of new technologies.

Technical details
Technical specification of the Low CO2 engine when installed in Opel Astra:
Cylinders: 3
Displacement: 1.5 litres
Bore: 88mm
Stroke: 82mm
Compression ratio: 10.2:1

Fuel pump pressure: 200bar
Emissions (NEDC): 149 g/km CO2 meeting Euro 5 Emission standards
Max power: 160ps @ 5000rpm
Max torque: 240Nm @ 2500rpm – 4000rpm
Mild hybrid motor output: 12kW
Mild hybrid energy storage system: 60v supercapacitors

Key features of the Low CO2 engine in detail:

CPS switching tappets:
Lotus Engineering’s Cam Profile Switching system incorporates lobed tappets that vary valve lift and timing. The system is produced under licence by INA and features in Porsche products in its ‘VarioCam Plus’ system.
High pressure fuel pump:
Continental Division Powertrain’s single cylinder fuel pump driven directly from the tri lobe cam on the exhaust camshaft.
Fuel injectors:
Affordable, 200bar, solenoid, DI centrally mounted injectors by Continental Division Powertrain.
Smart Coolant Pump and Demand Regulated Intank Fuel Pump:
Continental Division Powertrain’s electric water and fuel pumps could save up to 2% of fuel.
Mild Hybrid Drive:
The Continental Division Powertrain system features unique water cooled motor housing to match transmission to engine block.
Integrated Exhaust Manifold:
Lotus Engineering designed and developed a new advanced cylinder head design featuring an integrated exhaust manifold. The production-ready technology can significantly reduce manufacturing costs, emissions and weight on most gasoline-engined passenger vehicles. An integrated exhaust manifold has potential to:
- Reduced parts count: 35% fewer components resulting in lower inventory, production, logistics and aftermarket costs
- Weight reduction: total system mass reduction of 20% resulting from elimination of separate exhaust manifold
- Improved engine durability

HOTFIRE
The Low CO2 project exploits the findings of the HOTFIRE project, a previous research programme led by Lotus Engineering and also including Siemens VDO, Loughborough University and University College London. HOTFIRE, which started in October 2004, was based at Loughborough University to explore a permanent homogeneous charge direct injection strategy through the use of centrally-mounted injectors.

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 / tone (273 PS / tone). 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 tires, 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 tires, an FIA approved Recaro/Lotus Sport driver’s seat*, an FIA approved 70 litre fuel cell*, ‘Level Two’ stainless steel sports exhaust 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 this incredible performance is the aerodynamic package, which produces over 40 kg of downforce at 160 kmh increasing grip and stability at higher speeds. With a top speed of 237 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, 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 power output 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 supercharger) is cooled through an air-to-air intercooler (the air enters via the enhanced roof 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 you wish 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 oil reservoir 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 also carried 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 Sport Exige 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 crossdrilled 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 track control arm brace is provided to cope with the expected kerb abuse during racing or hard track 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 belt harnesses are provided for track use only). The 6-point roll cage is FIA approved and is provided with the vehicle as a no-cost option for dealer fit after delivery. Completing the additional safety equipment is An electronic ignition kill switch with cockpit and external activation and a plumbed electrically 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 6- point 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 subject to local taxation rates)

· FIA approved 70 litre fuel cell* – 2,394 Euros
· Lotus Sport limited slip differential (plate type) – 2,127 Euros
· Air conditioning – 1641.17 Euros
· Metallic paint – 776.47 Euros
· Lifestyle paint – 1188.10 Euros
· Race battery and holder – 167 Euros
(*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).

Lotus Cars has taken one of the most recognisable and iconic Lotus colour schemes from the early 1970s and reintroduced it for the first time with the limited edition Exige Sprint.

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 scheme The 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.

Lotus Exige Sprint
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”.

The Lotus Elan Sprint: 1971 to 1973
The Lotus Elan Sprint was the last version of the quintessential 1960s sportscar. Using the 126 bhp 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.

The latest Mazda MX-5 can truly be described as an all-weather, all-year sports car with its enhanced heating and air-conditioning systems.

Now, to celebrate its continuing status as ‘Britain’s favourite sports car brand’ this winter, Mazda is introducing a pair of special edition ‘Niseko’ models, named after Japan’s most prestigious skiing resort.

As the latest edition of the world’s best selling roadster, the rear-wheel drive Mazda MX-5 Niseko boasts unrivalled handling and driving dynamics, and represents extremely competitive value for money. Available from £17,995 on-the-road, the Niseko offers up to £2,000 worth of additional or exclusive extras over and above the equivalent standard models.

On sale from 1 January 2008, both the ‘entry-level’ 1.8i Niseko soft-top (126ps, five-speed) and the £19,995 2.0i Niseko roadster coupe (160ps, six-speed) are available in an exclusive new bespoke colour ‘Icy Blue’ metallic, as well as Sunlight Silver metallic – for no additional charge.

“Mazda MX-5 customers have traditionally given a warm welcome to each new ‘special edition’ model introduced during our roadster’s 18 year history,” commented Mark Cameron, Mazda UK marketing director. “Now, for the first time with the Niseko, we are offering a ‘special’ model in both soft-top and roadster coupe forms and with co-ordinated brown leather seats and interior trim. Personally, I think the new ‘Icy Blue’ colour is going to appeal particularly to women buyers, although since launch the third generation Mazda MX-5 has achieved a 50/50, male/female sales mix as predicted.

“Traditionally, MX-5 buyers spend more on accessories and do more to individualise their cars, than other Mazda owners. Although the majority of those buyers use their MX-5s all-year-round, the peak ordering period is from February through to May, so the introduction of Niseko in January will boost sales at the back end of winter and give us a head-start for a spring sales boom,” added Cameron.

Special exterior features of the Mazda MX-5 Niseko include: unique design 17-inch alloy wheels, unique body-colour finish for the style bar trim, front fog lamps, Chrome Pack (door handles and headlamp bezels, and surrounds for the side-repeaters, front grille and fog lamps) and special edition ‘Niseko’ badging on each front wing, plus a unique dark brown premium cloth for the fabric roof (soft-top only).

Inside, both Niseko models feature unique dark brown heated leather seats with co-ordinated door trim and icy blue stitching, plus dark brown leather steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake. They are also equipped with a dark-silver dash panel, stainless-steel scuff plates and Niseko-branded luxury interior mats, with a suspension strut tower bracing bar beneath the bonnet.

As well as adding the special Niseko features, the generous standard equipment of the donor vehicles ensures that buyers can enjoy: driver’s seat height adjustment, electric windows, central locking, MP3-compatible radio/single CD player with six-speaker audio system, climate control air-conditioning, stainless-steel scuff plates, twin chrome exhaust tail pipes and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser.

Niseko owners will also enjoy a degree of exclusivity as production of this latest Mazda MX-5 model will be restricted. Just 240 examples of the Mazda MX-5 1.8i Niseko soft-top and 560 units of the MX-5 2.0i Niseko roadster coupe will be made available in the UK.

Despite all of the additional specification, both Mazda MX-5 Niseko special editions remain in the same insurance groups as their standard counterparts – 11E (1.8i) and 13E (2.0i).

Mazda MX-5 Niseko Edition

Mazda MX-5

Lotus Cars is very pleased to release its limited edition for Mainland Europe – the Lotus Elise S 40th Anniversary Limited Edition. This unique limited edition is based on the entry-level model of the Elise Range – the Elise S – and commemorates the 40th anniversary of production at the Lotus factory in Hethel in 2007. The specification of the car is as follows:

-Elise S – Model Year 2008, featuring twin airbags

-Burnt Orange Premium Paint

-Hardtop

-Painted rear diffuser and wheels

-Leather trim in orange stitching

-Painted centre consol & exterior panels in body colour

-Coloured brake calipers

-Build plate

-Country specific unique Decals

-40th commemorative letter signed by Mike Kimberley, CEO of Lotus Cars Ltd.

The car is available from official Lotus dealers in Mainland Europe from today and the production numbers will be strictly limited to the following countries as below:

Germany 15

Switzerland 10

France 5

Belgium 5

Italy 6

Other countries in mainland Europe 9, (signified with the Union flag)

To celebrate both the 40th anniversary of production at the Lotus factory in Hethel, England and also the fourth consecutive year of sales growth in Europe for Lotus (up 9% year to date verses the same period last year) the car will be extremely competitively priced giving the customer an extra 10% extra value in terms of equipment and options. The only additional cost options are Air Conditioning and Lotus Traction Control.

The retail prices per country are listed below. Please take into account that all prices include local tax and delivery:

Germany: 39,995 EUR

Switzerland:CHF 58,600

France: 40,200 EUR

Italy: 40,800 EUR

Belgium: 40,600 EUR

Holland: 53,600 EUR

Lotus Elise S 40th Anniversary Special Edition

Lotus Elise S

Group Lotus plc has teamed up with Hot Wheels, the famous global die-cast brand, to design, develop and produce a Lotus Hot Wheels Concept vehicle. This 1:5 scale model was on display to the world at the annual SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Centre between 29th October and 2nd November 2007, and a 1:64 scale version of the design will become part of the Hot Wheels product range in spring 2008.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary next year, Hot Wheels approached Lotus and other world leaders in the automotive industry with the challenge for each company to produce a vehicle that embodies its own engineering philosophy and brand. The result from Lotus is a stunning open-top two seat sports car concept.

Russell Carr, Head of Lotus Design said; “This was a dream job for the design team because, for many of us, when we were children, it was Hot Wheels that first ignited our passion for cars and design.

Lotus Design’s international reputation for designing visually dynamic and exhilarating sports cars perfectly fitted the brief for this programme and we relished the opportunity to design a concept that was free from the typical technical and legal constraints of a full size car. In addition the design offered unique challenges because it has to work as a toy and we therefore had to remember how specific views, features and tactile qualities of toy cars fascinated us as children. I am very proud of the final design by Steven Crijns that succeeds in being both instantly recognisable as a Lotus and a Hot Wheels Car.

Steven Crijns, Design Manager at Lotus Design and creator of this concept design explained; “Hot Wheels cars are barely 75mm long, so specific attention went to create a bold shape that would work well at this scale. Another challenge was to create an exciting design that would work well as a toy. The car needed to be recognisable as a Lotus without having to turn it over to look at the badge underneath, so I took elements from the Elise and Exige such as the headlight design, the Lotus ‘mouth’, the pronounced wheel arches and trademark bonnet graphics. I was keen for the design to express the Lotus philosophy of performance through lightweight: the shrink wrapped body is kept to an absolute minimum to save weight. The dynamic voluptuous curves make the car look agile and fun to drive. Bold aerodynamic aids are incorporated to achieve exceptional Lotus handling. The top exit radiator at the front, a distinctive Lotus design feature, the rear diffuser and a large rear wing all provide down-force helping the vehicle stick to the road. In addition, large side air intakes and an open rear end aid engine breathing. Inside the car, the exposed centre spine is part of the structure and incorporates the switches and gear linkage and supports the rear wing.”

Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus Plc said “We are delighted to have worked with Hot Wheels, who share our passion and enthusiasm for all things automotive. Lotus Design has a global reputation and is responsible for the design of all Lotus cars, including Europa, Exige and iconic Elise and many designs for our engineering clients globally. The same design team who created this stunning concept is also designing our new range of cars, the first of which, codenamed Project Eagle, will go into production at the end of next year.”