Posted on Wednesday 21 November 2007
Lotus has teamed up with Hot Wheels to create a 1:5 scale model of a new roadster that was displayed recently at the SEMA Auto Show in Las Vegas. The car was designed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Hot Wheels but it was also a vessel for Lotus to preview its future design direction as well as being a great deal of fun for those involved in the project.
Designers wanted something that was instantly recognizable as a Lotus so understandably the concept features elements from the Elise and Exige such as the headlight design, the Lotus ‘mouth’, the pronounced wheel arches and trademark bonnet graphics.
The top exit radiator at the front, a distinctive Lotus design feature, the rear diffuser and a large rear wing all provide down-force helping the vehicle stick to the road. In addition, large side air intakes and an open rear end aid engine breathing.
Inside the car, the exposed centre spine is part of the structure and incorporates the switches and gear linkage as well as the support for the rear wing.
This latest concept was developed by the same design team currently working on Lotus’ next-generation models, the first of which, codenamed Project Eagle, will go into production at the end of next year.