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LOG 29 to be held
Other News: ProActive #26 May/June 2008 - Official Newsletter of Lotus Engineering
Rocky Mtn Sportscars Newsletter February 2008
Club Lotus Australia October 2008 Newsletter
Information: Our Sponsors : | Start Planning NOW for LOG 29 LOG 29 is earlier than usual next year, May 28 - June 1, 2009, in Birmingham, Alabama. The Wynfrey Hotel is wonderful and the largest shopping mall in Alabama is directly attached to the hotel. Barber Motorsports Park is the venue for the Saturday concours, Sunday autocross and Monday track day. Birmingham is a beautiful area of the country and well worth the drive. Take a look at the LOG 29 website and begin planning how you're going to fit LOG 29 into your 2009 schedule. LOTUS reMARQUE NOTICE Mailer problems affected the delivery of a small number of copies of the Nov/Dec 08 issue of LOTUS reMARQUE. Any current member who failed to receive his or her copy should email hq@lotuscarclub.org and request a replacement. Club Caps Are Available
To purchase one of these great caps, please send your name, shipping address, desired cap style, along with a check prepayment to Lotus, Ltd., P.O. Box L, College Park, MD 20741. The 2009 Model Year Lotus Exige Cup 260 Add Lightness to Increase Performance Extensive use of carbon fibre and lightweight components for the latest homologated-for-the-road Lotus Exige Cup 260Lotus Cars Ltd, has unveiled the MY2009 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 Model Year 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 Model Year 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 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:
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. The MY2009 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 Exige Cup 260 has a formidable list of standard performance focused equipment, as follows:- Wheels and Tyres Safety Equipment Suspension Brakes Performance, Economy and Emissions Engine 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 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 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 Specification Warranty Lotus "Evora"
Lotus Evora Chassis Not just a city on Portugal, but the new Lotus as well. Evora is located in the Alentejo Province, a region of wide plains to the south of the Tagus River (Rio Tejo). In the heart of this region, at a distance of 130 km from Lisbon, lies the city of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Part of the town is enclosed by ancient walls and has been preserved in its original state, aswell as its monuments dating from various historical periods. It was known by the Romans as Liberalitas Julia, and vestiges from this period (walls and rooms) and the monumental imperial temple (Diana's temple), still remain. During the barbarian invasions, Évora was under Visigoth rule. It occupied a space defined by a Roman enclosure that had been modified. In 715, the city was conquered by the Muslims. Évora was wrested from the moors by the Christian Knight Geraldo Sempavor in 1166 and flourished as one of the most dynamic cities in the Kingdom of Portugal during Middle Ages. The court was resident here for long spells and Évora became the scene for many royal weddings and a place where many important decisions were made. Particularly thriving during the Avis Dynasty (1385-1580), it was formerly a major center for the humanities.
Lotus "Evora" TheNew Distinctive, Mid-engined,
Eagerly anticipated and making its official global debut at the
British Motorshow in London on July 22nd, the first all-new The new car, which is known only by its project name ‘Eagle’, is a more
holistic offering than the Elise and Exige models that have been so massively
popular with track day enthusiasts. The car, the name for which will be announced at the British Motorshow on July at an 11:30 press
conference, is designed for people who desire exotic sportscar characteristics Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 producing 280 PS, the new car employs innovative
lightweight chassis technology to ensure visceral all-round dynamic
performance, in keeping with the great Lotus tradition. Even in the very early
stages of development testing, Lotus ride and handling engineers report that it
is considerably faster around the famously demanding Nürburgring circuit than Inside, Project Eagle cocoons occupants with a sumptuous leather surfaces
juxtaposed with contemporary high-tech features. With driver focused
instrumentation the driver sits 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 Styled in-house by Lotus Design, the Project Eagle’s sleek, 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 whilst belying its internal space. As well as being sold in a 2+2 configuration, the car will also be available as a purely two- seater, the space in the rear being allocated to luggage storage. Other derivatives are also planned for the future, including a convertible and an ultrahigh performance version. Deliveries of Project Eagle will begin in Spring 2009, and with only 2000 of the
hand crafted cars planned each year, this exclusive and unique car is creating
a real stir with celebrity enthusiasts around the world. Hollywood actor and Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc, had this to say about the new
model: “Project Eagle is the biggest milestone Lotus has achieved since the
Elise was born 13 years ago. We are currently working at broadening the appeal of the Lotus brand through an aggressive 5-year model plan of which
this car represents the first exciting step.” Project Eagle in Detail: Project Eagle is the first of three new models included in the CEO’s (Mike Kimberley) five year strategic business plan initiated in October 2006 to support Lotus’ growth. Design Designed in-house by Lotus Design, Head of Design, Russell Carr, explains “Project Eagle’s dynamically sculptured form and dramatic proportions
communicate visual drama, speed and agility even when the car is standing
still. Sportscars are primarily an emotional rather than a rational purchase and
so the design must seduce with its beauty and distinctive character. However, A design language of dynamic lines and fluid surfaces that flow from the ‘Lotus –mouth’ and over the length the cars toned form are unmistakably ‘modern
Lotus’. They instantly convey a sense of agility and athleticism that is intrinsic
to the car’s driving persona. On Project Eagle they are complemented by the
distinctive wraparound visor screen but have been subtly tailored to suit the
more sophisticated character of the car, optimise high-speed aerodynamics
and artfully disguise the unique 2+2 layout. The cab forward proportion
combines with muscular haunches and optimised intake detailing to instantly
inform the viewer that this is a serious mid-engine sportscar. Elsewhere a
Lotus philosophy for combining function with beauty is evident in the Inside the car the forms echo the exterior with fast moving surfaces that wrap around the cockpit cosseting the occupants, the contrast colour band that flows from the instrument cluster and sweeps around the cabin highlights this theme. “We recognise that ‘touch’ not only assists with driving enjoyment but also conveys messages about quality and therefore great attention has been paid to all the areas where the driver interfaces with the car.” Carr explains. Figure hugging adjustable sports seats and flat-bottomed steering wheel instantly communicate the driving potential of the car. Project Eagle employs premium quality material and finishes to create an exclusive, British handcrafted ambience that is unique in this price segment. Modern, precision- engineered aluminium inserts and hi-fi quality, edge-lit switches are brilliantly juxtaposed against the traditional contrast stitched leather panels.Everyday convenience is catered for through ergonomically located touch screen SAT NAV, remote release glove box, storage bins and integrated “cup holders”. Technology In a world launch by partners Alpine, Project Eagle boasts a truly cutting edge in-car entertainment and navigation system. The multi-media system features a 7in touch-screen providing advanced audio, satellite navigation, Bluetooth hands-free telephone and iPod® connectivity functions; the screen also serves as a monitor for Project Eagle’s optional reversing camera. The satellite navigation element of the system has a removable hard-drive, allowing you to programme it from the comfort of your home or use it as a roaming satellite navigation unit and MP3 player. The Alpine audio set-up is one of the most sophisticated automotive systems
in the world. Called IMPRINT and using MultEQ sound enhancement
technology, it is able to cancel out imbalances in the sound caused by
different areas of the cabin – window glass, for instance, creates echoes,
while carpets suppress mid-range frequencies – resulting in amazingly crisp, A bespoke progressive air-conditioning system developed by Bergstrom is
standard on all models, while on-board tyre pressure monitoring will be either
standard or optional depending on model and market. And in deference to the Interior space and accommodation The rear seats of 2+2 versions of Project Eagle are intended for children or smaller adults on short journeys. To maximise comfort in the rear, there is foot-room under the seats in front, while both back seats feature ISOFIX mountings for secure child seat fitment. When unoccupied, the rear seats provide a convenient stowage area for briefcases and jackets, adding to Project Eagle’s appeal as an everyday car. The boot, which ingeniously features a fresh air cooling system to reduce the effect of heat ingress from the engine bay, will accommodate a set of golf clubs. A two-seater derivative of Project Eagle is planned and will have a luggage shelf in the back replacing the two rear seats. Safety Lotus’ Project Eagle conforms to all regulatory standards and in addition boasts additional safety features; Lotus aluminium chassis technology applied to Project Eagle’s provides the car with immense inherent strength, particularly in regard to side impacts and a tubular steel seatbelt anchorage frame that also acts as a rollover structure.Anti-lock brakes are standard on all models, as are traction and stability controls; these systems have been specially developed in co-operation with Bosch to provide enhanced safety features whilst maintaining performance characteristics. Under the Bonnet Lotus continues its excellent working relationship with Toyota, world leaders in
engine development and manufacture and Formular1 competitors. For Project
Eagle Lotus has modified Toyota’s 3.5-litre V6, with dual VVT-i (‘intelligent’ Performance At the time of unveiling, full performance figures for the new Lotus will not have been compiled on a production specification car, however Lotus has a further 6 months of development time to conduct these before Project Eagle is available to test drive. While for Lotus top speed is of less importance than stability at speed, early indications suggest a maximum speed of 160 mph; the 0-60 mph sprint from standstill is estimated at sub 5 seconds (prototype figures).
LOTUS LTD. CLUB APPAREL
Show pride in your club with custom Lotus Ltd. apparel - now available at the club store! Follow this link.
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Lotus, Ltd. is an independent car club not affiliated with Group Lotus, Lotus Cars USA, Team Lotus or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates.
Lotus, Ltd. has a limited supply of the new style club caps that were produced earlier this year. Both are produced in bright "Lotus Yellow" with the Lotus, Ltd. club badge embroidered in 3 colors on the front. The regular club hat (left) retails at $12 plus $4 shipping. The fancier model with a white/black flare on the peak (right) is $15 plus $4 shipping.
