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.

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[Source: Hypebeast.com]

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?

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[Source: Autoblog]

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.

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Press Release:

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.

It seems like the best way for teams to win in the big leagues of racing is to literally grow your championship driver from childhood.  This worked for McLaren when they supported Lewis Hamilton and new F1 champion Sebastien Vettel was the product of a development program as well.  Group Lotus has decided they need to get into the development game as well so they’ve announced that they will be backing a kart team in the CIK-FIA which we can only guess is the “F1″ of karting.

A nice product of this move is that there will actually be Lotus karts like the one you see above available for sale.  Although we are sure a Lotus kart will probably cost thousands of dollars and take forever to get since they will be built in Italy.  However, the prospect of owning a Lotus go-kart is still pretty damn awesome, even if it doesn’t shoot red turtle shells or get magical speed boosts from mushrooms.

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Press Release:

Group Lotus Goes Grassroots

With an official entry into the CIK-FIA World Karting Championship 2012, Group Lotus is determined to discover new talent.

With the move into karting Group Lotus becomes the first car manufacturer to have a presence at the entry level of motorsport and provides a very special opportunity for early talent spotting. Some of today’s most famous and successful motorsport personalities cut their teeth in karting – the newly crowned FIA F1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel is the perfect example of the benefits of early driver development as are his peers, fellow former World Champions Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton.

But Lotus isn’t just interested in spotting the driving talent of the future, the potential to work with young people showing an aptitude for design and engineering is recognised as a very special opportunity for Lotus. 

Competing under the ‘Lotus Racing Karts’ banner and forming part of the Lotus Motorsport division, Lotus Racing Karts will field a factory backed team, operated by Jefra Racing out of its headquarters near Treviso, Italy. With a formidable racing pedigree spanning over 40 years, Jefra Racing has competed in many classes of motorsport. Lotus hopes that this invaluable experience teamed with leadership from Team Manager Franc Jerancic will form the basis of a truly competitive team. 

And Franc Jerancic is the man to impress – talent spotted and recruited by him will have all the latest homologated material at their disposal, including two new chassis models ‘Colin C30’ and ‘Jimmy C32’ giving the Lotus Racing Karts team the edge as they take on the CIK-FIA international karting events for KF and KZ categories and the World Karting Championship for KF1 category.

The production of karts and components is licensed by Group Lotus to Wildkart, specialists in aeronautics precision engineering since 1996 and manufacturer of karts since 2002.  Today, Wildcart is regarded as an authority in kart chassis and components, providing services and solutions to many karting suppliers and brands. The fit with Group Lotus is enhanced by the mutual commitment to innovation, technology and development.

“Our entry into karting is exciting on many levels” comments Miodrag Kotur, Director of Operations for Lotus Motorsport. “Not only are we nurturing new talent and widening our motorsport programme, but we also have an opportunity to join forces with two world-class specialists.  It is exciting to see Lotus Motorsport grow in such an authentic, fresh and exhilarating way”

Lotus Racing Karts will unveil their 2012 karts at the annual AUTOSPORT International event on the 14th January 2012 at NEC – Birmingham, UK.

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.

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Press Release:

 August 4, 2011

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:

SPECIFICATION HIGHLIGHTS (beyond details mentioned above)

Rear diffuser with black anodized finish

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

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:

SPECIFICATION HIGHLIGHTS (beyond details mentioned above)

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):

SPECIFICATION HIGHLIGHTS (beyond details mentioned above)

257bhp supercharged and intercooled 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine

Full Lotus exterior color range available (Standard & Metallic paints at no extra cost, Lifestyle & Limited paints at an extra cost)

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 Y-type 5-spoke 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

Touring Pack:

 Padded leather door panels

 Padded leather door inserts

 Leather trimmed center console

 Black perforated leather 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