19 September 2011

The Lotus Driving Academy (LDA) opens its doors for the autumn term with a brand new syllabus and the ‘Lotus Licence’

The message on the Lotus stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show was clear: More Lotus than ever! And the new face of the Lotus Driving Academy fits perfectly to this message.

Ever wondered what makes a great driver really great? People often ask us what the secret is to maintaining oversteer, negotiating a slalom or mastering ‘heel & toe’. The answer: track time and expert training.

Complete with a newly refurbished Lotus Test track and new Chief Instructor in the form of former Lotus F1 driver, Martin Donnelly, the Lotus Driving Academy (LDA) opens its doors for the autumn term with a brand new syllabus and the ‘Lotus Licence’.

The ‘Lotus Licence’ is a tiered programme that delivers full driving training and qualification to drive the amazing Evora GT4 at race standard. Level 1 covers heritage and an introduction to the Lotus brand, an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the production facilities and general vehicle handling training. Subject to successfully passing Level 1, drivers will advance to Level 2 and eventually to Level 3 where they hone their skills learning everything from the theory of vehicle dynamics and tyre grip to trail breaking and powersliding.

Completion of Level 3 entitles drivers to their ‘Lotus Licence’ and access to the Hethel track in the Evora GT4 - this is where the fun gets serious! Level ‘GT’ 4 is the ultimate race driving tuition. All aspects of the circuit for racing are encompassed with special attention to race lines, analyses and a full debrief, after the serious bit it’s on to the fun stuff, and that’s the car! The Evora GT4 is a real race car with FIA regulated safety features.

The Evora GT4 is a transverse mid-engined, rear wheel drive, sequential 6-speed transmission with paddle shift and twin plate sintered clutch. Shod in slick tyres, it delivers 354hp (257.5kw) at 6500rpm and 328lbft (400nm) at 5500rpm of torque - sounds good? The LDA allows you to find out what it’s like to drive on track and really unleash your racing talent.

What’s unique about the LDA is that drivers receive dedicated 1:1 tuition for the entire programme. Selected by Martin Donnelly, instructors are not only of the highest calibre, but they are completely focussed on their pupils so drivers can advance at the quickest possible rate and receive a truly bespoke experience.

Chief Instructor Martin Donnelly comments: “Lotus cars are real drivers’ cars. The Lotus Driving Academy is the perfect way to experience the special relationship between a car and the track and it’s a great opportunity for customers or aspiring customers to push themselves to the limit and experience everything Lotus has to offer. The syllabus we have put together is very technical so the training is comprehensive and challenging. There really is no better driver training out there!”

Managing Director Robert Lechner talks passionately about his plans for expansion: “We are really confident with the Lotus Driving Academy model, we have seen drivers progress and achieve their potential quickly so they keep coming back! Our success is down to creating the perfect learning experience with expert instructors in a world-class environment. We are very happy to run our programmes at the re-launched Lotus track and are planning to open Lotus Driving Academies internationally, our first centre outside of the UK is at the Hungaroring in Budapest and we are looking at new locations at some of the greatest circuits around the world.“

Prices start at £399. For more information go to www.lotusdrivingacademy.com .