Tag: Lotus

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Evora Specifications and Pricing (EU and Switzerland)

Evora UK options and pricing
Evora 2+0 £ 47,500
Evora 2+2 £ 49,875
Tech Pack £ 2,495
Sport Pack £ 950
Premium Pack £ 2,495
Metallic Paint £ 538
Lifestyle Paint £ 979
Premium Paint £ 1,957
Powerfold Door Mirrors £ 300
Bi-Xenon Headlamps £ 550
Alpine/Lotus IMPRINT Sound £ 1,495
Alpine Reversing camera £ 300
Stealth Grey cast alloy wheels £ 300
Silver forged alloy wheels £ 1,495
Gloss Anthracite forged alloy wheels £ 1,795
Sports ratio 6-speed manual transmission £ 1,495

Full Press release below

First deliveries of the eagerly anticipated Lotus Evora will be made to customers in Europe in May 2009 following an extensive and rapid development programme, enabling the whole project to be completed in an extraordinary 27 months, almost unprecedented in the motor industry.

The Lotus Evora Launch Edition
The first 450 cars will be built to a high level standard specification which includes the following equipment:

? 2+2 seating configuration
? Tech Pack
? Premium Pack
? Sport Pack
? Hi-power silver cast alloy wheels
? Bi-Xenon Headlamps
? Alpine Imprint Audio System
? Reversing Camera
? Electric Powerfold Mirrors

The Launch Edition includes either Ardent Red or British Racing Green as standard, and all other colours from the Lotus range are available as a cost option.

Following on from these first 450 Lotus Evora Launch Edition sportscars, customers will have the opportunity to spec to a more personal level – but of course they will not be part of the select few who will be among the first to own Britain’s latest sportscar and one of the most anticipated cars of the year, complete with a unique Evora commemorative build plate in the cabin.

The Lotus Evora in Summary
The Lotus Evora will enter the sportscar market as the only mid-engined 2+2 in production. The new car is a more holistic offering than the Elise, Europa and Exige models that have been so massively popular and iconic. The Lotus Evora is designed for people who desire exotic sportscar characteristics of stunning design, exclusivity, dramatic proportions and performance. However, it offers real-world usability and a unique sense of occasion. Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 producing 280 PS and 342 Nm of torque, the new car employs innovative lightweight chassis technology to ensure all-round dynamic performance, in keeping with the great Lotus tradition.

Straight line performance is spectacular, with the zero to 100 km/h sprint taking place in just over 5 seconds with a top speed of over 260 km/h (prototype figures). Economy and emissions figures are class leading with the Official European Combined Cycle fuel economy being just 8.7 litres / 100 km and the emissions being just 205 g / km CO2. The other fuel economy figures are equally impressive with Official European Urban Cycle figures of 12.4 litres / 100 km and 6.5 litres / 100 km for the Official European Extra Urban Cycle.

Inside, the Lotus Evora cocoons occupants with sumptuous leather surfaces juxtaposed with contemporary high-tech features. With driver focused instrumentation the occupants sit in cockpit-esque surroundings. A beautifully appointed dash boasts tactile details such as flush-mounted controls that glow with blue LED haloes and a stylised speedometer and rev counter ensuring that controls are both attractive and accessible. Styled in-house by Lotus Design, the Evora’s sophisticated and attention-snaring lines brilliantly disguise its ability to accommodate passengers in the rear of the cabin, giving the car the external characteristics of a small, nimble sportscar belying its real exterior and internal space. As well as being sold in a 2+2 configuration, the car will also be available as a two-seater, the space in the rear being allocated to luggage storage. Other derivatives are also planned for the long term future, including a convertible and a version with automatic transmission.

The first production Lotus Evoras have already started down the assembly line at Lotus’ high tech manufacturing facilities in Worcester UK (where the advanced extruded and bonded aluminium chassis is made) and at the Lotus Headquarters in Hethel UK. Build volumes are expected to ramp up steadily over the next few months with a target of 34 Lotus Evoras being made each week by July 2009. This manufacturing volume is in addition to the current build volume for Lotus small car platform vehicles (Elise, Exige, Europa and 2-Eleven) of 44 per week building to 55-60 per week in the run up to the northern hemisphere summer.

For peace of mind, the Lotus Evora has a 3 year 100,000 km (60,000 miles) whole vehicle warranty with an 8 years chassis perforation warranty for EU markets.
Full standard equipment, together with the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices for the Lotus Evora and the cost option equipment are listed below:

Lotus Evora Standard and Cost Option Equipment

S – Standard O – Cost option
Engine and transmission
206 kW (276 hp, 280 PS) 3.5 litre V6 engine with VVT-I

 S
6-speed manual transmission

 S
Sports ratio 6-speed manual transmission

 O
Optimal gear shift-point display

 S
Twin polished exhaust tailpipe

 S

Handling technology
Fully independent suspension layout

 S
Forged aluminium unequal length double wishbones with integral joint

 S
Bilstein mono-tube gas dampers (front and rear)

 S
Eibach coaxial coil springs (front and rear)

 S
Anti-roll bars (front and rear)

 S
Yokohama Advan Sport LTS tyres (225/40 ZR18 front and 255/35 ZR19 rear)

 S
Hydraulically-assisted power steering

 S
BOSCH Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)

 S
Switchable traction control

 S

Safety
Lotus lightweight deformable bonded front structure

 S
Lotus all-aluminium safety monocoque ‘tub’

 S
Lotus welded galvanised deformable rear structure

 S
Lotus side impact safety structure

 S
Stainless steel fuel tank, sheltered within safety shell

 S
2-stage airbags for driver and front passenger

 S
Isofix child seat fastening system in the rear

 S on 2+2 seating configuration only
AP racing 4-piston fixed aluminium alloy 2-piece callipers S
Ventilated brake discs (350 mm front and 332 mm rear)

 S
BOSCH ABS with servo assisted brakes featuring

Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)

Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)

 S
Key located remote control central locking system and boot release

 S
Immobiliser and key activated alarm

 S
3rd brake light – high mounted

 S
Rear windscreen demister

 S
Insulated double glazed rear window, filled with Argon

 S

Wheels
Silver cast alloy wheels (18″ front and 19″ rear)

 S
Silver forged alloy wheels (18″ front and 19″ rear)

 O
Stealth Grey cast alloy wheels (18″ front and 19″ rear)

 O
Gloss Anthracite forged alloy wheels (18″ front and 19″ rear)

 O

Exterior equipment
Halogen headlights

 S
Bi-Xenon headlights, incl. headlight washing system

 O
Solar glass windscreen

 S
Body coloured, heated, electric door mirrors

 S
Body coloured, heated, electric, power-fold door mirrors

 O
Aerodynamically optimised rear diffuser and wing

 S
Body coloured door handles

 O
Chrome brand and model designation badges

 S

Interior specification
Air conditioning unit

 S
Adjustable Recaro Black leather sports seats (front). Recline tilt and slide

 S
Flat-bottomed leather/magnesium steering wheel

 S
Manual steering column adjustment for length and height

 S
Bespoke aluminium illuminated control knobs and switches

 S
Electric windows

 S
Leather gear-knob

 S
Leather handbrake sleeve

 S
Remote release glove box S
Door storage bins & integrated cup holders

 S
12-V interior accessory socket

 S
12-V boot mounted battery accessory socket

 S
Lotus command centre with auxiliary trip computer

 S

Entertainment
Alpine CD/MP3/WMA receiver including:

 S
2x45W High Power Amp (6″ 1/4 coaxial 2-way speakers & dash mounted tweaters)

 S
CD-R/-RW/MP3 Playback
Full speed connection for iPod touch, iPod nano and all iPod models with dock connector

 S
Full speed AUX input

 S
Quick search

 S
Lightweight fractal aerial

 S
Tech pack

 O
Upgraded stereo system with:

Alpine Mobile Media Station DVD±R/±RW/MP3/AAC/WMA/DivX Playback

2x50W High Power Amp (6″ 1/4 coaxial 2-way speakers & dash mounted tweaters)

Alpine Lightweight amplifier with lightweight 150watt subwoofer

7″ WVGA Touch Screen display

Alpine BlackBird Portable Satellite Navigation

Bluetooth mobile phone connection

USB connection for various iPod models and selected

other MP3 player and memory sticks

iPod connection and docking cradle in glovebox

Full speed AUX input

Quick search

Cruise Control, included in steering wheel

Rear parking sensors

Tyre pressure monitoring system
Tech pack upgrades:
Alpine/Lotus IMPRINT Sound with Specialised Advanced fine tuning

Optimisation of sound reproduction

Enhanced sound staging and definition within the car

 O
Alpine Reversing camera (day & night) with 138 degree Field of View

 O
Premium pack:

 O
Accent lighting

Leather trimmed tailgate insert panel

Evora Logo on dash

Premium floor mats

Choice of seat leather colour

– Charcoal

– Oyster

– Paprika

– Chestnut

Leather door panelling below trim band

Leather trimmed door pockets

Leather footwell side panels

Leather trimmed armrest

Fully leather trimmed centre console
Sport pack:

 O
Switchable sports mode featuring:

Enhanced Throttle response and RPM limit

Sports traction control mode with increased yaw and slip thresholds

Sports diffuser

Titanium sports exhaust tailpipe

Cross drilled brake disks

Black painted brake callipers

Engine Oil cooler**

Paints

Solid Paint

S
Ardent Red

British Racing Green

Metallic Paint

O
Starlight Black

Liquid Blue

Persian Blue

Canyon Red

Arctic Silver

Storm Titanium

Solar Yellow
Lifestyle Paint

 O
Phantom Black

Aquamarine

Laser Blue

Isotope Green

Carbon Grey

Graphite Grey

Chrome Orange

Quartz Silver

Aspen White

Saffron Yellow

Premium Paint

O
Burnt Orange

Ice White
Warranty EU Markets

 3 year 100,000 km (60,000 miles) whole vehicle warranty. 8 years chassis perforation warranty. Customers statutory rights not affected.

MSRP :
including local tax
including transport

France

Italy

Belgium

Switzerland
Evora 2+0

 € 61.189,–

 € 61.874,–

 € 61,809.–

 CHF 93,241.–
Evora 2+2

 € 64.717,–

 € 65.413,–

 € 65,378.–

 CHF 97,829.–
Tech Pack

 € 3.508,–

 € 3.519,–

 € 3.549,–

 CHF 5.228,–
Sport Pack

 € 1.498,–

 € 1.503,–

 € 1.515,–

 CHF 2.233,–
Premium Pack

 € 3.005,–

 € 3.015,–

 € 3.040,–

 CHF 4.478,–
Metallic Paint

 € 995,–

 € 998,–

 € 1.007,–

 CHF 1.482,–
Lifestyle Paint

 € 1.859,–

 € 1.866,–

 € 1.881,–

 CHF 2.771,–
Premium Paint

 € 2.751,–

 € 2.760,–

 € 2.783,–

 CHF 4.101,–
Powerfold Door Mirrors € 291,–

 € 292,–

 € 295,–

 CHF 433,–
Bi-Xenon Headlamps

 € 995,–

 € 998,–

 € 1.007,–

 CHF 1.484,–
Alpine/Lotus IMPRINT Sound

 € 1.498,–

 € 1.503,–

 € 1.515,–

 CHF 2.234,–
Alpine Reversing camera

 € 593,–

 € 595,–

 € 600,–

 CHF 892,–
Stealth Grey cast alloy wheels

 € 553,–

 € 555,–

 € 559,–

 CHF 825,–
Silver forged alloy wheels

 € 2.000,–

 € 2.007,–

 € 2.023,–

 CHF 2.985,–
Gloss Anthracite forged alloy wheels

 € 2.764,–

 € 2.773,–

 € 2.796,–

 CHF 4.122,–
Sports ratio 6-speed manual transmission

 € 1.809,–

 € 1.815,–

 € 1.830,–

 CHF 2.698,–

MSRP :

 MSRP:
including local tax

 excluding local tax
excluding transport

 excluding transport

Germany

United Kingdom*

Euro zone Countries
Evora 2+0

 € 59.990,–

 £ 47,500.–

 € 50.412,–
Evora 2+2

 € 63.500,–

 £ 49,875.–

 € 53.361,–
Tech Pack

 € 3.490,–

 £ 2,495.–

 € 2.933,–
Sport Pack

 € 1.490,–

 £ 950.–

 € 1.252,–
Premium Pack

 € 2.990,–

 £ 2,495.–

 € 2.513,–
Metallic Paint

 € 990,–

 £ 538.–

 € 832,–
Lifestyle Paint

 € 1.850,–

 £ 979.–

 € 1.555,–
Premium Paint

 € 2.737,–

 £ 1,957.–

 € 2.300,–
Powerfold Door Mirrors

 € 290,–

 £ 300.–

 € 244,–
Bi-Xenon Headlamps

 € 990,–

 £ 550.–

 € 832,–
Alpine/Lotus IMPRINT Sound

 € 1.490,–

 £ 1,495.–

 € 1.252,–
Alpine Reversing camera

 € 590,–

 £ 300.–

 € 496,–
Stealth Grey cast alloy wheels

 € 550,–

 £ 300.–

 € 462,–
Silver forged alloy wheels

 € 1.990,–

 £ 1,495.–

 € 1.672,–
Gloss Anthracite forged alloy wheels

 € 2.750,–

 £ 1,795.–

 € 2.311,–
Sports ratio 6-speed manual transmission

 € 1.800,–

 £ 1,495.–

 € 1.513,–

All prices include first service and manufacturers warranty

All prices exclude on the road costs; on the road costs typically refer to registration, fuel, license plates, road tax, local dealer charges

* UK MRSP price – add £950 for on the road price


Lotus Evora:

205 g/km CO2
8.7 litres / 100 km (32.5 mpg) Combined Cycle
12.4 litres / 100 km (22.8 mpg) Urban Cycle
6.5 litres / 100 km (43.5 mpg) Extra Urban Cycle

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Lotus Omnivore Research Engine Unveiled

Lotus Omnivore Research Engine

Lotus Engineering has just shown of its latest engine concept at the Geneva Motor Show. The Lotus Omnivore Research Engine combines a variable compressions ratio with direct fuel injection in a two stroke cycle to both enhance efficiency and allow maximum flexibility in terms of fuel type.

Full press release below:

Lotus Engineering, the world-renowned automotive consultancy division of Lotus Cars Limited, unveils its latest research into engine efficiency at the 79th International Geneva Motor Show. The Omnivore engine concept has the potential to significantly increase fuel efficiency for sustainable alcohol based fuels, which increases the prospect of a greater amount of vehicle miles travelled using renewable fuels. On display will be the single cylinder research engine monoblock that demonstrates the novel architecture designed for high thermal efficiency when fuelled on any alcohol based fuel or gasoline.

The Omnivore concept features an innovative variable compression ratio system and uses a two-stroke operating cycle with direct fuel injection. It is ideally suited to flex-fuel operation with a higher degree of optimisation than is possible with existing four stroke engines.

The engine concept features a monoblock construction that blends the cylinder head and block together eliminating the need for a cylinder head gasket, improving durability and reducing weight. In this case, the application of a monoblock is facilitated by the absence of the requirement for poppet valves. A novel charge trapping valve in the exhaust port allows asymmetric timing of exhaust flow and continuous variation of the exhaust opening point.

The variable compression ratio is achieved by the use of a puck at the top of the combustion chamber. This simple, yet effective system moves up and down affecting the change in geometric compression depending on the load demands on the engine.

Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc said: “We are delighted to unveil this major milestone in the development of an engine configuration for a new breed of more efficient multi-fuel engines. The automotive sector is focusing on its environmental obligations to improve efficiency, minimise reliance on fossil fuels and reduce harmful emissions and Lotus continues to be an industry leader through our work on all aspects of future fuels. Sustainable alcohol based fuels have the potential to reduce the overall CO2 footprint of internal combustion engines towards zero and for this reason, need to be embraced as future fuels for road transport.”

In this collaboration with Queen’s University Belfast and Orbital Corporation Limited Australia, with sponsorship from DEFRA/DECC and DOE NI through the Renewables Materials LINK programme, Lotus Engineering is currently in the final stages of commissioning the Omnivore single-cylinder research engine. It uses the Orbital FlexDI(TM) fuel injection system which produces fine in-cylinder fuel preparation irrespective of fuel type, and together with air pre-mixing allows efficient two-stroke combustion and low-temperature starting, whilst offering singular opportunity for advanced HCCI control.

The Omnivore programme is another development of Lotus’ research into understanding the complex combustion processes involved in running an engine on mixtures of alcohol based fuels and gasoline, which included the Lotus Exige 270E Tri-fuel, unveiled at the International Geneva Motor Show in 2008. This research is vitally important for a successful transition from today’s fuels to the more efficient sustainable fuels of the future.

Geraint Castleton-White, Head of Powertrain at Lotus Engineering said, “The absence of poppet valves in two-stroke engines makes the incorporation of a variable compression ratio system relatively straightforward. Our research into these systems on four-stroke engines has led us to the conclusion that while thermodynamically it is a desirable technology to incorporate, practically it is very difficult, particularly taking into consideration production feasibility. This two-stroke engine could solve these practical difficulties and simultaneously permits a much larger range of compression ratio adjustment, with the potential to perform at a much higher efficiency when running on renewable fuels.”

About Group Lotus plc:
The main operating subsidiary of Group Lotus plc is Lotus Cars Ltd, which has two operating divisions – Lotus Engineering and Lotus Cars. Lotus Engineering is an internationally recognised automotive engineering consultancy based in Norfolk, UK. Global facilities include those in Michigan (USA), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), China and offices in Germany and Japan, with rapid expansion in new territories such as South East Asia and the Gulf States.

Lotus Engineering provides comprehensive and versatile consultancy services to many of the world’s OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, offering a full engineering service from initial concept and project design through development and integration of the complete vehicle to meet all worldwide markets and customers to full production. This includes third party ‘niche vehicle’ engineering and manufacture worldwide.

Lotus Cars builds world class, prestige, high performance sports cars for sale in 37 countries. These include the iconic Lotus Elise, the Exige and Europa. Lotus is a global high-tech company, expanding rapidly and committed to driving forward technology for both Lotus Cars and its Engineering clients, spearheading research into such areas as hybrids, electric vehicles and renewable fuels.

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The most beautiful cars of all time

Classic & Sports Car Magazine polled a jury of 20 top automotive designers to try and find the most beautiful car of all time. The power packed jury included several folks with strong Lotus connections such as Giorgetto Giugiaro (Esprit), Peter Stevens (Esprit S2), Julian Thompson (S1 Elise) and Steve Crijns (Lotus Design) along with industry stalwarts such as Gordon Murray, Ian Callum and Marcell Gandini. The Citroen DS was declared the eventual winner, but Lotus had not one but two separate entries in the top 10.

The Final Top 10
1. Citroën DS
2. Jaguar XK120
3. Ferrari 275GTB
4. Cord 810/812
5. Ferrari 250GT Lusso
6. Ferrari 250GT Short-wheelbase
7. Jaguar E-type
8. Lamborghini Miura
9. Lotus Elan
10. Lotus Elite (1957)

Lotus Elan

Lotus Elan (Best Lotus winner)
The original Lotus Elan is possibly one of the most iconic sportscars of all time. It encapsulated what a british roadster was all about and many would say that it is one of the best handling cars to come from Lotus. The ultimate compliment to the Elan was given by Mazda when it bought two of them for the design team that was developing the Mazda Miata. This particular Elan belongs to our own Joel Lipkin and was the “Best Lotus” winner at the 2006 Palo Alto British Car Meet.

Lotus Elite (1957)

1960 Lotus Elite (Type 14)
The Lotus Elite was the first production car with a fiberglass monocoque construction. The swoopy shape was styled by Peter Kirwan-Taylor who was actually an accountant by profession. The combination of low weight, good aerodynamics and innovative construction gave the Elite an impressive turn of speed leading to 6 class wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans including winning the Index of Performance and the Index of Thermal Efficiency.

Full Press release

What’s the most beautiful car of all time? A multi-million pound Ferrari or the curvy Jaguar E-type perhaps? No, it is now officially Citroën’s humble DS, the car most famous for saving President De Gaulle from assassination.

That was the verdict when Classic & Sports Car magazine polled a jury of the world’s leading car designers to nominate the most gorgeous cars ever.

The 20-strong panel ranged from Car designer of the Century Giorgetto Giugiaro – the man behind the Maserati Bora, VW Golf, Fiat Panda and Lotus Esprit – to current Jaguar director of design Ian Callum, and each picked their top three beauties.

Although Ferrari secured the most votes as a marque, they were spread across nine different models, leaving the Citroën to scoop the honours as the single most beautiful classic.

The top 10

1. Citroën DS
2. Jaguar XK120
3. Ferrari 275GTB
4. Cord 810/812
5. Ferrari 250GT Lusso
6. Ferrari 250GT Short-wheelbase
7. Jaguar E-type
8. Lamborghini Miura
9. Lotus Elan
10. Lotus Elite (1957)

James Elliott, editor of Classic & Sports Car, said: “The Citroën is a benchmark design, but we were still astonished that it came out on top when you look at the sexiness – and values – of some of its rivals.

“Apart from the Mini, it’s by far the most affordable car to get any nominations at all, which probably means it’s a great investment!

“Petrolheads everywhere are forever arguing about the most beautiful cars and we hope that this will put an end to the debate once and for all, though we suspect that it might just be lighting a rocket under it. I don’t think anyone has ever asked this many great designers what their views are, so who better to pick the official winner… even if they all missed my favourite, the Alfa Romeo T33 Stradale?”

“It’s great to see the iconic DS getting such recognition amongst such an august group of car designers , and with the amazing news that a new DS range from Citroën will appear over the next few years, it’s clear we have lost none of our styling panache or instinct for innovation,” commented Citroën spokesperson Marc Raven on hearing the news.

What they said about the Citroën DS

  • Giorgetto Giugiaro: “The only example of a car really conceived ‘outside the box’. It is just impossible to imitate.”
  • Leonardo Fioravanti (former Pininfarina design chief and the man behind Ferrari’s Daytona, Dino and 308GTB): “A real road car that, at its time and perhaps still now, has represented the ‘dream’ in its extreme progress.”
  • Peter Stevens (British great responsible for the McLaren F1 and second-generation Lotus Esprit): “I have always considered the fact that this car was first drawn in 1955 to be extraordinary.”
  • Marcello Gandini (Bertone stalwart responsible for Lancia Stratos and Lamborghini Countach among many others): “At the time I think it was complete folly, madness from a business and industrial point of view… but it was a really innovative car in 1955. A few people may have thought of all those beautiful ideas, but it was real bravery to implement all of them in one car.”

About the Citroën DS

With its name derived from Déesse (French for Goddess), this innovative design was styled by Italian sculptor Flaminio Bertoni and launched in 1955.

The futuristic shape was an instant design classic and over the next 20 years more than 1.5 million cars were sold in a range of specifications.

But it wasn’t just the shape that revolutionised automotive design: the complex self-levelling suspension, plus powered steering, clutch and brakes were otherwordly compared to rival cars of the era.

While regarded today as a technical masterpiece – and a potential nightmare for the home mechanic – it was of pioneering construction for its day with unitary ‘tub’, bolt on panels and a plastic roof.

But the appeal of the DS is as much as a cultural icon as a car with a long list of celebrity owners and fans (Alec Guinness, Peter Cook and Will Self among them), plus regular appearances on film and in design museums and art galleries.

About Classic & Sports Car

Founded in 1982, Classic & Sports Car is the UK’s market-leading classic car magazine and Britain’s third best-selling motoring monthly.

The “most beautiful classics” feature coincides with an extensive redesign of the magazine and is accompanied by a free A2 poster featuring Lamborghini Miura and Jaguar E-type, plus the definitive buyers’ guide to the Citroën DS.

About the panel of designers

On their own designs:

  • Peter Stevens (McLaren F1): “I always intended that the design should be timeless rather than ‘of the minute’, and that is something that I would use as a measure of other designs.”
  • Ian Callum (Jaguar XF): “It is the biggest challenge I’ve faced, but I think we pulled it off. I don’t think people appreciate how well proportioned it is, given that it’s a five-seater.”
  • Gordon Murray (McLaren F1): “Designed as a road car, but went on to win Le Mans, which in my opinion is more difficult than F1.”
  • John Heffernan (Aston Martin Vantage): “When I borrowed one, it was much appreciated by ‘bikers of the Hells Angels persuasion, which I liked.”
  • Patrick Le Quément (Renault Twingo): “Some love it, some hated it. I wrote to the president of Renault and said: ‘I think you have to vote for instinctive design rather than extinctive marketing.’ He wrote back: ‘I agree.'”

And on other peoples’ cars:

  • Steve Crijns of Lotus on the Ford GT40: “It’s so sexy and has so much presence without really being aggressive.”
  • Paul Bracq, former head of design for both Mercedes and BMW, on the Aston Martin DB9: “It’s more beautiful than the current Ferraris. I don’t understand modern Ferrari design: the new California looks like a big VW Karmann-Ghia.”
  • Julian Thomson of Jaguar on the Lamborghini Gallardo: “I love the proportions… It’s a tiny modern interpretation of a supercar: things like the Bugatti Veyron are totally irrelevant to me.”
  • Martin Smith, executive design director of Ford of Europe on the Lamborghini Countach: “It was like a spaceship, something totally new combining smooth curves with geometric forms. I remember thinking ‘I’ll never be able to do something as good as that!'”
  • Ian Callum, Jaguar director of design, on the Ferrari 250GT Short-wheelbase: “A blend of beauty and aggression… I just drool over them, and I can draw them with my eyes closed.”
  • Marcello Gandini on the Cord 810/812: “It was an impressive design for the 1930s, with solutions that could be seen in cars of 20 years later.”
  • Tom Tjaarda, former head of Ghia’s studios, on the Jaguar E-type: “A gorgeous car. It looks narrow, like a woman in high heels. It doesn’t have the stance that cars have today.”

The jury

  • Adams, Dennis
  • Axe, Roy
  • Bracq, Paul
  • Callum, Ian
  • Carr, Russell
  • Crijns, Steve
  • Fioravanti, Leonardo
  • Gandini, Marcello
  • Giugiaro, Giorgetto
  • Heffernan, John
  • Karen, Tom
  • Le Quément, Patrick
  • Martin, Paulo
  • Murray, Gordon
  • Okuyama, Ken
  • Smith, Martin
  • Stevens, Peter
  • Thomson, Julian
  • Tjaarda, Tom
  • Winterbottom, Oliver

All the cars that received votes

  • Alfa Romeo Canguro
  • Aston Martin DB9
  • Audi A6
  • Bentley Continental GT
  • Bentley R-Type Continental
  • Bertone BAT 5
  • Bertone Marzal
  • BMW 328 Mille Miglia
  • Bugatti T41 Royale Coupé Napoleon
  • Bugatti T57SC Atlantic
  • Buick Riviera (1963-’65)
  • “Cadzilla”
  • Citroën ID/DS
  • Cord 810/812
  • Delage D8-120S
  • Ferrari 166 Barchetta
  • Ferrari 250GT Lusso
  • Ferrari 250GT swb
  • Ferrari 250GTO
  • Ferrari 275GTB
  • Ferrari 330 P3/4
  • Ferrari Dino 206S
  • Citroen DSFerrari Dino 246GT
  • Ferrari P6
  • Ford GT40
  • Hispano-Suiza H6 (Tulip Wood)
  • Jaguar E-type
  • Jaguar XJ6 S1
  • Jaguar XK120
  • Jaguar XKSS
  • Lagonda Rapide
  • Lamborghini Countach
  • Lamborghini Gallardo
  • Lamborghini Miura
  • Lancia Stratos
  • Lincoln Continental (1961)
  • Lotus Elan +2
  • Lotus Elan S3
  • Lotus Elite (1957)
  • Maserati Boomerang
  • Maserati Khamsin
  • Mercedes-Benz 500K
  • Mercedes-Benz Gullwing 300SL
  • Mini
  • Pagaso Z102 ‘Thrill’
  • Phantom Corsair
  • Triumph TR4

[via Jalopnik]

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Evora Production begins

Finished Evoras coming off the assempbly line
Finished Evoras coming off the assembly line

The Lotus Evora has finally started series production and the folks at Lotus Central were around to document the build process on the initial production examples. Click through to see how the bare chassis below gets turned into a full production Lotus.

Evora Chassis beginning the assembly process
Evora Chassis beginning the assembly process

[Source: Lotus Central]