Car Design News: August 2010

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

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LOTUS Evora S (2011) pictures | insurance informations | specs |

LOTUS Evora S (2011) car pictures, photos and wallpapers.
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- The Lotus Evora S comes with a sport pack as standard featuring a 'sport' button which allows the driver to control throttle response and activate the exhaust by-pass valve. -

LOTUS Evora S (2011)

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Lotus has taken the award winning Evora and re-created it with a 350 PS 3.5l V6 engine to create the Lotus Evora S. Dany Bahar Lotus' Chief Executive Officer summed it up beautifully when he said: "You don't realise what you were missing from your driving experience until you get behind the wheel of the Evora S."

So apart from the obvious power difference, how is the Lotus Evora S different to the standard Evora? It's another question we put to the CEO (given that he's spent a little time behind the wheel, we thought he'd be best placed to answer questions). This is what he said: "It's the next level of Evora experience. It communicates with you better, the suspension setting has been fine tuned for added power and control so it responds even more to direction. It's an instinctual car, the experience is pure."

"We were proud of the Evora but we're even prouder of the Lotus Evora S, I feel like it does the true Lotus experience justice. The really great thing is that as we move forward the standard Evora should also benefit from some of these developments."

The Lotus Evora S comes with a sport pack as standard featuring a 'sport' button which allows the driver to control throttle response and activate the exhaust by-pass valve. The sport button also raises the instantaneous rev limit and changes the dynamic stability control settings resulting in a total experience change. There are cross-drilled brakes for improved cooling. And here's a heads up for those who buy into the old adage 'you can tell the men from the boys by the size of their toys': the external emotion of the Lotus Evora S has been improved with a completely new active exhaust which means that at the push of a button the car sounds just as dramatic as it feels.

Commenting on the Lotus Evora S, Lotus Chief Commercial Officer Andreas Prillmann said: "The Evora S is a natural progression for us but more than that, it's a taste of what people can come to expect from the next generation of Lotus cars. It retains core Lotus values such as performance through lightweight but it also gives more than that. It's the perfect combination of top performance, style and comfort. Form doesn't sacrifice function in the case of the Lotus Evora S."

So there you have it folks, the next generation of Lotus Evora, the Evora S, set to be unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

Lotus Evora S Technical Specification

= Engine: Mid mounted, transverse 3.5 litre DOHC V6 VVT-I
= Transmission: 6 speed manual
= Chassis: Modular lightweight bonded aluminium structure
= Steering: Lotus tuned hydraulically-assisted power steering
= Suspension
o Forged aluminium double wishbone suspension
o Bilstein high performance gas dampers
o Eibach coaxial coil springs
= Fuel consumption (Standard wheel option)
o urban: 14.5 l/100km
o extra urban: 7.4 l/100km
o combined: 10.0l/100km
o CO2 Emissions: 235 g/km
= Fuel consumption (19/20" wheel option)
o urban: 14.6 I/100km
o extra urban: 7.6 I/100km
o combined: 10.2 I/100km
o CO2 Emissions: 239 g/km
= Max power: 350 PS / 257.5 kW @ 7000 rpm
= Max torque: 400 Nm / 295 lb ft @ 4500 rpm
= 0-60 mph: 4.6s
= 0-100 km/h: 4.8s
= Maximum speed: 172mph
= Vehicle mass (unladen): 1437kg.

Auto insurance Information
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The AARP Automobile Insurance Program is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06115. CA License #5152. In Washington, the Program is underwritten by Hartford Casualty Insurance Company. In Texas, the Program is underwritten by Southern County Mutual Insurance Company, through Hartford Fire General Agency. Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates are not financially responsible for insurance products underwritten and issued by Southern County Mutual Insurance Company.
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= Savings amounts are based on information from The Hartford�s AARP Auto Insurance Program customers who became new auto insurance policyholders between 7/1/08 and 6/30/09 and provided data regarding their savings. Your savings may vary.

= If you are age 50 or older, once you�re insured through this Program for at least 60 days, you cannot be refused renewal as long as applicable premiums are paid when due. Also, you and other customary drivers of your vehicles must retain valid licenses, remain physically and mentally capable of operating an automobile, have no convictions for driving while intoxicated and must not have obtained your policy through material misrepresentation. Benefit currently not available in Hawaii, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina and South Carolina.

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LOTUS Exige Cup 260 (2009) pictures | car insurance info |

LOTUS Exige Cup 260 (2009) car pictures, photos and wallpapers.
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- .. -

LOTUS Exige Cup 260 (2009)

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Lotus Cars Ltd, has unveiled the MY 2009 Lotus Exige Cup 260. A direct development of the 2008 Exige Cup Car, this year's car uses advanced light weight components and carbon fibre body material, to reduce the overall weight by 38 kg to a total mass less than 900 kg. Maximum power output of 257 hp (260 PS), remains the same as the 2008 car, but with careful attention to weight reduction detail, the 2009 Lotus Exige Cup 260 provides a more agile and dynamic track focused drive and is more than capable of taming Europe's most challenging race circuits.

Unusually for such a focused track and road machine, the 2009 Lotus Exige Cup 260 is fully homologated for road use in Europe and key markets in Asia - a must have for many race competition programmes where a road legal car has to be entered. The Lotus Exige Cup 260 is also eligible to compete in the newly announced 2009 Lotus Cup Europe race series organized and run by LoTRDC. The Lotus Exige Cup 260 exploits the Lotus philosophy of using weight reduction to increase performance and reduce emissions.

Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive of Group Lotus commented, "Lotus is now recognised globally as one of the leaders in the green automotive revolution. Colin Chapman, the founder of Lotus is attributed as saying "Adding power makes you faster on the straights; adding lightness makes you faster everywhere" and this statement is more relevant today than it ever has been, as decreasing weight increases the car's performance and most importantly efficiency."......................... Read more>

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LOTUS Exige Cup 260 (2009) car pictures download

LOTUS Exige Cup 260 (2009)

The Lotus Exige Cup 260 follows this philosophy closely - the weight saving programme has looked at all areas of the car where components can be replaced with a lighter version (without pushing the costs beyond the reach of the serious track day driver or clubman racer) or where components can be removed completely without detracting from the purity of the driving experience:

Carbon fibre (resulting in a weight saving of 12kg):
= Roof Panel
= FIA and HANS compliant Driver and Passenger Seats
= One piece Carbon Fibre Dash Top Panel
= Rear Tailgate
= Front Access Panels
= Front Splitter
= Side air intake ducts
= Rear Spoiler

Lightweight components (resulting in a further weight saving of 22kg):
= Lightweight 'Motorsport' Battery
= Ultra-light 12 Spoke Forged Alloy Wheels
= Revised Rear Engine Subframe with lightweight Coating
= Lightweight Fly Wheel
= Lightweight composite bulkhead panel replaces rear window
= Alloy Supercharger U bend pipes
= Footwell Pads

Removing some other non essential components and equipment such as the interior and boot carpets, front mudflaps, battery cover, interior mirror, sunvisors, rear tailgate gas strut, results in a further weight saving of 4kg.

However, should a customer wish, air conditioning and an interior noise reduction pack are available, together with the complete range of Lotus metallic, lifestyle and premium paint colours.

The MY 2009 Lotus Exige Cup 260 weighs in at just 890 kg, giving an impressive power to weight ratio of 288 hp / tonne (291 PS / tonne). But, of course, power to weight alone does not make a highly competitive race or track car, so in addition, the Lotus Exige Cup 260 has a formidable list of standard performance focused equipment.

Wheels and Tyres
Ultra lightweight wheels, that reduce the unsprung mass and contribute a weight saving of approximately 10 kg (22 lbs) over the already super light forged Exige wheels, are shod with Lotus specific LTS construction and compound Yokohama A048 LTS tyres to maximise grip and achieve the ride and handling targets set by Lotus Engineering.

Safety Equipment
Lotus Exige Cup 260 cars have the safety equipment expected of a race car, with FIA and HANS compliant carbon fibre lightweight sports seats*, normal 3-point "Webb Lock" harnesses (four or six point driver and passenger seat belt harnesses are available for track use only).

A high tensile steel roll over hoop is now fitted with a body coloured Lotus Sport AFrame as standard and the chassis is already pre-drilled to fit a full front roll cage - a simple dealer fit process involving just the removal of the roof panel for access prior to fitting. Completing the additional safety equipment is a FIA compliant electronic ignition kill switch, with cockpit and external activation, and a FIA compliant plumbed electrically activated fire extinguisher system, again with cockpit and external switches.

Like all current Lotus cars, the Exige Cup 260 is built around a very strong extruded and bonded aluminium chassis tub. Attached to the chassis is a sacrificial energy absorbing composite front structure designed to help absorb crash energy in the event of impact.

Suspension
Eibach springs, one way adjustable Bilstein dampers and a stiffened and adjustable front anti-roll bar allows customers to tailor the handling characteristics of the car to their own requirements.

As the Lotus Exige Cup 260 cars are equipped for track use, a double shear track control arm brace is provided to cope with the expected kerb abuse during racing or hard track day driving.

Brakes
The brake system includes large diameter 308 mm 2-piece aluminium belled cast iron cross-drilled and ventilated front discs and 282 mm cross-drilled and ventilated discs at the rear, upgraded Pagid RS14 sports brake pads set into the brake calipers (AP Racing two piece radially mounted, 4 piston at the front and Brembo sliding at the rear), and stainless steel braided brake hoses - all linked to the proven Lotus track tuned servo-assisted four-channel ABS system that enhances braking performance and minimizes stopping distance without taking over from the skill of the driver.

Performance, Economy and Emissions
The Lotus Exige Cup 260 is one of the quickest road cars around a circuit. Key to this incredible performance is the aerodynamic package, which produces over 40 kg of downforce at 160 kmh increasing grip and stability at higher speeds. With a top speed of circa 245 kmh (152 mph) and a zero to 160 kmh (100 mph) in circa 9.9 seconds, 0 to 100 kmh in

circa 4.1 seconds (0 to 60 mph in circa 4 seconds), the MY 2009 Lotus Exige Cup 260 is the perfect partner for the serious racer. Combined Fuel Consumption is 9.1 l/100km and the CO2 emissions 216 g/km.

Engine
The supercharged and intercooled engine in the Lotus Exige Cup 260 has a maximum power output of 260 PS (257 hp) at 8000 rpm and a torque figure of 236 Nm (174 lbft) at 6000 rpm. This significant amount of extra power and torque now available together with the VVTL-i variable cam system ensures that there is a smooth and linear delivery of power from low engine speeds all the way to the maximum 8000 rpm (8500 rpm transient for 2 seconds). The Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger (with a sealed-for-life internal mechanism meaning that it does not require the use of the engine's oil) is run from the crankshaft and has an integral bypass valve for part load operation. Charge air (air under pressure from the supercharger) is cooled through an air-to-air intercooler (the air enters via the enhanced roof scoop) before being fed into the engine itself. All charge air ducting has been kept as short as possible with large diameter pipes to minimise restriction and maximise throttle response and efficiency. Four high capacity injectors and an uprated fuel pump add additional fuel under hard acceleration or continuous high speed driving. A lightweight flywheel is fitted (giving even greater flexibility and response to the gear change), a sports-type clutch plate and heavy duty clutch cover transfer the engine power and torque to the lightweight C64 six-speed gearbox (with an aluminium casing) - with the same perfectly spaced ratios as the Lotus Exige S. A torque-sensing limited slip differential is fitted as standard, with a plate type limited slip differential available as an option. An Accusump (engine oil accumulator unit) is included in the whole package as an oil reservoir back-up for extreme track use ensuring that, under those conditions, the engine oil pressure remains constant.

Electrical supply is provided by a lightweight motorsport battery which saves a massive 5 kg of weight sitting behind the rear axle - again weight saving is not just the removal of mass but ensuring that this mass is removed where it most effects performance and handling.

Lotus Launch Control and Lotus Traction Control
Keen to pass on lessons learned on the track with the Lotus Exige GT3 racing programme, Lotus Sport has contributed another important technology - launch control combined with variable traction control. This combination has already made its production debut with the track-oriented Lotus 2-Eleven.

The launch control allows the driver to determine the number of revs they wish to use during a standing start. Having programmed that limit, the driver then holds their foot down fully on the throttle pedal and sidesteps the clutch pedal for a very quick departure from the line. The clutch damper cushions the severity of the clutch to transmission engagement to minimise the stresses to the drivetrain. The launch control also keeps wheel-spin at bay until 6 mph, after which the traction control assumes its duties.

As with launch control, the driver can control the amount of traction control you require from the driver's seat, altering it on the move to suit the characteristics of particular corners. The amount of traction control can be varied in over 30 increments from an optimum 7 percent tyre slip to completely off. The message display in the new instrument pack displays what degree of traction control you have currently dialled in.

Roof Scoop
For 2009, the Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 now has a high flow, full-length carbon roof scoop as part of the lightweight carbon roof panel, which not only saves 4 kg but also ensures efficient cooling through the intercooler, which in turn allows the Lotus Exige Cup 260 to gain a higher charge density in the cylinders.

Specification
The standard specification Lotus Exige Cup 260 is road legal within the European Union, and can be registered for road use. The Lotus Exige Cup 260 is available now for sale in mainland Europe.

Recommended retail price (including VAT) is �45,995, (an additional �950 is charged for on the road costs. These include delivery, PDI, first service, number plates, first registration fee, valet, 12 months Road Fund Licence and a full tank of fuel.

Recommended retail prices for the following markets (MSRP) (including transport, delivery, local taxes and first service (but excluding registration, license plates and or a full tank of fuel):

= Belgium: 68,650 EUR
= France: 67,950 EUR
= Germany: 67,600 EUR
= Italy: 68,650 EUR
= Netherlands: 91,800 EUR
= Switzerland: 100,000 CHF

Recommended retail prices for the following markets (MSRP) (excluding transport, delivery, local taxes, first service, registration, license plates and full tank of fuel):

= Luxembourg: 56,034 EUR
= Spain: 56,034 EUR
= Austria: 56,034 EUR
= Greece: 56,034 EUR

Warranty
The Lotus Exige Cup 260 will have a limited manufacturer's warranty unless used for competition or timed runs. Any type of timed or competitive vehicle use requires that a suitably qualified specialist applies expert levels of vehicle preparation, servicing and maintenance. The purchaser's statutory rights are not affected.

Auto insurance Information
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LOTUS Car Models

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LOTUS Car Models

Lotus 2011
Evora S
Elise

Lotus 2010
Exige S Type 72
Elite Concept
Elan Concept
Elise Concept
Esprit Concept
Eterne Concept
Exige S
Exige Cup 260
Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar
Evora Carbon Concept
Evora 414E Hybrid Concept
Evora
Elise Club Racer

Lotus 2009
Exige Cup 260
Eco Elise

Lotus 2008
Ice Vehicle Concept
Exige Sprint
Exige S 240
Exige Cup 260
Europa SE
Europa Diamond Edition
Elise SC Clark Type 25
Elise SC

Lotus 2007
Hot Wheels Concept
Exige S
Elise S
Elise R
2-Eleven

Lotus 2006
Exige 265E Concept
Europa S

Lotus 2005
Exige
Elise
Circuit Car

Lotus 2004
Elise

Lotus 20025
Esprit V8
Elise

Lotus 1999
Elise

Lotus 1996
Elise Type 49
Elise 160
Elise

Lotus 1980
Esprit Turbo

Lotus 1973
Elite

Lotus 1972
Esprit Concept

Lotus 1965
Europa

Lotus 1962
Elan

ABOUT LOTUS

Lotus Cars is a British manufacturer of sports and racing cars based at the former site of RAF Hethel, a World War II airfield in Norfolk. The company designs and builds race and production automobiles of light weight and high handling characteristics.

Lotus is currently owned by Proton who took over after the bankruptcy of former owner Bugatti in 1994.

LOTUS HISTORY

The company was formed as Lotus Engineering Ltd. by engineer Colin Chapman, a graduate of University College, London, in 1952. The first factory was in old stables behind the Railway Hotel in Hornsey, North London. Team Lotus, which was split off from Lotus Engineering in 1954, was active and competitive in Formula One racing from 1958 to 1994. The Lotus Group of Companies was formed in 1959. This was made up of Lotus Cars Limited and Lotus Components Limited which focused on road cars and customer competition car production respectively. Lotus Components Limited became Lotus Racing Limited in 1971 but the newly renamed entity ceased operation in the same year.

The company moved to a purpose built factory at Cheshunt in 1959 and since 1966 the company has occupied a modern factory and road test facility at Hethel, near Wymondham. This site is the former RAF Hethel base and the test track uses sections of the old runway.

Chapman died of a heart attack in 1982 at the age of 54, having begun life an innkeeper's son and ended a multi-millionaire industrialist in post-war Britain. The car maker built tens of thousands of successful racing and road cars and won the Formula One World Championship seven times. At the time of his death he was linked with the DeLorean scandal over the use of government subsidies for the production of the DeLorean DMC-12 for which Lotus had designed the chassis.

In 1986, the company was bought by General Motors. On 27 August 1993, GM sold the company, for �30 million, to A.C.B.N. Holdings S.A. of Luxembourg, a company controlled by Italian businessman Romano Artioli, who also owned Bugatti Automobili SpA. In 1996, a majority share in Lotus was sold to Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Bhd (Proton), a Malaysian car company listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange.

The company also acts as an engineering consultancy, providing engineering development�particularly of suspension�for other car manufacturers. The lesser known Powertrain department is responsible for the design and development of the 4-cylinder Ecotec engine found in many of GM's Vauxhall, Opel, Saab, Chevrolet and Saturn cars. Today, the current Lotus Elise and Exige models use the 1.8L VVTL-i I4 from Toyota's late Celica GT-S and the Matrix XRS.

The company is organised as Group Lotus, which is divided into Lotus Cars and Lotus Engineering.

Michael Kimberley took over as Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Company and its Group from May 2006. He currently chairs the Executive Committee of Lotus Group International Limited ("LGIL") established in February 2006, with Syed Zainal Abidin (Managing Director of Proton Holdings Berhad) and Badrul Feisal (non-executive director of Proton Holdings Berhad). LGIL is the holding company of Lotus Group Plc.

Kimberley retired as CEO on 17 July 2009 and was replaced as CEO by Dany T Bahar on 1 October 2009. Bahar was formerly Senior Vice President, Commercial & Brand for Ferrari SpA where he was responsible for worldwide road car sales and after sales business, overall road car and F1 marketing activities, licensing, and merchandising business.

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