LOTUS
Founded: 1952 Hethel, Norfolk, England, United Kingdom
Founder: Colin Chapman
Parent: Zhejiang Geely Holding Group
Owner: Geely (2017–present)
Proton (1996–2017)
R. Artioli/Bugatti Automobili (1993–1996)
General Motors (1986–1993)
Type: Private Limited Company
Lotus Cars is a British manufacturer of sports and racing cars based at the former site of RAF Hethel, a World War II airfield in Norfolk. It was founded by engineer Collin Chapman in 1952. At present, Lotus is owned by Proton, which acquired it following the bankruptcy of former owner Romano Artioli in 1994.
The company was specialized into developing road cars and producing racing cars for customers. It continued its legacy until today since the company designs and builds race and production automobiles of light weight and fine handling characteristics. It also owns the engineering consultancy Lotus Engineering, which has facilities in the United Kingdom, United States, Malaysia and China.
The Lotus logo shows unique identity which is the same with other car logos. The jumble of letters at the badge on the hood of a Lotus stands for Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman’s name. The logo shows unfading legacy of Chapman which is an edge to other car logos. The company logo is in list of other memorable car logos in automobile industry.
Due to its high in sales and good quality cars the Lotus Cars were awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for contribution to International Trade in 2002. Lotus cars wore the badge of the award for a number of years.
Elise Sprint 220
Lotus 3-Eleven Range
3.5-litre V6 engine produces 430 hp and 440 Nm, propelling the 3-Eleven 430 from 0-60 mph in an astonishing 3.1 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds) and a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h) - up from 3.3 seconds (0-60 mph) (3.4 seconds 0-100 km/h) and 174 mph (280 km/h) for the previous version of the Lotus 3-Eleven.