Lotus News

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 10, 2024

New Lotus Emeya Achieves Record-Breaking Charging Time

Lotus’s new grand tourer pushes EV technology forward. As Lotus transforms its presence in the automotive world to become a manufacturer of electric luxury performance vehicles, the latest addition to its burgeoning lineup is the Emeya, a hyper-GT that combines luxury, performance, comfort, and style. The new Emeya has already achieved a noteworthy feat in performance and speed, albeit in an unexpected measure. Rather than its 0-60 time, top speed, or quarter-mile sprint, the new speed achievement for the Lotus Emeya is a record-breaking electric vehicle charging time, using the public charging network and a DC fast charger to get from 10 to 80 percent battery capacity in only 14 minutes. The time was validated by global consulting firm P3, publisher of the 2023 P3 Charging Index for Asia. The Emeya's incredibly quick charging time makes it one of the fastest-charging EVs in the world. This is thanks to Lotus’s use of cell-to-back technology, which means 20 percent more battery cells can be packed in the same space. The car also has a state-of-the-art cooling system that ensures optimal temperature regulation. With this record under its belt, Lotus is taking an important step towards achieving its goal of making EVs easier to own and enjoy. Long drives and everyday use require less effort than ever before. As Lotus prepares to become an all-EV manufacturer by 2028, innovations like Emeya’s fast charging ability are integral to that transformation. View All Lotus Emeyas For Sale Image Source: Lotus

Lotus Technology Reports Unaudited First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 29, 2024

Lotus Increases Revenue by 811% In Q1 2024

The numbers are in, and Lotus is on an incredible path of growth. The transformation of Lotus as a manufacturer is in full swing, with the introduction of the all-electric Evija hypercar spurring a renaissance in the brand’s history, going from manufacturing cult-classic lightweight, agile sports cars to sitting at the cutting edge of performance luxury EV technology. Since then, its all-electric Eletre SUV and Emeya grand tourer have continued on their path of electrification, and the Emira, its final combustion engine vehicle, is a testament to Lotus’s pedigree and greatness. Financially, the positive results of Lotus’s transformation are being proven in a big way, especially with the unaudited results for the first quarter of 2024. With its total revenue coming to $173 million for the quarter, the revenue represents a massive 811 percent increase year-over-year, and that’s just the beginning of Lotus’s amazing growth during the first quarter of this year. The first quarter saw the official launch of the new Lotus Chapman Bespoke service, allowing clients to customize their cars to make unique and personal statements and 2,194 vehicles were delivered in the quarter. Deliveries for the Emeya have begun in China, where deliveries saw year-over-year growth of over 100 percent. In the UK and US, deliveries of the Emira have also begun. As the year continues, Lotus’s new identity in the automotive world will continue to blossom, and what comes of it in the future will surely be exciting. View All Vehicles For Sale From Lotus

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 17, 2024

The New Lotus Eletre Is Now Available To Order In The US

The first Lotus SUV is available to order here in the States. Lotus has spent the past few years embarking on an incredible journey towards radically transforming its presence in the automotive world, going from a manufacturer of cult-favorite nimble sports cars to a trailblazing, pioneering luxury performance EV powerhouse. It started with the incredible Evija, the first all-electric Lotus model and one of the most powerful cars in the world, and continued with the Emira, which promises to be the glorious final combustion engine-powered Lotus and the Eletre, the first SUV from Lotus, a manufacturer that most automotive enthusiasts would have previously never dreamed of seeing an SUV from. However, despite being an SUV, the Lotus Eletre aims to capture the spirit of the Lotus enthusiasts know and love, with high performance, agility, and dynamics, while introducing a new era chock-full of luxury, high-tech, and futuristic electric power in spades. In its flagship trim, the Eletre R, it’s capable of 905 horsepower and 727 lb/ft of torque, with a 0-60 time of roughly 2.9 seconds, and a top speed of 165 mph, with optional carbon ceramic brakes providing much-needed stopping power. Meanwhile, the new luxury performance electric SUV also features a whole host of drive modes for various terrains, luxurious interior finishes, state-of-the-art computing power with NVIDIA DRIVE Orin chips, 34 sensors, 12 cameras, 4 lidars, and the capability to receive over-the-air updates. Adding to the luxury experience are features like a KEF sound system, and a 15.1-inch OLED touchscreen with the Lotus HyperOS powering the infotainment system. The new Eletre comes in seven colors: Kaimu Grey, Stellar Black, Akoya White, Solar Yellow, Blossom Grey, Red, and Galloway Green. In North America, there are two available trim levels: Eletre, starting at $107,000, and Eletre R, starting at $145,000. Orders for the new Lotus Eletre are available to be placed today in the United States, and according to Lotus, customers can expect to receive their cars in the fourth quarter of this year. Lotus’s incredible transformation as a luxury performance EV manufacturer is about to truly take place before our eyes and on the road. View All Lotus Eletres For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 20, 2024

Lotus Launches Its All-New Chapman Bespoke Service

Dive into Lotus’ new Chapman Bespoke service, offering personalized car customizations! Lotus just took personalization to the next level with its newly announced Lotus Chapman Bespoke service. Tailored for those who see their cars as an extension of their personality, the customization service is all about making your dream Lotus truly yours. Whether it's picking out the perfect custom badge or going all out with a one-of-a-kind configuration, Chapman Bespoke is set to change the game. Kicking off in China on April 25, 2024, and gradually making its way around the globe, Lotus is offering clients complete control. With options ranging from Tailor-made, allowing for a wide selection of colors and designs, to Collection, featuring limited edition collaborations, and even the possibility of creating a One-off car, the sky's the limit. From Colin Chapman’s early days of handcrafting cars, the spirit of customization and personal expression has been key to Lotus' DNA. Chapman Bespoke is about forging connections between the company's pioneering past and the creative minds of today's drivers. For anyone looking to put a personal stamp on their car, Lotus Chapman Bespoke offers a new creative platform to do just that. View all Lotus models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Lotus For Sale Source: Lotus Cars

By Gabriel Vega – March 08, 2024

Lotus Emira Deliveries To Begin In The US Following Emiss...

When review units of the Lotus Emira hit US shores last year, we tested it and found it to be a very compelling sports car, both as a thrill machine and a value proposition. Yet despite receiving almost universal praise from the automotive media, the Emira had one major problem on this side of the Atlantic: it could not be delivered to customers because it wasn't certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Now, nearly three years after hopeful Lotus owners began putting down deposits to secure this lightweight two-door, they'll be able to start taking delivery of their cars soon. As reported by Motor1, a user on the Lotus Talk forum made a public records request, finding that the Emira received its CARB approval on February 29th, following the submission of new engine calibration for its supercharged V6 back in January. As Motor1 notes, the Emira technically could've gone on sale earlier as only 14 US states follow the regulations set by CARB. However, the British carmaker stopped all sales until the Emira was 50-state legal. For now, there's no exact date when owners can expect to take delivery, but given that this latest approval lifts Emira's main hurdle, we expect it to be relatively soon. We've contacted Lotus for official comment on the Emira's certification and will update this article once we receive an official statement.

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 07, 2024

Lotus Reveals UK & Europe Emeya Pricing

Lotus reveals what its new four-door electric GT will cost you. Lotus is now a much different manufacturer than it was for much of its history. While it’s preserved its roots in racing and making lightweight, agile performance cars, introducing new electric models, including a hypercar, a luxury SUV, and now a four-door luxury grand tourer have transformed its presence in the automotive world. Now, a new announcement reveals the pricing of the Emeya for the UK and the EU. While there’s no US-specific pricing announced yet, this new announcement reveals where the Emeya is aimed among other electric luxury performance grand tourers. European customers are set to receive the new Emeya in the third quarter of the year, with Lotus set to announce its availability and pricing in more markets around the world soon. The Emeya starts at £94,950, which roughly equates to $121,400. Two other trim levels are available, the Emeya S, which starts at £107,450 (roughly $137,400), and the flagship Emeya R, starting at £129,950 (roughly $166,100). When it comes to performance, the Lotus Emeya boasts a drag coefficient of just 0.21, as much as 905 horsepower, and a blistering 0-60 time of under 2.8 seconds. High-tech and luxury features are also featured throughout the new Emeya, like a 15.1-inch OLED infotainment screen, an Augmented Reality HUD, over-the-air software updates, power-assisted doors, massaging seats, and an electrochromic glass roof that has configurable sections. With the Porsche Taycan currently starting at $99,400, the Emeya starts more expensive than the Taycan, but the top-of-the-line Emeya R is less expensive than the $209,000 Porsche Taycan Turbo S. With its intriguing technology, luxury features, and formidable performance, the new Lotus Emeya’s abilities once it hits the road will be highly anticipated. View All Lotus Emeyas For Sale Image Source: Lotus

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 14, 2024

Stradman's New Lotus Emira Arrives At Lamborghini Salt La...

Stradman is adding a Lotus to his fleet of supercars and hypercars. Whether it be his first Lamborghini Gallardo or his most recent Koenigsegg Agera purchase, automotive YouTuber TheStradman's diverse collection of supercars and hypercars, and love for all things automotive prove his authenticity as a true gearhead. Always adding new vehicles to his ever-growing fleet that resides in both Utah and Arizona, Stradman is often the first to dealerships for new car releases. In his newest upload, James takes a visit to the team at Lamborghini Salt Lake City to check out his newest purchase, a Lotus Emira. But before heading off to the dealership, there were some much-needed inaugural driveway laps in his newly restored mini Lamborghini Countach go-kart. The small-scale ride-on was completely redesigned to match the factory spec of his 1987 Lamborghini Countach 5000QV. Arriving at the Lamborghini Salt Lake City behind the wheel of his Ferrari 812 Superfast, Stradman quickly picks out his bright blue spec in a row of fresh Lotus Emiras. The only thing holding him back from driving the new Lotus off the lot is emissions compliance in the U.S., which has grounded the current Emira deliveries until further notice. Stradman did have a chance to drive and enjoy the interior of his almost-new Lotus, expressing his excitement for key characteristics like its high-desirable 6-speed manual transmission. The Lotus Emira comes equipped with a choice between a 3.5L V6 engine and a more modern 2.0L turbocharged inline-four sourced from Mercedes-AMG. The V6 variant offers up to 400 horsepower, enabling a 0 to 60 mph time under 4.5 seconds, while the 2.0-liter AMG unit doesn't skimp on performance. Both engines are meticulously tuned to deliver an engaging driving experience, with top speeds exceeding 180 mph. Leaving the Lotus Emira at Lamborghini Salt Lake City until he gets the call to come take delivery, Stradman heads off in his custom Jeep Gladiator 6x6 fit with a 6.2L supercharged V8 motor from Dodge SRT Hellcat. View all Lamborghini Salt Lake City inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Lamborghini Salt Lake City Inventory Source: Stradman YouTube

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 09, 2024

Lotus Completes Final Emeya Testing Phase In The Arctic C...

Lotus’s latest model is ready to hit the road. The announcement of the new Lotus Emeya represented a first for the manufacturer, as it is the brand’s first four-door that is all its own (the Lotus Carlton of the 90s was collaborative), and its third all-electric model, being the latest in Lotus’s transformation to an all-electric performance car manufacturer. The new hyper-GT is set to add yet another new facet to Lotus’s renaissance and continue revolutionizing the cult-favorite sports car manufacturer. To ensure the new Emeya’s performance in a varied range of conditions, its final global testing phase has taken place in Finland, bringing the car to extremely cold conditions (as low as -13 degrees Fahrenheit) and the completion of the Finland testing marks the end of a rigorous 3-year testing program, with in-market testing for certain regions coming soon, as well. The tires, chassis, safety features, battery performance, and climate control were at the forefront of the Finland testing phase, and the new Emeya proved itself on all of these fronts. With Lotus venturing into creating an all-electric four-door grand tourer, it was paramount that it was done the right way, and with this incredibly rigorous testing program ending in the Arctic Circle in some of the world’s most extreme winter conditions, Lotus is making sure that the Emeya plays an instrumental role in slingshotting Lotus towards the future. View All Lotus Emeyas For Sale Image Source: Lotus

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By Tyler Rampersaud – February 01, 2024

Fort Lauderdale Collection Opens Lotus Emira Order Books

Lotus’s combustion engine swan song has arrived. The Lotus Emira is a stunning sports car, and the latest chapter in Lotus’s long history of making performance machines that are celebrated for their lightweight construction, agility, track-readiness, and fun-to-drive character. However, as Lotus transforms its brand to manufacture electric cars, it’s introduced the Emira to the world as its final combustion engine-powered model, and it’s a grand and important end to a long era. At Fort Lauderdale Collection in Pompano Beach, Florida, the Lotus Emira is finally available to order, with a group of six examples of the Emira, all finished in the vivid Seneca Blue, are shown off in front of the dealership in a new Instagram post. With the long legacy and racing history of Lotus behind it, as well as the manufacturer’s innovative and futuristic engineering and design, the Lotus Emira is an exciting addition to the performance car world, blending everyday usability and luxury with beautiful design and the thrills of a true driver’s car, making it one of the last of its kind for many purist automotive enthusiasts. With the arrival of the Lotus Emira at Fort Lauderdale collection, now is one of your last chances to get your hands on a new combustion engine-powered Lotus with all the unique character that makes Lotus one of the most celebrated driver’s car manufacturers. View All Vehicles For Sale From Fort Lauderdale Collection View this post on Instagram A post shared by FLC Luxury Cars Of The World (@flc_1)

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 10, 2024

Lotus Robotics Unveils The Future of Autonomy at CES 2024

Lotus Robotics, the self-driving tech division of Lotus, has made a significant impact at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Taking center stage is ROBO Soul, a comprehensive self-driving software stack adaptable to any vehicle and environment. Lotus' technology offers solutions up to level 4 autonomy, helping vehicles to execute complex driving tasks, like parking and highway driving, under specific conditions. This software is essential to Lotus' next-gen electric vehicles like the hyper-SUV Eletre and hyper-GT Emeya. Complementing ROBO Soul is ROBO Galaxy, a cloud-based platform supporting the software. It's a tool for managing and analyzing data, enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of autonomous fleets. Another highlight is ROBO Matrix, which focuses on real-time monitoring and remote safety. This feature provides crucial guidance and control, utilizing AI to constantly learn and adapt. Beyond software, Lotus Robotics is also shining a spotlight on its hardware innovations. The V1 chassis offers a foundation for its autonomous software, adaptable to different sizes and equipped with an electric vehicle battery. The Robocube, a Level 4 autonomous cleaning robot, is another example of Lotus' focus on intelligent technology solutions. The Lotus Robotics booth, situated in the AI pavilion at the Las Vegas Convention Center is accelerating the shift towards intelligent vehicles and robotics. View all Lotus supercars currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Lotus For Sale Source: Lotus

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