This is a new Lotus, with a new chassis, a new engine and a big job on its hands. Richard Meaden discovers if the Evora is the revolution we’ve been waiting for, and if the Cayman is yesterday’s hero…
GGLC Members take a class win at the 24 Hours of Lemons
GGLC members Gabriel Matus and Rahul Nair joined GGLC President Robert Dietsch to take a class win and finish fifth overall at the 24 Hours of Lemons endurance race at Reno Fernley. More details to follow soon.
Spanish Grand Prix Photo Essay
Formula 1 photographer Darren Heath has put together this excellent photo essay of the 2009 Spanish Grand Prix. Click here to view in full size.
[via AllenOnF1]
Tokyo Mater
For the fans of the Pixar film “Cars”
Steve Crijns and Matt Becker on the Evora
Drivers Republic has a great video interview with Steve Crijns (Design Manager, Lotus Design) and Matt Becker (Executive Engineer, Chassis Dynamics) describing the Evora design and manufacture process
This second video includes road and track driving impressions from Matt.
Evora reviews come pouring in
The worlds automotive press have finally gotten their hands on the Lotus Evora and the glowing reviews have been pouring in. Click through to read more:
The Evora is planted and secure, yet picks apart corners with a light and playful feel that always makes mid-engine cars feel so special—think Ferrari F430, only with better steering.
The Evora marks a turning point for the British maker. This may be the first-ever Lotus built for everyone.
In terms of build quality and the solidity of its presentation, the Evora is easily the most mature Lotus yet. While heavier than most of its predecessors, none will doubt they are driving a car built by people who place a premium on roadholding and handling.
However, the major surprise is the Evora’s suitability for day-long journeys; the creamy torque of the engine, the way the suspension quietly absorbs bumps and suppresses the coarse surfaces so often found in rural Scotland, the rock-like rigidity of the chassis and the richness of its cabin trim and equipment are all new areas for Lotus. This is a car truly suitable for a week’s all-roads European grand touring, the first of the marque to achieve it.
First impressions: typical Lotus ride/handling but much more grown-up. There’s even a properly good hi-fi!
But the really successful elements of Project Eagle – stiff, versatile chassis, stunning looks and superb handling – are what the Elise was about fifteen years ago.
Jeremy Clarkson reviews the Lotus Evora
A mid-engined supercar so compliant, refined and quiet it doesn’t feel as if made in a Norfolk shed, says Jeremy Clarkson. Click through to read the full article.
Jim Clark – The Quiet Champion
An hour-long documentary on Jim Clark, 2 time Formula 1 champion and arguably the greatest Lotus driver of all time.
Jim Clark – The Quiet Champion from Juha on Vimeo.
[via Axis of Oversteer]
Registration for Autocross Points Event now open
Registration for the May 16th (Saturday) GGLC autocross is now open. It is a full points event and registration will be restricted to club members only for the first week. Click the following link to sign up: http://www.motorsportreg.com/index.cfm/event/event.advert/uidEvent/6FB47AE4-B961-A2CE-2F39ABAA19A997AE
We have also added a sign up option for setup (unloading equipment and setting up the course). You will need to be on site and ready to work by 7:15-20. And I will hold a drawing for the setup crew. For the winner, we will open a spot, so they can have double runs (at no extra cost).
Lotus and Harman International Announce Collaboration
Press release from Lotus
Lotus Engineering reaches agreement with Harman International to be granted exclusive rights for Active Noise Control technologies
Lotus Engineering, the world-renowned automotive consultancy division of Lotus Cars Ltd and Harman Becker Automotive Systems, the automotive division of Harman International, have reached an agreement to jointly develop noise management solutions using Lotus’ patented Active Noise Control technologies. Exclusive rights are granted to Harman Becker to manufacture the latest technology solutions for the worldwide vehicle OEM market. The agreement includes all of Lotus’ Active Noise Control technologies comprising Road Noise Cancellation, Engine Order Cancellation, and Electronic Sound Synthesis.
The Road Noise Cancellation and Engine Order Cancellation systems will provide vehicle manufacturers with the ability to greatly improve in-cabin refinement, with additional design opportunities for optimising vehicle weight reduction and fuel economy.
Road Noise Cancellation and Engine Order Cancellation reduce both overall noise levels and specific audible frequencies which may be unpleasant in the cabin space. Electronic systems determine the signal needed to provide cancellation which is then seamlessly generated through the in-car entertainment system. The result is a quiet, controlled environment free of intrusive noises.
External Electronic Sound Synthesis provides specified electronic sound models which can be applied to an external speaker system to improve pedestrian safety. This is especially important for electric and hybrid vehicles which can be difficult to hear at lower speeds due to their drive mechanism. A synthesised sound, dependant on speed, is projected from speakers at the front and rear of the vehicle, making it instantly recognisable that the vehicle is in motion.
Internal Electronic Sound Synthesis allows sound contouring in the cabin, enhancing the driving experience by creating engine speed and throttle dependant sounds audible through the in-car entertainment system. The system delivers audible feedback to drivers even when the engine is silent or, alternatively, it can be used to reinforce an OEM ‘sound DNA’ to the end user.
Harman International, the world-renowned high-end infotainment systems provider, will be the production system integrator and supplier, and will work with vehicle manufacturers on model specific system architecture options. Lotus Engineering, which has over twenty years of experience in Active Noise Control technologies will assist manufacturers with system performance optimisation.
“We are delighted by this agreement with Harman International, which will allow motorists to benefit from the greater levels of refinement and safety in future vehicles which these Lotus technologies enable,” said Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc. “The Active Noise Control technologies are part of a steady stream of ground-breaking innovations that Lotus has brought to the automotive industry and we are committed to pursuing further developments in vehicle refinement and environmentally friendly transport solutions.”
“We are privileged to team up with Lotus for this new development initiative, which will reinforce our mission to deliver exceptional audio and infotainment experiences for automotive customers,” said Dinesh C. Paliwal, Harman’s Chairman and CEO. “The rich sounds of our in-car systems will be complemented by this technology, opening new opportunities for deployment and enjoyment.”
“The utilisation of the Lotus suite of ANC technologies within our extensive product portfolio reinforces our commitment to support the increasing market demand for environmentally conscientious technologies,” said Dr. Klaus Blickle, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Harman International Automotive Division.
The result of the Lotus and Harman International technology collaboration will be to generate Active Noise Control system solutions available to vehicle manufacturers in all worldwide markets. Working systems are ready for production implementation and manufacture. The introduction of affordable noise management systems offers multiple benefits to manufacturers and consumers alike, achieving eco-friendly optimization of vehicle weight reductions and improved CO2 emissions.