Lotus Advanced Performance is responsible for projects like the Evija and Type 66.
The Evija is a 2,000 horsepower supercar with advanced technology and a minimalist interior.
The Type 66 is a bespoke race car based on a never-produced concept from 1970.
In Los Angeles, we had the opportunity to see the Evija and the Type 66 at Galpin Motors, one of Lotus’s premier dealerships. We spoke with Simon Lane, the director of Lotus Advanced Performance, who walked us through both vehicles.
The Evija and the Type 66 are both unique and targeted at different customers. The Evija represents the future of Lotus, while the Type 66 pays homage to Lotus’s racing heritage.
Information provided by Lotus, and access to vehicles provided by Galpin Lotus in Los Angeles, California.
Lotus Has Multiple Engineering And Design Divisions
Garret Donahue
Lotus has multiple divisions, including Lotus Advanced Performance, Lotus Engineering, and Lotus Design. Lotus Advanced Performance is responsible for bringing cutting-edge projects like the Evija and Type 66 to life. Lotus Engineering focuses on engineering consulting, while Lotus Design handles the design aspects.
In addition to these divisions, Lotus also operates Lotus Tech, formerly known as the Geely Design Studio, which is based in China and focuses on the brand’s entry into the electric lifestyle.
Lotus Advanced Performance Director Simon Lane On The 2,000 Horsepower Evija
The Evija is an ultra-powerful supercar with 2,000 horsepower generated by four electric motors. It features advanced technology and a torque vectoring system for precise power deployment. Simon Lane emphasizes that despite its technological advancements, the Evija must retain the signature Lotus feel. The car is designed to be light and agile while delivering exceptional performance.
Simon describes the various features of the Evija, such as the extensive use of carbon fiber in its construction, the minimalist and open interior design, and the aerodynamic elements like the rear diffuser. The car also includes unique details like an F1-like steering wheel and innovative aero management and cooling systems.
Lotus Celebrates Its 75th Anniversary With The Type 66
Lotus
To celebrate its 75th anniversary, Lotus created the Type 66, a bespoke race car based on a concept from 1970 that was never produced. Working closely with Clive Chapman, the son of Lotus founder Colin Chapman, Simon Lane brought the Type 66 to life. The car stays true to the original design and utilizes modern innovations to make it a game-changing racer. Only 10 examples of the Type 66 will be produced, each representing one of the 10 races the car was intended to compete in during the 1970 racing season.
The 2023 BMW M4 CSL is a symbol of precision, passion, and performance, marking BMW’s M division’s 50th anniversary and showcasing the brand’s rich legacy.
With a powerful twin-turbo inline-six engine producing 543 horsepower, the M4 CSL can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 191 mph.
The M4 CSL sets itself apart with its focus on shedding weight, featuring carbon-fiber construction, lighter components, and aerodynamic design, all contributing to its exceptional driving experience.
2023 marks a significant milestone for BMW’s M division, celebrating half a century of precision, passion, and performance. For fifty years, this division has fine-tuned, refined, and redefined the essence of being a Bimmer. Adorning this year’s M-badged models are unique emblems of the brand’s rich legacy. Amidst this illustrious backdrop emerges a beacon of automotive prowess: the 2023 BMW M4 CSL.
The latest M4 CSL garners accolades and admiration, asserting itself as the epitome of the M division’s offerings. Evoking memories of the iconic V-8-powered E90-generation M3, this new marvel commands attention. Its character is unparalleled, breathing life and soul into the road beneath its tires. Every curve, roar, and twist speaks volumes of its unmatched essence, making it a standout in today’s M-badged marvels.
Optimized for performance, the M4 CSL’s design philosophy embraces a trifecta of shedding weight, honing the chassis, and surging power, all wrapped up with a price tag that mirrors its exclusivity. Behind the wheel, it promises a drive and an unforgettable journey, a testament to BMW’s commitment to excellence over the years.
When you hear “CSL,” think Competition, Sport, and Lightweight. These three words capture the essence of the M4 CSL, with only a thousand of them serving as a tribute to BMW’s dedication to these ideals. Every one of these cars has a passion for precision and performance.
How did BMW achieve such an impressive feat? By meticulously refining the M4’s twin-turbo inline-six engine. It now boasts an impressive 543 horsepower, stepping up by 40 horses from the M4 Competition. This powerhouse propels the M4 CSL from a standstill to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, eventually reaching its peak at an electronically governed speed of 191 mph. The M4 CSL is the perfect blend of engineering marvel and sheer passion from BMW’s M division.
A Masterclass In Craftsmanship: Every Pound Counts
The heart of the CSL’s allure lies in its unwavering commitment to cutting weight. “Leicht,” the German term for “light,” manifests throughout this BMW variant. In its quest to craft a more aerodynamic vehicle, BMW shaved an impressive 240 pounds from the standard M4. A significant chunk of this reduction, about 99 pounds, is attributed to its striking carbon-fiber seats, which, though high on aesthetic appeal, do not prioritize comfort.
The weight reduction journey didn’t stop there: lighter springs, struts, wheels, and carbon-ceramic brakes contributed to a 46-pound loss, while the omission of soundproofing reduced another 33 pounds. Additional alterations, like a redesigned kidney grille and titanium exhaust, further streamlined the car, rounding its weight to 3,640 pounds.
Carbon fiber doesn’t just rest beneath you; it’s everywhere. The M4 CSL boasts a carbon-fiber hood, trunk, and roof, with the same material gracing the interior fixtures and trim. The back? Don’t expect a traditional seating area. Instead, you’ll find a minimalist space for storing helmets and other racetrack essentials.
Beneath this carbon exterior lie adaptive CSL-specific dampers, anti-roll bars, and steering hardware. These enhancements are not for the faint-hearted, transmitting every nuance of the road directly to the driver. Even when juxtaposed with the robust M4 Competition, this BMW’s chassis exudes an aura of being encased in resilient titanium strands.
Aesthetic complements like the LED Headlights with Laserlight, accented in a captivating yellow, and innovative taillights employing laser technology fortify its aggressive demeanor. Alloy wheels, measuring 20 x 10.5 inches and wrapped in 285/30R Y performance tires, underscore its racing lineage. Every detail, down to the CSL badging and bespoke upholstery with contrast stitching, pays homage to a high-octane legacy.
Driving Essence: The M4 CSL’s Raw And Inviting Interior
The M4 CSL’s interior is a refreshing deviation from today’s pervasive high-tech trends. Here, you won’t be met with a sprawling touchscreen or the intricate iDrive eight interface. Instead, BMW deliberately crafts an environment that channels the driver’s attention to the engine’s roar and the sheer joy of carving out paths on winding roads. The prevalent use of carbon fiber in the cabin underscores this focus on performance, while tastefully placed M and CSL badges are subtle reminders of the pedigree you’re seated within. To elevate the sporty ambiance, red accents artfully punctuate the space.
While the emphasis is on driving purity, BMW hasn’t overlooked creature comforts. The M4 CSL has an automatic gearbox, ensuring seamless transitions between power surges. Features like keyless ignition and electric power steering offer ease of use, providing undisturbed driving experience. Audio and cruise controls are conveniently positioned on the tilt and telescopic steering wheel, wrapped in a tactile mix of suede and carbon fiber.
The tech suite provides a perfect balance between utility and non-distraction. The rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors heighten situational awareness. Wireless charging keeps devices powered, and the universal remote transmitter simplifies daily routines. Thoughtful touches like front cupholders, door pockets, single-zone front climate control, and the electro-chromatic rearview mirror make each drive in the M4 CSL an effortless pleasure.
The Apex Of Speed – The Fastest BMW On Sale In the USA In 2023
Edmunds
The 2023 BMW M4 CSL proudly dons the crown as the fastest BMW road car. With its exceptional engineering, this limited-run CSL version blends power, precision, and agility, offering an unparalleled driving experience. Priced at $140,895, (sold out) it’s an investment in exhilaration and an invitation to the extraordinary.
For those who missed out on the opportunity to claim one of the exclusive 1,000 M4 CSLs destined for global markets, the 2023 M4 Competition emerges as a tempting alternative. While it may not fully match the CSL’s prowess, it proudly showcases BMW’s 50th-anniversary emblem, a symbol steeped in heritage and a promise of remarkable performance.
In closing, the 2023 BMW M4 CSL celebrates BMW’s illustrious past while pointing the way toward an exhilarating future. As passionate automotive enthusiasts, let’s continue to revel in and treasure these automotive marvels. They prove the zenith of human innovation and an unrelenting desire to redefine the limits.
Volkswagen Group of America has recently announced its agreement with Bugatti Rimac to serve as the division’s importer and distributor in the United States. This partnership will involve Sascha Doering, the current COO of Bugatti America, expanding his role to also include Rimac.
While this agreement was actually finalized during Monterey Car Week in September, VW has only just now made the official announcement. The companies are now working on establishing a dealer network for the sale of these high-end vehicles in the US.
“The US is the strongest single market in the world for both Bugatti and Rimac brands, so it’s crucial that we create a sales and ownership experience that matches the extraordinary cars we’re delivering to customers,” said Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac.
Previously, Volkswagen Group of America handled the distribution of Bugatti vehicles in the US. However, this changed with the formation of the Bugatti Rimac joint venture.
The Bugatti Rimac joint venture was established in 2021, with the company’s headquarters located in Croatia. Bugatti production continues to take place in Molsheim, France. Additionally, Porsche currently owns 45% of Bugatti and 24% of Rimac.
Rimac has already delivered at least three Neveras in the United States. The first one was Gunpowder Gray with a pearlescent finish and featured Gunmetal Infinitus wheels. Inside, the car had Alcantara upholstery with green highlights.
Rimac’s Chief Technology Officer, Emilio Scervo, revealed that the company aims to reduce the weight of its future models compared to current ones. “Thinking about a track version [of the Nevera], definitely what we should be working on is making it lighter,” Scervo stated. “And some other tweaks to deliver stiffness, to make the car more connected to the driver.”
Bugatti is also currently in the development stages of a new model, set to premiere in 2024 with deliveries expected in 2025. According to Bugatti Rimac CEO Mate Rimac, this upcoming model can be described as a “hypercar rearranged as a hybrid,” with the combustion engine component being described as “totally bonkers.” Some wealthy individuals have already had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the car.
For more details on Bugatti’s future, watch the video below:
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