Lotus unveils track day ‘F1’

Lotus Cars has taken the wraps off the ultimate track day tool that it is billing as a turn-key Formula 1 car.

The carbon-composite Lotus 125 is powered by a 640bhp 3.5-litre Cosworth V8 based on the engine company’s final Champ Car unit which weighs 560kg, giving the car a power-to-weight ratio of nearly 1000bhp per ton. The 125 is designed to be user-friendly and can be started with the push of a button rather than by an army of technicians.

The programme, which is being marketed under the banner of the Exos Experience, was unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in late August. A mock-up was shown at the Californian event and the first car is due to begin testing in November.

A price tag of nearly US$1 million (£650,000) will include five events at major circuits around Europe.