The second coming
Despite an indifferent first season, Nelson Piquet has another chance to show if he has his father’s abilities By Adam Cooper For much of 2008 the future of Fernando Alonso…
Engine: Four cylinders, 82.55 mm. x 72.75 mm. (1,558 c.c.). Twin-overhead camshafts. 9.5:1 compression ratio. 105 b.h.p. at 5,500 r.p.m.
Gear ratio: 1st, 2.509; 2nd, 1.679; 3rd, 1.230; top, 1.0:1.
Tyres: Dunlop SP41, 145-13 in.
Weight: 11-1/2 cwt. (makers’ kerb weight figure).
Steering ratio: 2-1/2 turns lock-to-lock.
Fuel capacity: 10 gallons. (Range approximately 240 miles.)
Wheelbase: 7 ft.
Track: Front and rear : 3 ft. 11-1/2 in.
Dimensions: 12 ft. 1-1/2 in. x 4 ft. 8 in. x 3 ft. 5 in. (high).
Price: £1,179 (in kit form). £1,435 17s. 1d. (fully assembled).
Makers: Lotus Cars Ltd., Delamare Rd., Cheshunt, Herts.
Performance data
0-30 m.p.h. … 3.0 sec.
0-40 m.p.h. … 4.5 sec.
0-50 m.p.h. … 7.0 sec.
0-60 m.p.h. … 9.2 sec.
0-70 m.p.h. … 11.6 sec.
0-80 m.p.h. … 14.5 sec.
0-90 m.p.h. … 18.5 sec.
0-100 m.p.h. … 23.8 sec.
Speeds in gears: (At 6,500 r.p.m.)
1st:, 45 m.p.h.; 2nd:, 71 m.p.h.; 3rd:, 91 m.p.h.; Top, 108 m.p.h.
Standing start 1/4-mile … 16.5 sec.