The all new lightweight and high performance track day Lotus The new Lotus "Circuit Car" was announced on Saturday by Kim Ogaard-Nielsen, CEO of Group Lotus, to Lotus Club International members at their annual Gala Dinner. Based on the Lotus Elise Aluminium chassis, and weighing in at approximately 600kg, the single-seater car (with an option of two seats) has been designed and engineered solely for Track Day and Club Racing. The lightweight composite bodywork of the visually dramatic open-topped circuit car combines high downforce from cleverly engineered aerodynamics. Part of its phenomenal performance is from a supercharged VVTL-i (Variable Valve Timing with Lift - intelligent) engine, and is estimated to achieve the 0 - 100 mph (160 km/h) sprint in a staggering 9.0 seconds.

This exciting combination has allowed for a dynamic racing package producing higher performance to that of existing Elise-based products. An entry-level naturally-aspirated VVTL-i engine will also be available, powering the car from 0 - 62 mph in under 4 seconds.

The introduction of the new Lotus "Circuit Car" will generate additional exposure of the Lotus brand and provide Lotus with entry to further key market sectors, as Clive Dopson, Managing Director of Lotus Cars, explains "The introduction of this new model plays a key role in developing and enhancing the presence of Lotus Cars on the track, whilst providing the driver of today with a pure circuit car which thrives on the essential values of the Lotus brand. In addition, it will be yet another example of a high quality product to be built at our world class production facilities at Hethel."

The Lotus "Circuit Car" is due to go into production at the Group Lotus Headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk, in December 2005, with scheduled volume of approximately 100 units per annum.

Full specifications and price will be announced closer to the production date.

Predicted Performance figures:

Naturally Aspirated VVTL-i Engine:
0 to 60 mph 4 seconds (approx.)
0 to 100 mph around 11 seconds

Supercharged VVTL-i Engine:
0 to 60 mph 3.5 seconds (approx.)
0 to 100 mph under 9.0 seconds

Text/Photos: Lotus