Lotus News

Koenigsegg's First V8 Client Gemera Breaks Cover at the Aurora Concours in Sweden

Three years after Koenigsegg confirmed a V8-powered version of its four-seat Gemera, the first customer example has finally been showcased in public. The hypercar maker unveiled the car this weekend at the Aurora Concours in Båstad, Sweden, finished in a vivid Johan Röd paint over Engel Svart leather and Alcantara with red stitching accents. This particular client, Gemera, is equipped with the full Crystal Clear sound system, bespoke red-tinted Ghosts on the Aircore seats, and rides on Trofast Aircore carbon wheels. The powertrain pairs a mid-mounted twin-turbocharged 5.0-liter hot V8 with Koenigsegg's Dark Matter electric motor via the brand's nine-speed Lightspeed Tourbillon Transmission (LSTT), a four-wheel torque-vectoring system that can send power independently to each wheel. Combined output is 2,300 horsepower, with a sub-2.0-second dash to 60 mph and a top speed in excess of 240 mph. The Gemera was the cover car in a feature we did last year on the most powerful production cars in the world. <- Gallery -> "Today is a big milestone for Koenigsegg, as we roll out the most technically advanced and most ambitious program in our history." - Christian von Koenigsegg, Founder, CEO, Koenigsegg The Gemera realizes a dream von Koenigsegg has held for decades, a proper four-seat, high-performance supercar capable of seating four two-meter adults in comfort with room for luggage. The idea traces back to his childhood, when he first saw his friend's father's Lotus Excel. According to von Koenigsegg, the Gemera itself began taking shape in the mid-2000s, long before its eventual reveal. It first broke cover in 2020 with three electric motors and a tiny twin-turbo three-cylinder engine, and we’ve followed the story from its evolving design phase to its first driveable prototype testing phase in 2022. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Christian von Koenigsegg (@heycvk) The production-spec hybrid version was revised in 2023 to employ Koenigsegg's single Dark Matter motor, lifting output to 1,400 horsepower, and news that the V8 variant was on the production line surfaced earlier this year in March. Production of the Gemera is capped at 300 units, a ceiling set at the car's original 2020 unveiling. Koenigsegg has confirmed all 300 build slots are already accounted for. Original pricing started from $1.7 million, though the industry estimates have placed fully specified V8 examples well above $2 million. For a company that has built its reputation on low-volume, two-seat hypercars, the four-seat Gemera represents a significant departure, one that doesn’t compromise on the brand’s core principles of high-performance speed and design details like the signature dihedral synchro-helix doors, now being offered in a more usable package as a Mega GT. View All Koenigseggs For Sale Images: @Koenigsegg

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

What $55 Million Looks Like On Fort Lauderdale's Waterfront

There's something to be said about luxury living in South Florida, where year-round sunshine, waterfront views, and a lifestyle built around the outdoors have made it one of the world's most desirable places to call home. From massive estates along the Intracoastal to modern penthouses overlooking the beaches, it's a market where exceptional homes are part of everyday life. Recently completed, finding its space in Fort Lauderdale’s exclusive Sunrise Intercoastal gated community, 513 Middle River stands out as one of those incredible properties, listed by the team at Charles Rutenberg Realty FTL and now available on dR Realty for $55,000,000. GALLERY-EMBED Built by Prestige Homes on an oversized waterfront lot with 145 feet of frontage, the home immediately commands attention with clean, modern architectural lines, expansive glass, and uninterrupted views across the water. A newly constructed seawall and private dock make it just as appealing for boaters as it is for car collectors looking to enjoy the South Florida lifestyle. Privacy also plays a major role in the property's appeal. In addition to being located inside a gated community with dedicated police patrol, the residence sits behind its own private gates, creating a secluded, resort-style retreat with the convenience of nearby dining, shopping, and marinas. GALLERY-EMBED Inside, the focus shifts toward luxury, entertainment, and everyday comfort. The residence takes shape as a fully integrated smart home, giving owners the ability to manage lighting, climate, security, cameras, and entry systems through its own network. In addition to all the tech, the home's amenities mirror those of a private resort. A collector-focused eight-car garage flows directly into a stylish club room and lounge, while a custom 4K laser theater, professional-grade fitness center, spacious entertainment areas, sauna, and dedicated wellness spaces offer an environment for hosting guests or enjoying quiet weekends away. GALLERY-EMBED The outdoor spaces are where the home truly embraces the South Florida lifestyle. Centered around an 85-foot custom mosaic swimming pool with cascading waterfalls, the backyard is more like a five-star resort overlooking the water. Multiple lounge areas encourage indoor-outdoor living, while the rooftop entertaining space provides another vantage point to take in the views. It's a thoughtful touch that supports the property's focus on experience as much as its architecture. For buyers looking for a modern South Florida waterfront estate that offers privacy, smart tech, luxury amenities, and exceptional design, Prestige Homes’ 513 Middle River raises the bar for Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront living. Discover on dR Reality GALLERY-EMBED

Koenigsegg's First V8 Client Gemera Breaks Cover at the Aurora Concours in Sweden

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

What $55 Million Looks Like On Fort Lauderdale's Waterfront

Koenigsegg's First V8 Client Gemera Breaks Cover at the Aurora Concours in Sweden

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

What $55 Million Looks Like On Fort Lauderdale's Waterfront

Koenigsegg's First V8 Client Gemera Breaks Cover at the Aurora Concours in Sweden

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

What $55 Million Looks Like On Fort Lauderdale's Waterfront

By Edward Jones – March 29, 2022

Lotus Eletre Revealed: An All-New, All-Electric Hyper SUV

Say hello to the world's first "Hyper SUV." The new Lotus Eletre has been unveiled as the hyper SUV that has been teased under the Type 132 moniker. Lotus notes that the name can be translated to "coming to life" in some Eastern European languages. Why this name? Considering Lotus is entering a new and electric era, it's a perfect fit. Additionally, the name is a bit close to "electric" which is also appropriate as the Eletre is an all-electric model. For the build, the new Lotus Eletre utilizes the new Electric Premium Architecture (EPA). This new platform is extraordinarily versatile and can various battery sizes, motors, layout, and driving technologies. Lotus says that EPA will be the foundation for a new range of premium performance electric vehicles. For power, the new Lotus Eletre's horsepower output starts at 600 hp with electric motors powering each individual axle. This allows the Eletre's 0 to 60 mph time to be under 3 seconds and for a top speed of 161 mph. That's incredibly quick for the Lotus SUV which also that provides ample room for four people. Of course, electric power brings range into the mix. Lotus states that the Eletre's battery has a capacity of over 100 kWh, enough for a range of 373 miles. In terms of charging, a 350 kW charge time of 20 minutes can equal 248 miles. For style, the new Lotus Eletre's overall design DNA is very similar to that of the Evija and Emira. One of the most obvious design cues that has been carried over is are the air channels that allow air to flow gracefully through and over the vehicle. When inside, the Eletre offers up a technologically-advanced cabin where multiple screens can be found. In front of the driver is a slim screen that displays only the key information so that clutter is reduced. Standing as the highlight of the cabin is a 15.1-inch OLED touchscreen where the Eletre's infotainment center can be accessed. The Lotus Eletre's price has yet to be revealed, but we do know that deliveries will begin in 2023 in China, the UK and Europe. See All Lotus For Sale

By Gabriel Vega – December 31, 2021

2021 Evora GT Review: A Criminally Underrated Sportscar

The six-figure sports car market is more crowded now than ever before. Affluent buyers can choose from countless brands and models that generally offer a similar experience, a big engine upfront or in the middle, a quick-shifting automatic transmission, and a host of numerous electronic systems designed to tame the driving experience and keep the unskilled on the road. However, in this shuffle for greater performance, many of today's sports cars have lost a crucial element vital to a fun time, driver engagement. This week's tester, the 2021 Lotus Evora GT, provides a stark reminder that an enjoyable sports car doesn't need a million horsepower or over-the-top stability systems. With a screaming supercharged engine, a six-speed manual transmission, and a lightweight shell, the Evora GT delivers a driving experience that few cars can match. Is the 2021 Lotus Evora GT A Supercar Or A Sports Car? A passing glance at the 2021 Lotus Evora GT design leaves a good chunk of people somewhat confused as to what they've just seen. Is it a supercar or a sports car? In fact, during my week with the Evora, more than one person congratulated me on my "good-looking blue Ferrari." This is because, despite its small size, the Evora stands out. Granted, the bright Riviera Blue paint on my tester certainly helped. However, the Evora's low stance, sloping roofline, and aggressive aerodynamic elements make a good poster car, even to the untrained eye. While the GT is without a doubt the most focused version of the Evora the U.S. market will ever see, it just so happens also to be the best looking. My tester came equipped with an optional $10,000 Carbon Pack, which not only helps reduce the car's overall weight by almost 50 lb but significantly contributes to its aggressive aesthetic. Throw in some contrasting pieces finished in gloss black, and you've got a recipe for visual success. It's All About The Drive On paper, the 2021 Lotus Evora GT doesn't immediately make much sense. With an as-tested price of $116,000, there are other vehicles on sale for similar money that offer more power, greater refinement, and more tech features. However, almost none of those competitors can touch the Evora when the going gets twisty. As mentioned earlier, the Evora GT is powered by a supercharged engine placed right behind the driver's seat. With the six-speed manual transmission, the 2021 Evora GT's engine, a 3.5-liter V6, with Toyota origins develops 416 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. Opt for the automatic, and the torque figure grows to 332 lb-ft. In total, the Evora GT weighs around 3,175-lb and can reach 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. All of that power goes to the rear wheels exclusively, where a Torsen limited-slip differential puts it to the ground. Additionally, my tester had sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires that work excellently when you get some heat into them, even in the rain. To top things off, the Evora GT gets AP Racing brakes with ventilated rotors as standard to ensure excellent stopping power. From the moment I hit the canyons in the Evora GT, it was clear what this car was designed to do. It provides immediate driver engagement and fun over pretty much everything else. Put your foot down, and you'll get consistent power and supercharger noise to the GT's redline. Since this engine is happiest above 4,000 rpm, you can hold lower gears and let it scream as you make your way through a fun road. The manual transmission's shifter is short and easy to operate, meaning you don't have to worry about miss-shifts, even while carrying a quick pace. Additionally, the Evora GT remains tremendously balanced and controllable, allowing for a driving experience that is engaging without being challenging. I'd argue that the Evora GT's competence on the road means that even unskilled drivers can still go out and have a great time. Couple a balanced chassis with a hydraulic power steering and the responsive AP racing brakes, and you've got a driving experience that is refreshingly simple but outrageously fun. The Evora GT is not a vehicle that wins on its specs; it's all about how it makes you feel on the road. Living With The Evora GT Outside Of The Canyons Since the 2021 Lotus Evora GT is still a car, chances are you'd like to drive it around town and on highways to commute. To this end, the Evora GT can struggle at times. Unlike many new sports cars, the Evora GT doesn't offer adjustable suspension. On a twisty road, it's sublime. On a normal road, it's a bit of a different story. However, given this car's ultimate purpose, a bouncy on-highway ride is a worthwhile trade-off. The same goes for sound insulation. While you'll be happy to hear its supercharged engine rev to the moon, it comes at the cost of wind and tire noise on the highway. Thankfully, the manual transmission remains easy to operate, even in Los Angeles' miserable traffic jams. Despite the 2021 Lotus Evora GT's price of $116,000, its interior has some cuts in noticeable corners. The main offender is the infotainment system, which is a touch-screen system by Alpine. While it does offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, it's far from what you'd expect, given the price point. Infotainment aside, I was pleasantly surprised with the rest of the 2021 Evora GT interior quality and finishing. The leather and suede bucket seats offered contrasting stitching in red and a comfortable fit. The same goes for the dashboard, adding more contrast stitching, perforated leather, and suede throughout. All things considered, it's clear that the Evora GT prioritizes its excellent driving experience above all else. Is The Evora GT Worth $116,000? As mentioned earlier, the 2021 Lotus Evora GT doesn't shine on paper. To truly appreciate this car, you need access to fun roads where it can let loose. While its on-road experience can be somewhat compromised daily, it all comes together to create a driving experience that is quite hard to come by in a brand-new car. Even with its six-figure price tag, the Evora GT is a no-brainer for me, easily surpassing the driving experience of vehicles costing twice as much. As good as the Evora GT is, it is worth mentioning that Lotus is about to launch its next flagship model for the U.S. market, the Emira. With an improved interior and a stunning aesthetic, the Emira builds on the Evora's accomplishments while tackling its predecessor's drawbacks. As a result, it's worthwhile to keep a close eye on what Lotus is working on at the moment and beyond. See All Lotus Evora GTs For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 29, 2020

Lotus Unveils 2020 Evora GT410

"Simplify, then add lightness". Colin Chapman founded Lotus to build the lightest cars on the market, and they are a blast to drive. If you want a street-legal race car, the Evora Sport offers almost no creature comforts. But if need a little luxury and convenience, Lotus has unveiled the 2020 Evora GT410. It will arrive with more cabin insulation, ergonomic door panels, and air conditioning as standard equipment. Apple CarPlay and DAB radio are also onboard. The engine is a supercharged masterpiece built by Toyota and Edelbrock, offering 400 horsepower and 301 lb-ft of torque. Since the car is under 3,000 lbs, it is the best bargain in the world of small sports cars. Click the button below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Lotus news. Browse All Lotus For Sale Related: 2020 Lotus Evora GT is Lighter, Faster & More Powerful

By Edward Jones – July 16, 2019

Lotus Evija: The World's Most Powerful Series Production ...

The new Lotus Evija is finally here, but before I explain anything about the car there's one thing I need to clear up. It's pronounced 'E-vai-ya'. Got it? Cool. Now we don't have to worry about people being jerks if you pronounce it incorrectly. Time to dig into the good stuff. Right away, I'm going to say it: this is the world's most powerful series-production car (in case you didn't read the title). So what gives the Evija such a title? Electric power is derived from a 2,000kW lithium-ion battery and sent to four motors, one for each wheel. Yes, it's all-wheel drive. So how much power is being sent to the wheels? 1973 horsepower and 1254 lb-ft of torque. No, that's not a typo. Lotus notes that the Evija can run 0 to 62 mph in under three seconds and hit a top speed of over 200 mph. Helping out with that quick acceleration is the target weight of just 3,704 lbs. That weight actually makes it the lightest pure-electric series production hypercar ever. Being an all-electric hypercar, range is going to come into play. Lotus notes that the Evija will have a range of 250 miles. Sure, that isn't the largest number you've seen on an electric car, but it's definitely noteworthy for a car packing so much power. When the Evija does need to be charged, the process is just as quick as the car itself. If you have a 350kW unit available, the Evija can hit an 80% charge in 12 minutes and 100% in 18 minutes. Lotus also says that the Evija has the ability to accept an 80kW charge, which will only take 9 minutes to get to 100%. As for the design of the car itself, it's truly a masterpiece. "The shape is inspired by the company’s prototype racing cars of the late Fifties and early Sixties," says Russell Carr, Design Director, Lotus Cars. Dihedral doors open up and present a futuristic cabin. Carbon fiber shell seats with thick Alcantara pads are what the driver and passenger will be sitting in. For the driver, there's a steering wheel that's similar to one found in a race car. In front of the steering wheel is a digital display where important information can be found. To the right of the driver, separating the passengers is a very interesting center console. Buttons on the center console are laid out in a honeycomb design, each button has its own light and is touch-sensitive with haptic feedback. Only 130 examples of the new Lotus Evija will be created, a tribute its "Type" number, 130. Production will start in 2020. Interested? Get ready to drop a £250,000 deposit (roughly $310,000 USD). The total price is set at £1.7m plus duties and taxes (roughly $2.1 million USD). see all lotus cars for sale

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