Lotus Drivers Guide

Newsletter issue 74, January 2014

The first words....

In the media I have seen lots of information concerning the Lotus F1 Team. As it was not clear what to believe and what not to believe, I have contacted the team. Unfortunately, they did not yet have time to answer me, so we will have to do with the information that I did find in the media.

Once again, the future of Group Lotus seems unsecure after the company made a £167.800.000 net loss in 2013 and breached its banking covenants. Proton is planning to re-finance Lotus’ debt to smooth the road ahead but its deputy chief executive, Lukman bin Ibrahim, said that until this has been competed, “there is a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt over the group and the company’s ability to continue to operate as a going concern”.

And of course there is more Lotus related news that I like to share with you! By the way, if you have time it may be a good idea to visit Retromobile in Paris, absolutely one of the best classic cars events in Europe!

Please enjoy reading this newsletter and do not hesitate to give me your comments.

Ronald Ringma

Classic Cars for sale: "Lotus values set to blossom in 2014"

Prices of several Lotus models look set to rise in 2014 with a continuing surge of interest in the cars. Some Lotuses have been relatively static value-wise but now values are steadily creeping up, according to Club Lotus chairman Alan Morgan.

Read the full article here

Lotus Invests in Graduate Training Scheme

Following significant investment from shareholders DRB-HICOM and the UK Government’s ‘Regional Growth Fund’, Group Lotus Plc is delighted to announce new graduate opportunities across its Lotus Cars and Lotus Engineering divisions.

The Lotus Graduate Training Scheme comprises a 2-year rotation programme that will see successful candidates moving throughout the Lotus Cars and Lotus Engineering divisions. Lotus prides itself on providing its people with a holistic approach to career development, and the graduate rotation process offers a thorough and comprehensive view of all its divisions and disciplines before trainees elect to specialise and hone their skills long-term.

Lotus Elise S Cup R makes global debut at Autosport 2014

The Elise S Cup R took its place in the stable alongside big brothers the Exige V6 Cup and Exige Cup R and the mighty Evora GT4 in Birmingham between 9th and 12th January 2014, illustrating the variety of appeal of the Lotus Motorsport family.

Read the complete press release here

Lotus to attend this January at the 2014 Salon Auto/Moto in Brussels

Lotus’ latest addition to the family, the race-ready Elise S Cup R, stands alongside its siblings from the Exige and Evora ranges in Brussels this January at the 2014 Salon Auto/Moto.

The small but mighty Elise S Cup R sets the tone for the Lotus collection on display in Hall 12 stand 12.09 of the 2014 Salon Auto/Moto; Lotus’ passion for motorsport, lightweight ethos and racing pedigree is clear.

The Lotus collection is brimming with a stunning selection from across its range; the agile Elise, the purposeful Exige and the distinctive Evora will all be represented. Specifically on display is the Evora S Sports Racer, the Exige S and its Roadster brother, the brand new Elise S Club Racer, and of course, the headlining Elise S Cup R.

Lotus Cars opens new Dubai showroom

Lotus Cars recently presented its latest showroom in the Middle East. ‘Lotus Dubai’ opened its doors at its prestigious waterside premises in ‘Dubai Festival City’.

Lotus Cars Middle East (the distributor for Lotus cars in the Middle East) is partnering with Trading Enterprises (part of the Al-Futtaim Group) to open the new showroom in Dubai called Lotus Dubai.

It is the latest showroom in the Lotus Cars Middle East portfolio, the first Lotus showroom in Dubai, and commences an exciting and ambitious plan to strengthen the Lotus brand across the region by developing its operation in both existing and new markets over the next 24 months.

Picture: Official Opening of Lotus Dubai; left Mr Len Hunt (President Automotive, Al-Futtaim Group) and right Mr Aslam Farikullah (Chief Operating Officer, Group Lotus plc).

Formula 1 update

A collection of Lotus F1 Team related subjects, al being information from the weeks prior to publishing this newsletter. Please remember that what you are about to read is not confirmed by Lotus F1 Team, unless it is stated. It is a collection of information that got my attention.

The word is...

The word is that the financial problems the Lotus F1 Team is facing are not yet solved, even with the oil dollars that Maldonado's sponsor brings in. At the time of writing this, it is said that the staff of the Lotus F1 Team did not yet get their November salaries and some suppliers are also waiting to see their invoices being paid.

It is also said that some of the staff are trying to find a job with an other F1 team in 2014.

The best way to find out whether these stories are true or not is to ask the guys who know it. So I have asked the team for a reaction and will certainly share this information with you. If I get it (December 2013).

Jerez, first 2014 test

It seems that the Lotus F1 Team has asked to postpone the first test week in January at Jerez with one week, as the team is not ready in time. Just three weeks before the new 2014 cars are scheduled to run for the first time, Lotus has revealed that its E22 will not join the other outfits in the test that starts on January 28.

Lotus technical director Nick Chester said: "We are likely to unveil the car before attending the Bahrain tests, and in Bahrain we should really be able to put the car through its paces in representative conditions."

But with all the changed rules, more teams will have difficulties while preparing their cars for the first tests. Lotus principal Eric Boullier said in a BBC interview: “You will see, we will not be the only team not being in Jerez. I know this for a fact already,”

Engine?

Renault wants to see money if they are to deliver the 2014 engines for the Lotus F1 Team. So, basically, there is no engine deal at the moment that I am writing this...

Lotus Formula 1 team CEO Patrick Louis steps down

Patrick Louis joined the team in 2010 as COO, after Genii Capital bought the team from Renault. He became chief executive officer in 2012 and Thomas Mayer was appointed as new chief operating officer.

Mr. Louis has chosen to step down as CEO to take up a position with the Genii Automotive brand. He will retain a position on the Lotus team board, however.

The new CEO will be Matthew Carter.

On the team's website these changes are not yet visible (Also, Kimi is still mentioned as a driver and Pastor is not....)

BBC Sport - The owner of Lotus has revealed the team have £114m of debt, but insists their future is not in doubt.

In an interview with BBC, Gerard Lopez, co-owner of the Genii Capital investment company that runs Lotus, says most of the debt is internal. You can find the interview here.

Lotus F1 Team has published some questions and answers concerning the new E22

As Enstone gets up to full speed once more following the festive season, Technical Director Nick Chester gives an insight into development of the E22.

The Lotus F1 Team has published some questions and answers, you can find these here.

In the spotlight: M.A. Models

In 1978, Mike Arensdorf started producing his line of M.A. Scale Models. In the last 36 years his product line has grown to 567 1/43 scale models. He is always working on new kits of different cars for release and now has customers all over the world.

For us, Lotus enthusiasts, he has created the following miniatures, either as a kit or as a ready build model:

139. Lotus/Porsche, Trans Ocean Motors, 1965

198. Lotus 19/V-12 Ferrari engine, Team Rosebud

265. Lotus 23B Laguna Seca or Times Grand Prix 1962

299. Arciero Bros. Lotus 19, Dan Gurney, versions are 1962 Daytona Winner, 1962 Laguna Seca Winner or 1962 Nassau Trophy Race Winner

301. Lotus 19, Dan Gurney 1964 Riverside

467. Lotus 38, 1965 Indy Winner, Jim Clark

He has always operated M.A. Scale Models out of his home. He creates the molds and casts the resin models by hand but contracts out the rubber and metal parts casting and the decal printing.

He is always excited to gain new customers!

On his website you will find an up-to-date price list and colour photos of each model he manufactures; http://www.mamodels.com

23 Lotus/Porsche, George Folmer	19 Innes Ireland 1964 Riverside V-12 Ferrari	23B Graham Hill Laguna Seca 1962
19 Dan Gurney, 1962	19 Dan Gurney 1964 Riverside	38, 1965 Indy Winner, Jim Clark

Modelcars

Modelcar news


This is the new Lotus Type 38, made by Spark, 1:43. The car that was driven by Jim Clark, winner of the 1965 Indianapolis 500. Expected March 2014
	This is the new E20 2013 show car by Minichamps, 1:18.
And on the right an older model that I did not show you before, the E20 2013 show car by Minichamps, 1:43. The show cars differ from the 2013 race cars in that they are the previous season's shape finished in the team's new livery.
	On the left and below, the latest Lotus 1:43 kit by Model Factory Hiro, the Type 79 (1979) that can be created as Andretti or Reutemann version. A kit for the more experienced builder, but MFH said that they tried to reach a balance between a high level of precise detail, and ease to assemble.
Another MFH 1:43 kit that I did not show you before is this Lotus Type 97T. Again a multi material kit that requires an experienced builder. (images: MFH)
	Here is something I did not see before, a transkit that helps you to convert the Tamiya 1:20 Type 107B into a Type 109. Made by Shunko. Discontinued, so if you want one you will have to search for it I guess. Maybe some Japanese hobby shops can help.
Also made by Shunko, this Type 102 decal set that one can use when converting the Tamiya 102B model to the type 102.
Elite XI	The French made Profil 24 models are known to us collectors because they have created nice 1:24 Lotus Elite and Lotus Mk XI kits. Recently they have started to produce 1:24 slotcar kits of these models. These are available with or without a chassis. Mechanical parts and tyres are not included (Images: Profil 24)
Another new 1:24 kit that may interest you is this Lotus Elise S2, made by Modulo. It comes with either standard wheels or cup wheels. (Image: Grand Prix models)
	The people at Thunder Valley F1 are creating scale miniatures with the aim to create the highest level of precision built replicas and related products available. They also produce parts for modelcar builders. For the Lotus enthusiast it is good to know that one can upgrade the 1:12 DFV engine as used in the Lotus Type 49 and 49B, but also the engine in the Type 72D and the Lotus JPS MkIII with photo etched parts. And how about 1:12 Ford DFV Engines recreated in precision metal castings? They also offer parts like zip ties and hose clamps to create a more realistic look. And more! More information here. (Image: Thunder Valley F1)
On the right you see the new 1:43 1981 Lotus Type 88B British GP Nigel Mansell No12, created by the Planex Collection. Production is limited to 1.000 pieces worldwide. It was also raced that year at USA, Brazil and Argentina Grand Prix. The car has the COURAGE sponsor ship which was only used for that race. Banned by FISA for the Twin Chassis the Lotus 88B plays a unique role in the development of F1 cars.
	On the left; new from the Australian company Automodelli Studio: Lotus Type 49T, a 1:43 white metal kit that enables you to build the cars of Clark and Hill from the 1968 Tasman series. Lotus 49T 1968 series winner Jim Clark Jim Clark #6 New Zealand Team Lotus Jim Clark #6 Australia Gold Leaf Team Graham Hill #5 Australia Gold Leaf Team (Images: Grand Prix models and Automodelli Studio)
If you enjoy model car building, this Studio 27 upgrade set for the Ebbro Lotus Type 49 may be the thing for you. This set includes bulkheads, radiotor facia, discs, pedals, belt hardware, fixings, mirrors etc. (Image: Studio 27)
Scalextric has introduced their new Lotus Exige V6 Cup-R model, a 1:32 slotracer with the following features; Working Headlights, Working Rear Lights, Xenon Effect Headlights. There are different versions of this car, as follows:
	Driver - Adam Knight Race - Lotus Cup UK, Brands Hatch, 25th August 2013
	Driver - Jonathan Walker Race - Lotus Cup Europe, Brands Hatch, 25th August 2013
And how about this one, the Exige R-GT, also by Scalextric
standard, demo version	Madeira Rally 2012, Bernardo Sousa and Corrado Mancini (images: Scalextric)
New from Minichamps, these two 1:43 E21 versions that have been announced a long time ago, are now in the shops.	Räikkonen Grosjean
	This is the new 1:43 Lotus Excel by Spark, that should be in the shops by now.
New from BS Design, these 1:87 resin kits to build an Elise and/or an Europa. Small, but very nice!




Modelcar news without images Spark has announced 1:43 versions of the Lotus F1 Team Type E21 as used by Grosjean and Kovalainen during the 2013 USA Grand Prix. Expected for release in February 2014. At Tameo, the new Lotus Type 78 (Italian GP 1978 Ronnie Peterson) 1:43 white metal superkit is ending its development stage and will be produced soon.
A reader's work It is nice to be able to show you some pictures of a reader's model, this time it is the 1:20 Model Factory Hiro kit representing the Lotus Type 43. This one is built by Simon Parsons, have a look at what he can do with a kit!

Books and video


Grand Prix Ford - DFV-powered Formula One cars		Anthony Pritchard has written a detailed and superbly illustrated account of the Formula 1 cars powered by the Ford DFV V8 engine. This all-conquering power unit was the result of discussions between Colin Chapman and the UK Ford Motor Company. Design, development and manufacture was entrusted to the Cosworth company in Northampton, in response to Lotus' desperate need for an engine for the 3000cc Formula 1 that came into force for 1966. Lotus had exclusive use of the DFV in 1967, its first season, when Jim Clark drove the DFV-powered Lotus 49 to four World Championship victories. Becoming available to other Formula 1 teams in 1968, adopters included McLaren and Matra. Graham Hill won the Drivers' Championship with DFV-powered Lotus cars in 1969, and drivers of DFV-powered cars won the Championship in 13 out of 16 years. This title has not yet been released and is expected September 2014 Hardcover, 224 pages, English, ISBN-10: 1845846249, ISBN-13: 978-1845846244
Éternelle 7 - Toutes les Lotus et Caterham 7 de 1957 a 2013 This French edition of the Magnificent Seven book was published in France recently. Details: hardcover, 286 x 216 x 20 mm, ISBN-10: 236059043X, ISBN-13: 978-2360590438