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Archive of news and changes on this website:

September 2012

New in the modelcars section of this website:

• Evora S IPS in scale 1:24 made by Bburago
  
• New from Spark: Lotus 33, 1:43, 2nd 1967 Monaco Grand Prix - #14 G. Hill
• Axel'r recently presented a 1:43 Lotus Elan 26R, winner of the Tour Auto 2010
• Lotus 72D 1-43 kit produced by Model Factory Hiro
• E.Jan produced a very good kit (compare Studio 27 quality) representing the Lotus Type E20 2012 Formula One racecar, scale 1:20

Newsletter

• The September issue has now been distributed.

New in the modelcars section of this website:

• Starting in 2013, Corgi presents the Lotus collection. This will be a series of die-cast 1:43 scale model cars. Each model carries an authentic Lotus livery and comes complete with a collector card detailing information about the car modelled. The model is presented in a plastic case of which it can be removed for display. This series of models includes Lotus road cars and motorsport, including Lotus Formula One. The fist models we will see are:
  Evora GT4, British GT Championship 2012
  Evora S
  E20 Raikkonen
  E20 Grosjean
• Minichmaps has shown us two “limited edition”1:43 scale models representing the Lotus Renault 2012 Showcar and a “Kimi Comeback” model, which is the same model in a different box…. The last one is not part of the standard range, but was made for a German retailer. You can see the images here.

New in the Formula 1 press releases section:

• Singapore 2012: Kimi Räikkönen fought back from twelfth on the grid to maintain his third position in the Drivers’ Championship with a battling sixth place in the Singapore Grand Prix. Romain Grosjean finished close behind in seventh after a gruelling race with two safety car periods and a number of retirements. The team remains fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, 95 points ahead of Mercedes in fifth and 14 behind Ferrari in third. Read the full story here.

New in the video section of this website:

• Lotus at the Goodwood Festival Of Speed 2012

New in the modelcars section of this website:

• Lotus Evora GTE, 1:43 scale by Spark

New in the Specialists section of this website:

• Updated again! Please let me know any missing names/addresses that you like to see listed here.

I had some catching up to do...

New in the Formula 1 press releases section:

• Monza 2012, read the full story from Lotus F1 Team here.

New in the Specialists section of this website:

• I am working on an update here, that takes some time but you may already see results. More to do here during the coming weeks. I look forward to your reactions with missing addresses!

New in the video section of this website:

• A lap of the full Lotus Cars Hethel test track in a 1963 Lotus 23B during a test session, plus a lap of the short handling circuit where you can overdrive the car to see how it reacts...

New in the modelcars section of this website:

• Lotus Type 92, 1983 Brasilian Grand Prix (De Angelis) 1:43, three (!) versions
• Lotus Type 47, 1968 Team Lotus Silverstone, 1:43
  
• Lotus Type 47, 1968 Brands Hatch, 1:43

2012 Historic Grand Prix Zandvoort

• See some pictures here

New in the Formula 1 press releases section:

• Jérôme d'Ambrosio to drive in Monza, click here.
• Spa, Grand Prix 2012, click here.

August 2012

New in the modelcars section of this website:

• Lotus Type 72C, new decal set for the 1:20 Ebbro kit, by Fartefice
• Lotus Type 102B, Team Lotus test car, 1:43 by Spark. Due for release in September
• Lotus Type 76, 4th German GP 1974 Ronnie Peterson

Newsletter

• The August 2012 LDG Newsletter is out now, all (free) subscribers should receive by e-mail it soon.

New in the modelcars section of this website:

• Lotus Type 77, Ronnie Peterson 1976 Brazilian GP, 1:43
• Lotus Type 49, two new AxelR accessory kits to create other versions of this car
• Lotus Europa S2 by Ebbro, new colours have been announced for release
• The 1:43 Elan S4 Sprint FHC, that was announced last year by Spark, is now in the shops!
  

Very rare GS Europa for sale on Ebay! Have a look here:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LOTUS-GS-EUROPA-TWIN-CAM-/200805176997?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2ec0ebd6a5#ht_500wt_1203

Kelvin Jones Motorsport buys Xanthos Sports Cars

Kelvin Jones Motorsport recently acquired Xanthos Sports Cars, the manufacturer of Lotus 23 components and cars.

KJM will now produce all the parts necessary to keep these great cars on the race track.

We will also build exact reproduction FIA HTP (Historic Technical
Passports) Continuation certified 23Bs, with Arch Motor & Manufacturing Co. Limited, appointed to do all the manufacturing on behalf of KJM - and as it did originally for Lotus back in the 1960s.

New in the press releases section of the website:

• The Exige gets even racier

New in the modelcars section of this website:

• Premium X has announced a 1:43 resin model of the Lotus Elan M200 concept car.
• Studio 27 has announced a 1/20 scale multimadiakit representing the Lotus Renault E20
• New from Minichamps; the Lotus Renault 2012 showcar "Kimi Comeback"

New in the Specialists section of this website:

• I am working on an update here, that takes some time but you may already see results. More to do here during the coming weeks. I look forward to your reactions with missing addresses!

New in the downloads section of this website:

• Exige V6 Cup technical specifications, both USA and EU versions

New in the Genealogy section of the website:

• Exige V6 Cup

Exige S Cup

Next weekend will bring the presentation of the new Lotus Exige S Cup, the new racecar for the Lotus Cup series. The car will be unveiled during the Lotus Festival at Brand Hatch. An extra reason to go there! If you like to see the car's specifications, please click here.

As a "track day" car the price in England will be GBP 62.995 and as a "Cup Competition" car the Exige S Cup will be priced at GBP 74.995.

More information will follow as it becomes available.

New on the video page of this website:

• Car and Driver: Tested : 1967 Lotus Elan and 2012 Mazda MX-5 Super 20 Concept

New in the modelcars section of this website:

• The set of 3 Mario Andretti F1 cars made by True Scale Models is now in the shops. It contains 3 1:43 models representing the Lotus 77, 78 and 79 and the set is handsigned by by Mario Andretti. Limited to 999 sets worldwide.
  
• The same manufacturer has also scheduled an other set of 3. This will Contain Mario Andretti's Lotus 79, Lotus 80 and Lotus 81 from 1978 to 1980. Hand signed by the former Formula World Champion. This gift set comes with Plexiglas cover. Resincast model cars, 1/43rd scale.

Lotus Engineering ProActive e-zine issue 45 is now available as download.

New in the books section of this website:

• Ian Walker - The man and his cars
  

Lotus Magazine; Goodbye!

The glossy Lotus Magazine that was introduced under previous CEO Dany Bahar has now been suspended. No doubt this is part of the cost cutting exercise that the company is going through.

Many Lotus enthusiasts had mixed feelings about this expensive magazine, with images that seemed to be meant for the adult public sometimes, but the stories that I have read in the 5 existing issues where written by high quality writers. There will not be an issue 6….

New in the press releases section of the website:

• Lotus LMP2 shows first photo of the new Lotus T128

Lotus is working on the T128, and showed the following image of this project, asking viewers to guess what it is. My best guess is that we are looking at the new LMP2 car. The image shows a scale model during aero testing in the Mercedes Grand Prix windtunnel in Brackley, England.
 

New in the downloads section of this website:

• Evora GX specification sheet

New in the press releases section of the website:

• Lotus Racing last weekend, 28-29 july

July 2012

Win 2 paddock passes to the 6 hours of Silverstone, competition organised by Lotus LMP2. Click here.

New in the F1 press releases section:

• Lotus F1 Team comments on the Hungarian Grand Prix 2012

New in the press releases section of the website:

• First production Exige S comes off the assembly Line

News in short:

• On the 26th of July the first new Exige S was rolling of the assembly line.
• It is said that Volkswagen is talking to Proton about taking over Proton inclusive Group Lotus.
• The FIA have homologated the Exige R-GT ready for competition.

New newsletter

• The July edition of the newsletter has been distributed to all free subscribers now.

New in the press releases section of the website:

• Lotus Evora GX fires-up for Grand-Am road racing Rolex Series debut
• Lotus Racing last weekend, 21-22 July

New in the modelcars section of this website:

• Lotus Type 33, Graham Hill Monaco GP 1967
  
• New versions of the Spark Lotus Type 79, have a look here.
• Elan S3 FHC by Spark, scale 1:43
  

Lotus to open Kuala Lumpur showroom

DRB-HICOM Bhd plans to set up a dedicated Lotus showroom in Kuala Lumpur within the next three months, said group managing director Datuk Mohd Khamil Jamil.

“It will be in the city centre. We have identified several areas to house the maiden Lotus outlet in Malaysia under Proton,” said Mohd Khamil.

Bringing Lotus to Malaysia will be a milestone for national carmaker Proton Holdings Bhd, which bought Lotus nearly 16 years ago. Proton acquired Lotus following the bank-ruptcy of former owner Romano Artioli in 1994.

Mohd Khamil, who is also chairman of Proton and Lotus, said:

“We want to ensure Lotus’s growth. Whatever mission we put forward will be a mission that we will deliver and not something that we pluck out of the air.” As part of the plan, he is bringing Lotus nearer to Malaysians. “Malaysia is Lotus’ second home,” he remarked.

Mohd Khamil had earlier told that he was confident that Proton could sell anywhere between 30 and 50 Lotus cars a year in Malaysia.

"The models that we plan to bring in are Lotus Evora and Lotus Exige," he said.

Source: Malaysian Business Times

New in the press releases section of the website:

• Lotus Cars unveils new sports car at opening of flagship store
• Business Secretary visits Lotus’ flagship 'Lotus Originals' store

Lotus will not be on the 2012 Paris Motor Show!

Here is the official statement from Group Lotus:

"Group Lotus has announced that it is undertaking a review of all marketing and promotional activity as part of a plan to re-focus the Norfolk-based car company.

The review will aim to ensure that the recent new investment from parent company DRB-HICOM is used in the most productive and cost-effective way to ensure the delivery of high quality and technically innovative products to the market place.

A company official when contacted said: “Group Lotus has some of the most technically gifted and talented staff anywhere in the automotive industry and the company is determined that they will be given the opportunity to flourish.”

“Our parent company DRB-HICOM have invested new funds and it is my job to make sure that investment is used in a way that can drive the company forward. We are working on a number of new developments which require funding and that must be my priority. This company will only have a bright future if the innovation culture is encouraged,” he added.

As part of this review, Group Lotus has decided that Lotus will not attend this year’s Paris Motor Show."

New in the books section of this website:

• Lotus 72 & 76 1973-75 by Joe Honda

New in the modelcars section of this website:

• Lotus Type 78 Cosworth Team Rebaque
  

New links on the video page:

• Donato Coco, Lotus Director of Design, introducing the new Lotus Exige S
• Exige S test on Nürburgring
• Testing the Lotus Exige S on the Hethel Track at Lotus HQ
• Exige R-GT Rally

New in the modelcars section of this website:

• Lotus Type 100T, 1:43 by Kyosho, Takuma Sato demonstration run, November 7th 2010
• Lotus Type 100T, 1:43 by Kyosho
• Lotus Type 72C 1:20 scale kit by Ebbro, Rob Walker Team Lotus
• Lotus Type 99T 1:20 scale complete model by Tamiya Materwork Collection,  # 11 Satoru Nakajima and # 12 Ayrton Senna
• Lotus Type 78 British GP 1977, 1:20 scale complete model by Tamiya Materwork Collection,  # 5 Mario Andretti and # 6 Gunnar Nilsson
• Martini Lotus Type 79, 1:20 scale complete model by Tamiya Materwork Collection,  # 1 Mario Andretti and # 2 Carlos Reutemann
• Lotus Europa, 1:18 scale by Kyosho, limited edition "Circuit no Ookami"
  

New link on the video page:

• On board with Lotus F1 Team at the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed

New in the books section of this website:

• Europa Euphoria
  
• Lotus 72 Owners' Manual: An insight into owning, racing and maintaining Lotus's legendary Formula 1 car (September 2012)
• Lotus Elan Restoration Guide (November 2012)

New in the downloads section of this website:

• Brochure: Lotus LMP2 customer's car (T-128)

New in the modelcars section of this website:

• Lotus Rebellion LMP1 modelcars announced by Spark

New in the press releases section of the website:

• Lotus motorsport last weekend, read what happened

New in the F1 press releases section:

• Lotus F1 Team comments on the British Grand Prix 2012

New links on the video page:

• Romain Grosjean on the 2012 Formula 1 Season So Far

New in the press releases section of the website:

• ‘LOTUS ORIGINALS’ Regent Street store opens its doors. Read more here.
   

New links on the video page:

• Testing Lotus' new Evora 414E Range Extender Hybrid Electric Vehicle (REEV) at the testrack in Hethel, Norfolk.
• Lotus stand at 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed
• Exige R-GT climbs the hill at the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed - Bernardo Sousa
• Testing the 2012 Lotus Evora S

New in the press releases section of the website:

• Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid – it's now a runner. Read more here.

Goodwood Festival of Speed - Lotus photo gallery

© Sports Car Digest

June 2012

Bonhams Auction on 29 June 2012, not all cars from the Glasius collection have been sold, read more here.

New in the press releases section of the website:

• Happy Birthday Lotus Elan, read more here
• Condor for Lotus bespoke bicycles, read more here

New in the F1 press releases section:

• Lotus F1 Team at the 2012 European Grand Prix

New in the press releases section of the website:

• What's going to happen at Goodwood? Read about the Lotus ideas for this meeting

New in the modelcar section of this website:

• This is a limited edition (500 pieces) of the Lotus Evora that was used during the 24H race on Spa in 2011, made by Spark, scale 1:43. Should be in the shops very soon.
  
• The Spark 1:43 Type 102B as driven in the San Marino 1991 GP by Julian Bailey is now available in the shops.
• The very limited 1:43 Exige S by Looksmart is now available, have a look here.

Newsletter

The June 2012 Newsletter has been send to al subscribers.

New in the press releases section of the website:

Lotus Racing last weekend.

Is Dany Bahar going to sue Lotus' owner DRB-Hicom?

According to the Swiss newspaper Bilanz, Dany Bahar is filing a suit in London's High Court for wrongful termination. It was stated that Bahar denies the claims about renovating his homes with Lotus money and it was reported that he also denies improperly using company funds for private jets and helicopters.

New in the press releases section of the website:

Lotus LMPS at Le mans, 2012. Read more here.

Lotus LMP2 with new project in 2013. Read more here.

Goodwood discount!

Lotus is offering a 25% discount off the cost of up to 4 tickets for the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Make your reservation here https://ticketing.goodwood.com/buytickets/festivalofspeed.aspx and use the code LOT@FOS12 in the promotional code field during the online check out process.

New in the F1 press releases section:

Lotus F1 Team returned to the podium with a superb performance from Romain Grosjean, the Frenchman clinching his best Formula 1 result to date by climbing from seventh on the grid to second place in a searing Canadian Grand Prix. Read all about it here.

New in the modelcar section of this website:

Martini Lotus transporter announced by Spark, 1:43

New in the press releases section of the website:

Lotus CEO Dany Bahar dismissed. Read the official statement made by Group Lotus here.

Here you can find more information: Car Magazine

New in the press releases section of the website:

Lotus LMP2 Preview to the 24 Hours of Le Mans

Lotus owner remains tight lipped about reasons for Bahar suspension, new article from the Norfolk Eastern Daily Press. Read more here.

Lotus in racing, weekend 2-3 june 2012

New in the press releases section of the website:

Lotus raises the style stakes in Monaco

New in the modelcar section of this website:

Tameo is going to produce a 1:43 scale version of the Lotus F1 Team E20, available as a kit or ready built model, both Räikkönen and Grosjean versions.

New from Ixo is their 1:43 scale  1962 Le mans Lotus Elite, as driven by Hobbs and Gardner.

New from Minichamps is their Lotus Renault GP 2011 Heidfeld showcar, scale 1:43

Spark has now produced their 1:43 Type 56B Dave Walker, Zandvoort 1971

Also from Spark is the 1:43 Type 76, as driven by Ronnie Peterson during the 1974 Spanish Grand Prix

May 2012

Lotus CEO Dany Bahar has been suspended.

According to the Norwich Evening News Dany Bahar has been (temporary) suspended by Lotus owners DRB-Hicom, following an operational review into Lotus. Here are some articles written by the Norwich Evening News.

Group Lotus boss Dany Bahar suspended

Speculation over Lotus boss Dany Bahar’s future following suspension

New in the F1 press releases section:

Lotus F1 Team comments on the Monaco Grand Prix 2012. Read more here.

Linkin Park linkes up with Lotus F1 Team. Read more here.

Avanade joins Lotus F1 Team. Read more here.

Indy 500 adventure came to an unwanted early end.

Unfortunately, the Indianapolis 500 adventure came to an early end, after a period of working very hard for all involved staff. Lotus and Jean Alesi did a very difficult job by putting the team together in such a short time and one can not expect miracles.

As Lotus thought might happen, both Alesi and Silvestra have been black flagged for struggling to meet 105 percent. After 9 laps in, both Alesi and Silvestra have been lapped. Their speed was 13mph off the pace.

Jean Alesi now has a taste for the Indy 500: “I’ve had fantastic people around me. We were suffering with engine performance and had to pit. Would like to be back next year"

Lotus will be working on giving him a competitive package next year.

 

New in the modelcar section of this website:

Oxford Diecast has announced a 1:43 scale model of the Lotus Elan +2, due for release by the end of this year.

Spark has announced a 1:43 version of the LMP2 car (Lola B12/80 coupe Lotus model) for release later this year.

The May 2012 Newsletter has been distributed to all subscribers.

Getting ready for "Great British" at the Zandvoort Circuit next Sunday. With the Lotus Club Holland we will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the club, and of course 50 years Elan! Click here for some images.

New in the modelcar section of this website:

Lotus E20 models announced by Spark

Rare Type 56 for sale

The Graham Hill 1968 Lotus Type 56/3 Turbine Indy Racecar will be offered for sale during the Mecum Auction, Monterey, 17 August 2012. This revolutionary four-wheel-drive and turbine-powered Lotus was driven by Graham Hill in 1968’s Indy 500.

New on the video page of this website:

New Lotus Exige S in a video from Lotus. Presentation by Head of Design Donato Coco and Chief Engineer Matt Becker. You have to see this!

New in the press releases section of the website:

Lotus Racing - last weekend 12/13 May 2012

New in the books section of this website:

Joe Honda Racing Pictorial Series by HIRO No.17 Lotus 72 1970-72

New in the F1 press releases section:

Lotus F1 Team comments on the Spanish Grand Prix 2012. Read more here.

12 May 2012

New in the press releases section of the website:

Lotus Racing launch new Evora GTC. Flared wheel arches, more rubber, less weight, and new technologies have added extra spice to Lotus’ race winning Evora, the GT4 Enduro. The new GTC licks the Evora’s performance envelope, delivering more speed and increased grip.  Read more here.

Lotus Originals store to open Summer 2012. The new Lotus Originals flagship store will open its doors in the Summer of 2012. Read more here.

Win a drive in a Lotus F1 team car!

Read more here

New in the modelcar section of this website:

Lotus Type 102, Derek Warwick Belgian GP 1990, by Spark, 1:43

Autoweek: Dragon Racing sues Lotus for $4.6 million in wake of chassis dispute

Read the story here

New proActive digital magazine from Lotus Engineering

Lotus Engineering has just published issue 44 of their e-zine, again very interesting! Read more here.

New in the modelcar section of this website:

Lotus Evora GTE Le Mans 2011, pictures of the comming Spark 1:43 models

New in the press releases section of the website:

Lotus LMP2 at the Six Hours of Spa. Read the whole story here.

New in the modelcar section of this website:

99T 1:43 Senna, Japanese GP 1987
99T 1:43 Nakajima, Japanese GP 1987
102 1:43 Warwick, Hungary 1990

New in the modelcar section of this website:

Lotus 56B models, 1:43 by Saprk: R. Wisell 1971 British GP and E. Fittipaldi, 1971 Italian GP

New in the F1 press releases section:

Mugello test days

Olav Glasius collection for sale

As I mentioned before, Olav Glasius has decided to sell a large part of his car collection, to be more precise 24 Lotus cars will be offered for sale on Friday the 29th June 2012 at the Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed sale. More information and mages of the cars, click here and click here.

DRB-Hicom will not be selling Lotus!

Autocar UK has reported that Lotus Cars has secured enough investment from new owner to restore full car production. As I mentioned before, Malaysian law request a financial lock-up after a Malaysian firm sell major assets. This is a 60-day period and in this case it took a bit more time. But now DRB-Hicom have opened up their wallet and funds are moving towards Lotus. It will only tak ea few days to start producing cars again, at maximum capacity.

As things look now, the new Esprit should be in the showrooms by the end of 2013. And Lotus will be able to continue developing their new V8 engine and automated manual transmission.

Read the Autocar article here.

There is a report from Bernama (Malaysian national new agency) covering the facts that DRB-Hicom is not selling Lotus and that the KPMG evaluation has been put on hold. Read it here.

Lotus in racing, last weekend

A report from Lotus covering the racing activities last weekend. Read it here.

March 2012

News from Lotus: The Lotus F1 Team Communications & Heritage Centre

The Lotus F1 Team Communications & Heritage Centre is an ideal setting to stage corporate events. The Lotus F1 Team offers unique hosting opportunities at the heart of the team’s operations, for groups ranging from 5 to 120 people.

Read more here.

6 Page brochure here.

News from Lotus: A Week in Motorsport with Lotus

Formula One, GP2, Indycar and Rally, read about it here.

New in the Modelcar section of this website:

Lotus Eclat S1 1:43 by Spark

Press release: Kimi Räikönnen launches Lotus in Lebanon

Fresh from the Malaysian Grand Prix, Kimi Räikkönen joined Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar in Beirut to celebrate the return of Lotus to Lebanon.

Read more here
 

Press release: Lotus Establishes bespoke partnership with Mansory

Mansory, the German specialist in craftsmanship on luxury vehicles has already worked with Lotus on a range of special editions, and will offer Lotus enthusiasts the ultimate tailoring service. At the Paris Motor Show in September this year, Lotus will unveil an exciting new model variant in collaboration with Mansory.

Read more here

Press release: Malaysian Grand Prix 2012, comments from Lotus F1 Team

Kimi Räikkönen led the charge for Lotus F1 Team in the Malaysian Grand Prix; translating a tenth place starting slot into a fifth-placed finish in a rain-affected, red flag-interrupted race. He also set the fastest lap of the day as the track dried in the run to the chequered flag. It was a different story for Romain Grosjean, with an early exit from the slippery Sepang circuit on lap four.

Read more here

Racing: Lotus LMP2 12 hours of Sebring

The newly-created FIA World Endurance Championship started off with the first race of the season today. Lotus finished the race in 10th position in the overall classification and in 6th position in the LMP2 classification.

Read more here

Formula One: Australia

Lotus F1 Team kicked off the 2012 Formula 1 season with a day of mixed emotions in Melbourne. Kimi Räikkönen mounted a superb comeback charge, slicing through the field from his P18 grid slot to finish well inside the points in 7th.

Read the full story from Lotus F1 Team here.

Important Lotus collection to be sold during Bonhams Auction at Goodwood

Long time Lotus collector and chairman of the Lotus Club Holland Olav Glasius has decided to sell a large part of his collection. At the Goodwood Festival of Speed auction on 29 June no less than 24 of his cars will be on the lot-list. Including exclusive cars like an original and unspoiled Formula Junior Lotus 27 and ex-Formula 1/InterContinental Lotus Type 18, a very rare Ex-Team Lotus, Cliff Allison/Keith Hall 1956 Lotus Eleven 'Wide-body' Le Mans and a trio of prototype/one-off concept cars. Just to name a few out of this carefully created collection. This is the work of a genuine enthusiast and it is a pity that this collection will be separated. This is an important showcase of Lotus history!  More information will be on the Bonhams website in the near future, look here.

Formula One: new Lotus f1 Team store opened

While visiting the Lotus F1 Team website, you can now check out the new store where the Lotus Renault GP items have been replaced by new Lotus F1 Team items. It is clear that the new collection is presented as part of the Lotus Originals line.

Click here to visit the website.

Formula One: Lotus F1 Team announces a three-year partnership with Microsoft.

Lotus F1 Team announced a three-year partnership with Microsoft which begins with immediate effect. Microsoft Dynamics branding will feature prominently both on the Lotus F1 Team E20s and the drivers’ overalls when the team makes its 2012 race debut at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 18.

Read more here.

Restyled Lotus website

While the Geneva show was starting, the Lotus people in Hethel launched a restyled website. You can find it here.

New Lotus models temporarily on hold

Lotus CEO Dany Bahar has admitted in an interview to Evo Magazine that much of the company’s development of new models has been suspended following the Malaysian government’s decision to sell its majority stake in Proton.

Read more here.

New in the Press Releases section of this website:

Lotus unleashes its fastest roadster ever: The Exige S Roadster. Read more here.

New in the Modelcar section of this website:

Type 25 1963 F1 World Champion Jim Clark by Brumm, 1:43
 

New in the video section of this website:

During the Lotus press conference in Geneva I was standing next to my friend Andy Betts, owner of The Lotus Forums, who made a video. Here is a link to this video.

Geneva!

Yesterday I visited the Lotus stand in Geneva (just in time for the press presentation) and must admit dat I did not see the news that I expected. But yes, there is news and I am sharing this with you in the press releases section of this website. And of course in the March newsletter.

Read more here

Lotus Magazine

Issue 5 is published now, including very interesting articles about the people behind Lotus and Nigel Mansell, just to mention two stories. And there is much more in this issue course. I enjoyed reading it, if you like to know more about this magazine I suggest you visit the website.

New in the Modelcar section of this website:

This is the new 1:43 Ford 400E Team Lotus transporter, announced by SMTS. The set will be for sale as a kit or as built models. And one may buy the transporter with trailer or transporter with trailer and 3 Lotus 18 racecars.

image: Grand Prix Models

Formula One: Barcelona Formula One testdays, Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona. 1 - 4 March 2012

Lotus F1 Team finished their pre-season testing with Kimi Räikkönen setting the fastest time of the day at the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona today. Kimi’s 1min 22.030secs lap was the fastest set over the two weeks testing at the 4.7 km circuit. He also completed the furthest distance today, with 121 laps.

Read more here

IS THIS THE SPECIAL EVORA THAT WILL BE UNVEILED IN GENEVA?

As I did mention before Geneva will bring us the the launch of a limited-edition F1-inspired Lotus Evora GTE.  The people from Autoblog have found this car, that was snapped at the Jerez circuit in Spain ahead of its official unveiling. More info can be found here.
 

New in the Press Releases section of this website:

Lotus Racing set for tarmac and grassroots
- Official team for 2012 FIA European Rally Championship
- Official team for 2012 European Le Mans Series
- Rewards for results with Lotus Racing Karts

Read more here.

Formula One: Barcelona Formula One testdays, Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona. 1 - 4 March 2012

Lotus F1 Team went fastest and one lap shy of furthest in the second test day of four at the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona. Romain Grosjean completed a mammoth 124 laps – almost 600 km - including a race distance simulation. He ended the day with a 1min 22.614secs lap – the fastest by over half a second.

Read more here

April 2012

I have been working on the page that lists Lotus clubs in the UK. Please let me know if you have more information for the club spages, as I will by happy to add or change items.

New on the video page:

Lotus LMP2 Sebring
Lotus Exige S track test

New in the downloads section:

Lotus Evora GTE
Lotus Club GT
Lotus Exige 270E trifuel
Lotus T125
Lotus Exige S V6
Evora Design Concept Book

New in the books section of this website:

If you're not winning you're not trying DVD

New in the press releases section of the website:

Lotus Indycar engines: two teams are let out of the deals

As I announced earlier, Lotus is into Indycar engines this season. But, after a late start, it proved to be very difficult to build enough engines in order to meet the regulatory requirement (2012 IZOD IndyCar Series) to supply multiple teams. For this reason, Lotus has released Bryan Herta Autosport and Dreyer & Reinbold Racing from its IndyCar engine contracts on the 24th April.

This means that Lotus will continue to supply engines to Dragon drivers Bourdais and Katherine Legge, and Simona De Silvestro of Lotus HVM Racing. The competition, formed by Chevrolet and Honda, deliver engines to 11 drivers (Chevrolet) and 10 drivers (Honda). And of course both Bryan Herta Autosport and Dreyer & Reinbold are now looking for a new supplier.

Another aspect of the coming change of engines will be that Dreyer & Reinbold Racing have to do a rebranding (again). After the engine deal with Lotus, the team changed its name to Lotus DRR and changed the colours of cars and clothing to black and gold.

Now that Lotus has less cars to supply, this may give some space to be able to build enough engines and also to be able to find more power, which is much needed as can be seen on the straights.

Read more here

New in the press releases section of the website:

A fantastic weekend for Lotus Racing
Lotus at the the 2012 Beijing auto show

New in the F1 press releases section of the website:

Formula One Grand Prix of Bahrain, comments from the Lotus F1 Team

Newsletter 58 - March 2012 - has been distributed to all subscribers! More information here.

Lotus F1 Team: 2nd and 3rd place in Bahrain! Congretulations!

New in the Modelcar section of this website:

Type 74, images of the two new 1:43 Spark models
Type 77, image of the #5 car used by Peterson, Brazilian GP 1976, 1:43
Type 78, image of the car used by Hector Rebaque during the German Grand Prix of 1978, 1:43
Sunbeam Lotus, new 1:43 version by Ixo, Tour de Corse 1979 Nicolas-Todt

New in the books section of this website:

DVD on how to completely dismantle, restore and maintain the Lotus Twin Cam Engine

New in the press releases section of the website:

Lotus ambassador Jean Alesi reflects on the Chinese Grand Prix…

New in the press releases section of the website:

Lotus and racing, last weekend
Lotus F1 Team comments on the Chinese Grand Prix

New in the downloads section:

2012 Lotus pricelists

New in the Modelcar section of this website:

• Amalgam has announced a 1:4 scale copy of the E20 steering wheel, this should become available later this year….
  ….and also a 1:1 copy that will be yours for GBP 1.650,=
• Also comming form Amalgan: a 1:8 sale replica of the E20
• And finally the E20 nose cone in 1:12 scale, also announced for 2012
• New Spark model of the Exige S 2012, scale 1:43, first image.
  

New in the books section of this website:

Chapman, a French comic book covering the rise of Lotus to the Formula One world championship with Jim Clark, to the first victory for a rear-engine car in Indianapolis and its inventor Colin Chapman

Press release: CEO Dany Bahar addresses the media

We have recently seen and heard a lot of stories concerning Group Lotus. In the Netherlands we have an expression "if you see smoke, there must be fire!". I have not got a clue if this is an international expression, but its meaning is clear. There is some smoke comming from Hethel, so lets see what Lotus has got to say about this so that we may find out the true story. Read more here.

New in the Modelcar section of this website:

Lotus 47GT Team Lotus Silverstone 1968 by Ebbro, 1:43

Lotus 47GT "British Clubman Style" by Spark, 1:43

Lotus Elan "British Clubman Style" by Spark, 1:43

Lotus Elan 26 R 1966 Suzuka 500km - #18 by Ebbro, 1:43

Lotus Elan 26R Funabashi Circuit 1965 - #19 by Ebbro, 1:43

Group Lotus no longer title sponsor for the Lotus F1 Team!

The source of the following comments is http://www.autosport.com

According to Autosport magazine the Lotus F1 Team has terminated its title sponsorship deal with sportscar manufacturer Group Lotus!
The team will still be committed to keeping the famous name in Formula 1 for the future. It all started when parent company Proton was sold to the DRB group. This was the start of financial uncertainties for Group Lotus. See also what Danny Bahar had to say about this in the March newsletter. Now Lotus F1 Team owner Genii Capital has ended its formal relationship with the marque.

Genii Capital owner Gerard Lopez explained to Autosport: "The sponsorship agreement and the obligations of Lotus have been terminated. There is no option from Group Lotus to buy into F1 now - that option was taken over by us. There was one, but we have taken it over now."

"We are happy to carry the Lotus name as we believe it is a good name for F1," he explained. "We funded the team last year and the year before for whatever delta was missing. We would prefer to have sponsors up to the full amount - but if we have to fund it then we will fund it.

"When we changed the name from Lotus Renault to Lotus [for this year], it opened up the door for a title sponsor. So if you take into account the fact we signed Unilever, probably the biggest sponsorship agreement this year in F1, and we signed Microsoft, which is huge news as it is a brand that has never been in F1 before, we have a wide space for sponsorship.

"If we sign a title sponsor now, we will end up with a better cash flow situation than this team ever had before."

As we all know there have been comments in the media about Genii taking over Group Lotus. When asked if he would be interested in buying Group Lotus, Lopez said: "We don't know yet, because we really do not know what the new owner wants to do with it."

New in the books section of this website:

Jochen Rindt - eine Bildbiographie

New on the video page of this website:

Rally Test Lotus Exige R-GT - Sanremo (ITA), March 2012

New in the downloads section:

Evora Enduro brochure
Evora GTS brochure
Exige R-GT brochure

New in the Genealogy section of the website:

Evora page, extra information has been added

New in the downloads section:

Evora GT4 specifications (2012)
Evora GTN brochure (2012)
Exige S brochure (2012), various languages
Elise (2012), various languages
Evora (2012), various languages

New in the racing section:

Some updates on various pages.

Newsletter

Issue 57, March 2012, has been distributed to all subscribers now.

February 2012

Newsletter

The February newsletter will be distributed by e-mail today.

New in the books section of this website:

Books that are based on articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. I have listed a Lotus Cortina book, a 2-Eleven book and a book called Lotus Cars.

New in the Press Releases section of this website:

Deputy prime minister Nick Clegg names Lotus director “Industry Champion” for “Make it in Great Britain” campaign. David Hewitt, Operations Director for Group Lotus, has joined a select list of captains of industry to promote manufacturing in the United Kingdom. Read more here.

New in the Modelcar section of this website:

E20 Formula One model announced by Minichamps, scale 1:43, drivers Räikkönen and Grosjean. Basically the 2012 show car is the R31 in 2012 livery....

Minichamps have just released their earlier announced Lotus Renault GP R31 '1st Podium' - Australian GP 2011 - Petrov version.

Type 79 by Eligor, I was able to add an image of this extremely rare model.

Geneva 2012

Lotus is giving us some more information about what to expect in Geneva. We will see the launch of a limited-edition F1-inspired Lotus Evora GTE. And F1 driver Kimi Räikkönen will be there and do interviews. No doubt there is more news to follow soon, so keep looking at these pages!

Formula One: testing days in Barcelona

Unfortunately Lotus had to cancel the final three days of the Barcelona Formula One test to correct a serious chassis problem. During initial runs with Romain Grosjean at the wheel, the team identified an issue with the chassis. After investigation at Enstone, initial plans to bring out chassis E20-01 to Barcelona have been held in order to give the team enough time to rectify the situation.

Lotus F1 Team will be back on track next week in Barcelona (1-4 March) Read more here.

New in the Modelcar section of this website:

First image of the new Spark Type 16, 1959 Dutch GP Innes Ireland

Geneva 2012

What will be the surprise that Lotus has for us in Geneva? Group Lotus is teasing the press with: "something breezy, something loud, something ice-cold, and some other interesting elements".  And: "we’ll blow the roof off..." Of course I am planning to be there and see it for myself, but it is always nice to guess what will be going on. I believe one the new items we may see there can be the Evora Convertible. Why do I believe this? Because the short press release showed "topless" images, including a man's bald head and a bikini top. And because there have been speculations about a convertible Evora for a while now. For now, we have to wait an see....

"leaked" image of what could be the Evora convertible

New in the Modelcar section of this website:

Roadace Replicas of England

These models were made in the 1970's until the 1990's by Ken Dolton, a retired optician. He started by making a master model, made a mould and then hand detailed the models. Everything is hand made and detailed, made from dental plaster. Even the lettering on the base and Lotus logo is hand done. Simply incredible work done on an incredibly small scale (approximately 1:100). Hard to find these days. I have listed a Type 21, Type 25 and Elan.

New in the Genealogy section of the website:

E20 page has been updated

New in the Modelcar section of this website:

Several pages have been updated with the news from the Nuremberg Toy Fair

Formula One: testing days at Jerez

Lotus F1 Team concluded the first pre-season test of 2012 with Romain Grosjean completing 95 laps of the Jerez circuit. Read more here.

New in the Modelcar section of this website:

The Lotus Exige S model that is made by Looksmart will not be as exclusive as we did believe, now that Looksmart will bring out different colours of this model. Still in limited production runs. Read more here.

Type 43; Model factory Hiro announced a new 1:20 kit of this car to be released very soon.
Type 72C, three different Ebbro 1:20 scale kits are announced.

Formula One: testing days at Jerez

Romain Grosjean made his E20 debut on the third day of testing at Jerez, setting the fastest lap time in the morning, and second fastest of the day. Have a look at the F1 Press releases section of this website!

New in the Modelcar section of this website:

The Lotus Exige S model that Lotus Originals is offering for sale, was not made by Spark but by Looksmart!

Formula One: testing days at Jerez

If you like to follow what is happening at Jerez, here is a very good link for you: http://www.gpupdate.net/en/. During day 1 we could see how Kimi Räikkönen with chassis E20-01 topped the times!

Nuremberg Toy Fair

For all those modelcar collectors out there I did write a special edition of the newsletter covering the new modelcars that are announced for 2012. This newsletter was send without cost to al subscribers. Let me know if you like to receive the newsletter.

New in the Modelcar section of this website:

Lotus Exige S model, offered for sale by Lotus Originals in a numbered series of 50 pieces. This is the white version of the car, as presented on the show in Frankfurt in 2011.

Newsletter

All subscribers have just received the 2012 Nuremberg Toy Fair special with newly announced Lotus modelcars.

Formula One

Yesterday evening the Lotus F1 Team has launched the 2012 car, the new E20 that will be used by Räikkönen and Grosjean.

image © Lotus f1 Team

Watch the video here!

See more information and interviews here!

New in the Modelcar section of this website:

• Lotus Elise GT1 (raceversions) slotcar by Avant
  
• Lotus Type 78, Truescale Miniatures have announced two 1:18 versions
• Lotus Elite S2 by Spark, 1:43
• Truescale Miniatures also announced a Lotus Type 76 in scale 1:43
• And also from Truescale, this Type 72E Ronnie Peterson Italinian GP 1973, 1:43
• Rêve 1:43 Lotus Type 99T Nakajima British GP 1987
• A new version of the Ninco 1:32 Exige S slotcar

For collectors who want to add something to their models, this 1977 Lotus pit crew that is announced by Truesale Miniatures may be nice, it will be available in scale 1:43 and scale 1:18.

And there will be more 1:43 and 1:18 scale figurines like Ronnie Peterson 'Team Lotus 1978, Mario Andretti 'Team Lotus 1977.

January 2012

Formula One news

The new Lotus F1 car, to be presented by the Lotus F1 Team on 5 February, will be called E20. This will be the 20th car that is produced at the Enstone plant.

A teaser video can be viewed at our video page.

Lotus Renault Grand Prix -> Lotus F1 Team

This is the new logo

D’Ambrosio announced as new reserve driver for Lotus

Lotus F1 Team is pleased to announce that Jérôme D'Ambrosio has joined the team as third driver for the 2012 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season.

Jérôme, who contested last year’s season as a race driver for Marussia Virgin Racing, will attend all races in 2012, working with the race driver pairing of Kimi Räikkönen and Romain Grosjean. The 26 year-old Belgian will be ready to stand-in for either of the two race drivers if required.

JÉRÔME D'AMBROSIO
“It’s a great feeling to be joining Lotus F1 Team. It’s an exciting next step in my career. I contested a complete season in F1 as a race driver for a smaller team where I learnt a lot about Formula 1. Now, I have the opportunity to work with one of the top teams with great potential for my future development. With my recent race experience, I know I can make a valuable contribution. Of course, I would love to be racing, but racing with a top team. Being associated with Lotus F1 Team should be more beneficial and this is the choice I have made. This opportunity is one I couldn’t afford to miss. My desire to get back in a race seat in the future is motivating me to do the best job possible in my new position.”

ERIC BOULLIER, TEAM PRINCIPAL AND MANAGING DIRECTOR:
“To have a third driver who is highly motivated, fresh and talented and who contested the full 2011 season is highly beneficial for us. In Jérôme we have someone we know well who integrates beneficially with the squad. He impressed as reserve driver for us in 2010 and at the end of that year he made a strong showing in the young driver test. He also showed strongly in his rookie season as an F1 race driver. I am looking forward to working with Jérôme again and think he is a perfect addition to our driving strength.”

Indian Driver Sailesh Bolisetti to race for Lotus in British GT

Lotus Sport UK has signed Sailesh Bolisetti to race in the 2012 Avon Tyres British GT Championship. Read more here.

New on the video page of this website:

Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus F1 Team's new driver, was back at the wheel of an F1 car for the first time since 2009, in Valencia 23-01-2012.

The new Lotus F1 Team Formula One car will be presented on the 5th of February!

New on the video page of this website:

Lotus' chief testing guru Matt Becker puts the Lotus Evora S IPS through its paces at the Hethel test track.

Events news

Club Lotus has announced that there will not be a Donington Show in 2012! The idea is to have the show in April again, as many exhibitors and visitors have asked. Now that April 2012 seems to be impossible for several reasons, it is decided that the next show will be in April 2013. Well worth a visit!

Read more here

Award for the Lotus Evora S

Digital magazine and automotive website Winding Road has selected their best cars of 2012. The Lotus Evora S was selected as best Super Coupe.

"With competitors including even blistering fare from Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Porsche, winning the Super Coupe of the year award means a dogfight. So, while few would argue that the newly supercharged Evora is anything but a purebred sports car, we think its win here is mightily impressive considering the talent in the segment."

"The Evora S is fast, blissfully communicative, and more fluid to operate at the limit than any car south of a six-figure price tag ought to be. A fast, direct manual transmission allows for superb modulation of the torque-rich engine, while a nearly pitch-perfect exhaust note encourages us to keep the revs up just for the hell of it. Take this Lotus to the track and it’ll do you proud; drive it hard on the most excellent back road you can find and it’ll blow your mind."

Newsletter

The January 2012 newsletter is published now, all (free) subscribers have received it.

New Lotus Originals flagship store in London

Group Lotus is delighted to confirm a brand new ‘LOTUS ORIGINALS’ flagship store will be opening in London’s prestigious Regent Street - 52 Regent Street to be exact! Situated in London’s Piccadilly, from Spring/Summer 2012 the building will host a brand new Lotus experience: a 4,800 sq ft store situated in a Grade II-listed former ‘Café Royal’. Read more here.

New on the video page of this website:

Lotus team up with Team Bullrun at Autosport International

Team Bullrun have announced they are to take delivery of a new Lotus Evora in time for the first round of the Championship at the Silverstone GP circuit on 24th March 2012. See the video here.

Lots from Lotus at Autosport International

Lotus has announced a lot of news at the Autosport International Show. Read all about it here.

Lotus Renault Grand Prix innovation

Lotus is doing it again! I am of course referring to ‘the old days’ when Colin Chapman was able to make his opponents very nervous with his innovations. With the new innovative reactive ride height system Lotus Renault Grand Prix is forcing their rivals to copy it. Especially now that the FIA has approved it!

The mechanical system helps maintain a standard ride height during braking, when normally th efront end of the car would go down. The adjustment to the ride height is reactive to brake torque and is linked to the suspension. The driver does not have to do anything to improve aerodynamic performance and stability while braking. The fact that the driver is not involved, and that the system is a part of the suspension, means it complies fully with the F1 regulations.

Introducing Lotus GP

Lotus ART will have a new name, but the identity and values of the team remain the same. Starting in 2012, and for the upcoming seasons, the team led by Frédéric Vasseur and Nicolas Todt will continue its commitment in the GP2 and GP3 Series championships under the name Lotus, with the colours that brought glory to the auto brand, Black and Gold.  Read more here.

New on the video page of this website:

Introducing Lotus Club GT
The Priocept Exige in action

New in the Press Releases section of this website:

Members only....

A hint of what’s to come at the Autosport International Show this week

Group Lotus is welcoming applications to one of the world’s most elite clubs – the Lotus Club GT. Here you won’t find leather Chesterfields, wood-paneled walls or the aroma of fine cigars; instead you’ll find bucket seats, carbon-fibre and the smell of burnt rubber. Read more here.

Kimi Räikkönen visited the Lotus Renault Grand Prix HQ at Enstone earlier this week for seat fitting.

image © LRGP

New in the racing section of this website:

Some information on the 2012 LRGP drivers.

New in the Modelcar section of this website:

SMART Lotus Elan by MEA kit 43
Lotus Type 79 as driven by Jarier in the 1978 Canadian GP, by Minichamps

New on the video page of this website:

Bruno Senna takes the new Lotus Exige S for a spin.

Happy New Year everybody!

New in the Modelcar section of this website:

Elan 26R Shapecraft Lightwork Racing by Spark, 1:43

Evora Type 124 Cup 2010 by Spark, 1:43

December 2011

New in the Modelcar section of this website:

Lotus Renault GP R31, Petrov, Minichamps 1:43
Lotus Renault GP R31, Heidfeld, Minichamps 1:43

New in the Press Releases section of this website:

Lotus Motorsport Hits  Major Milestones
Success in Italy with the first IndyCar engine fire-up and Exige R-GT Rally shakedown

The December Newsletter has now been send to all subscribers.

Goodwood Festival of Speed 2012
A full six months ahead of next summer’s Festival of Speed (28 June - 1 July 2012), Goodwood is excited to reveal that it will be honouring the pioneering Lotus marque with the main ‘Central Feature’ installation, displayed prominently outside Goodwood House. Read the full press release here.

New in the Modelcar section of this website:

Lotus Cortina by Scalextric, 1964 Neptune Racing Team
T128 Chandhok, German GP 2011, by Spark, 1:43
Type 77 transfer kit by Model Factory Hiro, scale 1:12

New in the Modelcar section of this website:

99T, 1:43 Monaco GP 1987 winner (Senna) by Rêve
Sunbeam Lotus, 1:18 scale rally version by Otto Mobile announced for February 2012
Lotus Type 25 in "Classic British Marques" set by Brumm
Lotus Renault GP Showcar by Minichamps, scale 1:18

New in the Modelcar section of this website:

Lotus Type 25 by Spark, scale 1:18, a replica of Jim Clark’s 1963 championship winning car. Just in time for Christmas!

New contract for Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar

The CEO of Group Lotus, Dany Bahar, has signed a new contract for a period of 4 years after a meeting with Proton. Dany Bahar came from Ferrari to Lotus in 2009 and his contract was to expire in 2012. “The Proton dedication to our plans has always been solid, and the decision to extend my contract a year early is a signal of that commitment,” Bahar said.

New in the Modelcar section of this website:

Elise GT1 street version by Avant Slot, 1:32
Lotus 97T in 4 versions by Fujimi, 1:20 kit.

New in the books section of this website:

Joe Honda Photobook Volume 12, Gold Leaf Team Lotus

New in the books section of this website:

New DVD deries Grand Prix Heroes. Each film is narrated by Sir Stirling Moss, and is packed with wonderful racing action from legendary circuits including Monaco, Kyalami, Spa-Francorchamps, Brands Hatch and Montjuich. In addition, we have the privilege of listening in as the teams and star drivers work on performance in the pits. I have listed DVD's on Mario Andretti, Ronnie Peterson and Emmerson Fittipaldi. Look here for more information.

10 December 2011

First Lotus Originals Shop is now open

In Hethel, located at the Group Lotus HQ, the first new Lotus Original Shop has been opened by Bruno Senna And Dany Bahar. The store is open to the public Monday to Thursday 8.30am until 5pm and 8.30am until midday on Fridays. Customers can also shop online at www.lotusoriginals.com.

Read the full press release here.

Romain Grosjean to race alongside Kimi Räikkönen in 2012

Lotus Renault GP and TOTAL have just announced that Romain Grosjean will race alongside 2007 world champion Kimi Räikkönen next season. The two companies are also pleased to confirm that they have renewed their sponsorship agreement for another year. Read the full story here.

Do you want to know more about the new Lotus Exige? Have a look here:

Exige S is comming soon!
Lotus dealers are now offering testdrives with the new Lotus Exige S with V6 engine. Read more about the new Exige S here.

Newsflashes:

If we may believe Spain's El Mundo Deportivo and Italy's Italiaracing, Kimi Räikönen is co-owner of the Lotus Formula One team that he will be driving for next year....
He could be the first 'driver-owner' in F1 in more than twenty years.

There may be a female test driver next season with María de Villota reportedly on the verge of signing a deal with Lotus Renault GP. This 31-year-old lady is the daughter of former Formula One driver Emilio de Villota. She made her first drive in a Lotus Renault GP car in August, testdriving an R29 at the Paul Ricard circuit.

Lotus Renault GP: Genii's Gerard Lopez said this week: "Kimi (Raikkonen's) decision to come back to formula one with us is the first step of several announcements which should turn us into an even more serious contender in the future." One of the first announcements may be about team boss Eric Boullier is rumoured to be leaving his duties... Former McLaren sporting director Dave Ryan was in the Renault garage last weekend at Interlagos. An other person who seems to be on the shortlist is Gerhard Berger.

New on the video page:

1. Launch party for Lotus luxury automotive to unveil the world's first chrome colored car designed by the newly appointed creative director Swizz Beatz. Special guests included Lotus CEO Dany Bahar, Alicia Keys, Russell Simmons, Stephen Baldwin, Carmelo Anthony and a surprise performance from Swizz and TI.

2. Lotus Renault Grand Prix: Film featuring exhilarating footage of the best road cars in the world trying to attain a speed of 300km/h before the R30, driven by Nicolas Prost, demonstrates an amazing performance of its own.

New on the links page:

1. Elan M100 hoods
2. Rare lotus cars

I have started the events calendar for 2012, any Lotus related event can be listed here, free of charge!
Read more here.

New in the Genealogy section of this website:
An update of the Evora page, including the special versions that Lotus has produced or announced.

November 2011

New in the Genealogy section of this website:
On the Elan derivatives page: new information concerning the IWR Elan

Newsletter: the November issue has been distributed now.

Formula One news:
Kimi Räikkönen back in F1 with Lotus Renault GP in 2012! Lotus Renault GP is announced that Kimi Räikkönen will race for the team next season. Read more here.

Group Lotus ambassador Jean Alesi about Kimi Raikkonen, Sao Paulo and an action-packed season of Formula One… Read more here.

Special Evora for sale
During the Bonhams auction on 1 December 2011 there will be a special Lotus Evora for sale!

This new Evora S 2+2 coupé has been personalised by Roger Daltrey himself and completed by a design team at Lotus Cars dedicated to this very special project, which will be finished as a 2012 model. Hand trimmed by Lotus craftsmen, the interior is a unique bespoke design, featuring discrete references to The Who and 'Mod' culture in the form of red/white/blue embroidered roundels on the headrests, distinctive Union flags on the seat backs, etc. The exterior likewise features unique hand-painted graphics including Roger Daltrey's authenticating signature. 
 

New in the Modelcar section of this website:

Type 78 Mario Andretti 1977 GP Japan by Spark
Type 78 Gunnar Nilsson 1977 GP Japan by Spark
Type 72C 1:20 scale kit by Ebbro

New in the books section:
A comic book offered by by Lotus Renault Grand Prix. Read more here.

Robert Kubica to miss start of 2012 season
Robert Kubica has today informed Lotus Renault GP that, despite having started an intensive training programme, it is still too early for him to commit to driving in the 2012 championship. Read more here.

Lotus IndyCar developments announced at the LA Auto Show
Lotus announces three partner teams to run Lotus IndyCar twin turbo V-6 racing engines in the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series season. This is an all new Lotus engine that had been developped during the last 12 months. Read more here

By the way, there will be a fourth team using this engine, but they ar not an official partner: Michael Shank Racing, a successful sports-car racing team transitioning to IndyCar, announced at Las Vegas last month that it also will be a Lotus team, although it won't be one of the partner squads.
 

Exige S, more info than ever!

After months of media speculation Group Lotus unveiled the latest addition to the family at the Frankfurt Motor Show: the extraordinary new Exige S, the ultimate lightweight high performance sportscar. Read more here

New in the books section of this website:

Joe Honda Photobook; Lotus 99T and 100T, read more here.
 

New in the Modelcar section of this website:

Elan S4 FHC by Spark
Eleven, new images added showing various Pinko 1-43 models

Formula One: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2011

• Standings
• Comments from Lotus Renault GP
• And comments from Team Lotus

The Group Lotus racing weekend

Success for Group Lotus at the GP2 and Intercontinental Le Mans Cup Finales
A win for James Calado, Lotus-ART in GP2 and strong results at the ILMC race in China for Lotus Jetalliance overshadow disappointing F1 performance. Read more here.

Modelcar section

I have a lot of catching up to do here, so the next few days I will concentrate on these pages when I have time.

T128 page: images added and new model announced!

Type 56 page: image added

The war is over!

Proton, Group Lotus, 1Malaysia Racing Team and its owner Tony Fernandes announced in a mutual press release that the legal dispute in the English Courts relating to the "LOTUS" and "TEAM LOTUS" brands has now ended amicably with the parties agreeing settlement terms earlier this month. Read more here.

I had some catching up to do....

Formula One: Indian Grand Prix 2011

• Standings
• Comments from Lotus Renault GP
• And comments from Team Lotus

First Lotus Showroom in China!

Last week saw a major milestone event in Group Lotus’ history as the first Lotus showroom in China was declared officially open for business. The formal opening ceremony at the showroom in Beijing was overseen by senior representatives of Group Lotus and Lotus China alongside Clive Chapman, the son of Lotus Founder Colin Chapman.  Read more here.

Message from the FIA:

"The FIA, on the basis of the support expressed by its F1 commission chaired by Bernie Ecclestone, which had a meeting in Geneva on Nov. 3, has agreed the following team name changes as from 2012:

Team name: Caterham F1 Team - New chassis name: From Lotus to Caterham

Team name: Lotus Renault GP - New chassis name: From Renault to Lotus

Team name: Marussia F1 Team - New chassis name: From Virgin to Marussia

Group Lotus awarded multi million Regional Growth Fund
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has formally confirmed that Group Lotus’ bid for funds from the second round of the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) has been successful. One of the main purposes of the Regional Growth Fund is to support growth within the UK manufacturing sector. Read more here

October 2011

New on the video page:

A look behind the scenes at Hethel with an update on the new Esprit and the new V8 engine development.

New in the books section:

• Caterham Seven 1974-1999
• Caterham Seven 2000-2010

New in the ProActive section:

Issue 42, Autumn 2011, with very interesting content:

• Lotus at Frankfurt Motorshow
• Q&A with Richard Parry-Jones
• Electric vehicles - dividing opinion
• Ternary blends of gasoline
• Vehicle light-weighting and sustainability
• Q&A with Claudio Berro

Formula One: South Korean Grand Prix 2011

• Standings
• Comments from Lotus Renault GP
• And comments from Team Lotus

Group Lotus entry into the World Karting Championship 2012

With an official entry into the CIK-FIA World Karting Championship 2012, Group Lotus is determined to discover new talent.
Read more here.

A report from Lotus covering last (racing) weekend

More F1 Points & More GT4 Success. Lotus Renault GP displayed some promising performance in Japan, which translated into two Championship points on Sunday.  Lotus Sport UK took its second GT4 victory on the trot on Saturday at Silverstone’s two hour sportscar enduro, the final round of the 2011 British GT Championship. Silverstone also played to host to final round of the 2011 Blancpain Endurance Series on Sunday and, after a season long battle between the top contenders and the Evora GT4 of Lotus Sport Italia (run by Gianni Giudici), it came down to the final race to decide the championship honors.

Read more here!.

Limited Edition: Lotus Evora S GP Edition

Taking inspiration from the new Lotus Renault Formula 1 Grand Prix team, Lotus Cars are now offering a limited edition of only 3 Lotus Evora's in the black, gold and red colours of the race team.

In addition to the standard Evora S specification these cars feature:

• Premium Pack with SuedeTex and custom Red Stiching
• Suedetex Base Pack
• Tech Pack
• Reversing Camera
• Forged Diamond Cut Design Wheels 19 inch front and 20 inch rear
• Priced at £69,950 plus delivery.
   

Formula One: Japanese Grand Prix 2011

• Standings
• Comments from Lotus Renault GP
• And comments from Team Lotus

Clubs section

I have changed the details for the Lotus Car Club of Sweden.

Robert Kubica update

According to his manager Daniele Morelli, Robert Kubica is going to make a decision about returning to Formulia One racing within 6 weeks from now. Of course Lotus Renault GP team boss Eric Boullier has to make a decision about their 2012 driver line-up, so there is some pressure for the Polish Formula One racer.

In an interview with the Italian Gazetta dello Sport, Morelli stated: "Robert is exercising the right elbow by flexing and tensing it; soon he will start twisting it. The hand is progressing, the movements are there and that's the most important thing. Strength is lacking but it's just a matter of time. I often talk to Boullier. He'll have an answer, whether positive or negative, by early November, when we'll all have a clearer idea. I'm optimistic."

Newsletter

The 50th issue of the newsletter was produced last month! Including a messaage from Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar. If you like to receive this monthly Lotus related newsletter, just let me know by email. Download the newsletter here.

New in the books section: Lotus Mark VI and Lotus Seven books based on Wikipedia articles.  Read more here

September 2011

Would you like to know what happened with the Freddie Mercury Evora? Read more here.

Motorsport

What happened last weekend in motorsport? A report from Group Lotus. Read more here.

Formula One: Singapore Grand Prix 2011

• Comments from Lotus Renault GP
• And comments from Team Lotus

Never a dull moment with Lotus....

Jean Alesi to take on the Indy 500 with Lotus. Read more here.

The Lotus Driving Academy (LDA) opens its doors for the autumn term with a brand new syllabus and the ‘Lotus Licence’. Read more here.

The August 2011 price list has been added tot the downloads section of this website.

In the Genealogy section of this website the pages on Evora, Elise and Exige have bene updated with th elatest information.

New in the modelcar section of this website:

New from Brumm is a limited edition series of 4 1/43 scale Type 25 Jim Clark cars, made for the Japanese market with the approval of Classic Team Lotus. These are:

Type 25 Jim Clark Zandvoort 1963, available in Japan, limited to 200 pieces
Type 25 Jim Clark Silverstone 1963, available in Japan, limited to 500 pieces
Type 25 Jim Clark Monza 1963, available in Japan, limited to 500 pieces
Type 25 Jim Clark Reims-Gueux 1963, available in Japan, limited to 500 pieces

You can see all the models here.

Truescale models cancelled
Truescale did announce 1/43 models of the Lotus Type 99T as driven by Ayrton Senna during the 1987 Monaco and Japanese Grand Prix. These models have now been cancelled.

Spark 1/18 Type 25 delayed
The fabulous 1/18 scale model of Jim Clarks world championship winning Lotus Type 25, that was announced by Spark, has been delayed for a couple of months.

Lotus Motorsport news from last weekend, read more here.

News and images from Frankfurt, look here!

Lotus Exige S introduction, click here to read more.

Lotus Evora GTE introduction,  click here to read more.

Lotus Evora S with IPS introduction,  click here to read more.

Lotus Elise S with SPS introduction,  click here to read more.

All the news from Frankfurt in one news release, click here to read more.

IAA Frankfurt

Lotus has published a sneak preview of their stand at the IAA. The red car is the new Elise S with a the 1.8l super charged engine (220 PS)

©Group Lotus

New Exige

Would you like to see a testdrive with the new Exige? Have a look here!

Elise SPS

New SPS (Serial Precision Shift) tested in the Elise, have a look here!

Italian Formula One Grand Prix 2011

• Here are the results
• Here are the standings
• Comments from Lotus Renault GP
• And comments from Team Lotus

Formula One news

-> Jarno Trulli:  Team Lotus has announced that it has extended Jarno Trulli's contract to take the Italian into his third season with the team. Tony Fernandes, Team Lotus Team Principal, gave his thoughts on Jarno's extended relationship with the team: "We are all delighted that we have been able to reach an agreement to keep Jarno on board for at least one more year with our team.

Formula One news

-> Nick Heidfeld: Earlier this week it became clear that the separation between Lotus Renault Grand Prix and Nick Heidfeld is now official. Heidfeld, who replaced the injured Robert Kubica, did say that he will be back racing at the highest level soon. LRGP team principal Eric Boullier did say that they are very grateful to Nick for the highly valuable contribution he’s made to the team.

-> naming conflict: In Monza there is a rumour saying that a deal has been made between Team Lotus and Group Lotus in order to end the naming conflict. The word is that Tony Fernandes is about to ask FIA and FOM to change the name of his team to Caterham F1 Team. Of course there are no details yet, but it is more than likely the Fernandes team will retain the green and yellow colour scheme but surrender the Lotus badge, and the LRGP team will remain with the black and gold colour scheme, with the Lotus badge. This will also apply to their GP2 teams.

This appears to be based on a recent deal that Tony Fernandes made with the Malaysian government for a partial interest in Malaysian Airlines. Part of the deal requirement on the government side was that the Lotus conflict should end. Lotus is part of the state-owned Proton company.

-> Kubica update: Daniel Morelli, the manager of Polish driver Robert Kubica, recently stated that there is no more concern on the final outcome of the recovery. There are plans for Kubica to drive either in an F1 simulator or some kind of racing car in October. If he feels to be able to move forward, the next step will be a test in a 2009 F1 car. And after that, the new season’s testing begins on February 7th 2012.
 

Bob Lutz

The 79-year-old Bob Lutz has returned to GM as and adviser. Lutz is also a member of the Lotus Advisory Council, together with famous names like Gordon Murray, Tom Purves, Prof. Dr. Burkhard Göschel and Frank Tuch. This group of automotive experts is to advise Group Lotus on current and future development.

Lotus donates a bespoke Lotus Evora for the Mercury Phoenix Trust

Today, dear friends of the late Freddie Mercury will unite in good company Freddie’s flash birthday bash which is set to be ‘a unique night of comedy and rock and roll’ as the climax to this year’s Freddie For A Day. The highlight of the night will be an auction to raise funds for the Mercury Phoenix Trust, the HIV AIDS charity set-up in his honour by band mates Brian May, Roger Taylor and Queen manager Jim Beach after the singer’s death in 1991. Read more here.

Lotus has just made an announcement about their presentations during the Frankfurt Motorshow.
Visit this show, like I will, and we will be able to see:

• Lotus Evora GTE road car. Producing over 444 PS from the race developed Lotus Evora GTE engine, this is, quite simply, the most powerful Lotus road car ever built.
  
• The new Elise S that replaces the Elise SC with a new 1.8l super charged engine capable of delivering 220 PS and a power delivery which results in even more torque.
• And: mistery car one, one of the quickest road cars Lotus has ever built.
• And: mistery car two, that marks the return of Lotus to another adrenalin filled motorsport discipline.
• SPS (Serial Precision Shift), the latest gearbox option available for the 1.6l Elise. The SPS option utilises new lightweight robotised automated manual transmission technology.
• IPS (Intelligent Precision Shift) will become available on the Evora S

So, once again, a car show with lots of Lotus news! Read more here.

August 2011

Gordon Murray joines Lotus Advisory Council
Group Lotus has announced that Gordon Murray, the well known designer of Formula One cars for Brabham and McLaren and the McLaren F1 road car, did join the Group Lotus team of advisers.  Murray is now memeber of a group of famous industry executives like Bob Lutz, Tom Purves, Burkhard Göschel and Frank Tuch. The council gives advice on product strategy, technology, quality, brand, marketing and distribution for Group Lotus. Read more here.
 

Last weekend for Lotus Motorsport
What happened in Formula One, GP2, GP3, Indycar and endurance? An update from Lotus Motorsport, read more here.

Team Lotus rebranding?

During the Belgian Grand Prix there was a story told in the paddock about Team Lotus getting a new name next season, "Caterham Team Air Asia". This name is already known for their GP2 activities.

Anyhow, this would make an end to the argument (about the Lotus name) with Group Lotus.

Belgian Formula One Grand Prix 2011

• Here are the results
• Here are the standings
• Comments from Lotus Renault GP
• And comments from Team Lotus

Kubica update

On the 28th of August Robert Kubica underwent one last scheduled operation in Italy, aimed at recovering the full mobility of his right elbow. The surgeons are happy to report that they have been able to complete 100% of their task and did not encounter any complications. They have described the outcome of the operation as “a total success”.

On waking up, it was immediately clear Robert was in good spirits. Why? Well, as soon as he opened his eyes, he asked for the results of today’s race!

He will now rest in hospital for a few days before resuming his rehabilitation and training programme. (Source: Lotus Renault GP)

Formula One:
Lotus Renault Grand Prix did actually replace Nick Heidfeld by Bruno Senna. It's obvious that Heidfeld is "not amused" and his management team has confirmed that legal action is ongoing in London an attempt to get the him back in the cockpit.

In the meantime,  Senna will start 7th from the grid next Sunday, a very promising position. Read more here.

Belgian Formula One Grand Prix 2011

• Here are the results
• Here are the standings
• Comments from Lotus Renault GP
• And comments from Team Lotus

Formula One:
Lotus Renault Grand Prix - Some reports say that Nick Heidfeld will be replaced by Bruna Senna, starting this weekend during the Belgian Formula One Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. But be sure that Heidfeld will fight for his position, certainly now that major aerodynamic changes are made on the R31.

New on the video page:

• Team Lotus pit stop practice
• Heikki Kovalainen taking a closer look at the iconic Spa circuit

Group Lotus announces official partnership with Norwich City Football Club
Where have we seen this before? History repeats itself as Group Lotus announced a five-season partnership with Norwich City Football Club. The relationship unites the two most prominent sporting entities in Norfolk and will allow Group Lotus the opportunity to communicate with the worldwide football audience through strategic branding and marketing activities.
Read more here.

Donington Club Lotus Show
Once again this was a great show, I enjoyed talking to some of you and I will make sure to write about this show in the next newsletter.

Lotus Evora GTE Road Car Concept at Pebble Beach

The new Lotus Evora GTE Road Car Concept will be unveiled to the world for the first time within the Lotus exhibit at the McCall’s Motorworks Revival event Wednesday night, August 17, at the Monterey Jet Center. The Lotus Evora GTE is a race car developed with a single-minded aim to be successful in the new global motorsport GTE category, which includes the world famous Le Mans 24 Hours. To celebrate this ground breaking car, Lotus has built the race-inspired Evora GTE Road Car Concept. This high-strung Evora elicits over 420 bhp from its race-developed engine, fed through a sequential AMT racing gearbox and put to the pavement through ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels with center-lock hubs shod with Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires.

The Evora GTE Road Car Concept isn’t merely a paint scheme or homage to a race car – this is a serious race car that makes for a very serious road car. The Evora GTE Road Car Concept will later be shown within the Lotus exhibit on Peter Hay Hill near The Lodge at Pebble Beach Thursday, August 18 through mid-day Saturday, August 20 before being moved onto the Concept Car Lawn for display throughout the remainder of the Concours weekend.

US Premiere of the North American only Exige Matte Black Final Edition
To mark the end of an era of Exige production, Lotus has created the Exige Matte Black Final Edition – exclusively for North America. The Exige is one of the world’s greatest sports cars, and this Final Edition of the motoring icon will premiere within the Lotus exhibit on Peter Hay Hill near The Lodge at Pebble Beach Thursday, August 18 through Sunday, August 21.

With power upgraded to 257 bhp, an exclusive Matte Black paint finish providing a stealthy presence, black Alacantara sport seats and a high level of standard equipment, the Exige Matte Black Final Edition makes a striking statement.

Only 25 examples of this Exige will be built, each with their own numbered plate, which should help make these cars instantly collectible. Read more here.

Grammy Award winning rapper appointed as new creative man
Comments from Group Lotus:
So what makes Swizz Beatz the perfect man to add to the Lotus line-up? Three little facts;
1. Like Group Lotus , he means business: He's a risk taker with considerable credentials including music producer, rapper, designer AND painter.
2. Like our cars, he's multi award winning: This year he shared a Grammy Award with Jay-Z.
3. Like Group Lotus he keeps good company: This man regularly works with the likes of Bono, Kanye West, Beyoncé and Alicia Keys.

You can view a short video news release from Group Lotus here.

Newsletter
The August edition of the Lotus Drivers Guide Newsletter has now been distributed.

New in the modelcar section of this website:

• New versions of the 1:18 scale Lotus Elite made by Yat Ming, this time a very nice silver over blue version and a silver over black version. More Elite models here.
  

New Australian importer

Australia and New Zealand's largest independent car importer appointed to distribute Lotus.
Lotus Cars Limited recently announced that Ateco Automotive is now the official importer and distributor for Lotus cars in Australia and New Zealand.
The existing Lotus dealer network in Australia will remain, with outlets in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. In addition, Ateco Automotive intends to expand its presence in the region with a new dealership in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest car market, in the near future.

Lotus Launches "Final Editions" of the Elise and Exige for North America

Lotus has announced the end of production for North American Elise and Exige models. The fact that the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder Toyota 2ZZ engine will no longer be available played an important role in this decision. Finally, there will be the following limited editions: Elise SC, Exige Matte Black and Exige S260 Final Editions.

Lotus will build and import into the US and Canada just 15 Elise SC, 25 Exige Matte Black and 30 Exige S260 Final Edition models. Read more here.

Next Lotus Exige?

Autoblog has spotted this new Lotus Exige during test sessions. Most significant is the new nose.

In memoriam: Horst Auer
On the 26th of July Lotus Elite specialist Horst Auer from Germany has passed away. With his knowledge and enthusiasm he was able to restore many Elites. He was also a Coventry Climax engine specialist. He was the person who did recover the Lotus Elite that was used during the 24 Hours of Le Mans by Team Elite. The car driven by John Wagstaff. After stripping the car he did find an illegal extra petrol tank in the front wing, enabling the car to win the index of performance. Wagstaff has always denied this.

A great Lotus Enthusiast has left us.
 

New in the modelcar section of this website:

• Tameo has released its earlier announced high detail 1/43 kit of Graham Hill's 1968 Monaco GP and World Championship winning Lotus 49B.

The past weekend for Lotus Motorsport

Succesful in GP2 and GP3, Formula one was a bit disappointing. Read all about it here.

Hungarian Formula One Grand Prix 2011

• Here are the results
• Here are the standings
• Comments from Lotus Renault GP
• And comments from Team Lotus

July 2011

New in the modelcar section of this website:

• Announced by Rêve for September 2011; Lotus 99T, 1:43, Senna Suzuka 1987, Nakajima Suzuka 1987 and Nakajima Silverstone 1987.
• And from Spark we may expect a Lotus Type 109 in the following verisons: Adams - Spa 1994, Bernard - Jerez 1994 and Herbert – 1994.
• Another newly announced Spark model is this Type 25, as driven by Arundell at Rouen in 1964.
  
• Further more, Spark announced some new versions of their 1:43 Lotus Type 56; Walker - Zandvoort 1971, Fittipaldi - Monza 1971, Wisell - Silverstone 1971
• And how about a 1:43 version of the Lotus Type 74, in both Peterson and Fittipaldy versions as driven at Rouen in 1973? Also announced by Spark.

New on the video page
Top Gear and the Lotus T125! Have a look here.

New in the Press Releases section of this website:
Rent an Evora at Hertz! Hertz brings the Lotus Evora for exclusive hire in Europe as the first sports car in Hertz Europe's new "Adrenaline Range". Read more here.

German Formula One Grand Prix 2011

• Here are the results
• Here are the standings
• Comments from Lotus Renault GP
• And comments from Team Lotus

Caterham looks to China for sales expansion
It looks like the takeover by by Team Lotus Enterprise in April 2011 is having international effects.

Caterham’s Seven will be sold in China for the first time after Caterham Cars signed an exclusive deal with new importer, Courtenay Trading International (CTI). CTI is looking to appoint six retailers in key provinces of China over the next year and is targeting initial sales of between 30 and 50 Sevens in its first year of operation.

Read more in the August Newsletter.

KVRT – Lotus at Edmonton Indy

Lotus driver Takuma Sato captured the pole for the Edmonton Indy in Edmonton, Canada. E. J. Viso qualified a season - high fifth while Tony Kanaan will start 11th. Tony Kanaan finished fourth at Edmonton, while E. J. Viso and Takuma Sato ended up 20th and 21st.

Lotus Renault GP - Hungary (next weekend)
The team has announced that Bruno Senna will drive the R31 in Friday’s first practice session during the Hungarian Grand Prix next weekend.
 

New in the Press Releases section of this website:

Italian military police adopt Lotus Evora S
The Carabinieri select British manufacturer Lotus to provide rapid response vehicles in Rome and Milan. Read more here.

New in the books section:

Lotus Elise utimate buyers guide by Johnny Tipler. Johnny is acknowledged as a leading writer on Lotus and has a close relationship with the factory. In this book he has pulled together all the Elise specification data and he has visited many specialists to get the real story of what's involved in buying an Elise. Read more here.

Formula One: Chandhok replaces Trulli at Team Lotus during the German Grand Prix

Karun Chandhok is to replace Formula One veteran Jarno Trulli at Team Lotus for the German Grand Prix on July 24 in a one-off arrangement. The team added that it is negotiating with Trulli for 2012, thus ruling out any suggestions that he has been dropped.

The Indian driver contested 10 Grands Prix for HRT last year, until losing his seat to Sakon Yamamoto. He has driven in Friday practice for Team Lotus on four occasions this year, although he did hardly any laps during his first three appearances.

“Ever since I first joined the team, I have been looking forward to this opportunity,” Chandhok said. “I am determined to do my best to repay their faith in me and help the team progress, this season and for many years to come. I am approaching the weekend in a very realistic frame of mind."

Team principal Tony Fernandes confirmed that Trulli is likely to return to the team in 2012.


Former F2 team owner Roy Winkelmann passes away

At the age of 81, driver and team owner Roy Winkelmann passed away in Florida early on July 17. He was successful driving in North American sportscars racing during the early 1960s and was the owner of Roy Winkelmann Racing, one of the most successful Formula 2 teams of the 1960s. He used to have the Lotus 59 F2 in his team.

It was his team that introduced later F1 world champion Jochen Rindt.

After closing his team in the late 1960s, Winkelmann returned to the racing scene in the 1970s, on the commercial side of Dan Gurney's All-American Racers-entered Eagle cars, in IndyCars and the American F5000 series. In the mid 1980s Winkelmann was behind a plan for Team Lotus to return to the Indianapolis 500 and the revolutionary Lotus 96T. However, the car never turned a wheel as the rules were changed at short notice.

New in the Press Releases section of this website:

Lotus Group International Ltd Financial Results
Despite the challenging economic situation, Lotus announced some positive results for year one of the five year business plan. Read more here.

Business Secretary Vince Cable visits Group Lotus
The British Secretary of State for Business, Vince Cable took time to visit Group Lotus’ headquarters in Hethel. Read more here.

Malaysian Prime Minister visits Group Lotus
Group Lotus’ Hethel headquarters played host to the honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia, read more here.

New in the modelcar section of this website:

Expected models by Spark that are now listed with images:

• September 2011, Type 102 Donnelly 1990, 1:43
• September 2011, Type 30 S2 Team Willment, 1:43
• October 2011, Type 25 Jim Clark 1st GP Belgium 1964, 1:43
• October 2011, Evora Hybrid 414E, 1:43
• October 2011, Eclat S1 1975, 1:43
  
• November 2011, Type 77 Andretti Brasilian GP 1976, 1:43
• November 2011, Evora Type 124 Cup 2010, 1:43
  
• Releasedate to be announced, Europa Special, 1:43

The July Newsletter has now been distributed free to all subscribers.

Last weeks highligths:

There is a new issue of the Lotus Engineering online magazine "ProActive" available now. In issue 41 we can read:
 

• Interview with Bob Lutz
• Range extender engine
• Active valve train goes high speed
• Safety first with hybrid and electric vehicles
• Interview with professor Grebe
• Impact of hub motors on driving dynamics

Click here to see more.

New in the books and video section of the website:

Classic Team Lotus has published a book covering the Classic Team Lotus Festival held at Snetterton in the year 2010. A photo book covering all the best bits. You will find 72 pages of photos of the greatest ever gathering of Team Lotus Formula One cars, the 20th June 2010, brought together with the support of enthusiastic owners from around the World. Click here to see more.

And there is also a DVD, click here to see more.

Lotus Sport USA

On the 14th of July Group Lotus Motorsport announced the formation of Lotus Sport USA, led by Team Principals Ian Dawson and John Pritzlaff.  Read more here.

Group Lotus in Motorsport during the past weekend

As you may know, Group Lotus is once again heavily involved in motorsport. This is a report covering the past weekend, just to give you an idea. Read more here.

Formula One

• Here are the results
• Here are the standings
• Comments from Lotus Renault GP
• And comments from Team Lotus

Formula One

Team Lotus will have new sponsors Caterham (sidepod) and GE (nose/wing) on their T128 cars during the Silverstone Grand Prix weekend. Read more here.

Group Lotus presentation at the Goodwood Festival Of Speed

Lotus has a major presence at the world’s biggest car culture event, set in the immaculate grounds of Goodwood House, with mix of Lotus road and track cars, both old and new. Read more here.

June 2011

New in the modelcar section of this website:

Spark has announced 1:43 models of  the two Evora Le Mans cars as driven by the Jetalliance Team, #64 due for release in November 2011 and #65 due for release in 2012.

Formula One, the European Formula One Grand Prix 

• Here are the results, published as soon as I've got these numbers and I find time to sit behind my pc....
• Here are the standings
• Comments from Lotus Renault GP
• And comments from Team Lotus

Formula One, the European Formula One Grand Prix

• Here are the results, published as soon as I've got these numbers and I find time to sit behind my pc....
• Here are the standings
• Comments from Lotus Renault GP
• And comments from Team Lotus

Tony Schulp appointed as Group Commercial Director of Group Lotus plc

Group Lotus announced the appointment of motorsport industry expert Tony Schulp. Tony will join Group Lotus on August 1st and will be responsible for leading the growth of the promotion and commercialisation of all Lotus’ current and future motorsports activities. Read more here.

New video : opening of the new Hethel test track.

Have a look at our video page for this unique videoclip, click here.

New Hethel test track officialy opened

Nigel Mansell officially opened Group Lotus’s revised and restored Hethel test track with a roar from the 1981 Essex-Lotus 81B in which he started his glorious Formula One career more than 30-years-ago. Read more here.

The June 2011 newsletter has been distributed. And remember, if you are interested, its free!

Lotus is comming to China

Lotus Cars Limited appoints Lotus China Symphony as the official distributor of Lotus cars in China. Read more here.

New on the video page:

• Lotus T125

Kubica

On an other website I did find an update on Robert Kubica, please click here if you are interested.

Facebook

24 Hours of Le Mans

The #65 (LM GTE Pro) Lotus Jetalliance Lotus Evora driven by James Rossiter, Johnny Mowlem and Jonathan Hirschi finished with their Lotus Evora GTE as 22nd overall and 3rd in the GTE Pro ILMC class. Fantastic job!

Formula One, the Grand Prix of Canada 2011

• Here are the results, published as soon as I've got these numbers and I find time to sit behind my pc....
• Here are the standings
• Comments from Lotus Renault GP
• And comments from Team Lotus

New in the modelcar section of this website:

• Type 101, Piquet, Japanese GP 1989 by Spark, 1:43
  

24 Hours of Le Mans

The #64 (LM GTE Pro) Lotus Jetalliance Lotus Evora driven by Oskar Slingerland, Martin Rich and John Hartshorne has retired, as a result of its accident at the end of the Mulsanne Straight.

New in the modelcar section of this website:

• A 1:24 scale Sunbeam Lotus has been announced by Profil24
• Spark has announced a model of the Evora S, scale 1:43, due for release later this year

Formula One, the Grand Prix of Canada 2011

• Here are the results, published as soon as I've got these numbers and I find time to sit behind my pc....
• Comments from Lotus Renault GP
• And comments from Team Lotus

New in the modelcar section of this website:

• The Lotus Type 81 that was driven by Elio de Angelis during the 1980 Brazilian GP will soon be available in the shops. Made by Minichamps, scale 1:43
  

Formula One, the Grand Prix of Canada 2011

• Here are the results, published as soon as I've got these numbers and I find time to sit behind my pc....
• Comments from Lotus Renault GP
• And comments from Team Lotus

The Lotus V8 Engine

The new Lotus V8 engine is to be fired up for the first time next month! Partly due to comments from the public after the Paris Motorshow in October 2010, Lotus started developing the new engine in the last months of 2010. It looks like Lotus may be aiming at Ferrari, creating a V8 that will produce 550-570 BHP. There are also plans to make a new V6, based on this V8, in the future.
 

Lotus Eterne

Dany Bahar has been asked if Lotus really needs this four door saloon, as this project will need a high investment. The CEO responded that this car will be based on the new Elite and will not bring much additional costs. Both cars will share over 75% components.
 

Lotus Elan delayed, not cancelled

Recently a French website suggested that the new Lotus Elan had been cancelled. This is not correct. Due to the public opinion there are changes planned and as Lotus Cars is concentrating on the new Esprit right now, these changes bring a delay with them.

CEO Dany Bahar recently commented: "feedback regarding the Elan showed us that it was too close in style and positioning to the Esprit, and so as a consequence we have delayed the delivery of the Elan – delayed not cancelled."
 

New in the modelcar section of this website:

• Elan S2 (M100) by Premium X now available, scale 1:43, 3 colours, made from resin
  
• Minichamps has announced the Lotus Renault GP R31 showcar in 1:18 scale, in both Heidfeld and Petrov versions. Due for release in November 2011.
• From AutoArt we may expect a 1:32 Exige slot car in yellow and/or in orange, a release date has not yet been announced.

New in the press releases section of this website:

• Three questions with Dany Bahar

May 2011

Formula One

Monaco Formula One Grand Prix 2011, here are the updated results and the 2011 standings.

Vitaly Petrov had a crash during the Monaco GP this afternoon. He complained about his left ankle to the medical crew, so doctors drove him to the Princess Grace hospital for further checks. No fracture had been diagnosed at the circuit. Once at hospital, it was confirmed that there was no swelling or broken bone. As a precaution, Vitaly did undergo a full body scan.

Lotus Renault GP has opened their webstore, have a look at http://store.lotusrenaultgp.com.

And Team Lotus did the same, see http://shop.teamlotus.co.uk for their webstore.

Judgement in the dispute between Group Lotus plc and Team Lotus

Basically, Team Lotus’ name has been declared legal by the High Court on Friday, 27 May 2011. Herewith confirming that the Tony Fernandes-run outfit holds full rights to the brand that was originally founded by Colin Chapman and has been sold several times during its existence.
The verdict follows a case involving Renault title sponsor and Norfolk-based sports car manufacturer Group Lotus.

Fernades' team now holds full rights to the Team Lotus name, with Justice Peter Smith having declared that it does not infringe Group Lotus trademarks.

Mr Justice Peter Smith today gave his judgement in the dispute between Group Lotus plc and Team Lotus, Tony Fernandes and others in respect of the right to use the name “Lotus” in Formula 1.

Judgement Summary

• Group Lotus has the right to use the name “Lotus” on its own within Formula 1
• Group Lotus entitled to race in the historic black and gold livery
• 1Malaysia Racing Team (1MRT) ruled to be in breach of licence agreement, Group Lotus awarded damages
• Team Lotus Ventures Limited trademarks revoked for non-use
• Group Lotus trade marks unaffected
• Group Lotus has the right to use the Lotus marque on cars for road use

Read the full report in the next newsletter, due any moment now!

Formula One

Monaco Formula One Grand Prix 2011

• Results
• Comments bij Lotus Renault Grand Prix
• Comments by Team Lotus

Formula One

Here are the results for the Spanish Grand Prix 2011, here are the standings for the 2011 season.

Lotus Renault GP - comments on the Spanish Grand Prix 2011

Team Lotus - comments on the Spanish Grand Prix 2011

New in the modelcar section of this website:

• Lotus Renault GP R31, an update on what we may expect.
• The new Type 81 as driven by Marion Andretti during the Brazilina GP of 1980, by Minichamps
• Type 56, Hill, Indy 500 1968 by Spark is now available in the shops.

Formula One

Here are the results for the training sesions of the Spanish Grand Prix 2011, made available as soon as I am behind my pc....

Lotus Renault GP - comments on the Spanish Grand Prix 2011

Team Lotus - comments on the Spanish Grand Prix 2011

New in the modelcar section of this website:

• Pinko has just introduced two new versions of their 1:43 Lotus XI model, including the car driven solo on the Mille Miglia by Autosport editor Gregor Grant in 1957.
  

No new Elan?

The French website Motolegend.com suggests the new Elan will not be made. I have asked Lotus cars for comments on this publication.

Well known Pacific Northwest racer Pete Lovely passed away on May 15th, at the age of 85.

On November 9, 1957, Lovely won the first ever race held at Laguna Seca, driving a Ferrari.[1]Lovely participated in 11 Formula One World Championship Grands Prix, debuting on May 10, 1959. He scored no championship points. He was best known in his Formula One career for racing various private Lotus cars in World Championship events (usually entered under the banner of 'Pete Lovely Volkswagen') including a hybrid made from a Lotus 69 Formula Two car fitted with a Formula One-specification, 3.0L Cosworth DFV V8 engine. After his retirement from Formula One he was an entrant in various kinds of racing in the USA until the 1980s. Lovely's racing career spanned more than 50 years, and he continued to participate in Vintage and Historic events into the 2000s. (source: Wikipedia)

New in the modelcar section of this website:

• Type 88 by Minichamps, 1:43, version Nigel Mansell British GP practice 1981
  
• Type 88 by Minichamps, 1:43, version Elio de Angelis Long Beach practice 1981
• The Jensen Healey 1:43 model by Neo is now available in the shops.

New in the brochure section of this website:

• The Elise range 2010
• 2-Eleven GT4 Supersport brochure 2011
• Evora Cup GT4 brochure 2011
• Evora Cup Endurance brochure 2011

New in the books section of this website:

• Joe Honda Photobook Vol 1, Lotus 97T
• Joe Honda Photobook Vol 5, Lotus 78,79,80

Lotus will rock you!

Group Lotus announced a partnership with 'Anthems', a collection of concerts starring legendary Queen star Brian May and West End and Broadway singing sensation, Kerry Ellis (We Will Rock You, Wicked, Chess in Concert and Oliver!).

Under the creative direction of Brian May, this series of unique productions provides the perfect opportunity to experience Anthems, the stunning hit debut album from Kerry Ellis produced by Brian May. In addition to performing Anthems, the concerts feature an opening set from American ‘soul rock’ sensation Vintage Trouble and will also include May's special rock-orchestral settings of songs and new material.

Group Lotus decided to partner the concerts after working closely with Brian last year when he played an integral role in the unveiling of Lotus' future model line-up as he joined supermodel Naomi Campbell to unveil the new Lotus Esprit.

Read more in the May Newsletter (comming soon)

Formula One
Updated:

• Lotus Renault GP comments on the Turkish GP 2011
• Team Lotus comments on the Turkish GP 2011
• Results for the Turkish Formula One Grand Prix 2011

New in the books section of this website:

• Team Lotus in Formula 1
  
• Lotus Elite & Eclat road tests
• Lotus Excel roadtests
• Lotus Legends, from Seven to Evora

Formula One
Updated:

• Lotus Renault GP comments on the Turkish GP 2011
• Team Lotus comments on the Turkish GP 2011

Formula One
As usual, I will give you the Formula One results. here are the results for the Turkish Formula One Grand Prix 2011.

Lotus Renault GP comments on the Turkish GP 2011
Team Lotus comments on the Turkish GP 2011

Modelcar news
TrueScale Miniatures has announced a new range in their brand called the Ronnie Peterson Collection.

Discussions between TrueScale and the Peterson family culminated with an agreed upon program beginning in 2011 and extending into the near future to commemorate one of Sweden’s greatest motorsports heroes. The Ronnie Peterson Collection will feature a series of products honouring the talent and spirit of the man affectionately named the “Super-Swede”.

Each item in the Ronnie Peterson Collection will be limited to only 1200 pieces available worldwide.

Further more, TrueScale Miniatures has announced models of the 1987 Lotus 99T #12 A. Senna Monaco GP Winner and the 1987 Lotus 99TB (Late Model) #12 A. Senna Japan GP 2nd Place. These are due for release in September 2011.

New on the videopage:
Take a look at the day Team Lotus announced the accquisition of Caterham Cars in Duxford Airfield, Cambridge. All the action from the day, Heikki takes the Caterham in T128 livery through its paces and behind the scenes at the Aero Straightline test.

New in the modelcar section of this website:

• Evora by Spark in black, 1/43
  
• Eleven by Hachette Fascicoli SRL, 1/43

April 2011

As I was traveling I will now have to make an update covering the news that I have missed the last few days... Keep looking at this page for the next days and there will be news for you! Today we are celebrating the Queens birthday over here, so I am not spending much time behind my computer.

Team Lotus now owner of Caterham Cars
As I announced a week ago, Team Lotus did buy Caterham Cars. Here is a videoclip from Team Lotus.

Team owner Tony Fernandes said: “we will link the Formula 1 team and the car company close together. Then we will look at building technology links and marketing links.”

Fernandes was approached by Caterham’s owner Ansar Ali about buying the company and the deal was done quickly. Ali had previously led a management buyout of Caterham in 2005. He will stay on in his existing management role at the company.

Caterham will continue to build the Seven but will also add new models to the range. You can read more about this in the next newsletter.

Limited edition Caterham Seven
To celebrate the fact that Team Lotus has bought Caterham Cars, there will be a special edition of the famous Caterham Seven. This Team lotus special wil be limited to 25 units for the UK and a further 25 cars will be available for the company’s export market.

The Team Lotus upgrade package can be added to any variant up to the top-of-the-range 263bhp version for an extra investment of £3000. This package will include green and yellow Lotus livery on the outside and a signed plaque by Team Lotus F1 drivers, Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen on the inside. Also included is an invitation to a tour of the Team Lotus F1 factory in Norfolk and a Seven history book signed by chief designer, Mike Gascoyne.

Caterham managing director Ansar Ali said: “Caterham Cars is starting an exciting and hugely important chapter, so it’s entirely fitting that we celebrate our opportunity to take Colin Chapman’s ‘less is more’ philosophy global, with this special car.”

A Lotus for erveryone
I am in England right now and had the opportunity to meet with Danny Bahar. One of the things he made clear is that there will allways be a car like the Elise, Exige and Evora. Maybe these will be called different names, but the aim is to have similar cars like these, at a similar pricerange. This should be good news for many of us, as there was a rumour that Lotus would be going upmarket only.  If you can afford an Elise now, you should be able to have a similar Lotus in the future.

Will Team Lotus buy Caterham Cars?
Team Lotus is organising an event that’s to be held at The Imperial War Museum in Duxford, UK called “Team Lotus Powers Ahead”, at the 27th of April. It will cover two subjects, the T128 doing a “straightline aero test” and “an incredibly exciting announcement about the future of our team”.

Many people are wondering what this second subject is all about. The word is that Tony Fernandes’ Team Lotus is buying over Caterham. We will have to wait and see... At least they will be able to use an other car manufacturers name if they loose the Lotus name battle with Group Lotus.

New in the modelcar section of this website:
Spark has now announced that the following models are available or comming out soon:

• Lotus Elite 1974
• Lotus Type 25 - Jim Clark, No. 4 Dutch Grand Prix 1962
• Lotus Racing T127 #18 Trulli and #19 Kovalainen European GP 2010 Limited Edition 500 pcs by Spark

New Era Takes on New York Featuring.....
.....the US debut for the Evora S and IPS and IndyCar Driver EJ Viso and Team Principal Jimmy Vasser

Lotus Advisory Council Member and automotive legend Bob Lutz opened the press conference for Group Lotus on the 21st of April at the New York Auto Show. Whilst Bob spoke about the future for Lotus, the focus remained firmly on the here and now and this was perfectly demonstrated by the American debut of the stunning new Evora S and the Evora IPS (Intelligent Precision Shift) – both models showcase the versatility of the multi-award winning Evora. Read more here.

Robert Kubica talks to his fans

"Hello everybody, here I am. Sorry for the delay in contacting you but I preferred to wait until the moment I could finally share some positive news with you. First of all I would like to pay a huge amount of thanks to my fans whose support has been simply incredible since my accident in Italy back in February. I have been literally submerged by letters and various gifts and objects and it seems the flow is not slowing down. I also want to thank all the people in the world of F1 who showed in various manners their concern for the difficult situation I’m in. “  Read more here.

Comments from Lotus Renault GP on the Chinese Grand Prix 2011, read more here.

Comments from Team Lotus on the Chinese GP 2011, read more here.

Formula One
Here are the results for the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix 2011, there will be updates as soon as posible. Read more here.

New Lotus 49B model announced
Tameo will be releasing a high detail 1/43 kit of Graham Hill's 1968 Monaco GP and World Championship winning Lotus 49B. Tameo is famous for their white metal kits with very good instructions and decals. Selected models are available as very well finished hand builts in limited numbers. Made in Italy. The release date is not yet known.

Newsletter
Issue 45, April 2011, has now been distributed to all subscribers.

Extra finances for Lotus Cars Ltd.

It looks like Lotus Cars has gathered enough money to meet their five-year business plan. Today an agreement was signed for facilities amounting to £270 million, extended by a syndicate of six financial institutions. The six financial institutions acting as lenders are CIMB Bank, Malayan Banking, Overseas-Chinese Banking Corporation, Export-Import Bank of Malaysia, Affin Bank and EON Bank.

The agreement was signed at the Proton Centre of Excellence Complex in Shah Alam by Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar on behalf of Lotus Cars Limited, while signing on behalf of their respective banks were Datuk Seri Nazir Tun Razak, group chief executive of CIMB Group; Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar, president and CEO of Maybank; Tuan Syed Abdull Aziz Jailani Syed Kechik, CEO and director of OCBC; Adissadikin Ali, CEO of EXIM Bank; Datuk Zulkiflee Abbas Abdul Hamid, CEO of Affin Bank and Peter TC Chow, head of group business & investment banking and principal officer of EON Bank.

This loan forms an important part of the funding required to execute the five-year business plan as Lotus has now successfully raised the required funding to realise the future plans.

“On behalf of Group Lotus, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to CIMB Group, Malayan Banking Berhad, Overseas Chinese Banking Corporation Limited, Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad, Affin Bank Berhad and EON Bank Berhad for their support and, above all, confidence in our future plans,” Bahar said.

“With the help of this external financing, we look forward to introducing our exciting new models to the world, which will complement our current product range. I am confident that the execution of our business plan will mark the return of the iconic Lotus brand into the elite ranks of the world’s premium sportscar manufacturers and generate greater profitability and long-term financial sustainability for the company and its stakeholders,” he added.

“I would like to thank our shareholders, Proton, for the unwavering support and confidence in Lotus. I believe Lotus has a lot to offer to Proton moving forward. As the future plans bear fruit, I am confident that Proton will benefit in terms of branding, product development, and sales and marketing,” Bahar concluded.
 

Formula One
Here are the results for the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix 2011, these will be updates as soon as posible. Read more here.

Comments from Lotus Renault GP on the Chinese Grand Prix 2011, read more here.

Comments from Team Lotus on the Chinese GP 2011, read more here.

Lotus Renault GP signs collaboration with Ordos City
Ordos is one of the most prosperous cities in China, with a strong economy built around natural resources, mining, petrochemicals and cashmere. Read more here.

Robert Kubica
Robert Kubica is reported to be recovering well, and has surprised doctors by putting weight on his foot and clasping an object in his hand. Nick Heidfeld has written an open letter to his former BMW Sauber teammate. Here’s the letter as it appeared on Heidfeld’s official website:

Dear Robert,

Have you seen that? I printed your logo on the front of my helmet, and the Polish flag on the side. I wanted you to see that and to let you know that I’m thinking of you. I wanted to show your fans that you are a part of Formula 1 and of this team. This 3rd place is also yours! During the race I had often been thinking of you. Crossing the finish line, happiness totally flooded my head. I know what you are thinking right now: “Lotus-Renault has built such a wonderful car this year. I want to get back as soon as possible and drive it!” You can do it, I wish you all the best for your rehabilitation. Get well soon!

Yours

Nick

Team Lotus T128 model
Spark has announced the Team Lotus T128 in scale 1:43, there will be a Kovalainen and a Trulli version. It is not yet clear when these models will be available.

New York Auto Show
Lotus kicks off the New York Auto Show in style with a fantastic charity gala preview at the Jacob Javits Center, 11th Avenue, New York on the 21st April from 6pm onwards. The new Esprit will be the star of the show with an Evora IPS up for auction. Fancy joining them there? For tickets and further info go to: http://www.galapreview.org/

Lotus at the RAI carshow in Amsterdam

It is a difficult time for the dealer now that there is only one Elise that meets the European emission standards. No more Exige or high powered Elise available... Since the introduction of the Evora, 13 of these have been sold in The Netherlands. But there are people interested in the S version so maybe this will help to do more sales.

Lotus Renault GP R31 miniature model
Minichamps announced that there will be a 1:43 version of the car driven by Nick Heidfeld and there will be a Vitaly Petrov version. Earlier this year I did see the R31 showcars announced, as a Robert Kubica and a Vitaly Petrov version. Will there be four models? Time will tell....

Updated:
Comments from Lotus Renault GP on the Malaysian Grand Prix 2011, read more here.

Comments from Team Lotus on the Malaysian GP, read more here.

The links page
Some new links have been added, please let me know your good links and I am happy to list these here! Click here to see more.

Latest Group Lotus expansion plans approved

Members of South Norfolk Council’s planning committee unanimously voted in favour of proposals to extend the Lotus production facility. Their decision follows plans for the construction of new motorsport and chassis engineering buildings at the Hethel headquarters, which were also given the green light by the committee last month.

The latest application asked for the part demolition, extension and upgrading of the production building, resulting in a net floor space increase of 6,474 sqm.

Lotus has plans to manufacture the five new Lotus models that have been unveiled in Paris last year, although it is understood that the firm is still awaiting a decision over whether it will be awarded £40m from the government’s Regional Growth Fund for the expansion.

It is expected that the new production building will generate 150 new jobs alone.

Updated:
Formula One, here are the results for the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix 2011
Formula One, drivers and teams standings.

Lotus Driving Academy renewed

The Lotus Driving Academy at the Hethel test track has been restructured to suit the Lotus driver of today and tomorrow. It is possible to develop your own driving skills as you progress through the various levels with the Lotus Elise or discover the brand new Evora S - always under the professional guidance of experienced Lotus instructors.

Or feel like a real Lotus racing driver for a day behind the wheel of the Evora GT4 for the ultimate Lotus ride.

Also available is the option for exclusive 1:1 personal tuition driving Lotus sports car models.

Find out more here.

Formula One, here are the results for the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix 2011

New in the Formula One Press Releases section of this website:

Comments from Lotus Renault GP on the Malaysian Grand Prix 2011:
Both cars encountered problems with their front suspension uprights in the first free practice session. After careful analysis, the team identified a material defect linked to a specific batch of components. For the afternoon session, the team reverted to a different batch and ran without any issues.
Read more here.

Comments from Team Lotus on the Malaysian GP, read more here.

Lotus Renault GP I-race programme
Would you like to know how it feels to be a Formula One driver? This is possible now with the Lotus Renault GP I-race programme.

The idea of the Lotus Renault GP I-race programme is to offer you the opportunity to experience moments of high adrenaline, normally the reserve of Formula 1 drivers alone.

As soon as you arrive, a team of 30 race team members will see to your every need as you play a key part in a top racing team: hospitality staff, race instructors, team engineers, mechanics and physiotherapists. Then, on with your overalls, gloves, boots and helmet - climb into your car and you’re off!

See the brochure in our download section for more information.

Race days at Enstone – available for selected races over the course of the year
This is an exciting opportunity to watch a Grand Prix in an exclusive setting at the heart of the Lotus Renault GP Team.
The day begins with brunch and Sunday newspapers in our Communications Centre, followed by team debriefs from industry experts. Next comes a tour behind the scenes of our F1 garage before champagne and canapés in our state-of-the-art auditorium. You’ll then watch the race in style on our giant screen with live updates direct from the team’s senior management at the circuit.

See the brochure in our download section for more information.

New in the modelcar section of this website:

• Now available in the specialist shops: Lotus Type 77 presentation car 1975
  

New in the modelcar section of this website:

• Expected soon now: Lotus Elan 26R, Weber, Crystal Palace 1964, by Spark. Scale 1/43.
  
• And look out for this one, the Type 76 as driven by Ronnie Peterson (#1) and Jacky Ickx (#2) on Kyalami in 1974. By Spark, scale 1/43.
  

Lotus Engineering have published a new issue of their ProActive e-zine, find it here!

Look here for older news items!

March 2011

FIA approved race suits.
Classic Team Lotus has teamed up with Historica to create FIA approved race suits. These suits are 3 layer Nomex, 360g/sqm. There are various models available, to match a classic Lotus Formula One car. For instance a Team Lotus Type 49B Race Suit, a Team Lotus Type 72 Race Suit, Team Lotus Type 25 Race Suit and more.

Evora S for the USA
The Lotus Evora S is scheduled to make its North American debut at the New York auto show on the 21st of April, together with the Evora IPS with automated manual six-speed and paddles at the wheel. Last Monday, 28 March 2011, the first lot of press cars left the Lotus factory in Hethel in both the 2+0 and 2+2 seating arrangements.

Formula One - Lotus is back on the podium!
Today we did see Lotus Renault GP reaching third place in the Australian Formaula One Grand Prix!

And Vitaly Petrov made history by becoming the first Russian to reach a podium place in a Formula One race.

Vitaly Petrov: “To be honest I am very happy to be here and sit with these guys here,” the Renault driver commented in the post-race FIA press conference. All weekend was pretty good for us but, really, after testing we didn’t know where we were. But when we came here we had some new parts, from free practice we looked very strong. Also, qualifying was not too bad and then we just focussed on our race. Today I think the team did everything perfectly and we must be proud of our place today.”

Lotus Renault GP comments on the Australian GP, read more here.

Team Lotus comments on the Australian GP, read more here.

For all results of the Australian Formula One Grand Prix 2011, click here!

And we have the standings for the 2011 Formula One season here.

Formula One
In the third free practice we could see Lotus Renault GP making a big step forward, claming the 5th and 9th positions!

For all four practice results Click here!

Lotus Renault GP comments on the Australian GP, read more here.

Team Lotus comments on the Australian GP, read more here.

Formula One
The season has started! Here are the results of the first practice sessions. Unfortunately, Team lotus reserve driver Karun Chandhok crashed during his first lap. He was first out of the pits in the first practice session. Driving Italian Jarno Trulli's car, Chandhok lost control on a track still damp after morning rain and hit a barrier, smashing the front wing off the T128. So his first practice lasted less than one minute.

Lotus Renault GP comments on the Australian GP, read more here.

Team Lotus comments on the Australian GP, read more here.

Karun Chandhok has been confirmed as reserve driver for Team Lotus
Team Lotus has today finalised its 2011 driver line-up with confirmation that Karun Chandhok is the team's Reserve Driver, joining Race Drivers Heikki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli, Third Driver Luiz Razia and Test Drivers Davide Valsecchi and Ricardo Teixeira in the Anglo / Malaysian team's stable of driving talent. Read more here.

Lotus Omega 1/43 model
In the latest newsletter you can read about a new Lotus Omega model. It is now clear that this diecast model is part of a German collection, look here for more information: http://www.opel-sammlung.de/index.html

Lotus vs Lotus
The 21st of March 2011 is the day that the battle between Group Lotus and Team Lotus finally went to the British High Court to be settled once and for all.

The big surprise that may change things at the last moment is the argument between David Hunt and Tony Fernandes. About money, of course. Hunt claims that Fernandes has not yet paid him for the name. Hunt said: “He’s apparently changed his mind at the eleventh hour … and he’s trying to renegotiate by offering new terms which are, frankly, ludicrous.”

David Hunt's comments in The Daily Telegraph: “What angers me is that I have, in good faith, worked extremely hard on the build-up to the hearing because I believed Tony would honour our January agreement,” he continues. “He’s apparently ‘changed his mind’ at the 11th hour, by his own admission, now that I’ve done so much work on his company’s behalf, and he’s trying to renegotiate by offering new terms which are, frankly, ludicrous.

“All I’m looking for is for Tony to stick to his word and honour our agreement. If he doesn’t, then regrettably I don’t see why I should continue to provide assistance and this trial won’t be the last battle he’s facing, even if he wins.”

This may be very important, as Hunt (who sold the rights to use the Team Lotus name) would be one of the most important people to back up Team Lotus.

I will keep you informed on the website and/or with the newsletter.

Newsletter
The March 2011 newsletter has now been distributed to all subscribers.

New in the modelcar section of this website:

• Lotus Cortina "Rainer Schwedt", 1/32 slotrace car by Revell
• Type 79 handbuilt Andretti and Peterson versions by Tamiya, scale 1/20
• Type 100 by Kyosho (2009), 1/64 diecast model
• Type 101 by Kyosho (2009), 1/64 diecast model
• Type 102 by Kyosho (2009), 1/64 diecast model

15 March 2011

New information on the events calendar. If you like to have your Lotus event listed, please let me know!

New in the modelcar section of this website:

• Seven S4 1-43 by MEA
  

Parts sale!
Lotus Aftersales is organising a parts sale, offering various classic parts and accessories at reduced prices!

Most of these parts are for Esprit, Elise S1 and S2, Elan M100, 340R and Excel. But you will also find parts for the Elite, Elan and Europa so it may be wise to have a look if you need anything.

Here is the list.
Here is the orderform.

If you like to order, you will have to send the orderform to lotuspartssalemarch2011@lotuscars.com

You can choose to collect your parts from either Lotus Aftersales on Saturday March 19th of from your local dealer.

New in the modelcar section of this website:

• Type 56 E. Fittipaldi as driven in the Race of Champions in 1971, by Spark 1:43

New in the genealogy section of this website:

• Lotus Elan Silver Streak, on the Elan derivatives page
• Lotus Elan BRM, on the Elan derivatives page

Kubica update
As a lot of attention goes toe the Lotus Renault GP team, preparing got the first race of this Formula One season, let's not forget Robert Kubica. According to team doctor Riccardo Ceccarell Robert is getting better day by day. His physical and psychological recovery is encouraging and all the doctors at Pietra Ligure Hospital are surprised when they see how quickly he is recovering from everything. From the pain, the movement, the scars, everything is improving every day. He is doing a lot of physiotherapy - exercises in his bed or in a chair. It’s a simple routine to work on his body to help him recover as quickly as possible. The main injury was to his right arm and hand, but he is moving his wrist and fingers, which is positive.
Nobody has a clear idea of when he will be ready to return to Formula One racing. Even the surgeons don’t know because they say we need some months to see the recovery of the muscle tissue and the nerves, which varies from person to person.

New in the modelcar section of this website:

• Spark has announced two 1:43 versions of the Shapecraft Elan, here are some images:
  
  
  
• This is the new Type 76 model as driven by Jacky Ickx on Kyalami, 1974. Spark, 1:43
  

Formula One
Barcelona update:
Comments from the Lotus Renault GP team are here.
Comments from Team Lotus are here.

Team Lotus confirms Razia, Valsecchi and Teixeira in 2011 driver line-up
Team Lotus has today confirmed that Luiz Razia and Davide Valsecchi will be combining their 2011 GP2 Team AirAsia commitments with official roles in Team Lotus, with Luiz Razia as Third Driver and Davide Valsecchi as Test Driver. Ricardo Teixeira also joins as a second Test Driver to continue his long-term development program with the team.

Formula One
Update:
Comments from the Lotus Renault GP team are here.
Comments from Team Lotus are here.

New in the modelcar section of this website:

• Opel Lotus Omega by Ixo, scale 1/43
  

More legal problems for Team Lotus

It looks like a lot of the Team Lotus money will go to lawyers these days... Not only will there be the court case with regards to using the Team Lotus name, there is an other party with a claim! Force India will meet Team Lotus in the court room in January 2012. Force India claims that their intellectual property was used on the T127 Formula One car. Force India worked together with Aerolab in order to develop components for their 2008 and 2009 cars. But the cooperation was ended in August 2009, as Force India feared that their developments and ideas had been shared with 1Malaysia Racing Team.

And next to this case, there is a criminal case prepared in Italy, as Tony Fernandes, Mike Gascoyne and aerodynamics specialist Jean-Claude Migeot are accused of wrongful disclosure of confidential information.

Formula One
During todays testing one could see Lotus Renault GP on the track of the Circuit de Catalunya with Petrov ending third overall and Heidfeld ending fifth. Not that these times are very important. The other Lotus guys, Team Lotus, where also busy with  Valsecchi and Razia making their laps.

Comments from the Lotus Renault GP team are here.
Comments from Team Lotus are here.

New in the press releases section:
Evora Enduro - GT concept

New in the genealogy section:
Lotus Evora concept cars have been added.

I have been busy with other things, but now it is time for an update!

New on the video page:

• The press conference in Geneva.
• A videoclip from Lotus Engineering, showing how the range extender works and showing the Evora Hybrid.

More news to follow soon!

3 March 2011

Newsletter
Last week the february newsletter was e-mailed to all subscribers, yesterday an extra newsletter with information from the Geneva Motorshow was distibuted.

Lotus Engineering provides electrical integration expertise for ultra luxury vehicle
Lotus Engineering has been responsible for all aspects of the electric drivetrain integration for 102EX, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Experimental Electric. Read more here.

Geneva press release from Lotus
Alongside reminding people of what's yet to come for Lotus, the Geneva Motor Show provided the perfect opportunity to showcase what's currently on offer, starting with the unveiling of the new 1.6l Lotus Elise Club Racer. Read more here.

New on the video page
A very teasing move by Tony Fernandes and his crew....
In this new video Heikki Kovalainen takes the Renault Clio Sport out on track with the Team Lotus T128, driven by Jarno Trulli.  If you look carefully, you will notice the latest trick... They call the Formula One car a Lotus Renault (!!) T128. And in the YouTube description Team Lotus talks about "Team Lotus partner Renault".
Why do people allways have to find a way to make life more difficult, I wonder. See the video here.

February 2011

Kubica update
Robert Kubica no longer needs intensive care so he has begun the rehabilitation process. He is now in his own large room so that he is as comfortable as possible. He has already started some gentle hand exercises with the slight flexing of his fingers. Dr. Rosello stated: "He is doing pretty well and his condition is positive considering what he has been through. The good news is that there have been no complications following all the surgery he has had recently."

Lotus in Geneva
Alongside the newly announced Elise Club Racer and the ‘Concept Lotus Bespoke’ (Lotus Evora and Mansory collaboration), the Lotus stand at the Geneva Motor Show will also play host to the Lotus Renault GP team.

Lotus CEO Dany Bahar will host the press conference on the Lotus stand on the 1st March 2011, where he will be joined by the Lotus Renault GP drivers Vitaly Petrov, newly appointed Nick Heidfeld and Bruno Senna, alongside Team Principal Eric Boullier and the black and gold liveried F1 car.

Lotus Chief Technical Officer Wolf Zimmermann, Director of Design Donato Coco and Director of Lotus Motorsport Claudio Berro will be in attendance. Former F1 driver and Lotus Ambassador Jean Alesi will also be there accompanied by Lotus Advisory Council members, Bob Lutz and Tom Purves.

Formula One
Due to civil unrest, the Bahrain Grand Prix is now officially canceled. If and when it will be rescheduled is not known at this moment. This season-opener for the Formula One competition was scheduled for March 13. The Bahrain International Circuit announced that the Kingdom of Bahrain would withdraw from hosting this year’s Formula 1 Grand Prix so that the country can focus on its “process of national dialogue.”

Formula One, testing days in Barcelona, Circuit de Catalunya
Lotus Renault GP comments, updated, read more here.

Team Lotus comments, updated, read more here.

New in the modelcar section of this website:

• Type 77, version Andretti GP Brasil 1976 by Spark, resin, 1-43 (soon to be released)
  
• Type 77, images of the John Day model added
• Type 77, image of the built Tameo model added
• Type 77, image of the built Wave model added

Formula One, testing days in Barcelona, Circuit de Catalunya
Lotus Renault GP comments, updated, read more here.

Team Lotus comments, updated, read more here.

Formula One, testing days in Barcelona, Circuit de Catalunya
Lotus Renault GP comments on the testing days, read more here.

Team Lotus comments on the testing days, read more here.

Ron Hickman passed away on Thursday, 17 February 2011
Mr Hickman died in a hospital in the island of Jersey on Thursday after a long illness. He was 78. He was a former director of Lotus Engineering. To many of us he was known for designing the Lotus Elan. But millions around the world will remember him as the designer of the invaluable folding metal-and-wood bench, the Black and Decker Workmate.

Rickman was a talented designer and an accomplished pianist at age 17. He was made OBE by the Queen and lived until his death in the tax-favorable Channel island of Jersey.

Alastair Florance, from Lotus, said Mr Hickman was a "very good designer", and the Elan demonstrated his design capabilities."

May he rest in peace.

Lotus Elise Club Racer
After the presentation of the conceptcars in Paris one may believe that Lotus has left th epath of light performance cars. To prove the opposite, the Lotus engineers managed to loose 24 kg. Read the press release here.

Technical specifications can be read here.

New in the modelcar section of this website:

• Lotus Renault R31, page has been updated
• Lotus Racing T127, page has been updated

New in the downloads section:

• 2011 Lotus pricelists

Lotus Renault GP
Read the official press release on Nick Heidfeld joining Lotus Renault GP here.

Barcelona test session
The driving schedule for the upcoming Barcelona test (18-21 February) is as follows:

• Friday morning: Nick and Vitaly for pit-stop practice
• Friday afternoon: Vitaly
• Saturday: Nick
• Sunday: Vitaly
• Monday: Nick

Kubica update
As scheduled, Robert Kubica was back in surgery yesterday as doctors at Santa Corona Hospital treated the complex fracture to his elbow.

The operation lasted eight hours in order to stabilise and reconstruct the damaged fragments of the delicate joint structure. At the end of the surgery, the doctors were pleased with the outcome, with the procedure being completed successfully.

Kubica will remain in intensive care for a few days as he recovers from this latest operation.

Lotus Renault GP
And the replacement driver for Kubica is....Nick Heidfeld! Team boss Eric Boullier stated earlier that the German driver was the first choise of the team to replace the injured Robert Kubica. And Heidfeld impressed during testing at Jerez last week.

“I would have liked to come back to Formula 1 in different circumstances, but I’m proud to have been given this chance,” said the 33-year-old German. “Everything has happened so quickly, but I’ve been very impressed by what I have seen so far in terms of the facilities and the dedication of the people at Enstone. I really enjoyed the test last week in Jerez and I’ve already settled in well with the guys at the track. I have a good feeling for the car, which is quite innovative. I’m extremely motivated and can’t wait for the season to begin.”

New in the modelcar section of this website:

• Type 30 S1 by Spark, Clark, Goodwood 1964, 1/43 resin
  
• Type 56 by Spark, Leonard, Indy 500 1968, 1/43 resin. Should be in the shops soon.

New on the video page:
Classic Team Lotus at the Motor Show Festival in Zaragoza Spain 2011 with the John Player Special Team Lotus Type 72 and the Gold Leaf Team Lotus Type 49B.

Kubica update
The latest update on Robert Kubica is that his condition remains positive. He will stay in intensive care for the next couple of days to allow a complete check-up and to avoid another change of department before his final operation.

His good general condition means that the final surgery (on the elbow) is scheduled for Wednesday.

Many parts and collectible items for sale on the website of Arno Huberts, have a look at www.caterham.nl. You can also offer your Lotus for sale. But, that is also possible on this website, free of charge....

Formula One
A sense of déjà vu when a Senna left the pits in a black and gold Lotus....

Updates on the comments on testing at Jerez from Lotus Renault GP and Team Lotus. The last test session will be at Barcelona, Circuit de Catalunya, from 18-21 February 2011.

New in the modelcar section of this website:
Thanks to collector Felix van Eyken I was able to make corrections on various pages, thank you very much Felix!

Lotus Renault GP
The comments of the team on testing at Jerez are collected here, read more.

Team Lotus
The comments of the team on testing at Jerez are collected here, read more.

12 February 2011

Kubica update
Robert Kubica is hoping to make a return to Formula 1 during this year’s championship. "I want on to be even stronger on my return than I was before," Kubica told Gazzetta dello Sport. "After my crash in Canada, I missed a race, but I came back stronger. Since 2007, I am mentally stronger and it will not be different this time. My goal is to return this year.

Robert had further surgery on friday at the Santa Corona Hospital in Pietra Ligure. A team of 15 doctors and nurses were involved to carry out surgery to his foot, shoulder, humerous, and anterior elbow. Dr. Francesco Lanza from the Orthopaedic Department confirmed that the four operations had gone well. Robert will remain in intensive care over the weekend, with the final surgery planned for next week to treat the posterior part of the elbow.

“He started to feed himself today, and everything is moving. Now is the time for sticking all the bones together and educating the muscles, but we don’t know how long that will take. All I know for now is that for the next three months for sure he won’t be back. After that, it could be four, five six. He needs at least three months to recover physically, and then we see,” team boss Eric Boullier said.

Lotus ART driver wins first GP2 Asia race in Abu Dhabi
Jules Bianchi did win the opening-race of the 2011 GP2 Asia Series in Abu Dhabi yesterday afternoon.  Third place was for Team Air Asia with driver Davide Valsecchi.

Lotus Renault GP
Today it was Nick Heifeld behind the wheel of the R31. He is one of the possible replacement drivers for Robert Kubica. And in todays practice he managed to get P1, the best time of the day. But remember that is was not only about speed today, there are many things that have to be tested. But still, very nice ... 

Tomorrow Bruno Senna will be testing.

Heidfeld at Jerez, 12 February 2011

Heidfeld at Jerez, 12 February 2011

Customized Evora will be presented in Geneva
What you see here is not an Evora facelift. At least, that is what Lotus explains. It is a customized Evora. It’s a taste of the future of Lotus product customisation. Merely the first toe in the water and a showcase of the potential future.

The Evora as we have never seen it before will be presented at the Lotus stand of the Geneva Motor Show (Hall 1, Stand 1031) on Tuesday 1st March 2011 at 14.15 hours. I'll be there to have a look, let me know if you like to join me for a cup of coffee or tea....

Kubica update
Robert Kubica was able to move all fingers of his injured right hand yesterday. According to the surgeon the operation went perfectly. Kubica will have another operation on Friday, to work on his injured right shoulder and foot. After this operation, a few days later, he will have to go back to the surgeon for an operation on his elbow. After all this, Kubica will have to fight for his comeback.

Formula One
This week the testing days at the Circuito Permanente de Jerez are scheduled, 10/11/12/13 February. Lotus Renault GP has revised its driver line-up for this week’s test session in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.

Vitaly will drive the R31 on Thursday and Friday, as originally scheduled. For Saturday and Sunday, the team will give mileage to Bruno Senna and will also evaluate Nick Heidfeld, who is a potential replacement for Robert Kubica as a race driver. The exact running order for the weekend will be confirmed on Friday evening.

For Team Lotus Jarno Trulli is preparing for his first 2 days testing, Heikki will cover the last 2.  Former HRT driver Karun Chandhok will be at the wheel of the T128 later this week, during the Jerez test days. He is hoping to become test and reserve driver for the team. He will also be driving during the third pre-season test in Barcelona.

“We would like him to be reserve driver but we’ve got to see whether it all works out, that’s the plan,” Team Lotus boss Tony Fernandes told Reuters: “He is going to get a couple of slots in the testing now in Jerez and Barcelona, and then we’ll decide after that. Mike (Gascoyne, tech director) and Riad (Asmat, team CEO) and everyone else feel he’s the right guy to add value to the team.”

Lotus is working on a revised Evora
At Group Lotus a lot of time is invested right now in order to redesign parts of the Evora. Obviously the goal is to create a bridge between the Evora styling and the new concept cars. And another goal will no doubt be to boost sales. Although sales did improve after the introduction of the Evora S, rumour is that sales are not even close to the numbers that Group Lotus expected to see.

The first thing one will notice will be the restyled front, as chief designer Donato Coco is convinced that the present traditional Lotus mouth does not look powerful enough for a modern performance car. “Even many economy cars look more aggressive,” he says.

Earlier I did already write about the new interior, see the news page, look for 5 January 2011.
 

New on the video page: Team Lotus during their private testing on the 4th of February, Valencia.

Lotus Renault GP
An update on Robert Kubica's condition:
Today, Robert’s general condition has once again improved. According to the doctors, the levels of inflammation are in the norm considering his medical condition, and the recovery of his forearm remains encouraging.

Yesterday, Robert was able to talk to his doctors and relatives. His medication makes him sleep quite a lot, but he is responding to all external stimulation. He has reacted well to the news about his condition and is ready to fight for his comeback.

On Thursday, Robert should undergo some more surgery in order to stabilise the fractures to his right shoulder and right foot. Three or four days later, another operation will allow his elbow fracture to be stabilised as well.

Robert will remain at the Santa Corona Hospital for two to three weeks. A decision will then be taken about where he should go in order to continue his rehabilitation.

Replacement driver
The team is now looking for a replacement driver, team manager Boullier told reporters after visiting Kubica at the Santa Corona Hospital, “We will look for Kubica’s substitute: the names considered are Senna, Liuzzi and Heidfeld.”

“The team is close to Robert, we wait for him with open arms and we hope he can come back before the end of the season,” added the Frenchman.

Lotus Renault GP
An update on Robert Kubica's condition

Robert’s general condition is much better today.

After spending the night under constant observation, he was briefly woken up by the doctors of the Santa Corona Hospital (Pietra Ligure) this morning. The Lotus Renault GP driver was then able to talk to his relatives. He was also able to move his fingers, which is encouraging for the rest of his recovery process.

Professor Mario Igor Rossello, Director for the Regional Centre of Hand Surgery at San Paolo Hospital in Savona, did not notice any swelling or infection on his right forearm, and this is another good sign, although it will be several days before it is known if the operation has been 100% successful.

In order to avoid any physical stress, Robert will be put under gentle medication in order to sleep for the next 24 hours at least. Meanwhile, the doctors will decide how they will treat his elbow and shoulder fractures. Robert may have to undergo surgery once again for this, but not for a few days.

Lotus Renault GP
Formula One driver Robert Kubica was envolved in a serious rally accident yesterday during the Ronde di Andora rally in a Skoda Fabia when he had a heavy accident on the opening stage. He has been diagnosed with multiple fractures to his right arm, leg and hand. The same day, he had a seven-hour operation by Italian hand-surgery specialist Dr. Igor Rossello. The doctor said time must pass before the Renault driver's true condition becomes clear. “We have to wait at least a week to see if his [right] hand survives,” Rossello told Italian media.
At this moment it is not sure if Kubica will regain full use of his right hand. It may even take a year before he will be able to make full use of his right arm again.
Kubica is in the Santa Corona Hospital in Pietra Ligure, Italy. From here I like to wish him all the very best!

Modelcar news
Subscribers to the newsletter may look out for this years Nuremberg Special, it should be in your mailbox now!

Elan Sprint DHC by Spark, 1/43

New in the modelcar section of this website:

• Tameo, one of the market leaders as far as white metal kits are concerned, announced a model of the Lotus 78 JPS Mk3 model as used in 1977, drivers Andretti and Nilsson. Tameo kits are famous for their very high detail, superb instructions and decals. The release date is not yet known.

Formula One news
Robert Kubica of Lotus Renault GP made sure that the team was in the picture during the first series of tests of the new Formula One season, by ending these test days with the fastest time! The Pole set a best time of 1 minute 13.144 seconds which was faster than anyone has gone around the Ricardo Tormo Circuit on the first three days of 2011 F1 testing.

The fact that the new sporting side airpod forward exhausts of the R31 have lead to many discussions brings back the feelings of the old Lotus Formula One days where the innovations where the talk of the town on many occasions. The car is running an incredibly innovative exhaust system. Rather than routing the exhausts to the rear, the exhaust exits the car at the front, blowing over a front-mounted diffuser to generate additional downforce.

Lotus Renault GP press release:
Robert set the pace on the third and final day in Valencia. Read more here.

Formula One news

To help those who are still struggling to work out what is going on with the two F1 teams that both have links to Lotus, Joe Saward has produced a chart that will help you to understand what is happening. It was published on his webblog, http://joesaward.wordpress.com.

© Joe Saward

Lotus Renault GP: Robert Kubica after testing day 2 in Valencia:
"It’s always difficult to judge things after just one day in the car, especially with so many changes compared to last year. The main factor is definitely the new Pirelli tyres, which have a big influence on how the car behaves and we ran on some of the different compounds to start getting a feeling for them. We did have a couple of mechanical issues with the car and we couldn’t complete the entire programme, but we still did lots of laps. This is very important because we managed to complete a lot of the usual system and reliability checks needed with a new car and made sure there were no overheating issues."

Team Lotus: Heikki Kovalainen after testing day 2 in Valencia:
"Despite the limited running today the car felt fantastic. It immediately felt like it was much better balanced than last year’s car and the grip level felt ok, but it’s a bit hard to make any real judgements as we weren’t going for performance. Today was basically our shakedown and we managed to get through most of the checks we’d aimed to – it wasn’t about pushing today, it was about checking the systems and making sure the new engine, gearbox and hydraulics are all working as we want them to. The whole team has had a very busy winter and everybody has been working flat out to make sure we could be at the first test of the season which wasn’t the case last year. This morning we were the first car out on track and that’s been the story all winter – we’ve hit all our targets and it was the same today.”

Have a look at the updated Racing section of this website, click here to see more.

Lotus Cup Race Series gets a global makeover
Over the years, the Lotus Cup Race Series has developed into one of the most successful race series brands in the world, often with capacity grids of Elise, Exige, 2-Eleven and Europa race cars racing and jostling for position. Previously operated from several countries in Europe and Japan, the Lotus Cup has now expanded considerably to include the USA, UK and Eastern Europe. Read more here.

New on the video page: The presentation of the Lotus Renault GP R31, Valencia 31 January 2011

R31 Launch: back to the future
The world’s media got their first glimpse of Lotus Renault GP’s 2011 challenger this afternoon as the R31 was presented in the pit lane of the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo. Read more here.

R31, all details of the car
Look here to see more!

Bruno Senna joins Group Lotus family
The iconic Senna name is once again united with Lotus as Bruno Senna signs with Lotus Renault GP as third driver and also becomes the latest ambassador for Group Lotus. Bruno’s test driving role with Group Lotus is very development focussed and will see him provide valuable input into all Lotus cars, both track and road. Read more here.

New on the download page:

• Team Lotus press pack 2011

Team Lotus T128
Look here to see more.