Lotus leaves its mark in GulfRun at Bahrain International Circuit
MANAMA: One of the stars of the regionally recognized GulfRun event that was held at the Bahrain International Circuit on February 2 and 3, 2017 is Lotus, one of the main sponsors of the annually anticipated event. During the two-day event, both participating drivers and the event’s attendees had the opportunity to test drive the Lotus Exige Coupe S in the inner, outer and GP circuit as well as see the Evora 400 in Lotus’ designated F1 garage.
Lotus made itself seen and heard with the Lotus Exige Coupe S. Registered drivers were welcome to test-drive the latest generation Exige S that has a supercharged V6 engine. With its supercharged 3.5literengine aside, the biggest piece of technological trickery is the new Dynamic Performance Management system. DPM is Lotus’ version of ESP with Touring, Sport, Race and Off being the settings. It is capable of both curbing under steer and also optimizing traction out of corners and it can even learn which tires a driver is using - Pirelli P Zero Corsas are standard. Performance gains have been made on the other side of the power-to-weight ratio with a comprehensive stripping-out, reducing the Cup’s mass to just 1110 kilograms, 66 kilograms less than the Exige S. The Exige S feels stunningly quick to the point where the 0-62 miles per hour time of 3.8 seconds seems almost conservative. It has an addictively rich seam of punchy torque thanks to that supercharger with ride quality and steering that leave no doubt about the road surface the driver is traveling on. The supercharged V6 makes a world of difference to the character of the car. It is a stunningly strong engine and throttle response is scintillating, no matter where one is in the rev range.
The quicker steering is exactly what one would expect from Lotus - full of feel as it dances in one’s hands as the car follows the cambers of the road. With a heavier mid-mounted engine one might expect the Exige to feel tricky on the limit, but on wet roads it would swing progressively either with a lift or by keeping one’s foot in. Last but not least, the new V6 sounds great - there is something of the historic racecar about its rich growl and there is no overpowering supercharger whine either.
Lotus’ sponsorship and participation of GulfRun is ideal as the annual event encompasses a friendly motorsport competition that is open to all track-capable cars and drivers who compete in multiple events in the course of two days. The overall objective of GulfRun is to promote car racing and training in a safe and professional environment while at the same time educating drivers on proper racing techniques, a process that is monitored by track-certified marshals who ensure the event’s safety and security. Anyone above the age of 18 who has a valid driver’s license and a track-capable car was welcome to participate in the event. Attendees were welcome free-of-charge to experience the adrenaline-filled event at the renowned Bahrain International Circuit. In addition to enjoying the races, attendees had the chance to personally meet the participating drivers and their vehicles including viewing the many test-drives that were enjoyed by the participating drivers of the Lotus Exige Coupe S, a factor that furthers Lotus’ weighty presence during the event.
The new Lotus Evora 400 is the latest pure and focused supercar from Lotus, combining high performance with the legendary Lotus benchmark handling. With a maximum speed of 300 kilometers per hour and an acceleration of 0-100 kilometers in 4.2 seconds, the new Evora is a more agile and involving drive that enables it to lap the challenging test track at the Lotus Headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk at a scintillating six seconds faster than previous models. Over two thirds of the Lotus Evora 400 is new, including its supercharged and charge-cooled mid-mounted 3.5liter V6 engine that produces a horsepower of 400 and 410 Nm of torque. A new aluminum chassis incorporates a new interior and the lightweight composite body has changed significantly both in the front and rear of the miracle car. The new Evora is 22 kilograms lighter, an accomplishment that has been achieved through careful and clever design and attention to detail. This weight reduction is even more impressive considering that the supercar has more power and a higher standard specification than before.
Lotus’ sponsorship and presence at GulfRun reaffirms Alghanim Motors’ commitment to only providing customers with the best driving experience. Apart from its community outreach especially toward car aficionados, Alghanim Motors is also dedicated to providing customers with superior products, outstanding service and other features that have positioned the company as a leader in the automotive market. Add the thrill of finesse and powerful drives by visiting Alghanim Motors’ Lotus showroom at Shuwaikh Industrial 1, block 1, street 11 opposite of the Historical Vintage and Classic Cars Museum on Saturday to Thursday starting from 9 AM until 12:30 PM and 4:30 PM until 8:30 PM. You can also be the first to know what is new by following Alghanim Motors on Instagram at @AlghanimLotusKW.