Motorcycle specifications LotusC-01 2014 Torpedo on wheels

anyone who hears the name Lotus instantly inspires a rush of adrenalin, a whiff of sports cars, a thrill resurrected from the past. If you dig deep into the history of the brand created by Colin Chapman, you'll sparkle at the 1957 Seven, stand in awe of its 7 Formula 1 world championship titles, fall in love with the Esprit driven by James Bond... But what does this English brand (now under Malaysian flag) have to do with the motorcycle world?

Quite simply because Lotus is entering the two-wheeled galaxy with a bold, personal vision of a sporty machine. Its weapon: the C-01. A sports bike? In reality, it's an exercise in style, backed by a muscular engine.
Two years of study, production entrusted to the Kodewa team (the organization that manages LMP2 category endurance cars), and a very high-end positioning. The C-01 stands out for its design, but above all for its silhouette. As sexy as an aircraft engine, with the delicacy and comfort of a torpedo. The machine clearly seems destined to adorn sumptuous showcases rather than face the scent of vibrators.

Using carbon fiber, titanium and aircraft-grade steel, the Lotus C-01's chassis has little equivalent in current production. Mechanically, the terrain is more familiar. The chosen block is an 1195 cm3 twin, with an Austrian flavour. From the Katoche? Yes, the engine comes from the RC8-R. It gains a nice handful of watts, shamelessly displaying 200 horsepower. With a dry weight of just 181 kilos, the bike's velocity promises to be top-notch.

The price is abominable. But everything is planned to ensure that the machine is rare, envied, expensive and sufficiently exotic that it will only be put on the road in exceptional circumstances. 100 examples will be produced, with extensive customization possibilities. By way of example, 3 variations have been unveiled: the yellow and black of the famous Lotus 78, the first F1 ground-effect car; the red-blue-white Martini (rather immortalized on Lancia rally cars); and a very F1 yellow and green cocktail.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos