Lotus has announced today that famed McLaren F1 designer Gordon Murray will join its advisory board, joining a who’s who of auto industry icons including Bob Lutz, formerly of GM, Tom Purves and Prof. Dr. Burkhard Göschel from BMW, and Frank Tuch, a former VW exec.
The purpose of the advisory board is to give advice and guidance on issues such as product strategy, technology, quality, brand, marketing and distribution for Lotus and its upcoming range of supercars.
It’s a little known fact that when Gordon began his motorsport career in 1969 he actually wanted to work for Lotus but a chance meeting with Brabham designer Ron Tauranac lead to him working for Brabham, where he was later appointed chief designer by team boss Bernie Ecclestone.
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During his time in Formula 1, Gordon was responsible for designing many Grand Prix winning cars and was heralded by many as leading the way in terms of innovation and pioneering new technologies.
In fact, we could see technology from the T25 and T27 implemented into a new city car Lotus is planning, a necessity due to strict fuel economy and emissions regulations all automakers must face.
More recently Gordon established Gordon Murray Design to develop an innovative and disruptive automotive manufacturing technology trademarked iStream, which will debut with the production versions of the T25 gasoline and T27 electric minicar prototypes, and possibly some new Lotus models as well now.
Speaking at the announcement of his new role, Gordon Murray said: “For years I’ve been a huge admirer of Lotus, I have great respect for the legacy that Colin Chapman created and I think what Dany [Dany Bahar, CEO of Lotus] and the team are doing is a really good thing for the brand. He’s taking the strength from Chapman’s principals and taking the business to the next level whilst still keeping the general ethos--not an easy task! I’m really looking forward to contributing to Group Lotus during this exciting time.”
Pictured above is the Lotus Esprit Concept, a preview of a new flagship supercar set for debut in 2013 and to be followed by a replacement for the Elise, a new Elite grand tourer, Eterne four-door coupe, and Evora replacing Elan sports car.
