Lotus stunned everyone last month when they stated that they would be moving away from lightweight sportscars and into more luxurious Ferrari/lamborghini territory. Then they go and release a video of the barely disguised F1 car for the track you’ll be able to buy soon…
This lightweight, 650-kilogram F1-inspired car is a new limited edition offering from Lotus. The Lotus Exos Type 125 will be produced in a series of just 25 units, with some published reports suggesting a one million euro pricetag.
The car uses a 3.5-liter Cosworth V8 engine that produces 650 bhp (485 kW / 659 PS) with a 10,300 rpm redline. It will feature a push-to-pass button as well, increasing the redline by 500 rpm, and a F1-style semi-automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. With the low weight, this affords a power to weight ratio of nearly 1,000 hp per ton, giving lucky drivers an exhilarating ride. The weight is kept to a minimum thanks to a carbon fiber monocoque, carbon fiber suspension and carbon ceramic brakes.
For its exterior, the car can be painted in any number of classic Lotus liveries, including green/yellow and yellow. Inside, the driver will get the full experience of an F1 car with the help of an information display mounted in the steering wheel.
“The reality is though, it is a very easy car to run and maintain,” said Lotus Motorsports’ Stephen Wright in an interview. “You don’t actually need to have a big group of people to run the car, if you want to go to the track and have a track day yourself.”
Indeed, that is a big selling point for the car, which is capable of running 4,500 km between services.
Those who buy the car will also be brought into the Exos owners’ club, which will organize event dates to help buyers improve their “driver stamina”, and become better operators of the car. These events may include training sessions from pros like Mika Häkkinen and Jarno Trulli.
This makes you think that it is a rival for the Ferrari programme which has spawned the FXX and 599XX track cars, which are the ultimate expression of a Ferrari road car in track trim.
Though in looks, and the fact that it clearly isn’t based on a road car, it could be compared to the Caparo T1, a similarly F1-inspired car with a similar 1000bhp/tonne.
Whatever it is, you can guarantee that the Exos T125 is going to be the closest thing you can get to driving an F1 car on track
The Lotus Exos T125 will be built in Norfolk, England, with the first ten units being delivered in spring 2011, and the remainder going out by next summer.
Well we would love one, but a million Euros is a bit out of the BOTB price range unfortunately! What about you? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think…
You may be able to buy one if you got the funds!!!
But it’s hard to say if this is a collectors toy or a serious racer intended for a target group or both? Only time will tell on that front?
But both Lotus and Cosworth are names in the game which need no intro and yes its not going too be long before others car company with same interests might follow suit in terms of developing their own programs to get more people involved and buying but you’ll need some deep pockets and talent!!! What it really comes down to…is whos way will appeals the most and be logical? Again the question would be how serious are you and would formula is based around? And the list goes on….