Lotus reveals pioneering ‘blueprint’ for next generation of electric sports cars

by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog

• World premiere for innovative new lightweight EV structure
• Developed through Project LEVA research programme, rear structure is 37% lighter than on Lotus Emira V6
• Will be integrated into Lotus electric sports car architecture
• Versatile architecture supports multiple layouts, wheelbase lengths, battery sizes and configurations – view an animation at media.lotuscars.com 
• Technology on display at Cenex LCV event on 22/23 September

Just weeks after Lotus confirmed it will be launching a new family of EV performance cars, it has given a world premiere to the innovative new lightweight chassis technology that will underpin the electric sports car in the range.

The new structure has been developed through Project LEVA (Lightweight Electric Vehicle Architecture), announced last October by Lotus. Project LEVA is a research programme that’s accelerating the development of all-new lightweight structures for next-generation battery electric vehicles.

Today Lotus can reveal it’s this structure developed through Project LEVA which will be integrated into the company’s new architecture for electric sports cars. Thanks to the innovation of Lotus and the Project LEVA partners, the rear structure is 37% lighter than it is on the Lotus Emira V6. It means Lotus now has the ‘blueprint’ for the next generation of electric sports cars, for future Lotus products and for the Lotus Engineering consultancy to commercialise.

The Project LEVA lightweight chassis technology is being shown at the Low Carbon Vehicle event staged by Cenex, the UK’s Low Carbon and Fuel Cells Centre of Excellence, at Millbrook Proving Ground, Bedfordshire, UK, on 22/23 September.

A new animation from Lotus reveals how the technology will form part of the new electric sports car chassis, illustrating the versatile nature of this all-new Lotus-developed vehicle architecture. It is fully adaptable to provide a platform for a range of EVs with variable layouts, wheelbase lengths, battery sizes and configurations.

As the animation shows, all three layouts feature a common lightweight die-cast rear sub-frame with multiple interchangeable components. This is the Project LEVA innovation, and it means a single vehicle architecture can accommodate two different types of battery configurations:

• ‘Chest’ layout, where the modules are stacked vertically behind the two seats. A chest layout is a ‘mid-mounted power pack’, ideal for sports car / hypercar vehicle types where a low overall ride height and low centre of gravity are required, and as seen on the Lotus Evija pure electric hypercar.
• ‘Slab’ layout, where the modules are integrated horizontally under the cabin. This is most suitable for vehicles where a higher ride height and a taller overall profile is required. It is often referred to as a ‘skateboard power pack’ layout.

The innovative new subframe features cylindrical battery cells for high energy density, with the option of a single or twin electronic drive unit (EDU) to support. Cold cure, spot bonding and advanced weld processes mean reduced environmental impact during assembly.

This unique degree of flexibility and modularity in wheelbase and propulsion solutions will be the genesis for a wide variety of electric vehicle applications. These could be for the eagerly anticipated Lotus electric sports car – scheduled for launch in 2026 – as well as for third-party clients through Lotus Engineering.

Funding for the project came in part from the Advanced Route to Market Demonstrator programme (ARMD). Awarded by the UK Government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the programme is delivered on behalf of the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) by Cenex.

Richard Moore, Executive Director, Engineering, Lotus Cars, commented: “Project LEVA and the electric sports car architecture are perfect illustrations of the innovation which continues to be at the heart of everything Lotus does. Today’s EVs are heavy in comparison to their ICE equivalents, so the ARMD funding has helped Lotus to innovate earlier in the product cycle and develop a new vehicle architecture that targets lightweight and performance density from conception. Rather than developing a single vehicle, it means Lotus now has the ‘blueprint’ for the next generation of electric sports cars, for future Lotus products and for the Lotus Engineering consultancy to commercialise.”

Project LEVA has been led by engineer Richard Rackham, Head of Vehicle Concepts, Lotus. Richard is best known for his revolutionary work on development of the extruded aluminium Lotus Elise architecture 25 years ago. Richard commented: “Project LEVA is as revolutionary now as the Elise architecture was in 1996. In true Lotus spirit, significant weight savings have been achieved throughout, with a focus on ultimate performance, efficiency and safety being engineered into the structure from the outset – for example, by utilising the vehicle structure as the battery enclosure, having an integrated EDU, eliminating bolt-on subframes and optimising the multi-link suspension components.”

 On Project LEVA, Lotus has collaborated with supply chain partner Sarginsons Industries and leading academics from Brunel University London to harness the full ‘light-weighting’ potential of the vehicle architecture.

Today’s announcement is the latest in a series detailing Lotus’ transition to an all-electric brand:

• January 2021: Lotus announced it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Alpine, the performance car division of Groupe Renault, to study a number of areas of cooperation, including the joint development of an EV sports car.
• April 2021: at the Driving Tomorrow global strategy conference, Lotus confirmed the E-Eports vehicle architecture was one of four Lotus-developed chassis that would underpin future models.
• August 2021: Lotus confirmed it would be launching a new electric sports car in 2026 – Type 135 – which is intended to be manufactured in the UK.
• Today: Lotus gives a world premiere to the innovative new chassis technology that will underpin that electric sports car.

The next stage of the project is for Lotus to continue development of the all-electric vehicles which will be built on this innovative and market leading new architecture.

Also on the Lotus stand at Cenex is the Lotus Evija, the world’s first pure-electric British hypercar. The car, an engineering prototype, will be ‘naked’ with several body panels removed to allow visitors to see key components and systems.

The 2018 Dowsetts Comet by Ant Anstead – a one-off design to be offered at the NEC Classic Motor Show Sale

by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog

• 2018 Dowsetts Comet in Porsche Crayon Grey
• Remarkable one-off designed by Ant Anstead and his team at Dowsetts Classic Cars
• Offered at The NEC Classic Motor Show Saturday 13^th – Sunday 14^th November 2021

Silverstone Auctions return to The NEC Classic Motor Show for the 10^th year as the official auction partner for this iconic classic car show event.

This long-standing partnership has seen the auction house achieve outstanding results year after year.

The catalogue for Silverstone Auctions final sale of 2021 at the NEC is now open for early entries and they already have a number of exceptional classic cars confirmed including this 2018 Dowsetts Comet.

Having covered only 2,500 miles, the Comet is built around a steel spaceframe chassis which is clothed in GRP reinforced with Kevlar to create a shell that is strong yet light and is looking unique with classic lines of sports racers from the fifties and early sixties without becoming a pastiche of any one model.

Finished in Porsche Crayon Grey, the red quilted leather interior of this car reflects how thought about and special the car truly is. Full harnesses, white-faced dials, a Moto-Lita wheel, turned aluminium short-throw gear lever, satin-finished stainless details, and embossed leather – truly impressive.

This is a special opportunity to acquire a remarkable one-off designed car by Ant Anstead and his team at Dowsetts Classic Car Company. This is the new trading name of the company formerly known as Evanta; whose superbly built creations Silverstone Auctions have been privileged to sell in the past.

Gary Dunne Sales Controller for Silverstone Auctions added “We are delighted to be back as the official auction partner for this event and what a truly delightful and special example to be offered. We are now encouraging early entries, so don’t miss your chance to submit your car next to this remarkable Comet.”

The UK market leader classic car auction house are now inviting exceptional and quality consignments with a number of cars, motorcycles and automobilia already confirmed for the sale. You can view their rapidly growing lot lists on their website.

If you are interested in submitting your best of breed car, motorcycle or piece of automobilia, their team of experts can be contacted on 01926 691141or by email enquiries@silverstoneauctions.com.

2021 AUCTIONS
The NEC Classic Motor Show Sale: 12^th – 14^th November

ABOUT SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS
Formed in 2011, Silverstone Auctions is a world-class, specialist auction house for the sale of classic cars, modern supercars, all types of competition cars, modern and historic motorcycles as well as automotive memorabilia.

We hold the exclusive automotive auction rights for Silverstone circuit and host sales as stand-alone events as well as an integrated element of some of Europe’s biggest motorsport events such as the Silverstone Classic Festival.

In addition to our sales at the circuit, we also host a number of auctions each year at other major classic car events including the NEC Classic Motor Show and Race Retro.

At Silverstone Auctions we take pride in selecting the very best of breed vehicles for our sales which not only attracts buyers from around the world, but has already helped us achieve a number of record-breaking auction prices on behalf of our vendors.

We are committed to providing the best possible service for both buyers and vendors alike, so if you’d like to know more about buying or selling a classic vehicle with Silverstone Auctions, call us today on +44(0)1926 691141.

Last chance to have your say – Final call for nominations for the 2021 Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards

by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog

With nominations closing at 5pm on 1 October, there is just over a week left to have your say in the Royal Automobile Club’s annual celebration of the UK’s historic motoring and motorsport scene.

Eight categories reflect the breadth and diversity this industry encompasses, from museums and events to restorations, journalism and individuals, and the Club is inviting nominations both from those working in the industry and historic motoring enthusiasts. 

Nominations should be made through the Awards’ website www.royalautomobileclubhistoricawards.co.uk. Candidates can nominate themselves or be nominated by a third party. The eight categories are: 

• Collection – for British-based collections or museums which have made a significant contribution to the historic motoring movement during the Awards’ eligibility period 1 October 2020 to 30 September 2021
• Competitive Event – including motor racing meetings, race series and individual races, hill climbs, navigation and stage rallies and regularity trials.
• Innovation – for new products, services, facilities or other innovations which turn great ideas into solutions.
• Motoring Spectacle – including concours d’elegance, non-competitive tours, classic vehicle shows, club gatherings and virtual events.
• Outstanding Journalism – for written or broadcast features in a British publication, broadcast media or digital platform.
• Personality – for an individual’s outstanding contribution to the UK classic motoring/motorsport world during the eligibility period.
• Restoration – for restorations by UK-based companies which demonstrate both impressive technical expertise and a significant amount of research and sensitivity to the vehicle and its history.
• Young Achiever – for rising stars aged between 18 and 30 who are building their future in the industry. 

Each category is judged by its own handpicked, independent panel of judges with great expertise in their particular category, with each panel headed by a Lead Judge who has tremendous expertise in the relevant subject. 

At the Awards’ evening on Thursday, 25 November, the Club will also present the Royal Automobile Club Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of an individual who has made a remarkable contribution to British motoring and/or motorsport heritage over many decades.

The Awards are supported by renowned German luxury timepiece maker A. Lange & Söhne, centre of excellence for historic motoring Bicester Heritage, wealth managers 1762 from Brewin Dolphin, specialist insurers Footman James, classic motoring event organiser HERO-ERA and StarterMotor, the charity which encourages young people to take up careers in the historic vehicle industry and to enjoy historic cars. 

The Awards are a continuation of the Club’s more than 120-year pedigree in recognising motoring accomplishments. Today, the Club presents a series of internationally-recognised accolades, including the Segrave Trophy, the Torrens Trophy, the Simms Medal, the Dewar Trophy and the oldest trophy in motorsport still being competed for today – the Tourist Trophy. 

To highlight World EV Day Everrati opens order book for bespoke EV commissions with £1,000 deposit securing build-slots

by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog

• Everrati’s electrified 911 (964) range, GT40 and Series IIA Land Rover models now available to customise and order
• Build-slots can be secured on all models with a deposit of £1,000
• Everrati^™’s mission is to redefine and futureproof iconic cars by upgrading them with state-of-the-art EV technology 
• Online configurator: https://cc.everrati.com
• Place your deposit: https://www.everrati.com/waitinglist/
• Media assets: bit.ly/Everrati_model_range

Everrati Automotive Limited (Everrati^™), the leading technology company specialising in the redefining and futureproofing of automotive icons through the integration of the very latest electric vehicle (EV) powertrains, has been inundated with enquires following recent high-profile displays of its product ranges at both Salon Privé and Concours of Elegance.

Following this and in celebration of World EV Day, Everrati is delighted to announce that order books are open for commissions of all models in its 911 (964) range, the GT40 created in partnership with Superformance, and the Series IIA Land Rover model.

Everrati’s product portfolio has garnered extensive international interest and acclaim, as the company’s revolutionary technologies and expertise are applied to some of the world’s most celebrated cars.

Today, via Everrati’s website, a build-slot can be secured on all models with a deposit of £1,000. Each bespoke commission is designed, developed, and manufactured at Everrati’s global headquarters in Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire, England, by an elite team of experts from across the automotive, aerospace and technology sectors.

Customers can experiment and personalise their own 964, GT40 and Series IIA commissions through Everrati’s new online configurator, using a range of exterior paint colours, liveries and alloy wheel finishes, and place their deposit online today via: https://www.everrati.com/waitinglist/

Everrati CEO, Justin Lunny, said: “We are delighted to open our order books for the wide range of our electrified products. It has always been Everrati’s vision and mission to offer the most sought-after, expertly manufactured, sustainable, technically advanced and zero-emission cars – and since we announced our new models, interest from all over the world has been tremendous. Every Everrati build is fully bespoke and we’re excited to work with customers, bringing their unique EV dream car to life.”

911 (964) models
First introduced to the world in 1964, the 911 has since solidified its place in automotive history as the most iconic sports car of all time with its revolutionary design and supreme performance engineering. The 964 generation was first brought to market in 1989 in Coupe, Targa and Cabriolet specifications. Today, Everrati’s interpretation of this timeless classic sees the car restored to the highest level and fitted with a state-of-the-art battery pack capable of emission-free driving.

Maintaining the structural integrity of the original, Everrati’s offers the 964 in Coupe, Targa and Cabriolet configurations, with the option to fully reverse the EV conversion process if desired. A 53kWh battery pack with a range of over 180 miles produces 440bhp and 460Nm of torque, accelerating the car to 60mph in just 4.5 seconds. Prices for each commission begin at £200,000 plus relevant taxes, based on a customer-supplied donor car.

Revealed in May 2021, Everrati’s ‘Signature’ wide body version of the 964 features carbon fibre bodywork elements and is able to achieve sub-4-second 0-60mph performance in conjunction with the optional Performance Pack. 500bhp and 550Nm are sent directly to the rear wheels for instantaneous performance, with almost identical weight distribution maintaining and enhancing the soul of the original. Prices for each commission begin at £250,000 plus relevant taxes, based on a customer-supplied donor car.

With a shared passion for clean technology in partnership with Gulf, Everrati is accepting orders for the 911 (964) Gulf Signature Edition, decorated with the renowned Gulf orange and blue race car livery. Gulf’s strong brand presence stems back to the glory days of motorsports and their infamous racing colours will now grace future Everrati models of the customers’ choosing. A number of options are available including hand-painted livery.

GT40
One of the automotive world’s most recognisable and distinctive designs, on road and on track. Now in the expert hands of Everrati and Superformance, this electrified version of the legendary GT40 has been comprehensively adapted from ICE power to advanced electric propulsion.

With an astonishing 800BHP (peak) and 800Nm and utilising a 700v system voltage, the GT40 demonstrates Everrati’s superiority in EV drivetrain technologies.

Meticulous attention to detail is being applied to key factors such as battery location and weight distribution to maintain and enhance the character and soul of the original. Further details on this first new model from the partnership and reimagined icon will be announced in the coming months, yet deposits can now be placed to secure build slots.

Series IIA Land Rover
Renowned as one of the most iconic off-road vehicles since its launch over 60 years ago, the Series IIA Land Rover is an unmistakable British legend. Restored to the highest level, Everrati has now redefined this undisputed icon from a 1960’s utilitarian vehicle into a beautiful, zero-emissions vehicle, suitable for the 21^st century.

Housing Everrati’s state-of-the-art electric powertrain, the Series IIA is has a zero-emission range of over 100 miles, combined with AC and DC fast charging capability. The car’s 60kWh battery produces 150bhp and 300Nm in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes.

Prices for each commission begin at £150,000 plus relevant taxes, based on a customer-supplied donor car.

About Everrati^™
Everrati™ – Everrati™ was founded in 2019 by fintech entrepreneur Justin Lunny, and long-term automotive specialist Nick Williams.

Both car enthusiasts from an early age, they became increasingly conscious of the wider impact combustion engines have on the environment.

Everrati was formed to redefine some of the world’s most iconic and performance cars enabling them to be used in a clean air, low-carbon world.

Today, Everrati™ offers its customers the ability to commission their own electric Mercedes-Benz SL W113 Pagoda, Porsche 911 (964) Coupe, Targa and Convertible including Limited Edition models such as the officially licenced Gulf Signature Edition, and Land Rover Series IIA in a range of configurations.

Everrati™ designs, engineers and develops electric cars from a bespoke facility in Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire.

Everrati™ restores and modifies classic and iconic Porsche cars for its customers to enable them to be used and enjoyed in a low carbon world. Everrati™ does not manufacture vehicles. Everrati™ is not sponsored, associated, approved, endorsed, nor, in any way, affiliated with Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche, AG (www.porsche.com), Porsche Cars Great Britain, or any other subsidiary or representative of Porsche. The Porsche® name and crest are trademarks of Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG, and any other products mentioned are the trademarks of their respective holders. All brand names, logos and crests along with any other products mentioned are the trademarks of their respective holders. Any mention of trademarked names or other marks is for purpose of reference only. Everrati respectfully requests that these iconic cars should not under any circumstances be referred to as an Everrati Porsche, Everrati 911 or in any manner that suggests it is anything other than a Porsche® 911®

Everrati™ is not sponsored, associated, approved, endorsed, nor, in any way, affiliated with Jaguar Land Rover Ltd (www.landrover.co.uk), or any other subsidiary or representative of Land Rover. The Land Rover® name and Badge are trademarks of Jaguar Land Rover Ltd, and any other products mentioned are the trademarks of their respective holders. All brand names, logos and crests along with any other products mentioned are the trademarks of their respective holders. Any mention of trademarked names or other marks is for purpose of reference only. Everrati respectfully requests that these iconic cars should not under any circumstances be referred to as an Everrati Land Rover, Everrati Series IIA or in any manner that suggests it is anything other than a Land Rover.

Safir GT40 Spares – Safir GT40 Spares, owner of the GT40 Trademark is proud to participate within the motorsport community to preserve and promote the iconic GT40 automobile.

Superformance – Since 1994,Superformance LLC has been distributing complete Continuation Shelby Cobras, Daytona’s, Corvettes, Grand Sports and GT40’s, along with rolling chassis replicas. Superformance products are aesthetically and dimensionally correct and are engineered in the image of some of the most iconic classic sports cars. All vehicles are built under license from trademark holders including Ford, Shelby, GM and SAFIR GT40, adding authenticity and value.

The Superformance factory is one of the world’s largest specialty car production facilities. It has produced and distributed more than 5,500 rolling chassis through 25 independent dealerships worldwide. The Superformance rolling chassis is completely assembled and ready for the buyer to install a drivetrain of their choice.

Superformance has an owner’s forum and car registry; the Shelby’s are eligible for the Shelby Registry. Additional information is available at www.superformance.com, info@Superformance.com or by calling a USA dealer at (800) 297-6253 or the corporate headquarters at 949) 900-1950.

Gearing up for the Goodwood Revival – Entry List and Timetable Published

by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog

With just over a week to go until the 2021 Goodwood Revival returns (Friday 17 – Sunday 19 September, we are delighted to share the Entry List and Timetable for the event.

This year, the event’s ‘Revive and Thrive’ ethos will be brought to life with a new ‘Make-Do & Mend’ area showcasing a host of restoration projects, as well as the inaugural Car Boot Sale on the Sunday of the event, celebrating circular fashion.

The on-track action remains at the heart of the event, with another weekend of unrivalled historic racing, including the newly renamed Stirling Moss Memorial Trophy, returning favourites like the RAC TT Celebration and Whitsun Trophy, and the John Whitmore Trophy – a 45-minute two-driver race for Mini Coopers, with a star-studded line-up.

Image credit: Jayson Fong

Goodwood Revival, Friday 17 – Sunday 19 September.

Tickets
Tickets for the Revival are still available and can be purchased via goodwood.com or by calling the Ticket Office on 01243 755055.

For an extra special day out, hospitality is also available across the event and can be organised by emailing hospitality@goodwood.com or calling 01243 755054.

Goodwood wants customers to be able to book with confidence and if it is deemed that Goodwood events cannot take place on advice from the UK Government due to the ever-changing pandemic, the ‘Ticket Guarantee’ means customers can transfer their ticket to the following year or receive a full refund.

Covid-19
Goodwood’s number one priority is the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved, whether working behind-the-scenes, at the wheel, or attending the spectacle. Goodwood continues to work closely with Public Health England and UK Government advisory groups and all events will be run strictly in accordance with the Government’s Covid-19 guidelines.

Classic Suzuki Sunday finally returns to the Super Sausage Café

by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog

After a year’s sabbatical following the Covid-19 pandemic, the Classic Suzuki Sunday is set to return the Super Sausage Café on 19 September.

Previous years’ events have seen packed crowds at the biker-friendly café off the A5 near Towcester, as Suzuki – through its popular Vintage Parts Programme – and Team Classic Suzuki display a range of 1970s, 80s, and 90s road and racing machinery.

Displayed at this year’s event will be the Team Classic Suzuki Katana endurance racer, which John Reynolds and Pete Boast raced to victory at Oschersleben. Sticking with the Katana theme, the outfit’s project Katana, based on world superbike underpinnings, will also feature.

Added exotica comes courtesy of a factory RGV250 racer from the 1997 Japanese championship, as ridden by Noriyasu Numata in its orange Rizla Suzuki livery.

Suzuki GB will also show off the GSX-R1100 and Bandit 600 rebuilt by apprentices on its Apprenticeship Programme, plus an RGV250 and the 1985 GSX-R750F restored at Motorcycle Live in 2015, as part of the model’s 30th anniversary celebrations.

Aftersales marketing co-ordinator, Tim Davies, said,“We are so incredibly happy that we’re able to put this event on again. It’s not far from Suzuki HQ and feels something like a home event, and after the year we had in 2020 we’re really excited to get back to the Super Sausage Café and bring our vintage fleet along with us. As well as the bikes we’re bringing, however, we are always keen to see what other people bring to the event, from GSX-Rs to GTs and everything in between. Traditionally there has always been a fantastic turnout, and being an outdoor event we’re hoping to see the bike park filled again this year.”

The Super Sausage Café can be found off the A5, between Towcester and Potterspury, Northampton, NN12 7QD.

For information on Suzuki’s Vintage Parts Programme, click here.