Exige S Mini-Site Updated, Gives Credibility To 0-100mph Claims

Posted on 12th December 2011

Lotus have updated the Exige S Mini-site with more owners cars and a new development video showing the car undergoing on the test track at Hethel.

Interestingly the video shows a standing start with the car being run to the redline in the first three gears, so we decided to try and work out the 0-100mph recorded in the video as some people have been doubting the sub-8s claims for the car.

Working from the data in the TechWiki the Evora S would be pulling 102.02mph at the 7000rpm ‘sport’ redline in 3rd gear.

The Exige S has the same EA60 gearbox with Sports ratios, but the tyre sizes are different (255/35/19 on the rear for the Evora, 265/45/18 on the rear for the Exige), meaning that the speed at 7000rpm in 3rd would actually be 107.36mph.

Timing on a trusty stopwatch it takes a fraction over 8 seconds from dropping the clutch to the driver pulling 4th gear, so looks like the car is managing (or at least is very close to) the projected 7.9s to 100mph.

Discussion: SELOC Chat – Exige S Mini-site updated – 0-100mph content

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Lotus Cars – Be Original, Be Lotus

Posted on 12th December 2011

Lotus Cars have opened the first of their European Lotus Originals retail stores at the companies headquarters in Hethel.

The new store not only will give customers a chance to try out the Lotus Originals range of clothing and accessories, but also gives an insight in to how the revamped dealerships may look in future, with a more modern look and feel.

You can let us know what you think in our forum thread, or read the full press release and view the image gallery below. Continue reading →

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Full Details on the Hangar 111 Rover Supercharger Kit

Posted on 10th December 2011

Following on from news a couple weeks ago of the new K-series supercharger kit in development, Hangar 111 have announced full details of the Rover Supercharger Kits they have been developing.

The power output of the kit can range from 190bhp up to 260bhp depending on engine build and specification, with prices starting at £5,665 (ex. VAT) for the supercharger in kit form, with a range of options for the engine build itself, up to £11,665 (ex. VAT) for a fully built 260bhp spec engine installed and mapped in to a non-VVC Elise.

Hangar 111 are also offering upgrade kits for owners of existing Turbo Technics conversions, with prices on request.

Source: Hangar 111 – Rover K-series Supercharger Kits
Discussion: SELOC Chat – Hangar 111 K-series Supercharger

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LRGP – Romain Grosjean to race alongside Kimi Räikkönen in 2012

Posted on 9th December 2011

Lotus Renault GP have finalised their 2012 driver line-up with the announcement that Romain Grosjean will be taking the second race seat alongside Kimi Räikkönen.

The move means that both of the 2011 drivers, Russian Vitaly Petrov and the Brazilian Bruno Senna, are left to look for a race seat elsewhere, or potentially to stay with the team as test drivers.

Romain Grosjean: “I am thrilled to be one of the team’s race drivers in 2012. There’s a big grin on my face at the prospect of getting behind the wheel of next year’s car, and I feel very privileged to be given this opportunity.

Source: LRGP – Romain Grosjean to race alongside Kimi Räikkönen in 2012
Discussion: SELOC Chat – Grosjean gets 2nd driver seat

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Lotus Sport UK – British GT Organisers Confirm Nürburgring 24 Hours Support

Posted on 8th December 2011

News today via Lotus Sport UK that the British GT Championship will be taking a trip to Europe in 2012 with a race around the modern Nurburgring GP circuit as part of the Nurburgring 24hr support package.

Team principle Andy Britnell is excited for the team’s prospects of racing at the legendary circuit. “Having the Nürburgring added to the British GT calendar is really great for everyone involved. The Nürburgring 24hr is such an iconic event, and with the huge crowds, and media exposure it’s really great to showcase our 2012 Lotus Evora, and all the sponsors involved. Everyone at Lotus Sport UK is thoroughly looking forward to it!”

Source: Lotus Sport UK – British GT Organisers Confirm Nürburgring 24 Hours Support

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Updated: Exige S Dealer Preview Dates Announced

Posted on 8th December 2011

Updated: It seems some of the early events have been cancelled due to damage to one of the test cars.

We’ve just received word of a range of dealer preview dates for the new V6-engined Exige S.

Lotus will be taking one of their pre-production cars to the following dealers next week giving people a chance to see, sit in and hear the new car, although test drives will not be possible.

The known dates are as follows:

If you’d like to attend one of these events then be sure to contact the dealership to confirm times.

Discussion: SELOC Chat – Lotus Exige V6 Preview

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LRGP – 2012 FIA Regulations highlights – with James Allison

Posted on 7th December 2011

There are number of changes coming to the F1 regulations for 2012, and today Lotus Renault GP have posted up their first of two pieces looking at these changes with Technical Director James Allison.

Included are details on the changes to the front nose, panels, apertures and aerodynamics, weight distribution, wheel tethers and FOM camera positioning.

Source: LRGP – 2012 FIA Regulations highlights – with James Allison
Discussion: SELOC Chat – 2012 F1 Regulations Changes

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Elise S Engine Details

Posted on 6th December 2011

Details have emerged on the engine set to power the new supercharged MY12 Elise S.

The document explains the improvements to the new Elise S over the previous generation 2ZZ-GE powered Elise SC, which combines the Toyota 2ZR-FE engine with the new Magnuson R900 Supercharger.

Compared to the Elise SC the new Elise S promises a smoother power delivery, a near 20% increase in peak torque and equal peak power thanks to an increased boost pressure (0.8 bar), while reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions and meeting Euro 5 emission regulations. Continue reading →

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LRGP – Kimi Räikkönen arrives at Enstone

Posted on 4th December 2011

Newly signed driver and former World Champion Kimi Räikkönen made his first visit to the Lotus Renault GP factory at Enstone and met his new team.

LRGP – Kimi Räikkönen arrives at Enstone

Lotus Renault GP’s new Finnish star driver Kimi Räikkönen set foot in Enstone for the first time to meet his new team mates.

After being welcomed by Eric Boullier, Kimi was given a factory tour and met with Chairman Gérard Lopez…

LRGP – Gérard Lopez – “It does seem like a motivational decision.”

What was the exact reason for choosing Kimi?
I can summarise it in one word. He is fast. I think he will fit in very well with the way we do things; it’s a good place for him to fit in.

Discussion: Chapman Arms – Raikkonen confirmed at Renault..sorry Lotus Renault

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Two Seasons in the Elise Trophy

Posted on 3rd December 2011

Two years ago club member Phil. S made the jump from track day hero to bona fide racing driver as he joined the LoTRDC Elise Trophy series and had a crack at one of the most exciting and competitive single make series in the UK.

Since then Phil has worked his way up from running towards the back of the grid to become a regular Top 10 finisher, including a fantastic 2nd place at Brands Hatch this year, all while keeping costs to a reasonable level and even driving his race car to and from the circuit for each race.

So if you’re interested in what it’s like to turn a wheel in anger for the first time, or are yourself interested in joining in and competing in the Elise Trophy series, we thoroughly recommend you take a look, and let us know what you think in our forum thread.

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