Classic Car News: Lotus Goes Hybrid
The legend of the Lotus can be traced back to 1948 with the creation of the Mark 1 model, â??which was based on an old Austin Sevenâ?, reports LotusCars.com, and was the vehicle that sparked the innovation of many classic cars to follow. Lotus can boast vehicles that are â??powerful, light in weight, and endowed with exceptional road holding and handlingâ?, describes ClassicCarsForSale.co.uk. The Lotus Elan proved to be an immense commercial success, despite only around 9,000 being produced back in 1973 â?? meaning if you want to get your hands on one of these vintage cars you will have to search long and hard.
Modern day Lotus cars have come a long way since the Elan, with 2010 seeing the introduction of the first ever hybrid Lotus. The Lotus Evora hybrid concept has been described on PistonHeads.com as a â??high performance technology demonstratorâ?, which provides 408bhp and 590lbs of torque via a combination of twin electric motors.
The green generation is here and Lotus is contributing with its environmentally friendly concept car, and making sure it doesn’t leave a carbon footprint behind. Lotus is determined, however to leave some (tread) marks behind, as the Evora has an engine with 47bhp at 3500 rpm, which can convert â??mechanical energy to electrical energy via the integrated electrical generator to replenish the battery pack charge and provide additional vehicle rangeâ?, reports PistonHeads.com â?? meaning there will be more than enough force to power this vehicle.
As with most new concepts, there is always some scepticism, which in this case focuses on how often refuelling is needed for hybrid vehicles. To put those doubts to rest, PistonHeads.com has revealed that â??the electric motors can get the concept to 60mph in less than four seconds, while the range extender can get the Evora 300 miles before a recharge is requiredâ?.
The roar of a classic sporty car engine is a sound that brings joy to our ears, but hybrids with their smooth silent engines seem to lack this va va voom. However, Lotus has come up with an ingenious idea of creating artificial noises both inside and outside the vehicle. The fake engine sounds are generated by what Lotus calls â??HALOsonic sound technology and consists of synthetic noises via mounted speakers at the front and rear of the carâ?. Not only will driving this hybrid be a sound experience, but for pedestrians the engine noises will ensure they also feel safe and secure.
If you can’t wait to see this concept car, which PistonHeads.com are referring to as â??a serious contender for the weirdest Lotus ever awardâ?, the Evora 414E will be unveiled at the Geneva Show at the beginning of March.
Classic Car News: The Royal Cars
One brand that commands respect and royal stature is Rolls-Royce, with even the Queen of England acknowledging to its magnificence. Rolls-Royce150m.com has reported that “whenever Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II or other members of the Royal family travel on official engagements, the journey will include the use of a Rolls-Royce motor car”. The Rolls-Royce is so important that it even went aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, tucked away in its own specially constructed garage.
When the state cars used to transport members of the Royal family are not in use they are housed in the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace. Royal.Gov.uk reports that “there are eight State limousines, consisting of two Bentleys, three Rolls-Royces and three Daimlers”. More surprisingly there are also a number of Volkswagen people carriers that accompany the Royal fleet vehicles.
For many people, catching a glimpse of a member of the Royal family can only be achieved at slow speeds and from a short distance, which is why the Bentleys are fitted with a “removable exterior roof covering which exposes a clear inner lining, giving an all-round view of their Royal passengers”, reports Royal.Gov.uk.
A Rolls-Royce Phantom VI was added to the Royal collection, having been presented to The Queen in 1978 for her Silver Jubilee by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The oldest existing member of the fleet is the Phantom IV, built in 1950 and has been used by the likes of Princess Elizabeth and The Duke of Edinburgh. Just like a fine wine, the Phantom gets better with time and despite its age is still in excellent condition, being used for occasions such as Ascot. This prestigious event requires high status, so it’s no surprise the transport of choice is the Rolls-Royce.
Classic cars symbolise historical significance, which is why some historic Royal cars can be viewed at the Sandringham Museum. Vintage cars you should expect to see include the 1900 Daimler bought by Edward VII, and a half-scale Aston Martin given to Princes William and Harry in 1998.
Rolls-Royce has supplied numerous members of the Royal family with cars for many years and has been proudly displaying the Royal Coat of Arms during this time. In 1955, after 5 years of providing quality service Rolls-Royce, “successfully challenged Daimler’s 60 year lead as Royal Warrant holders” and continue to hold that honour to this day. No doubt Rolls-Royce will carry on producing its classic cars of the future for years to come.
Classic Car News: Porsche Goes From Humble To Hybrid
From a modest two-seater, 1.1 litre engine classic car to an “ultra-efficient, low-emission, mid-engine super sports car”, Porsche have certainly demonstrated one of the biggest and most impressive transformations in motoring history. Featuring the latest eco-friendly fuelling system, the Porsche Spyder 918 “claims 78mpg” and runs on “hybrid and electric drive technology”, reports PistonHeads.com.
The legend of the Porsche was born in 1931, and saw the creation of an “automobile that was dependable, simple, fast and technologically ahead of its time”, reports PorscheHistory.com. Ferdinand Porsche, a genius of engineering and a unique automotive designer, is also responsible for creating the first plans for the Volkswagen Beetle, which proceeded to become the “largest selling car in history”, as well as designing cars for other auto manufacturers such as Austo Daimler and Mercedes Benz.
With such a successful portfolio, it’s no surprise that Ferdinand Porsche’s designs have developed into a modern “concept that combines high-tech racing features with electric-mobility to offer a fascinating range of qualities”, according to PistonHeads.com. If this all sounds too good to be true, with Porsche claiming that the performance of the new hybrid is “fascinating”, the proof really is in the pudding. So get your teeth around a hybrid model that reaches a top speed of 198mph and a lap time on the Nordschleife of less than 7 ½ minutes – this super modern car really revs the excitement levels and its performance speaks for itself.
The story of Porsche is looking more like a fairytale, and like most fairytales there is likely to be a happy ending. The way Porsche is delivering innovative vehicles, “synonymous with luxurious sports cars as well as cutting edge technology” it’s no surprise Porsche recently blew everyone at the Geneva Auto Show out of the water with their “freshly unveiled electric concept car”, according to Inhabitat.com.
Each time Porsche has launched a new model they have provided an uncompromised convoy of classic or sports cars that have all been true to the soul of its ancestors. If you haven’t heard of Porsche, you must have literally been asleep for a hundred years, just like in a fairytale. Winning the most prestigious automobile brand for over 70 years of excellence and dedication, the Porsche legacy continues through the 918 hybrid Spyder. Inhabitat.com believes that “Porsche is definitely bringing sexy back into green with this new electric concept”.