Final Exige S Performance and Weight Figures

Posted on 24th January 2012

It looks as if Lotus are almost ready to reveal the official performance figures for the new V6 engined Exige S.

The weight and 0-100mph times have both risen a little, with an official 0-100mph time of 8.5 seconds and a kerb weight of 1176kg – higher than the original projections of 7.9s and 1080kg.

The 0-60mph time meets the original target of 3.8 seconds, and the top speed comes in at 170mph.

As we previously reported the MY12 Exige S will deliver 28mpg on the combined cycle and produce 236g/km CO2.

Discussion: SELOC Chat – Exige S Performance Figures change?

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Video – The MY12 Evora S IPS

Posted on 23rd January 2012

The MY12 enhancements to the Evora range don’t just bring improvements to the trim and specification of the new cars, but also a new model, the Evora S IPS, which combines the Evora S’s 345bhp supercharged engine with the Evora IPS’s paddle shift automatic gearbox.

Lotus have posted up a new video, giving us a chance to join Chief Tester Matt Becker as he puts the the new MY12 Evora S IPS through it’s paces on the Hethel test track and talks us through the various modes and settings available to the driver.

Discussion: SELOC Chat – Evora S IPS MY12 Video

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Busy times for the Lotus F1 Team

Posted on 23rd January 2012

It’s been a busy few days for the recently re-branded Lotus F1 Team, with some highs and lows.

Former World Champion Kimi Raikkonen has had his first taste of F1 since 2009 today, testing in the 2010 specification car on Pirelli demonstration tyres. This two day test is designed to help get Raikkonen acclimatised to working with the team ahead of pre-season testing of the teams 2012 car.

Elsewhere Lotus have announced they’ll be launching their car at Jerez, and online with their new website, on February 5th. The car has already passed the mandatory FIA crash tests, which in 2012 must be completed before the car can be used in testing as opposed to before the first race of the season, but will be missing the reactive ride height system planned for 2012 and tested at the 2011 Young Drivers Test after the FIA ruled the system illegal.

Discussion: SELOC Chat – Busy times for the Lotus F1 Team

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Lotus Sport UK – Indian driver Sailesh Bolisetti to race for Lotus Sport UK

Posted on 21st January 2012

Lotus Sport UK have announced the first of their 2012 driver signings with Indian driver Sailesh Bolisetti joining the team to drive the Evora GT4.

Lotus Sport UK has signed Sailesh Bolisetti to race in the 2012 Avon Tyres British GT Championship. The 23-year-old from Visakhapatnum, on the east coast of India, will race the Lotus Evora GT4 which took three wins last year, the team’s maiden season.

Bolisetti began racing in 2007 and went on to win India’s inaugural Volkswagen Polo Cup in 2010. As part of his prize, he was promoted to the Volkswagen Scirocco R Cup, a support series for Europe’s DTM championship. Now’s he’s preparing to make the step up to sportscar racing, alongside some of the toughest tin-top competitors in the business. Continue reading →

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Spaces available for Silverstone Stowe Track Day with LoT this Saturday

Posted on 19th January 2012

Following a pair of minute cancellations Lotus-on-Track have 2 places still available for their first UK trackday of the year at Silverstones Stowe circuit this weekend.

The day is being run as an Open Pit Lane event with a noise limit of 105dB, giving some of the louder cars a chance to stretch their legs.
The day is priced at £145, with second drivers able to share a car free of charge and instructor sessions available for £20.

Booking: LOT Track Days – Silverstone Stowe – Saturday 21 January
Discussion: Motor Sport – Space at Stowe this Saturday

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Murray Motor Company Exige S Preview Day

Posted on 18th January 2012

Having had their original preview day cancelled due to the in-availability of the Exige show car last month, Murray Motor Company have announced they will be giving the car it’s first Scottish showing on Friday, 27 January between 10am and 6pm.

Those of you still to see the new Exige S can find out what we thought in our First Impressions piece.

Source: Facebook – Murray Lotus
Discussion: SELOC Chat – Lotus Exige V6 Preview

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Bruno Senna leaves LRGP for Williams Renault

Posted on 17th January 2012

Having lost his race seat to Romain Grosjean for 2012, Bruno Senna has left Lotus Renault GP and for signed with Williams Renault to race alongside Pastor Maldonado.

The move sees the Brazilian join the team with which his famous uncle, Ayrton Senna, suffered his fatal accident at the 1994 San Marino GP.

Source: Autosport – Williams confirms Bruno Senna will race for the team in F1 in 2012
Discussion: Chapman Arms – Bruno Senna

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Lotus Cars – Lotus takes on Regent Street

Posted on 16th January 2012

Following on from the opening of their Hethel based Lotus Originals retail store, Lotus have today announced plans for the opening of their next store at 52 Regent Street in London.

The store set to, set to be opened in Spring/Summer 2012, will stock the full range of Lotus clothing, accessories, gifts and toys.

Source: Lotus Cars – Lotus takes on Regent Street Continue reading →

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Lotus Indycar engine takes to the track with HVM Racing

Posted on 16th January 2012

With the 2012 Indycar season fast approaching Lotus Cars have shared news of the first track test for the new Lotus Twin-Turbo V6 Indycar engine, fitted to Lotus HVM Racing’s brand new Dallara DW12.

This coming season sees no less than four teams with an anticipated minimum eights cars packing Lotus power in the IZOD IndyCar Series, with Lotus’ all-new twin-turbo V6. Lotus HVM driver Simona de Silvestro put the new engine through it’s paces with the first on track test session at the Moroso circuit in Jupiter, Florida – see the first shots here…

Source: Facebook – Lotus Cars
Discussion: SELOC Chat – Lotus Indycar engine takes to the track with HVM Racing

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