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 Edward Jones – January 31, 2022

Lotus Teases New Electric Supercar

Lotus is charging headfirst into an EV lineup. While we wait for deliveries of the Lotus Evija to ramp up, the automaker has given us exciting news regarding their lineup. In a press release, Lotus had two announcements that are both equally tantalizing. The first is that a new EV supercar is being developed by Lotus. This new model follows in the footsteps of the Evija and, in fact, Lotus notes all of their cars going forward will be purely electric and inspired by the Evija. Secondly, Lotus announced a collaboration with battery cell experts, Britishvolt. The purpose of this collaboration will be to create a new battery cell package that Lotus can utilize in their upcoming wave of electric vehicles. Matt Windle, Managing Director, Lotus Cars, said: “Lotus is delighted to be collaborating with Britishvolt to develop new battery cell technology to showcase the thrilling performance that a Lotus EV sports car can deliver. These are the first exciting steps on the journey towards an all-new electric sports car from Lotus, and yet another step towards the transformation towards sustainable, renewable electricity stored in batteries.” Source: Lotus Cars

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 14, 2022

Newly Named Lotus Tech Creative Centre Announces Two More...

The renaming of the Geely Design Studio to the Lotus Tech Creative Center heralds a new era for the British brand. Since the announcement of the Evija, Lotus has begun to expand far beyond the scope of small, light, and exciting sports cars we have known and loved for decades. An SUV is in the works, the Emira has been released, and Lotus has phased out its long-standing Elise, Exige, and Evora models. MUST READ: Lotus Sales Jumped an Astounding 24% in 2021 With the Emira being announced as the last combustion engine car from the brand, and its new efforts being electric cars, the Lotus Tech Creative Center has been playing a big role in making meaningful changes to the brand and ushering in its future. The design studio is hard at work, as Lotus has announced the reveal of their long-awaited SUV, currently codenamed Type 132, in the spring. Not only that, but they have announced two more models in the works: Type 133, which will be a four-door coupe, and Type 134, another SUV, which will be smaller than Type 132. Lotus says that all of these cars were created to contain the Lotus DNA of agility and excellent sports car design, and nothing is more exciting than the idea of that heritage being used to create a comprehensive new lineup of fast and fun electric cars.

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 Edward Jones – December 22, 2021

Lotus Officially Ends Production On Elise, Exige and Evora

It's the end of an era and the start of a new one. Over the course of 26 years, Lotus created 51,738 examples of the Elise, Exige, and Evora. Now, the British automaker has announced that production on all three of these models has ended. This may be sad news for many, but this is also a time for celebration as Lotus gets ready for their next era of sports cars. Starting soon, Lotus will be dismantling the current production line at Hethel so that it may become a new factory for the Emira. Lotus expects production on the Emira to start in Spring 2022. In the meantime, enjoy the three final examples of the famous Lotus sports cars. The final Elise is a Sport 240 Final Edition finished in Yellow. It is the last of 35,214 examples. The final Exige is a Cup 430 Final Edition finished in Heritage Racing Green. It is the last of 10,497 examples. The final Evora is a GT430 Sport finished in Dark Metallic Grey. It is the last of 6,117 examples. Source: Lotus Cars

By Edward Jones – November 12, 2021

New Lotus Type 132 Electric SUV Teased With LIDAR Tech

Yes, Lotus is making an SUV. There are, so far, two teaser images for the new Lotus Type 132 which is set to be an electric SUV. The first teaser that was released can be found below and it shows off the active grille shutter that activates to create better cooling or aerodynamics. And now, Lotus has released another teaser image for the Type 132 and that one can be found up above. In the image, Lotus shows off the Type 132's LIDAY front sensor. Lotus notes that their new generation of electric vehicles will be using LIDAR tech to act as the "eyes" of the vehicles. LIDAR is typically used in automobiles for mapping out the surroundings as a vehicle drives so that self-driving technology or active driver assists can function properly and safely. As for the specific plans regarding how Lotus will be using LIDAR, we'll just have to wait and see. See All Lotus For Sale Source: Lotus Cars

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 21, 2021

Lotus x Norton & Sons Releases An Exclusive Driver's Jack...

Two iconic British brands collaborate on bespoke lightweight technical driving jacket. The inspirational impact of automobiles not only reaches the community of dedicated automotive enthusiasts but also artists and fashion designers worldwide. The rich motorsport heritage of Lotus continues with its highly-anticipated Evija hypercar, an electric performance-focused chassis equipped with 2,000-horsepower. Celebrating its past and future, Lotus is proud to announce its newest collaboration project with the bespoke tailor professionals at Norton & Sons. The new Lotus x Norton & Sons Driving Jacket is a lightweight handcrafted garment available exclusively for customers purchasing the $2 million-plus Evija. MUST-READ: Lotus Evija: The World’s Most Powerful Series Production Road Car The jacket’s classic design draws on the core values and DNA inherent in every product that both Lotus and Norton & Sons create a performance-oriented, lightweight contemporary design using advanced technical materials that sport durability. The jacket was created by Norton & Sons Design Director Patrick Grant and Lotus Design Director Russell Carr, with inspiration drawn from Team Lotus pit lane jackets of the 1970s. Celebrating an exclusive release, the Lotus x Norton & Sons Evija Driving Jacket is sure to be a collector's piece for owners and enthusiasts of the iconic motorsports brand. Check out all of the current Lotus Evija models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Lotus Evija For Sale on duPont REGISTRY Media/Information Source: Lotus

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By Edward Jones – September 20, 2021

Lotus Emira V6 First Edition Price Revealed, Configurator...

Time to build your own Lotus Emira. The new Lotus Emira is a fantastic addition to now only the automaker's lineup, but also the automotive marketplace in general. Lotus has always been known for creating fun and exciting sports cars that can be seen during track days, on the road, and even at autocross events. With Lotus' new brand DNA that was first showed off with the Evija hypercar, we were left wondering what would replace models like the Evora GT. The answer to that is the new Emira and it looks to be a worthy successor. Lotus recently revealed the price for the Emira V6 First Edition model, which starts at £75,995, or around $104,000 USD. That price actually puts it right around the Evora GT's starting MSRP. Lotus has also launched the configurator for the Emira V6 First Edition, which can be accessed on the Lotus website. See All Lotus For Sale Source: Lotus

By Edward Jones – September 08, 2021

Lotus Emira GT4 Race Car Revealed and Ready for the Track

Meet the successor to the Evora GT4. Lotus is no stranger to the world of motorsport, and are once again keeping their name on the track with the new Emira GT4 race car. Based on the recently revealed Emira sports car, this new race car will aid in Lotus' motorsport division resurgence. As for the nitty-gritty specifications and details, here's a bit of info. It will be powered by a supercharged 3.5-liter V6 that provides 400bhp from Toyota and, obviously, features a collection of aerodynamic-focused body components. Additionally, it will have a rollcage, six-point harness, fire extinguisher, 96-liter FIA-approved fuel cell, Motec-supplied dashboard with data logging, Öhlins coil-over dampers, and will weigh in at 2,778 lbs. Lotus will be officially launching the Emira GT4 later this year at the Hethel test track and will build a limited number for the 2022 season. Source: Lotus

By Edward Jones – August 13, 2021

Watch Jenson Button Take the Lotus Emira Around Laguna Seca

Jenson Button: “This is such a great circuit, most road cars on tracks don’t work, but this does.” Just after the Lotus Emira's debut, Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button has taken the new sports car out for hot laps around Laguna Seca. Better yet? The whole ordeal was recorded and you can view it in the video up above. Jenson was able to take the Emira out before its public debut on the Lotus stand at The Quail, A Motorsport Gathering. It's easy to say that I'm quite envious of his time behind the wheel of the Emira, because this car looks to be a true joy to drive. Available in either a manual transmission with a power output from 360 to 500 horsepower, the Emira is a true sports car that sounds, looks, and appears to drive beautifully. That being said, we can't wait for our time behind the wheel of the new Lotus Emira. See All Lotus' For Sale Source: Lotus

By Edward Jones – July 06, 2021

Meet the New Lotus Emira Sports Car

Available with two engine options. Lotus Cars have just unveiled the new Emira sports car, a mid-engined model that takes inspiration from the Evija hypercar. Lotus will be launching the new Emira with two different engine options: an AMG-sourced turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a supercharged 3.5-liter V6n engine. Lotus notes that the power output of the Emira will be from 360 to 400 hp at launch. Expect the Emira to launch from 0 to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 180 mph. What's more, Lotus is aiming for a target weight of 3,097 lbs. Lotus is launching the Emira with a look that has clearly been inspired by the Evija hypercar. You will notice that there are many air inlets on the Emira the are incredibly similar to the ones found on the Evija. "The Emira is a game-changer for Lotus," says Matt Windle, Managing Director of Lotus Cars. "It stands as a beacon of everything we have achieved to date in the transformation of the business, the embodiment of our progress. It is a highly significant milestone on our path to becoming a truly global performance car brand." The new Lotus Emira will have a starting price of under $82,000. Lotus retailers are currently taking orders. If you'd like to see it for yourself, it will be on display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 8 to 11. See All Lotus For Sale Source: Lotus Cars USA Inc.

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