CAR UK May 2021

‘I’ve tried to suggest that F1 is more than just cars following each other’ Former Renault F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul and star driver Daniel Ricciardo awkwardly avoiding each other post-split like reality TV contestants, each race weekend a microscope through which to observe their deteriorating relationship. The McLaren bromance of Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris, long a refreshing tonic to the frosty comradeship that normally characterises the team-mate relationship, rapidly losing its cordiality as the former signs for Ferrari and the latter is snuggled to Zak Brown’s bosom as McLaren’s Chosen One. Haas’s Guenther Steiner spitting swear words like a machine gun, naturally. Valtteri Bottas – the purest, most undiluted form yet discovered of that crucial F1 element, the number two driver, railing against the notion of being a number two…

‘I’ve tried to suggest that F1 is more than just cars following each other’ Former Renault F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul and star driver Daniel Ricciardo awkwardly avoiding each other post-split like reality TV contestants, each race weekend a microscope through which to observe their deteriorating relationship. The McLaren bromance of Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris, long a refreshing tonic to the frosty comradeship that normally characterises the team-mate relationship, rapidly losing its cordiality as the former signs for Ferrari and the latter is snuggled to Zak Brown’s bosom as McLaren’s Chosen One. Haas’s Guenther Steiner spitting swear words like a machine gun, naturally. Valtteri Bottas – the purest, most undiluted form yet discovered of that crucial F1 element, the number two driver, railing against the notion of being a number…

THE MONTH ACCORDING TO CAR For a decade, the steel skeleton of the new factory stood open to the elements, the empty shell acting as a monument to the failed moonshot of short-lived CEO Dany Bahar’s attempt to resuscitate Lotus. But things have moved on. The company is yet again under fresh ownership and management, a recurring theme in the turbulent story of Norfolk’s underdog. There’s a new plan to restore the brand, built by Colin Chapman conquering Formula 1 and creating fabled road cars such as the Seven, Elan and Esprit. Over the past 18 months, that steel frame has been renovated, the building enclosed and – on 22 March – final Evora assembly moved into Lotus’s new manufacturing hall. Soon, prototype builds of the first all-new Lotus road car for 12…

HYPERCAR The first new-era Lotus, 1973bhp electric Evija aims to be the most powerful car ever. Carbonfibre monocoque chassis could spawn more halo specials, Ferrari-style EV SPORTS CAR Project LEVA –Lightweight Electric Vehicle Architecture – is working towards a BEV that weighs the same as a car with an engine. Alpine set to share the spoils V6 SPORTS CAR Mid-engined combustion platform forms the bridge from Elise/Exige/Evora to the EV future. V6 Type 131 coupe due early 2022, Clubsport and roadster versions likely LIFESTYLE Lotus has to branch out into four-door cars to become viable. Geely’s new Wuhan factory set to make EVs for premium brands such as Lynk & Co – and Lotus…

THE MONTH ACCORDING TO CAR For a decade, the steel skeleton of the new factory stood open to the elements, the empty shell acting as a monument to the failed moonshot of short-lived CEO Dany Bahar’s attempt to resuscitate Lotus. But things have moved on. The company is yet again under fresh ownership and management, a recurring theme in the turbulent story of Norfolk’s underdog. There’s a new plan to restore the brand, built by Colin Chapman conquering Formula 1 and creating fabled road cars such as the Seven, Elan and Esprit. Over the past 18 months, that steel frame has been renovated, the building enclosed and – on 22 March – final Evora assembly moved into Lotus’s new manufacturing hall. Soon, prototype builds of the first all-new Lotus road…

HYPERCAR The first new-era Lotus, 1973bhp electric Evija aims to be the most powerful car ever. Carbonfibre monocoque chassis could spawn more halo specials, Ferrari-style EV SPORTS CAR Project LEVA –Lightweight Electric Vehicle Architecture – is working towards a BEV that weighs the same as a car with an engine. Alpine set to share the spoils V6 SPORTS CAR Mid-engined combustion platform forms the bridge from Elise/Exige/Evora to the EV future. V6 Type 131 coupe due early 2022, Clubsport and roadster versions likely LIFESTYLE Lotus has to branch out into four-door cars to become viable. Geely’s new Wuhan factory set to make EVs for premium brands such as Lynk & Co – and Lotus…