VIDEO: Lotus Renault F1 Driver Vitaly Petrov’s Yee-Haw! Moment at the Malaysian Grand Prix

It was only a matter of time before someone edited a video of Vitaly Petrov’s spectacular exit from last week’s Malaysian Grand Prix. The Russian pilot of the Lotus Renault F1 team ran too wide at a turn near the end of the race and as he tried to get inside the track again, he hit a bump on the grass that launched the race car high into the air.

The maker of the video thought the scene with the F1 car going airborne looked a lot like something you’d see in The Dukes of Hazzard, hence the audio background. For Petrov, the incident wasn’t as funny as the impact resulted in a broken steering column mount that forced him to retire from the race. Enjoy the clip after the break.

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Artist Envisions a New Take on the Lotus Caterham 7

Much in the same way as Morgan’s pre-Supersports models, the Lotus / Caterham 7 has remained relatively unchanged throughout its long life. A lightweight body with no fixed doors or roof, a flat windscreen, exposed front wheels and a four cylinder motor embody the Seven’s design and engineering philosophy.

Diseno-Art has drawn up a nice design study in the form of the “New 7”, a vehicle designed to expand and complement the existing range of 7-badged vehicles.

With larger proportions and more refinement than the archaic (yet still beautiful) lines of the current generation, the New 7 is designed to be uniquely tailored to each customer’s needs and offer a high level of customer service while still holding to the brand’s philosophy of lightweight, simple and fun.

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Geneva 2011: Lotus Keeps its Evora Debuts Simple but Significant with Mansory in the Mix

After Lotus blew its proverbial head gaskets all over the Paris stage with a futuristic lineup consisting of a sedan and no less than four coupes, simplicity was the name of the game for the 2011 Geneva motor show. Lotus brought two special edition Evoras, a relatively low-key showing in stark contrast to its behavior in France last year.

Before you roll your eyes thinking, "Christ, another special edition blah blah blah," one of these two new Evoras is very different than another special edition Mustang or Bugatti.

The Mansory Evora comes from the union of two weight-conscious companies; Lotus prides itself on keeping its vehicles trim, while Mansory "provides valuable insights and an intuitive feeling for [high-end customisation]" while also offering "state-of-the-art carbon components".

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New Lotus Elise 1.6 Club Racer

True to its heritage, Lotus has unwrapped a new lighter version of its entry-level Elise 1.6 called the Club Racer. Even in stock form, the Elise is one of the lightest production sports cars in the market tipping the scales at just 876 kg or 1,931 pounds, but the company's engineers put the open top model on a crash diet and managed to shed a further 24 kg or 53 lbs.
Lotus says the engineers behind the Elise Club Racer took a stripped-to-the-bare-bone approach and while the company did not reveal all the details, it did mention the motorsport derived lightweight battery and the deletion of noise insulation.

In addition to the weight savings, the Club Racer is the first Elise variant to come with a Sport setting for the DPM (Dynamic Performance Management), which according to Lotus, "allows even the less experienced sports car drivers to feel at the top of their game, while the ability to switch it off completely will please the more established track orientated drivers"
The British automaker's Chief Technical Officer, Wolf Zimmermann, commented:
“The traditional Lotus approach of reduction and purity has lead to one of the most zeitgeist and contemporary sports cars around. For over 15 years the Lotus Elise has become an icon in the sports car market, carving out a niche market with a dedicated following of lightweight fans. The new Club Racer will definitely give these people something extra to get their teeth stuck into. This car epitomises everything that’s cool about the Elise – it’s fast, raw, responsive and a huge amount of fun to drive.”
Power for the new Elise Club Racer is provided by the standard model's 1.6-liter four-cylinder unit delivering 134HP at 6,800 rpm and 160 Nm or 118 lb-ft of peak torque at 4,400 rpm.
The Elise Club Racer is offered with a choice of six colors including Sky Blue, Saffron Yellow, Ardent Red, Aspen White, Matt Black and Carbon Grey, and features some bespoke design elements such as the body colored seats.
The new lighter version of the Elise is priced in Europe at £27,500 / €34,450 / CHF48,900, which makes it the most pocket friendly model in Lotus' range.
photos

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New Lotus Elise 1.6 Club Racer Sheds 24 kg / 53 Pounds

True to its heritage, Lotus has unwrapped a new lighter version of its entry-level Elise 1.6 called the Club Racer. Even in stock form, the Elise is one of the lightest production sports cars in the market tipping the scales at just 876 kg or 1,931 pounds, but the company's engineers put the open top model on a crash diet and managed to shed a further 24 kg or 53 lbs. Read more »

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Geneva Preshow: Lotus Joins Forces with Mansory to Tune the Evora

Mastering the fine art of tuning is a complicated process and, judging by the sheer number of overkills one can see on the web every day, it’s clear that only a few have what it takes to do a good job. For Lotus that special someone is Swiss tuning firm Mansory, which is responsible for the creation of an Evora concept that will be presented at the Geneva show in the beginning of March.

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F1 Driver Robert Kubica Injured in Rally Crash, May Save his Arm After Emergency Surgery [with Video]

While competing in the Ronde de Andorra rally in Italy, Polish Formula 1 star Robert Kubica was involved in a horrendous crash on Sunday, as he lost control of his Skoda Fabia S2000 rally car and left the road at high speed. The Lotus-Renault team driver was airlifted from the scene and underwent successful emergency surgery at the Santa Corona hospital in Pietra Ligure.

Kubica has suffered multiple fractures to his right arm and hand with initial reports saying that he could lose the functionality of his limb. Fortunately, the operation went well, according to Dr. Mario Igor Rosello, who told reporters that Kubica, awakened form an induced coma, was able to move his fingers, which is “an encouraging sign for the rest of the recovery process”.

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Ayrton Senna's Nephew Bruno Signs with Lotus-Renault F1 Team

The nephew of the late three-times Formula One world champion Ayrton Senna, Bruno, has signed up with the new Lotus-Renault GP team, the British automaker announced on Monday. The 27-year old, who comes from a bad season in Formula One with the struggling Hispania team, will be a reserve driver for the 2011 season.

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VIDEO: Lotus Elan Concept’s Digital Instrument Panel in Action

The Lotus Elan was one of five concept sports cars presented by Lotus at last year's Paris Auto Show while it also made a quick stop at the LA motorshow that followed in November. Now that the concept studies have made it back to the England, the folks over at Paultan visited the British firm's headquarters in Hethel and shot this video showing the Elan's digital instruments in action. The panel consists of a large LCD screen flanked on either side by two smaller components. You can watch the video clip after the jump.

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Lotus Evora Tries Out Police Uniform in the UK

Lotus has loaned a brand new Evora to the boys in blue at the Central Motorway Police Group (CPMG). The police-liveried version of the British sports car was officially revealed at this week's Autosport International Show at Birmingham’s NEC. Once its show duties are over, the sports car maker will hand the keys of the Evora to West Midland's police officers who will then trial the car for a two week test period.

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New Photo Gallery of Lotus' Future Sports Car Lineup

You may have to ask a second time for their name and you probably need to take more than a couple of looks to tell them apart, but that doesn't mean we're not impressed by the next generation of Lotus sports cars.

Unveiled for the first time as concept studies at the Paris Motor Show in October, with the North American debut taking place at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, the new Elise, Esprit, Elite, Elan are a wild bunch. And while we don't have anything new to add about the four sports coupes, Lotus has unleashed a beautiful photo gallery shot in Hollywood, which you can enjoy in high-resolution quality right after the jump.

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My Top 10 Concept Cars of 2010

In less than two weeks, 2010 will draw to a close. So what better time to look back at the real stars of this year’s motor shows: the concept cars! Enter into a world where considerations like practicality and profitability fall by the wayside and the world’s designers and engineers show us their true potential. Let’s count down...my Top 10 Concept Cars of 2010!

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VIDEO: R&T Takes Hennessey's Venom GT Out on the Track

Remember Hennessey’s barnstorming, 1,200 hp (895 kW) Venom GT? Well its back and the journalistic titans at Road & Track have driven it. And there’s a video, to boot. Weighing in at a lithe 2,685 lbs (1,218 kg), the phenomenal Venom GT builds on Hennessey’s experience with tuning the Viper, 5th generation Camaro and various Cadillacs, among many others. It’s a simple formula, really. Big power + light weight = big fun. Read more »

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2010 Lotus Sport Cars T127 Formula One

2010 Lotus Sport Cars T127 Formula One

Lotus has just unveiled its 2010 Formula 1 car, after 15 years one of the most successful names in Formula One returns to the grid with the launch of the Lotus T127. Backed by the Malaysian government, the new Lotus team will field two cars, driven by Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen. Lotus the T127 will be one of several cars using the latest Cosworth V8 this year.

2010 Lotus Sport Cars T127 Formula One

2010 Lotus Sport Cars T127 Formula One Racing is backed by the Malaysian Government - where Lotus owner Proton is based - securing the rights last year to the team's name and legendary green and yellow colours. Mike Gascoyne, technical chief for the T127, admitted the car was designed very quickly, the team revealing its car mere weeks ahead of the 2010 Bahrain F1 Grand Prix.

The Lotus T127 is powered by a Cosworth engine - another name returning to the sport cars after an extended absence - and will use an Xtrac transmission, in line with all 2010 teams, will be running on Bridgestone tyres.

2010 Lotus Sport Cars T127 Formula One

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Lotus CEO Says Concept City Car will Enter Production in "October 2013"

It appears that Aston Martin won't be the only British sports car maker to have a controversial small city car in its range. Lotus chief executive Dany Bahar told Car magazine that the Concept City Car, which was previewed at the recent Paris Motor Show alongside five sports car studies, has been approved for production. The comapny's CEO said the car will be manufactured in cooperation with Lotus parent company Proton and an undisclosed third party.

"Our city car has been confirmed and will be launched in October 2013," Mr. Bahar told the British magazine. "We are doing this together with Proton and another OEM [original equipment manufacturer, or car maker]. We will build three versions: one for the Asian market, one for Europe and a sportier one."

The Lotus flavored Concept City Car is based on one of the three Giugiaro-penned Proton EMAS design studies, which were first shown in Geneva earlier this year.

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Silverstone Puts You Behind the Wheel of a Lamborghini from as Low as US$95 [with Videos]

Suppose you are cash strapped motoring enthusiast living in Northampton, England. You live in a council flat and own a third-hand Ford Sierra RS Cosworth. You’re earning a steady if unimpressive income of £180 (US$284) a week, of which you manage to squirrel away a small amount into your savings.

From this, you deduce that your chances of getting behind a £149,000+ (US$235,450) Lamborghini Gallardo are about as good as bedding Natalie Portman. What is a poor boy to do?

Well, I have good news my (imaginary) friend! Silverstone Circuit, home of the British Grand Prix, is now offering a £99 (US$156 or €133) Supercar Thrill package that lets you take the wheel of a Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Ferrari or Lotus for a few hot laps around the famous circuit. There's also a limited offer on a Lamborghini Thrill package for December 19 only with a discount that brings the price down to £60 or US$95 / €80.

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2011 Lotus Sport Cars T125

2011 Lotus Sport Cars T125

The British manufacturer, Lotus, prepares the launch of a limited edition model, inspired by Formula 1, the performance is sure to be nothing short of spectacular! That will be available for purchase for any enthusiasts that affords the huge price of 780,000 euros ( $1,000,000 ). The entry ticket will give the owner access to special track days and instruction from actual Formula 1 drivers in not just driving but also fitness.

2011 Lotus Sport Cars T125

Named Exos T125, the model has the looks of a Formula 1 car. The 2011 Lotus Sport Cars T125 is an exclusive ultra high performance F1™ inspired race-car complete with Cosworth 3.5 litre GP V8 engine, the same company that supplies engines for the Lotus Formula 1 squad and other teams.

Smith characterizes it as a detuned race engine; outputs are 640 hp at 9800 rpm and 332 lb-ft of torque at 7600 rpm linked to a six-speed semi automatic gearbox with paddle shift and  while the maximum revs will reach 10,300 rpms (Real F1 cars use 2.4-liter V-8 engines that can rev to a maximum of 18,000 rpm; no team discloses its engine’s power output.) A bespoke carbon composite with nomex and aluminium core chassis with carbon composite panels contribute to a super light weight of just 560kg resulting in a phenomenal power to weight ratio of nearly 1000 hp per tonne.

2011 Lotus Sport Cars T125

Lotus Exos T125 is also light as a feather, weighing just 650kg. Weighing a mere 1430lbs and being propelled by 640BHP V8 will thrill the driver. The 2011 Lotus Sport Cars T125 is a track day car and designed with real life operation in mind.

Unlike a Formula One car however, the Cosworth V8 is fitted with an alternator and starter motor. A support team is not needed, as the T125 can be started with a push of a button even in your garage. The Cosworth is designed to go 4500km (2800mi) between servicing. That's a lot of track miles and a lot of track days (10-12 track days, about 2 years worth).

Lotus means that the customer who purchases these sports cars all will arrange to join Exos cars owner's club, the club will periodically hold an activity and help buyer to provide it to drive ability. But this lotus Exos T125 sports carses will create in British Norfolk, the head of England market 10 car types will consign a customer in spring 2011, the rest car type will continuously consign in summer 2011.

2011 Lotus Sport Cars T125

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Lotus Renault GP is the New Kid on the 2011 Formula 1 Block

Lotus announced today that it’s taking over the “Renault F1 Team” and creating a new team named “Lotus Renault GP” that will compete in the 2011 Formula 1 season and onwards. This is not the first time that the two companies have worked together in Formula 1, as in the 1980s, Lotus used turbocharged engines sourced from the French carmaker.

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Proton Rebadges Lotus Europa to Create Lekir Sports Concept

Taking center stage at Proton's 2010 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show booth alongside the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO-esque Jebat study, is yet one more concept model based on another manufacturer's vehicle, the Lekir. This time, Proton looked into its own car bin and in particular, Lotus, which it acquired back in 1994, as the Lekir is essentially a rebagded Europa coupe. Mind you, it's not the first time we've seen the Europa wearing different logos as Dodge displayed an EV concept of the model at the 2009 Detroit Show.

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2010 Lotus Sport Cars Elan Concept

2010 Lotus Sport Cars Elan Concept

At Paris Auto Show 2010 Lotus automaker manufacture has display six new models super car sport. One of the six models is the Lotus Elan Concept. 2010 Lotus Elan Concept Cars, a high performance sports car, is the beating heart of the new Lotus line-up and thanks to some clever innovations the Lotus Elan also has everyday usability too.

2010 Lotus Sport Cars Elan Concept

Elan is expected to go to production in summer of 2013 and will be available for purchase in fall of 2013. Like the Evora, the Lotus Elan features 2+2 seating, suggesting that the new Evora may not really have a long life at Lotus. Prices for the production Elan are estimated to start around $118,500 ( £75,000 ).

Lotus Elan Concept Power is provided by a mid-mounted 4.0-liter V6 engine with 450 PS (331 kW / 444 hp) and 465 Nm (343 lb-ft) of toque. It is backed up by a seven-speed DCT transmission, which enables the 1,295 kg (2,855 lb) car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 310 km/h (193 mph). If that fails to attract your attention, perhaps you’ll be interested in the hybrid variant which will have CO2 emissions as low as 199 g/km. With performance specs like that, there's a little double that Elan is supercar.

From a styling perspective, the Elan is built like an athlete with a muscular physique and perfect poise. It’s a thoroughbred, rigid with tension, ambitious and addictive, nothing but best in class will suffice for this car.

It’s not enough to simply provide performance and exceptional looks, innovation is also integral to the Elan’s appeal. In keeping with the rest of the new Lotus range, the Elan features optional hybrid technology with KERS.

2010 Lotus Sport Cars Elan Concept

Dany Bahar, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus, said: “If there was ever a car to make you drive the long way home, it’s the Elan. Perfect for both road and track, the Elan not only ticks all the boxes, it creates new ones too.”

“The Elan will convert people to Lotus, I would challenge people not to become addicted to driving it. It will also go a long way towards dispelling the old misconceptions about this class, that in order to have high performance you must sacrifice usability – those days are gone.”

“Once you drive an Elan you won’t look back, it will give you things you didn’t even realise you were missing – that’s the essence of Lotus and the Elan perfectly captures that spirit.”

2010 Lotus Sport Cars Elan Concept

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