Lotus Engineering – the Hope / Lotus track bike
Measure_of_success_short_V1_v7.mp4
- Project team from Lotus consultancy explain how bike’s innovative front end improves aerodynamic performance on track
- Lotus helped develop pioneering forks and lightweight handlebars
- See the new film on YouTube
(Hethel, UK – 12 July 2021) – While the Lotus Emira was inevitably the star of the show at last weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, another performance machine was getting plenty of attention.
The Hope / Lotus track bike – developed in part by Lotus Engineering, the consultancy side of the business – was also on the Lotus stand. It has been created to help the Great Britain Cycling Team win medals.
Lotus Engineering has today released a new film about its involvement with the project. Three members of the team explain why the bike’s innovative front-end design makes it so different to anything that’s come before it in the world of track cycling. Striking new images of the Hope / Lotus bike have also been revealed.
One of the three is Richard Hill, chief aerodynamicist at Lotus, who has led development work on the bike’s aerodynamic performance. He commented: “I think the advantage that Lotus brings to bike design is that we’re not bike designers. We’re not engrossed in that industry, so we look at things from a very purist point of view. It’s the way Lotus has always approached every project for any external client.”
The pioneering design is based on optimising the aerodynamics of the bike and rider together rather than independently. The Lotus-developed wider-than-usual position of the forks means they’re directly in front of the rider’s knees, helping air to flow around the rider. The seat stays at the rear of the bike, also wider than on any other track bike, assist with the reattachment of that air to create the best possible profile for the bike and rider combined.
Lotus has also helped to develop two designs of lightweight handlebar, for sprint and pursuit races. Titanium and aluminium, both 3D-printed, as well as carbon fibre, are at the heart of these components. The innovative design and advanced materials make the forks and bars very light, as well as improving stiffness and front-end feel to boost rider confidence.
The bike is a true Lotus in every way – optimised aerodynamics, light weight, advanced materials and exceptional handling, all combining to deliver outstanding performance. Lotus has worked on the project with Hope Technology, which has supplied the bike’s frame and wheels, and engineering partner Renishaw.
Ends
Notes to Editors
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About Lotus
Group Lotus is based in Hethel, Norfolk, UK – home to its sports and hypercar manufacturing operations, Lotus Advanced Performance Centre and the iconic 2.2-mile test track. It is part of Geely Automotive, the fastest growing automotive group in the world. Geely has a 51% controlling stake, with 49% owned by Etika Automotive, a Malaysian conglomerate.
Lotus Cars builds world-class, high-performance cars, born out of legendary successes on the race track including 13 FIA Formula 1 world titles and many other championship honours. In July 2021 it unveiled the all-new Lotus Emira, its last and best-of-breed petrol-powered sports car. The first customer cars will be delivered in 2022. In July 2019 it launched the Evija, the world’s first all-electric British hypercar.
Lotus Engineering provides a comprehensive consultancy service which works with many of the world’s OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers and other clients outside of the automotive sector. It is internationally recognised for its long-standing contribution to ground-breaking engineering and vehicle development. An international consultancy with offices around the world, Lotus Engineering is headquartered at the Lotus Advanced Technology Centre on the University of Warwick’s Wellesbourne Campus in the UK.