Lotus fans, few though you may be, here’s some good news. If your Elise or Exige model happens to be naturally aspirated, you can now upgrade it with a brand new supercharger unit.

The Supercharger Kit, released only recently by Lotus, is the same kind of unit you’ll find on the Elise SC, and fits onto Elise and Exige models packing the Toyota 2ZZ-GE engine. It features the supercharger and integrated intake manifold, high-flow fuel injectors and a brand-new ECU to increase juice from 189 hp to 218 hp. Expect torque to increase from 133 ft-lb to 155 ft-lb as well.

What does this all mean? Well, this supercharger will give more mid-end power than your current NA engine, lowering the power band from 6,800 rpm to 5,000 rpm. This should make oversteering a lot easier on the circuit. It’s now available in the States and Canada at all Lotus dealerships.

So for all you Lotus fanatics who are getting your butt kicked by even turbocharged cars, here’s your chance at payback – a supercharger is unforgiving to a turbocharged engine’s lag time. No price tag yet released by Lotus. You’ll just have to visit a dealer to see for yourself.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/lotus-begins-offering-supercharger-kits-for-all-na-elises-and-ex/

Are you a James Bond fan? If your favorite Bond is Roger Moore, then you’re going to love this. Head on down to London and you just might get a shot at owning this Lotus Turbo Esprit used in the 1981 Bond flick For Your Eyes Only. It was piloted by no less than Roger Moore as Agent 007 himself.

Valuing at around 90,000-100,000 pounds, this Esprit will be up for bidding this July 18 at the Coys 2009 event in Blenheim Palace. It even includes a set of skis on the roof. The skis were put there to blend in the scenario of the film where Roger Moore pulled off some cool stunts on ice.

Actually, this Esprit had already been auctioned off in the past, selling for 250,000 US dollars. Now, it’s expected to bid for 150,000 US dollars at the most. This is a real bargain folks.

So head on down to London and get ready to strip some cash to bond with this classic. You may just get a Martini on the rocks, shaken not stirred, along with this cool Bond Esprit. Now, all this Esprit lacks is a hot Bond girl to go along for the bid.

http://jalopnik.com/5315242/james-bonds-lotus-esprit-turbo-goes-under-the-hammer-again/gallery/

Watch out FIA, Lotus is coming back home

Now, all you Formula One fans, tell me what you think about this. With all the mess that’s now going on in Formula One, it’s no wonder why some new and old names are coming up for next season’s line up. And that includes former Formula One contender Lotus.

As we all know, Lotus is no pushover, especially with Formula One veteran team leader Mike Gascoyne joining its ranks. Does this mean they’re leaving Formula Three?

It doesn’t matter. They’ve gotten permission from Lotus team owner David Hunt to use the name ‘Lotus’ in their Formula One bid. On a side note, David Hunt also happens to be the brother of James Hunt, who is also a Formula One driver himself.

The team, founded by racing legend Colin Chapman, has won a total of seven world championships thanks to big names such as Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Jochen Rindt, Emerson Fittipaldi and Mario Andretti behind the wheel.

The new Lotus Formula One team is looking is set up their headquarters at the Racing Technology Norfolk (RTN), which also happens to have been home to other Formula One teams such as Bentley’s Le Mans outfit. They’ve also started recruiting ex-Lotus engineers plus a former Lotus Formula One driver Johnny Herbert.

Let’s all hope for the best for Lotus in the next season of Formula One. If things turn out as bad as they look, they won’t be locking horns with big names such as Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull. They’ll only have Brawn and Jenson Button to worry about.

Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/09/whats-in-a-name-lotus-to-return-to-formula-one/

Tri-fuel Lotus Exige making its way into China

Looks like China will be in for quite a green treat for 2009. Youngman Auto, Lotus’ Chinese partner company, is looking to have the Lotus Exige 270E Tri-Fuel in local production. Being such a big hit in the recent Shanghai Motor Show, Youngman has already submitted its formal request for the 270E to enter the Chinese market.

This car debuted in the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, and is one of the few cars which accept two substitutes to gasoline, namely ethanol and methanol. For some of you who haven’t mustered the courage to try these two substitutes, you should know that most of the biofuel available in the market have octane ratings as high as premium or super premium gasoline. That means there is almost no difference in horsepower when compared between the two. Also, biofuel gives you an added bonus – a cooling effect. It reduces the amount of heat produced in your engine, thereby reducing wear and tear. But you have to try it yourself to believe it.

China became the world’s biggest supplier, as well as consumer, of biofuel back in 2007. So it’s quite certain that the 270E will feel right at home in China. And so will its potential owners. So if you’re in China, be on the lookout for this one-of-a-kind racecar being available in the market. Being a Lotus, it’ll surely give you exceptional power-to-weight ratio especially with biofuel in its tank. For more of the 270E, just hit the jump below.

Source:

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/06/lotus-exige-270e-tri-fuel-to-enter-production/

The Lotus Esprit Series 1

Here’s another classic that appeals to my taste for the old – the Lotus Esprit. If you aren’t wealthy enough to afford a Ferrari or Lambo, then this would nearly suffice. Looking like a blend between a raging bull and a prancing horse, the Esprit has the visual marks of a road sprinter.

Its strong, straight edges are exactly the kind of stuff legendary classics are made of, at least in my opinion. I’ve always been attracted to cars with straight lines. Round edges are a no-no for me. The Esprit kind of reminds me of the De Lorean back in Back to the Future. I recall going nuts over Marty’s futuristic levitating skateboard. It’s just much more exciting pushing such a car to its limits. Straighter edges seem to make a car more balanced than its curved counterparts. Imagine the edge of a samurai slicing through thin air. That’s how I picture cars like these.

Even the old James Bond film, The Spy Who Loved Me, showcased the Esprit in its sporty grandeur back in 1977. I’m sure it appeals as well to oldies who have a taste for adventure. I like it for its potential to take death-defying corners and downhills.

I’m referring to the earliest Esprit, the Series 1. This baby was launched way back in 1975. It’s quite light, owing to its fiberglass body. A 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine manages 160 hp easily. For me, the old Esprit has the best combination and handling and power as compared to its future descendants. The lack of power steering gives you an extreme feel for the road, while its limited power makes for thrilling downshifts along high-speed corners. It runs from zero to 60 mp/h in around 8 seconds, which is perfectly fine for me. It can only go as fast as 133 mp/h. What’s the use of a mind-blowing top speed if you can’t reach it in time for braking around a corner. It will just leave you hungering for speed, which isn’t supposed to be the driving force behind performance driving.

What motivates me to drive is the fact that there’s so much to learn about a car to make it go faster. It’s not merely stepping on the gas and killing every insect that’s slow enough to fly off your trajectory. Where is the fun and the challenge in that? There’s no reward to reaching a car’s top speed if you don’t work hard for it.

The Series 2 Esprit is also quite enticing, with a boosted 2.2-liter powerplant that churns out additional horses. Beyond the S2, the rest of the modern Esprits are all turbo-charged, which I really don’t fancy. I’m a sucker for naturally-aspirated sports cars. The NA engine really gives mechanics value in terms of having to work through the night to really increase an engine’s power.

As I’ve said, I hate cutting corners when it comes to performance. A turbocharger is nothing short of being the quick way out of a mechanical obstacle. You simply plug it in and voila, instant extra horses. There is no denying that turbocharged cars will make NA cars eat dust on the straight-aways, but the turbo lag that comes with them can really kill you in the corners. If the power-boost is large enough, your tail can shudder so much that it’ll shake off the car’s balance. And that’s not really my idea of having a good time.

I don’t really mind if people say I’m too old-fashioned. Wisdom comes with old age. You’ll only learn life’s greatest lessons through the worst experiences. And driving is no different. If you really want to learn how to drive, do it in an old schooler like the Esprit S1.

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_Esprit

Here’s another lightweight beauty. Small and powerful. It reminds of the now-phased out Honda S2000. The Lotus Sport 2-Eleven GT4 Supersport is no push-over. Each Supersport has a price tag of 78,255 pounds and will be available starting March. It has the makings of a supercar that will leave its more high-powered, big-bodied contemporaries eating dust in the corners with its exceptional weight distribution and handling. This baby is set to race in the European SRO GT4 Supersports division. The Supersport was born to race with its all-composite body and full rollcage. Each Supersport has a price tag of 78,255 pounds and will be available starting March.

Its maximum power output is the secret to its exceptional handling. High-powered cars aren’t always the fastest, as this baby proves. Its maximum output is 270 PS and 247 Nm of torque, thanks to upgrades in its induction and exhaust and the increased supercharger boost. Output was enhanced greatly with its remapped and reoptimized engine control module. Its unique six-speed sequential gears are easily accessible by a push and pull shift lever mounted in its center console. It is wired directly into the engine management computer to allow for smooth shifts and automated engine blipping when downshifting. The transmission goes hand-in-hand with a plate-type LSD (limited slip differential) to ensure maximum grip in all track conditions.

Its superior handling is characterized by a double wishbone setup that has been made stiffer with new racing springs and 2-way adjustable Ohlin dampers. It allows mechanics to fine tune the suspension to perfectly suit conditions on the track. The rear wheels also work in conjunction with racing toe links to improve traction and stability.

To give its driver a better feel of the track, the Supersport comes with all-carbon, FIA-legal racing bucket seat which has been approved by HANS. The six-point racing harness makes sure that the driver stays in the seat no matter how many G’s the Supersport pulls. Less fuel stops are needed thanks to 70-liter fuel bag tank that also conforms to FIA standards. There is also a plumbed-in fire extinguisher just in case the fuel bag catches fire. To allow easier entry and exit of the driver, the Supersport’s Lotus Sport steering wheel has been made removable.

A sturdy tonneau cover, carbon fiber rear spoiler and diffuser, and a deepened front splitter complete the Supersport’s aerodynamic setup to produce enough downforce to keep it firmly running on the track. The Supersport is expected to produce 80 kg of downforce when running at speeds above 100 mp/h. Some of the things I like the least about the Supersport are its racing-tuned anti-lock braking system, traction and launch control systems.

On the looks department, I’d say the Supersport is perfect for a lightweight supercar. It’s so racy it reminds me of the McLaren F1 LM. Everything about the Supersport breathes racing, from its carbon-fiber seats to the full roll cage and rear-end wing and diffuser. Even its side-view mirrors give you that Formula One feeling.

I wonder if its street legal? I’d like to take this baby out for a ride on the Autobahn. Though I’m sure the Porsches will kick my ass. Its design is incredibly racy as well. The yellow color theme is so aggressive it feels like a Honda S2000 on steroids. It looks as if it has got enough venom to rip other sports cars apart. The grey accents further complement its bold outlook with the rugged roll cage that gives the Supersport that rowdy persona. Why else would it need a rollcage if it wasn’t designed to run fast?

Its wheels are of just the right size as well. I’ve always thought smaller-diameter wheels would give you more speed everywhere. Lightness gives you speed anywhere. I don’t need huge shining mirrors to hold my tires. I like them small and light. Overall, the Supersport rocks. I’ve always been a lightweight lover. This car really hits my sweet spot when it comes to fast Euros.

Source:

http://www.auto-power-girl.com/cars-2009/lotus-specifications/lotus_sport_2eleven_gt4_supersport-3034

The 2009 Lotus Exige Cup 260

This is one of the lightest Euros around – the 2009 Lotus Exige Cup 260. With a total weight of merely 900 kg, the 260 is capable of going head-to-head in the track with more powerful super Euros. I’ve always liked light cars. They’re faster in the corners because you don’t have to brake as much as other heavier cars. If you’re really good with manual trannies, all you have to do is downshift during a corner.

Even Lotus founder Colin Chapman agrees with me on that one, saying, “Adding power makes you faster on the straights; adding lightness makes you faster everywhere.”

Here are some of the car’s components that have greatly reduced its total weight – carbon fibre roof panel, seats, dashboard, tailgate, instrument panels, front splitter, air intake ducts, and rear wing. There’s also an extremely lightweight battery, 12-spoke forged alloy wheels, engine bay frame, flywheel, bulkhead panel, turbocharger piping, and footwell pads. A lot of components were scrapped to increase weight reduction – carpets, mud guards, battery cover, interior mirror, sunvisors, and rear gas strut. It also has no air conditioning system, unless requested upon purchase.

Doesn’t this all sound like a stripped down racecar? With such a small load, the 260 has a power-to-weight ration of 288 hp per 1 ton. Here are other specs of the 260 – Lighter alloy wheels, carbon fiber bucket seats with 3-point ‘Webb Lock’ harness system, although I’d prefer the optional 6-point belt system for track use. The 260’s body is strengthened with a Lotus Sport AFrame that reduces roll effects, while an optional full frontal roll cage is available upon request.

Some interesting goodies on the 260 are an electric ignition kill switch, both internal and remote controlled, as well as a handy fire extinguisher to prevent mimicking a toasted Ferrari.

The 260’s underchassis is made of bonded aluminum, again for extreme light weight. Owners of the 260 can set the suspension to their own liking thanks to Eibach coilovers, Bilstein dampers and adjustable front anti-roll bar. Also, its double shear track control arm brace supposedly gives the 260 endurance against high-G cornering. It has no ceramics brakes but it does have ABS to help in braking. It has a top speed of 152 mp/h and 0 to 60 mp/h sprint of 9.9 seconds.

Quite slow overall, but I don’t think this car is meant for straightline drag races. It’s a better contender in tight courses. It’s very fuel efficient, going 100 km on just 9.1 liters of petrol. Its turbo-intercooler equipped 1.8-liter mid-engine has a maximum displacement of 257 hp at 8,000 revs and 236 Nm of torque at 6,000 revs. It variable valve timing system gives you power along the entire rpm range.

The 260’s carbon roof scoop on its carbon roof panel is a definite sell, giving the car the image of a supercar. The 260 sells for around $66,000 – quite cheap, don’t you think? Another interesting package is its torque-sensing limited slip differential (LSD) which automatically transfers power to the rear tire that has most traction – very useful in drifting. Overall, the 260 will be extremely fun to drive. Its distinct Lotus stance gives you the feeling of being in a mini-supercar. It’s small, turbo-charged engine, coupled with an extremely light body, can give other super Euros a run for their pride along the tight corners.

Personally, I’d like to keep one as a toy for everyday track practice. The paint job is refreshingly racy as well, with its black accents against white background. It’ll be interesting how this pony jumps around the curves. Nothing like a small and powerful car to go along with coffee or tea in the morning – it really perks you up.

Sources:

http://www.lotuscars.com/exige_s240.html

http://www.lotusdriversguide.com/Press/Exige_cup_260_2009.php