Lotus launches new cars and new boss

It's been a big month for boutique British sportscar brand, Lotus, with two new cars unveiled, a new CEO installed and plans for Formula One revealed.

The newly revealed MY2010 Exige S heads the Proton-owned company's big September. On sale in Australia now, the most striking feature of the updated Exige S is the aggressive styling based on the Exige GT3 racing car. Ditching the central mounting pillars, the new rear wing is now fixed via its end plates to the boot. To improve its efficiency it also 181mm wider and is mounted 46mm higher and 61mm further back.

At the front the air intakes have been reshaped and enlarged to improve air flow and cooling. Below them sits a new aerodynamic splitter to better channel the air around the front of the car and further improve the car's handling.

"For 2010 we have taken the already extreme Exige and given it even more visual drama," says Russell Carr, Chief of Lotus Design. "The changes we have integrated into the front and rear of the Exige signal an even clearer and purposeful intent. The new rear wing is race-inspired, the new angular air intakes and full width splitter gives a more hard-edged and aggressive look."

Under the bonnet max power remains at 179kW, but Lotus says it is more flexible across the rev range courtesy of new tuning. Lotus claims fuel economy of 8.5L/100km for the model and 199g/km of CO2.

But the Exige S isn't the only new Lotus unveiled in September, with the company also revealing a racing version of the Evora 2+2. Called the Evora Type 124 (pronounced: "one, twenty-four") the car has been developed for endurance racing and will make its competition debut in next year's Nurburgring 24-hours.

The Evora's standard Toyota V6 has been tuned for the track to produce 294kW while the car has lost 200kg thanks to carbon fibre panels. Other racing upgrades include AP racing brakes, adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars, 18-inch wheels, FIA-specification rollcage and rear wing.

The decision to return to sportscar racing comes at the same time Proton is reportedly pushing hard to return Lotus to the Formula One grid. The Malaysian firm is in the running for the final slot on the 2010 grid (replacing BMW-Sauber) and is believed to have the backing of Malaysian oil giant, Petronas.

Proton is rumoured to be eager to get Lotus back into racing after the former champion team left the sport in 1994. A decision about Lotus potential entry is due sometime this week.

Last but not least, Lotus has also announced that former Ferrari and Red Bull executive Dany Bahar will replace retiring Lotus Group CEO Michael Kimberley in October.

Bahar, a Swiss national, is no stranger to performance cars and motorsport. He was responsible for leading Red Bull into Formula One and NASCAR before being appointed Senior Vice President, Commercial and Brand for Ferrari.

"I am looking forward to taking on the challenges as CEO of this legendary and iconic company with a peerless motorsport history," Bahar said.

"Lotus has a worldwide reputation for innovative engineering and superb sportscars that lead the world in efficiency, design and dynamics. With the recent launch of the award-winning Evora, there is proof that Lotus is better placed than many to capitalise on the rapidly changing automotive market. I can't wait to get my plans underway in October."

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