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 – March 27, 2025

Lotus Brings New Theory 1 Concept Car To Milan Design Week

Lotus brings its bold new design approach to Milan. With the introduction of its boldly styled Theory 1 concept car, Lotus introduced a new design manifesto to its cherished brand, combining its renowned heritage with courageous futurism: The Lotus Theory. The core principles of The Lotus Theory conveniently spell out ‘DNA:’ Digital, Natural, and Analog, meaning that Lotus intends to create vehicles that combine cutting-edge technology with its racing-derived heritage. This month, Lotus is set to showcase The Lotus Theory at this year’s Milan Design Week, with an exhibition that showcases the past, present, and future of Lotus, and the journey that has led to The Lotus Theory as we know it now. The Lotus Esprit S1, one of the most iconic Lotus Models which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, will be on display alongside the Theory 1, which is inspired by it. In addition, one of the current-day electric vehicles in Lotus’ lineup, the new Emeya, will be on display, as well. Lotus’ Milan Design Week presence this year will be split into three categories: Context, which celebrates the cherished legacy of race and road cars from throughout Lotus’ history, Practice, an in-depth explanation of the DNA design philosophy and how it influences Lotus’ current and future cars, and Studio, which brings The Lotus Theory beyond automotive design. The exhibition, which is set to take place in Milan’s PHYD in the Haus of Automotive, will take place from April 9 to April 13. Partners like Pirelli, Motorskins, and Olivetti will join Lotus in the exhibition, with Pirelli, Lotus’ tire partner, showcasing how its latest tire technology adds to the performance and engineering prowess of Lotus’ latest vehicles, marking a Milan Design Week that celebrates technology, engineering, artistry and heritage alike. View All Lotus For Sale Image Source: Lotus

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 21, 2025

Lotus Rebrands Its Motorsport Efforts as 'Team Lotus'

Lotus brings together a community of passionate driving enthusiasts. While the brand is experiencing a rebirth with a new lineup of luxury electric performance vehicles, Lotus has earned a cult following over decades for its cherished sports cars and its longstanding racing legacy, which have a solid reputation for agility and a truly thrilling driving experience. Even with its reinvention with a burgeoning lineup of electric vehicles, Lotus is committed to its “For The Drivers” motto. Committing even further to that ethos, Lotus has unveiled its ‘Team Lotus,’ a new global community for enthusiasts who are passionate about driving, racing, competition, and motorsports culture as a whole. With 75 years of history rooted in motorsport excellence, Team Lotus is a new umbrella that combines Lotus’ factory-supported motorsports, partner teams, Lotus Cup championships, driver development programs, and Lotus racing fans. Under the new Team Lotus umbrella, a revived focus on Lotus heritage, community, and togetherness will fuel Lotus racing initiatives across the globe, and it starts with the Emira GT4 taking on tracks across the globe this year through an expanding roster of Lotus partner teams like Mahiki Racing for the British GT4, Pegasus Racing for the SRO GT Cup in China, and PB Racing in the Italian Championship and Euro Series GT4. With a revamped focus on its racing efforts, Team Lotus is ready to forge new motorsport heritage. View All Lotus For Sale

A sleek red sports car, the Lotus Emira Turbo, rests on a paved surface with majestic mountains in the backdrop under a clear sky, boasting an impressive 400HP.

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 04, 2025

Lotus Reveals New 400HP Emira Turbo SE

Lotus unveils a new flagship variant of its ultimate combustion sports car. As Lotus unveils a rapidly evolving lineup of luxury performance electric vehicles, the Emira plays the important role of being Lotus’s final combustion-powered sports car. After a few years on the market, with 10,000 examples produced in Hethel, England, the Lotus Emira has been revamped with a revised lineup and the introduction of a new flagship variant that is replacing the First Edition models that made up the Emira lineup previously. The new flagship is the Emira Turbo SE, the quickest Emira yet with its 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine increased to 400 horsepower, with a 0-60 time of 4.0 seconds and a top speed increased by 11 mph to 180 mph. The naming convention of the new Lotus Emira Turbo SE continues a long-standing tradition from Lotus, with the suffix standing for “Special Equipment.” Models like the Esprit Turbo SE, Excel SE, Elan SE and Europa SE from throughout the decades serve as the Emira Turbo SE’s predecessors. The Lotus Emira V6 features a 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine with 400 horsepower, which is mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the Turbo SE is available with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. With a milestone 10,000 examples made, a revised new lineup and greater performance than ever, the Lotus Emira is continuing to write an incredible chapter in Lotus’s history. View All Lotus Emiras For Sale Image Source: Lotus

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 21, 2024

Lotus Reports 136% Delivery Increase In First Nine Months...

Lotus celebrates its expanding growth. Lotus is continuing along its path of transformation as it becomes a manufacturer that exclusively sells electric luxury performance cars. With an electric SUV, an electric four-door grand tourer, and a revolutionary all-electric hypercar, Lotus’s renaissance has made it a radically different manufacturer than in past decades. With the financial results in for the third quarter of the year and the first nine months, that renaissance is proving incredibly successful for Lotus, with 2024’s numbers so far showing dramatic increases over previous periods. With the new Lotus Theory 1 Concept showing off bold innovations and previewing the design of future models, Lotus is on a path toward demonstrating the future of automotive excellence. Delivering 7,617 vehicles in the first nine months of 2024, Lotus increased deliveries by 136 percent year-over-year. In Europe specifically, that increase was by 372 percent, and globally, both Lotus’ grand touring and SUV and the brand’s sports car offerings have increased in deliveries. With a revitalized brand and a futuristic lineup, Lotus continues to experience incredible growth. View All Lotus For Sale

A sleek Eletre Hyper SUV, reminiscent of Lotus design, is parked outside a building adorned with "Science Museum" signs.

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 24, 2024

Lotus Adds The Eletre Hyper SUV To Uber Green London Fleet

Lotus is offering London the rideshare of its life. Undergoing a renaissance as a manufacturer, Lotus is rapidly electrifying its lineup, introducing the Evija hypercar, the Eletre luxury hyper SUV, and the Emeya grand tourer. Now, Uber riders in London are getting the chance to experience the new Lotus for themselves, as through the end of November, Lotus has added its Eletre hyper SUV to the Uber Green fleet for London riders. Already, 30% of Uber’s rideshare miles in London are fully electric. With the addition of the Lotus Eletre to the Uber Green fleet, London riders will be challenged to save the most emissions by opting for Uber Green rides by November 30. The rider who saves the most emissions, which can be tracked using the recently launched in-app Emissions Savings tool, will win free Uber Green trips for a decade. Uber Green was launched in central London in 2021, allowing riders to ride emissions-free for the same price as an UberX, reportedly saving 55,000 tons of carbon emissions in the city. With the Lotus Eletre now part of the Uber Green fleet, sustainable ride-sharing became much more exciting. View all Lotus Eletres For Sale Image Source: Lotus

A yellow sports car zips along a mountain highway, with snow-capped peaks framed against a clear sky—a scene that feels as exhilarating as an auto draft on an open road.

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 18, 2024

Lotus Celebrates 134% Delivery Increase In First 9 Months...

Lotus celebrates strong results for the first three quarters of the year. Time flies, and the year of 2024 is almost over. With the first nine months of results in the books for Lotus, the brand continues to see the fruitful results of its bold, radical renaissance, involving new technology, electrification, and the burgeoning expansion of its lineup to include an SUV and a four-door GT. In the first three quarters of 2024, Lotus delivered 7,534 cars globally, representing an increase of 134 percent compared to the same period of last year. Across the globe, Lotus reports that each of its regions contributed near equally to the favorable result. In addition to its futuristic lineup, Lotus has also recently introduced the Eletre Carbon, a new flagship luxury performance electric SUV tailored for the North American market, with a starting price of $229,900. Looking further towards the future, Lotus revealed a new concept car, the Theory 1, which shows off bold innovative approaches that Lotus intends to use in the future, including a new design language, as well as sustainable materials and performance-oriented engineering derived from the race track. With the first nine months in the books, Lotus is showing strong sales performance in 2024. View All Lotus For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 17, 2024

Lotus Unveils The New 1,000HP Theory 1 Concept Supercar

A new Lotus supercar combines past and future. The past few years have been a whirlwind for Lotus fans, who have witnessed the brand transform from a manufacturer of cult-classic, agile, lightweight sports cars to making a blossoming lineup of innovative, powerful, and futuristic luxury performance vehicles, which is soon to be exclusively electric. However, the reveal of a new concept supercar from Lotus introduces a new design philosophy for the brand, which combines its ambitious pursuit of the future with a passionate homage to its longstanding heritage. The new concept car is called the Lotus Theory 1, and the new design philosophy it adopts is called The Lotus Theory. Three principles guide it: Digital, Natural, and Analog, which conveniently forms the acronym DNA. The Lotus Theory aims to create cars that are technology-forward, while simultaneously thrilling and emotional experiences for drivers, with performance-focused engineering. With over 75 years of history, Lotus looked to the past to inform the Theory 1, whose wedge-shaped silhouette recalls classic Lotus legends like the Esprit. However, futuristic technology brings the Theory 1’s Lotus Heritage forward. The supercar concept is a three-seater, a-la McLaren F1, and it combines a 70 kWh battery with all-wheel drive for a target 0-60 time of under 2.5 seconds, boasting nearly 1,000 horsepower. With a tub made of recycled chop carbon fiber, it weighs roughly 3,500 pounds. Its minimalistic design is an ode to Lotus’ past, and the design also uses minimal materials in an effort towards sustainability. However, the vehicle still has major impact, with dramatic scissor doors that combine with the glass canopy for easy entry and exiting, and aerodynamic solutions inspired by historic F1 cars make it easy to recognize it as a supercar. One of the Lotus Theory 1’s most interesting features is LOTUSWEAR™, which is an immersive system using robotic textile materials to create surfaces in the car that adapt. For example, the steer-by-wire steering wheel can inflate, creating a haptic pulse to indicate an upcoming turn, or changing shape to offer more grip or support in specific situations. The system also makes use of the advanced KEF audio system to offer enhanced experiences with binaural audio. With incredible technology, impressive engineering, and stunning design, the new Lotus Theory 1 starts a new chapter in Lotus’s long history and electrification revolution. Embracing the past as it moves towards the future, the new concept supercar combines everything that makes Lotus great with the tech of tomorrow. View All Lotus For Sale Image Source: Lotus

10030 R Carbon F3Q Comp03 RS 10pot FinalArt

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 13, 2024

Lotus Introduces The New Ultra-Luxury $230K Eletre Carbon...

Lotus aims higher with a new SUV flagship. The Lotus Eeltre was not only the second all-electric Lotus model to be announced, but more prominently, it is the very first SUV to come from the iconic sports car manufacturer. With immense electric power and luxurious appointments, the Eletre represents a big step in the electric luxury revolution of Lotus, and a new flagship ultra-luxury trim level for the Eletre launched for North America takes it even further: the new Lotus Eletre Carbon. As its name suggests, the centerpiece of the new Lotus Eletre Carbon is carbon fiber, a material that has risen in prominence within the automotive industry to represent engineering excellence, as well as the highest echelon of performance and luxury alike. Its lightweight nature and impressive strength have made it the material of choice for motorsport and the premier league of performance cars, and the new Eletre Carbon is an ode to Lotus’ carbon fiber craftsmanship. The new Lotus Eletre Carbon introduces new leather interior options, featuring Bridge of Weir leather in black, light grey, and dark brown, and a unique quilting design in the upholstery highlights the ultra-luxury trim. Additional options include 10-piston carbon brakes and a satin black paint color. Being the new ultra-luxury flagship version of the Lotus Eletre, the new Lotus Eletre Carbon is available for North American customers to place an order today, starting at an MSRP of $229,900. Customers are expected to receive their examples starting in Q1 2025. The vehicle boasts 905 horsepower and gets from 0-60 in just 2.95 seconds. In addition, the Lotus Eletre Carbon boasts a driving range of up to 280 miles and can charge in as little as 18 minutes. Its luxury features include massage modes, soft-closing doors, an intelligent panoramic glass roof, a KEF sound system utilizing the brand’s Uni-Q speaker design and Uni-Core subwoofer enclosure for the first time in an in-car audio system, and more. Eight colors are available for the Lotus Eletre Carbon: Stellar Black, Kaimu Grey, Solar Yellow, Akoya White, Galloway Green, Blossom Grey, Cinnabar Red, and Stardust Satin. In addition, Lotus is also launching its new Lotus Chapman Bespoke luxury service in North America, allowing customers to turn their Lotus examples into highly-customized, unique luxury creations. With the combination of its new bespoke service launching in North America and the introduction of a stunning new pinnacle trim level for its luxury high-performance electric SUV, the new Lotus Eletre Carbon and Lotus Chapman Bespoke are continuing to revolutionize the Lotus brand in North America. View All Lotus Eletres For Sale Image Source: Lotus

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By Tyler Rampersaud – July 10, 2024

The 2,011HP Lotus Evija X Will Make Dynamic Debut At Good...

Lotus will bring its electric racing prowess to Goodwood. Lotus has been known for decades for its established racing legacy, with motorsport victories to its name, and a legacy of sports cars with incredible handling, agility, and lightweight construction. However, with the introduction of its first all-electric model, the Evija, Lotus began a renaissance, transforming its lineup to become an all-electric luxury performance vehicle manufacturer. Now, its lineup consists of the Evija, an incredibly powerful hypercar, the Emira, the last combustion-powered Lotus sports car, the Eletre, the first Lotus SUV, and the Emeya, a four-door grand tourer. Now, the Goodwood Festival of Speed, one of the world’s most anticipated annual automotive events, is set to be the stage on which Lotus will display its revolutionized vehicles. This year, the Emeya will be making its UK dynamic debut by taking on the famed Goodwood Festival of Speed hillclimb before customer deliveries of the new hyper-GT begin next month. In addition, the Evija X, the racing version of the Evija hypercar with 2,011 horsepower, will also be showing off its groundbreaking performance on the hillclimb. With an event that is due to be jam-packed with motorsport and automotive heritage, as well as demonstrations of some of the latest and greatest performance cars on the hillclimb, this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed will be a great one, and Lotus’s presence will undoubtedly be an important part. View All Lotuses For Sale Image Source: Lotus

0019 Red Dot Awards SH01 Emeya Eletre Comp04 RS FinalArt

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 25, 2024

Lotus Wins Red Dot Design Awards For The Emeya & Eletre

Lotus’s new lineup is celebrated with a prestigious honor. With the introduction of the Evija and the Emira, Eletre, and Emeya that have followed since Lotus has revolutionized itself as a manufacturer. It is now introducing a new lineup of luxury performance vehicles as it moves towards becoming an electric luxury performance car manufacturer. Its transformation has paid off, with Lotus earning two Red Dot Design Awards for the Eletre, its first all-electric luxury performance SUV, and the Emeya, its all-electric four-door GT. A jury of 39 experts in the design field judged the cars. The Emeya and Eletre were lauded for transforming Lotus’s long-standing racing heritage into futuristic luxury performance vehicles, blending the handling capabilities Lotus is known for with refinement, EV technology, and cutting-edge style. With its revitalized lineup of futuristic electric performance vehicles, Lotus is already earning acclaim from opinion leaders in the design world for its new lineup of luxury performance EVs. Better yet, this is just the beginning of what Lotus has in store for the future as the historic sports car manufacturer continues to evolve towards becoming an all-electric performance car brand. Buy Or Finance A Lotus For Sale

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