Evora GTE Heads Stateside

The new Exige S has been getting a lot of attention lately here on SELOC, so clearly Lotus have decided we need to redress the balance with some new shots of the stunning Evora GTE at the Hethel track and over in New York being delivered to it’s new owner, the incredibly lucky Swizz Beats.

This particular GTE is painted with a bespoke ‘Chrome’ finish, which took over 300 hours to complete, add an extra dimension to this Evora’s already pumped up looks.

You can find the full gallery below, or let us know what you think in the forumsContinue reading

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Exige S V6 Product News analysis

Yesterday we post up on the Product News document posted over on Asphalte.ch.

Since then we’ve taken a good look through the document and have put together a short analysis of the more interesting information, including a look at the different interior options, the origin of various components, and how some of the electrical systems operate.

You can find our analysis here and let us know what you think or any exciting details you’ve found in our forum thread.

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More Exige S V6 Information

We can’t wait for the new Exige S, so we’re very please that more information on the new V6 engined car has come to light, with further photos and the dealer Product News update document appearing on foreign sites.

First up, Autojunk.nl have pictures of one of the pre-production validation vehicles making a fuel stop. This is the same car which appeared in the development video and photographs on the Lotus mini-site.

Elsewhere Asphalte.ch have posted up a copy of the September Product News document distributed to Lotus dealers, giving more detail on the origins of various parts of the car – such as the exhaust, brake and lighting systems – along with renderings of the various interior configurations and our first hint of emission figures – 236g/km of CO2 – although presumably as with the performance data this is an unofficial figure. Weight is also quoted a little higher than expected at 1176kg.

To see our analysis of the document be sure to check out our thread in the forums

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Lotus Renault GP auctioning a factory tour for 2 in aid of The Richard Burns Foundation

Lotus Renault GP have donated a factory tour for 2 people which is being auctioned off by The Richard Burns Foundation on ebay as part of the Paint It Orange campaign, celebrating the 10th anniversary the Englishman’s WRC title.

Along with entry to a 2012 tour date of their choice, the winning bidder will also receive a race shirt signed by LRGP drivers Bruno Senna and Vitaly Petrov.

The Richard Burns Foundation was formed after Richard Burns died aged 34 of astrocytoma – a virulent form of brain tumour – in November 2005 and aims to help those affected by serious illness or injury.

Source: ebay – Lotus Renault GP Tour for 2 people – Paint it Orange Auction

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Hangar 111 shows off updated Supercharged K-series

Hangar 111 have updated their development blog with news on their K-series supercharger kit.

No details on the pricing as of yet, expect this early next year according to the post, but 260bhp from a VVC engine with the 7000rpm rev limit in place means this looks like an interesting alternative for those considering Honda, Audi or Duratec engine conversion.

The story of the development is a lengthy one!  Put simply – after Turbo Technics had discontinued their TT190/215/230 Supersport SC kits we were approached by several customers running cars with these kits and asked to refurbish them.  On several occasions this job was completed by TT, but with the caveat that there would no longer be sufficient parts stock to continue refurbishing the chargers into the future.  Cue our interest in the K-Series Supercharger concept.

Source: Hangar 111 – K-Series Supercharger Update
Discussion: SELOC Chat – Hangar 111 K-series Supercharger

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Lotus Cars – Kimi? That’s Fantastic News

Lotus Ambassador Jean Alesi has his say on Kimi Raikkonen’s return to F1 with the Lotus Renault GP team in 2012 in an interview on the Lotus Cars website.

Jean, are you excited about the news that Kimi Raikkonen is returning to F1 next year with Lotus Renault GP?
It’s fantastic news. Kimi has more natural speed than just about anyone who has ever raced a Grand Prix car, and if he’s coming back it’s because he wants to do it, he misses F1, and he believes he can do well.

Source: Lotus Cars – Kimi? That’s Fantastic News
Discussion: Chapman Arms – Raikkonen confirmed at Renault..sorry Lotus Renault

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LRGP – Kimi Räikkönen back in F1 with LRGP in 2012

Lotus Renault have announced this morning that 2007 World Champion, Kimi Räikkönen, will be making his return to F1 with the team.

The former World Champion, who left the sport at the end of 2009 after 3 years with Ferrari and has spent the past two years rallying with Citroen, has picked up 18 wins and 16 pole positions during his F1 career, although it remains to be seen if next years Lotus Renault GP R32 will be up to the task of increasing those tallies.

Kimi Räikkönen: “I’m delighted to be coming back to Formula 1 after a two-year break, and I’m grateful to Lotus Renault GP for offering me this opportunity. My time in the World Rally Championship has been a useful stage in my career as a driver, but I can’t deny the fact that my hunger for F1 has recently become overwhelming. It was an easy choice to return with Lotus Renault GP as I have been impressed by the scope of the team’s ambition. Now I’m looking forward to playing an important role in pushing the team to the very front of the grid.”

We’re sure the team will be celebrating with Coca Cola and choc ice’s all round!

Source: LRGP – Kimi Räikkönen back in F1 with LRGP in 2012
Discussion: Chapman Arms – Raikkonen confirmed at Renault..sorry Lotus Renault

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LoTRDC – Lotus on Track TV 2011 – Programme 8

The LoTRDC have posted the latest TV show in the LoTRDC series up online, featuring racing from the final rounds from this years Lotus Cup UK and Lotus on Track Elise Trophy at Brands Hatch.

The show is posted up in 4 parts and can be found on the LoTRDC website.

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SELOC November Newsletter

The November Issue of the SELOC Newsletter is out now – featuring our favourite new items from the past month.

Inside you’ll find information on next years Elise Trophy and Lotus Cup UK calendar, the new Exige S and Lotus’s Chinese showroom, along with a great account of last months Essex Double Header Track Day weekend.

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LRGP – Sunday Race – Brazilian GP

The 2011 season drew to a close today with the race at Interlagos.

Bruno Senna made a strong start after an excellent qualifying session, but contact with Schumacher while fighting over 9th position, a drive through penalty, gearbox issues and a damaged front wing meant he could only make it across the line in 17th.

Petrov however had a better day, moving up from 15th on the grid to P10 at the chequered flag since the Japanese in early October.

The team will now be looking forward to the 2012 season, with work on the R32 well under way and hopefully able to see the team push back towards the front of the grid.

Sources: LRGP – Brazilian GP – Race – Lotus Renault GP Report, Eric Boullier – “We are already looking forward to racing again next season”
Discussion: SELOC Chat – F1 – Brazilian Grand Prix – WE schedule

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