Lotus E-R9: the electric Endurance prototype

Does the British brand Lotus intend to return to the world of racing? In the short term this does not seem to be the case. On the other hand, the manufacturer could return to service in the competition sector at the end of the decade.

The brand founded by Colin Chapman revealed this Tuesday images of a racing prototype which could take part in the racesEndurance at the dawn of 2030. With a black and gold livery, the Lotus E-R9 recalls the cars of Formula 1 of Lotus who led them to 13 championship titles (7 constructors and 6 drivers).

This prototype was designed at Lotus Engineering, the department that creates projects for external clients. ER stands for Endurance Racer, which can be translated as endurance racing car, while the 9 was chosen to pay homage to the Lotus Mark IX used during the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1955.

What stands out in this prototype is a floating cockpit as well as the absence of a rear wing. The manufacturer has instead focused on a very shaped rear part.

« We tried to push the limits of current technology and extrapolate it into the future. The Lotus E-R9 incorporates technologies that we hope to fully develop and which will be usable, explains Richard Hill, in charge of aerodynamics. Lotus has an incredible history of developing unique solutions, and we have done this many times in motorsport and with our road cars ».

If the E-R9 were to hit the track in 2030, especially at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Lotus would then celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Mark IX.