St. Patricks day weekend was cause for celebration for many people all over the country but it was also a big weekend for motorsport freaks like us. In addition to Sebring the past weekend also saw the return of Formula One. I decided to kick the weekend off by paying a visit to one of my favorite meets: Cars & Coffee in Irvine.
It was the first time I had been to the meet since the start of the year so I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised to see an even more eclectic mix of cars than I was used to. There was everything from million-dollar exotics to a few rare classics. I even saw a crazy turbo-diesel zombie apocalypse truck! (more on that in a later post).
However, I would have to say the meet’s biggest attention getter was a genuine Bugatti Veyron brought by Symbolic Motor Cars of San Diego. As jaded as I am these days even I am still impressed with a Veyron sighting. I have only been in the presence of Bugatti’s hyper-car four times and only two of which (counting the weekend) were “wild” sightings.
All in all it was a great trip. If you haven’t been to Cars & Coffee I would highly recommend checking it out. If you’re saying to yourself: “Hey jerk, I don’t live in Southern California!” I would say “don’t interrupt me while I’m talking!” See, the cool thing about Cars & Coffee is that it is something of an organization now so there are meets in several places all across America; even in Europe! Just head to CarsAndCoffeeOnline.com to find the closest meet to you.
Last Saturday morning I decided to once again torture myself for you by waking up earlier than time itself to make the trek to Mazda North American HQ in Irvine, CA for the weekly Cars & Coffee meet. OK, so maybe I did not wake up quite as early as I should have but it was still early! I still managed to get there with enough time to snap some shots of the nicer cars at the show and there were some nice rides indeed. A Ferrari Enzo made an appearance as well as few Audi R8′s and a nice Lamborghini that I will show you in depth later. For now you can check out a few pics below and then head to our Facebook gallery to see the full set.
I was starting to get some serious car show withdrawal so you can imagine my excitement when it came time for Motion Auto Show to come back to our home town of Long Beach and fill our convention center with rows and rows of top notch rides. One of the reasons I really like the Motion Auto Show is because the producers of the show Pro-Motion and the shows architect Mike Morita go out of their way to create an experience that is a lot like the car shows we were used to from the early days of the scene and so far they have always gotten it right! I also commend Pro-Motion and Morita-san for pre-screening all the cars that register for the show. Back in the day I hated spending my cash on a car show ticket only to find the show full of cars that were damn near stock!
Between the cars, the dance contest, models, and vendors the attendees of this years Motion Auto Show in Long Beach definitely got their money’s worth. If you didn’t get a chance to make it out to the show this year I highly reccomend going next year. In the meantime check out some pictures below and see our full gallery on our Facebook page.
It had been quite a while since my last visit to Cars & Coffee and I felt like I owed it to you guys to go back. It just took a few months to psych myself up to wake up at 4am to make the drive from Long Beach to the magical rich-man’s playground known as Newport Beach, CA but I finally did it! This past weekend there were less exotic cars and more classic and muscle cars which is cool if that is what you are into. The meet was not totally devoid of super cars an exotics though. There were a few Lamborghinis, a few Italia 458s, and there was even a McLaren MP4-12C in attendance. Also as always, there was an ocean of Porsches to behold and appreciate. Check out a few pictures below then see the rest in our Facebook gallery. Enjoy!
The collaboration thing is still going strong in “street wear” culture. For the most part I ignore it, but occasionally some of that stuff spills over onto the automotive side and that is when I get interested. The latest collab to touch on the automotive segment is what you see above. Nike and street wear brand AMEN decided to launch their latest collab shoe by having artist Paul Snowden design a wrap to celebrate the union. I am sure your opinions on the result will vary but nonetheless I find it interesting when other cultures/arts find ways to mix in with our world.
Today Italian chassis builder Lola announced that Lotus will be entering LeMans with an LMP2 program in a Lola Chassis that will be powered by a BMW V8 built by the same engineers that Lotus is currently working with to develop their twin-turbo V6 Indy Car engine program. With their entry into LeMans I think the only major motorsport Lotus does not have their hand in is NASCAR!
Here is another fun fact, if you really dig the livery on the Lotus LMP2 car you may be happy to know that it was designed by Daniel Simon who also designed the light cycles for Tron: Legacy! Cool huh?
As part of their new marketing strategy Group Lotus elisted rapper/producer Swizz Beatz to be their envoy to the young and affluent jet set that they look to target with their upcoming line up. To kick things off the rapper debuted one of his first collaborations with the company in the form of the “Swizz Beatz” edition Lotus Evora. The sheet was pulled off the project recently at a special event in New York attended by various celebrities. However from the automotive community the Evora has received its share of criticism as the actual modifications on the car are mostly cosmetic.
It seems that the “Swizz Beatz” edition Evora is essentially an Evora GTE with a special red chrome wrap, forged wheels, Recaro seats, with some custom upholstery and carbon fiber inserts in the interior, also special “Swizz Beatz” decals. While I admit that is a pretty short list, the car does look nice. Hopefully things go a little deeper in their next collaboration.
During the LA Auto Show Group Lotus took a few minutes to update the automotive press at large on the status of their engine program announced earlier this year. In case you forgot, last year at the LA Auto Show when Lotus showed off their future line-up it was first thought that they would continue their partnership with Toyota and source the engines for their new supercars from the Japanese manufacturer. It was later announced that Lotus would instead develop their own engines. So, part of this announcement was to let us all know that things on that front are still on schedule. The other intention of the conference was to announce three Indy Car Series teams that will be running Lotus’ new V6 twin-turbo engine for the 2012 season. I spoke with Kevin Smith who is the manager of communications and marketing for Lotus and I asked him if Lotus’ Indy Car program would be directly connected to their engine program for their road cars. His response was that as of now Lotus has no announced plans to build a twin-turbo V6 for any of their road cars but the data from the Indy Car program would very likely have an influence on the naturally aspirated V8 the company is currently working on. He also said they have not ruled out the possibility of a smaller displacement forced-induction engine on one of their future models. To hear all the news straight from the source scroll down and watch our video of the entire announcement. Or you can read the press release below the video.
Lotus IndyCar Developments Announced at the LA Auto Show
Lotus announces three partner teams to run Lotus IndyCar twin turbo V-6 racing engines in the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series season.
Lotus Motorsport will supply engines to Bryan Herta Autosport, Dreyer and Reinbold Racing and HVM Racing.
Engine supply partnership agreements will enable Lotus Motorsport to build long term technical and commercial collaborations with these teams.
Lotus utilized the Los Angeles Auto Show today as a platform to announce three partner teams that will race the new Lotus IndyCar V-6 engine in the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series. Alongside this Lotus showcased developmental updates on future products and introduced the new Evora with Intelligent Precision Shift (IPS) transmission to the Western US.
Just as developmental work is progressing at full speed on the first of Lotus’ future cars, the all-new Lotus Esprit and its clean-sheet high performance V-8 engine, Lotus Motorsport is rapidly readying its new twin turbo V-6 IndyCar engine for the rigors of racing.
Group Lotus Director of Motorsport Operations, Miodrag Kotur said: “At the LA show last year, we announced that we will be an engine supplier to IndyCar and exactly 12 months on, we are here with an all new Lotus engine and three teams, ready to go. The numbers that the engine is already achieving in our dyno testing are extremely encouraging so our hard work is well and truly paying off.”
“These partnerships with Bryan Herta Autosport, Dreyer and Reinbold Racing, and HVM Racing mean a great deal to Lotus Motorsport and mark the start of a new chapter for Lotus in the IZOD IndyCar Series. We’re thrilled that these already successful and illustrious teams have chosen Lotus, as we believe that our capabilities as a partner will pay dividends for them in the future. These three teams have immediately become part of the Lotus legend and have joined us in our journey as one of the most innovative and successful sports and racing car brands in the world.”
Each of these racing organizations, as Lotus partner teams, will benefit from the extensive testing and development work of the others to more quickly achieve the mutually desired competitive results.
In addition to the new Lotus V6 twin turbo IndyCar engine, work is continuing on the new Lotus Motorsport facility in Indianapolis, which will give the company its base close to the action and its partner teams.
As the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series season draws nearer, further announcements will be made by the teams at their individual launch events in due course.
We all know that when it comes to engine parts there are few people who know their stuff better than Cosworth. They make some of the best high-performance internal parts that money can buy. However, if they don’t make stuff for your car then you miss out unfortunately. Luckily today Cosworth is making thousands of people very happy by announcing that their FSL headgaskets are now available for 19 additional applications including the GT-R, Nissan KA24DE, Mitsubishi 4G63 and 4B11, and the Toyota 2ZZ used in the Lotus Elise and Exige. If you want to know what makes the FSL headgasket so special then you should check out the official press release below as it is better that you read it from the experts!
Using technology originally developed by Cosworth for WRC Rally engines, Cosworth FSL Head Gaskets feature true cylinder head sealing technology utilizing a precision engineered stamped stainless steel gasket layer with a folded ridge acting as an imbedded cylinder bore sealing ring. Constructed from multiple layers of high grade stainless steel each application features superior construction compared to conventional multi-layer steel gaskets. Additionally, Cosworth High Performance FSL Head Gaskets are manufactured from pre-coated die cut (not laser cut) stainless steel resulting in a uniform distribution of the nitrile rubbercoating and consistent shape of the gasket. Cosworth FSL Head Gaskets are proven to perform in high-horsepower and high boost professional motorsport engines are engineered to seal in power under the most demanding conditions.
Now available in 19 new applications including Nissan VR38 and K24DE, Mitsubishi 4G63, 4B11 and Lotus /Toyota 2ZZ with larger bores sizes and a range of thicknesses and sizes to accommodate standard and oversize cylinder bores.
If you saw our coverage from last year’s LA Auto Show you know that a whole slew of new models from Lotus are on the way to American soil in the near future. That means the legendary current model line will be on its way out. The current Elise and Exige are cars that are loved by thousands all over the world. Heck, we love them too and we don’t even own one! To help soften the blow of their departure Lotus is paying homage to both models by offering “Final Editions” of both. These Final Editions are also extremely limited as well. There will only be 15 Elise SC Final Editions shipped to U.S. soil. There will be 25 examples of the Exige Matte Black produced and 30 Exige S260 examples produced. Given the super limited production numbers it is almost certain that each Final Edition will be seriously sought after collector cars. This means if you want to get in on this final run you better high-tail it to your closest Lotus dealership and get your name on a list ASAP as production on the “normal” Lotus Elise and Exige is slated to stop by the end of this month! Scroll down below for pics, and the official press release from Lotus.
Lotus Launches “Final Editions” of the Iconic Elise and Exige for North America
Lotus celebrates end of production for renowned North American bound Elise and Exige models with the Elise SC, Exige Matte Black and Exige S260 Final Editions
As the saying goes; “all good things must come to an end”. Such is the case now with two of the greatest, purest drivers’ cars ever offered for sale in North America – the Elise and Exige.
While the Elise and Exige will continue to be available in other markets around the world, the lack of continued availability of the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder Toyota 2ZZ engine that powers all North American Elise and Exige models necessitates the stopping of production by the end of August, 2011 for North America.
To celebrate these iconic Lotus sports cars and provide true driving enthusiasts one final chance to acquire pure driving nirvana, Lotus will build and import into the US and Canada just 15 Elise SC, 25 Exige Matte Black and 30 Exige S260 Final Edition models.
2011 Elise SC Final Edition – only 15 produced
To mark the end of an era of Lotus Elise production, Lotus has created the Elise SC Final Edition exclusively for North America. With a supercharged 218bhp engine, exclusive matte black paint detailing on the rear transom panel, roll hoop cover, hardtop and door mirror housings and an unprecedented level of standard equipment, this “Final” Elise makes a striking statement. Only 15 Elise SC Final Editions will be built for the North American market, virtually insuring this Elise becomes instantly collectible. The Elise SC Final Edition will be available in Ardent Red, Aspen White, Carbon Grey and Chrome Orange at a base price of just $57,500 ($66,500 CAD) including all of the following highlighted features:
Audio system with radio, single CD and MP3 player with four speakers
Remote activated central locking and alarm system with engine imobiliser
Engine start push button
Extruded aluminium storage tray and machined billet aluminium cup holder
Yokohama A048 high-performance tires
Black 14-spoke forged alloy wheels
Black ProBaxTM sport seats with Alcantara trim
Sport suspension, springs and dampers
UPGRADE OPTIONS INCLUDED IN BASE PRICE
Touring Pack:
Padded leather door panels
Perforated leather door inserts
Leather trimmed center console
Black perforated leather handbrake lever gaiter
Black carpet floor mats with embroidered Elise logo
Noise insulation material
iPod® stereo connectivity
Matte black painted hardtop
Limited slip differential (LSD)
Lotus Traction Control System (TCS)
2011 Exige Matte Black Final Edition – only 25 produced
To mark the end of an era of Lotus Exige production, Lotus has created the Exige Matte Black Final Edition exclusively for North America. With a supercharged and intercooled 257bhp engine, exclusive matte black paint finish, black Alacantara sport seats and a high level of standard equipment, this one of two “Final” Exige models makes a stealthy and aggressive statement. Only 25 Exige Matte Black Final Editions will be built for the North American market, virtually insuring this Exige becomes instantly collectible. The Exige Matte Black Final Edition will be shown for the first time in North America within the Lotus exhibit on Peter Hay Hill in Pebble Beach Thursday, August 18 through Sunday, August 21 and will have a base price of just $69,900 ($80,800 CAD) including all of the following highlighted features:
257bhp supercharged and intercooled 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine
Exclusive Matte Black paint finish
Three-element rear diffuser with black anodized finish
Body-colored rear wing, front splitter, side scoops and roof scoop
Double shear track control arm brace
Black leather perforated steering wheel
Polished aluminium gear knob and handbrake sleeve
Driver and passenger front airbags
Air conditioning
Audio system with radio, single CD and MP3 player with four speakers
Remote activated central locking and alarm system with engine imobiliser
Engine start push button
Yokohama A048 high-performance tires
Black 5-spoke ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels
Limited slip differential (LSD)
UPGRADE OPTIONS INCLUDED IN BASE PRICE
Sport Pack:
Lotus Traction Control System (TCS)
BS4 T45 steel roll-over hoop and struts
Adjustable front anti-roll bar
ProBaxTM sport seats with black Alcantara trim
Touring Pack:
Alcantara door panels
Alcantara door inserts
Alcantara trimmed center console
Black Alcantara handbrake lever gaiter
Black carpet floor mats with embroidered Exige logo
Noise insulation material
iPod® stereo connectivity
Extruded aluminium storage tray and machined billet aluminium cup holder
Track Pack:
Track suspension with adjustable dampers and adjustable ride height
2011 Exige S260 Final Edition – only 30 produced
Lotus has also created the Exige S260 Final Edition exclusively for North America. With a supercharged and intercooled 257bhp engine and a high level of standard equipment, this one of two “Final” Exige models is available in the full array of Lotus exterior colors. Only 30 Exige S260 Final Editions will be built for the North American market, virtually insuring this Exige becomes instantly collectible. The Exige S260 Final Edition will have a base price of just $67,500 ($78,100 CAD) including all of the following highlighted features (certain exterior colors available at an additional cost):
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