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.

2010 Model Year Elise and Exige Now Cleaner than Ever

Press release from Lotus:

For 2010 Model Year, the Elise and Exige have substantially reduced CO2 emissions and improved fuel consumption

The latest Elise and Exige models are the product of continuous improvement to give up to a 9% reduction in CO2 emissions and similar increases in fuel economy.

On the combined cycle, the Elise S shows the greatest improvement in fuel efficiency offering an increase of 3.2 mpg (a decrease of 0.7 l/100km), from 34.0 mpg (8.3 l/100 km) to 37.2 mpg (7.6 l/100km). These figures are achieved by focussing on light weight technology and small, efficient engines to achieve sensational performance and class leading fuel economy.

Model Combined CO2 0-60 mph 0-100 km/h
(mpg) (l/100km) (g/km) (seconds) (seconds)

Elise S 37.2 7.6 179 5.7 6.1
Elise R 34.4 8.2 196 5.1 5.4
Elise SC 33.2 8.5 199 4.3 4.6
Exige S 33.2 8.5 199 4.5 4.7

Model Urban Extra Urban
(mpg) (l/100km) (mpg) (l/100km)
Elise S 26.6 10.6 48.7 5.8
Elise R 24.4 11.6 45.6 6.2
Elise SC 23.9 11.8 44.1 6.4
Exige S 23.7 11.9 43.5 6.5

The exceptional balance and precise handling of Lotus cars have always been the most engaging aspect of the driving experience and these class leading attributes are now complemented by greener performance.

Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc, stated, “The Lotus philosophy of performance through light weight is even more relevant in today’s emission focused ecological world. This design philosophy has enabled Lotus to offer fantastic levels of performance, with Lotus cars being some of the greenest performance cars on the market”.

Mike Kimberley continues, “We are at the cutting edge of green transport technology and we will continue to push the boundaries with our green research and environmental strategy. We are keen to ensure that Lotus as a company and its products offer an ethical, green option that appeals to our customers”.

Lotus’ cars fair well against other manufacturers of performance cars in terms of CO2 emissions against performance. The table below compares vehicles with similar performance and highlights their emissions of CO2. This table illustrates the efficient performance of the Elise SC.

Combined
(l/100km – mpg) CO2 g/km 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph)
Lotus Elise SC 8.5 – 33.2 199 4.6
Porsche Boxster S 9.5 – 29.7 223 5.3
Mercedes Benz SLK 55 AMG 12.0 – 23.5 288 4.9
Ferrari F430 Spider 15.2 – 18.6 345 4.1
Figures displayed above are from manufacturers’ websites as at 8/4/09

The exciting new 2010 model year Elise and Exige are on sale now at Lotus dealers.

Elise S: 179 g/km CO2
7.6 l/100 km (37.2 mpg) Combined Cycle
10.6 l/100 km (26.6 mpg) Urban Cycle
5.8 l/100 km (48.7 mpg) Extra Urban Cycle

Elise R: 196 g/km CO2
8.2 l/100 km (34.4 mpg) Combined Cycle
11.6 l/100 km (24.4 mpg) Urban Cycle
6.2 l/100 km (45.6 mpg) Extra Urban Cycle

Elise SC: 199 g/km CO2
8.5 l/100 km (33.2 mpg) Combined Cycle
11.8 l/100 km (23.9 mpg) Urban Cycle
6.4 l/100 km (44.1 mpg) Extra Urban Cycle

Exige S: 199 g/km CO2
8.5 l/100 km (33.2 mpg) Combined Cycle
11.9 l/100 km (23.7 mpg) Urban Cycle
6.5 litres/100 km (43.5 mpg) Extra Urban Cycle

Ends

Notes:
About Lotus

The main operating subsidiary of Group Lotus plc is Lotus Cars Limited, 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.

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, and the Exige and Europa. Lotus’ latest model, the Lotus Evora, goes on sale from Summer 2009. 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.

GGLC Monterey Historics Lotus Corral

The GGLC is once again arranging for a Lotus Corral at the 2009 Monterey Historic Races at Laguna Seca Raceway on August 14-16, 2009. Purchase your Monterey Historic ticket from the GGLC and get a free corral pass to the GGLC Lotus corral. To get the Lotus Corral parking the GGLC must sell at least 35 tickets. Please order early and reserve your spot in the corral. GGLC membership is NOT required, but you must drive your Lotus to the event to park in the GGLC Lotus Corral.

Click here to buy your Monterey Historic tickets. Typically the tickets are sent to the GGLC 2-3 weeks prior and we will then immediately distribute them to you. Expect your ticket(s) and corral passes approximate one week prior to the event.

Corral parking on Saturday is separated by Club/Marque. Sunday corral parking is mixed marques.

Order on-line at www.gglotus.org or mail check (made to Golden Gate Lotus Club) to:

GGLC – Monterey, 775 Paul Ave, Palo Alto CA 94306

DEADLINE TO BUY TICKETS & CORRAL PASS: JUNE 10, 2009!

Ticket prices, ticket includes corral pass for Saturday:

Saturday, Aug 15 ONLY: $66.00 ($75 at gate)

Sunday, Aug 16 ONLY: $51.00 ($60 at gate)

2-Day, Sat Aug 15 and Sun Aug 16: $97.00 ($115 at gate)

3-Day, Fri Aug 14, Sat Aug 15 and Sun Aug 16: $127.00 ($145 at gate)

Autocross Clinic Registration now open

Registration for the April 26 (Sunday) GGLC autocross is now open. It will be a practice day (50 spots) and clinic (10 spots). Club members only for the first week. Click the following link to sign up: https://www.motorsportreg.com/index.cfm/event/event.advert/uidEvent/5ACA3B0F-A561-14B7-0CC88C59E54B8980

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).

For those of you who made our March event, times can be found at:

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dd7xn2fv_4dj25vjfx#fun

We should have photos up by this weekend. Once done you can find them at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/88898787@N00/sets/

Thanks,

Larry & Alex