Lotus
Lotus Models, Reviews, Specs, Videos, Galleries, News & More
Content: Models / In Depth / Pictures / Best of Lotus / News / Research
Lotus
Mr Chapman starts out by modifying a 1928 Austin Seven for local trials races and his small 15-hp car wins a number races, essentially funding Chapman’s next car. Doing this a few times, Chapman starts Lotus Engineering Company to build race cars, the first of which is the Mark IV trials car.
Essentially a formula car for the road, the lightweight, quick, and responsive Mark VII—known today simply as the 7—starts production in 1957 and continues on today as the Caterham 7.
To make enough money to keep racing, Chapman develops his first dedicated production car, the Elite, which features a lightweight fiberglass body and structure. Powered by a single-overhead-cam Coventry Climax 1.2-liter engine making 102 hp, the fiberglass Elite weighs in at 1705 pounds.
Next was the Lotus Elan, an instant classic. The two-seat roadster mounts a fiberglass body onto a steel backbone with a small four-cylinder engine. Lotus continues development, adding larger (more powerful) engines over time. This simple formula is what makes Lotus cars unique and loved by enthusiasts.
In 1976 Lotus launches the mid-engine Lotus Esprit. With a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 140 hp the futuristic wedge-shaped Esprit runs from 0 to 60 in 9.6 seconds.
It wasn't till the Esprit S2 that performance improved but we had to wait till 1980 and the turbocharged Esprit with its 210 hp engine to really enjoy the sweet chassis.
More recently, Lotus went back to basics and starts building the mid-engine, lightweight, two-seat Elise. Underpinned by a novel tub made of aluminum sections glued together, the Elise weighs a scant 1500 pounds. A love-fest starts and the Elise and later on the Exige are the track day choice for serious amateur racers.
Quick Lotus Links
The Basics
Founded: 1948
Founder: Colin Chapman
Headquarters: Hethel, Norfolk, England, United Kingdom
What does the Lotus logo mean?
Everybody know the Lotus logo when they see it yet few people stop and really look at it closely. The first thing you will see is that the logo has the initials of the company's founder, Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman. The four letters are positioned inside a triangular lozenge structure against a racing green background. The use of yellow color in the Lotus logo embodies sun, energy and joy.
Lotus Models
A list of all the current and historical Lotus models
We take a look at the Lotus model list and take a deep dive into the models that make this marquee so special. We have primarily focused our in depth guides on the classic, iconic Lotus models. This is only a handful of the Lotus models over the years, so please checkout our full Lotus model list here.
Every Lotus Car Ever Made
In-depth guide to every Lotus model worth knowing about
Lotus Models: Pictures & Galleries
We take a look at the beautiful forms that Lotus has designed over the years with our Lotus picture galleries. Sit back and enjoy the iconic designs from Colin Chapman and his crew.
The Best of Lotus
We do the unthinkable and rank the best Lotus cars ever made.
Lotus News, Rumors & Updates
The latest and greatest in the world of Lotus
Lotus Prices, Rumors, Reviews, News & More
We're always trying to keep up to date on all important things Lotus related. While other sites give you every piece of news or viral video they can find, we take a more measured approach. We only bring you the Lotus news, reviews, galleries and content that really moves us. Only the important things.
Lotus News Delivered
Our weekly email newsletter gives you all the supercar news, reviews, videos, rumors and much more. Only the best cars on the planet.
More Lotus Research
Learn more about this famous carmaker and the cars that make it one of the most legendary brands on the planet
