Lotus commemorated its successful relationship with Toyota last week (September 17), by hosting a celebration at the British Embassy in Tokyo, where Lotus CEO Dany Bahar presented Toyota Motor Corporation President, Akio Toyoda, with a Lotus Elise powered by the last Toyota manufactured 2ZZ-GE VVTL-i engine. The occasion marked the end of an era for the two car makers.
Lotus CEO Dany Bahar said: "The presentation of Toyota's last 2ZZ engine in the Elise is a symbolic gesture of our continued respect and deep appreciation for our partner not only acknowledging our past but also looking forward to our future together."
Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda said: "A Toyota engine in a Lotus car creates a completely unique drive feeling - a special blend featuring the best of Lotus and Toyota that we hope many car lovers continue to experience and enjoy."
In a move that will allow Lotus to create exclusive powertrain solutions for their future cars, it has decided to continue its relationship with Toyota. To mark this new era in the relationship Lotus will display their new line-up for the first time at the
Paris Motor Show on September 30. The event will reveal future partnering details between the two and mark the beginning of the new era.
So far, Lotus has revealed plans to display the faster Evora S, an automatic version of the Evora and an all-new sportscar called the Elite.
Shane Hickey - 21 Sep 2010