All two-wheel fans start drooling now, for the famed racing car name Lotus is soon to be a motorbike brand.
We'll just let the Lotus development team talk about their new baby, but for kit-bashers, there are plenty of thoughts in these Daniel Simon concept artworks, so if you fancy starting with - say - one of Tamiya's excellent motorbikes, then you have a really good start.
For now though, let's see what Kodewa, the German racing outfit behind the new bike, has to say.
“Following two years of careful planning and intense development, Kodewa is delighted to announce that the prototype of the world’s first motorcycle to bear the legendary Lotus marque is now road registered and ready for action.
“Kodewa has been granted a license to produce the motorcycle by Group Lotus plc, the world renowned sportscar manufacturer and engineering consultancy.
“The C-01 combines ample power via a V-twin engine with a distinctive body designed by Daniel Simon, integrating carbon fibre, titanium and aerospace quality steel.”
Interesting that Lotus has granted a license for the use of its name, rather than being involved in a new - for car specialist Lotus - form of technical development.
Kodewa goes on, “The C-01 motorcycle is not designed, engineered or produced by Group Lotus plc but is the result of a collaboration between motorsport veterans, under the leadership of Kodewa, led by Dr Colin Kolles.
“The development on the C-01 was carried out with the support of Holzer Group (co-owners of Kalex) and design guru Daniel Simon. Drawing on their wealth of motorsport experience, the team of engineers has designed a unique high performance superbike.
“The C-01 will be available in a range of liveries, some of which pay homage to Lotus’ sporting pedigree. A customisation service is also available, limited only by the imagination of the client. With an exclusive production run of just 100 units, superbike collectors and fans of the Lotus brand will need to move fast to secure one.
Ideas man behind the C01, Dr Kolles says, “We set out to create a bike that isn’t just great to ride, but also represents a piece of art in motion. Over the years, I have seen my fair share of style over substance, what this bike brings to the market is a unique combination of both: state of the art technology with a truly jaw-dropping aesthetic.”
Commenting on the C-01, Holzer Group CEO Günther Holzer comments, “I was one of the first people to ride it and I have to say I was very impressed. Together we have found that delicate balance between raw, aggressive power and breathtaking handling. The team has created something very special, it looks incredible, it sounds fantastic but above all, the ride is sensational. I’m very happy.”
Everyone involved in this super-tasty project just oozes enthusiasm, including the designer, Daniel Simon, “The design process of the C-01 was a labour of love, there were many challenges, ensuring that the bike not only touches your visual senses with its timeless blend of classic appeal and modern execution, but that is safe and ergonomically sound was critical to me. We have worked hard to create a motorcycle with very distinctive features such as a clean main body, an extremely low side profile, a bold stance, a unique air intake, logical partline solutions and clean graphics.”
Daniel Simon is a leading cgi artist, who has worked across the board with companies large and small, and is one of both SMN's and the Starcruzer Crew’s creative heroes. For a fix on his work, click on the link below, then admire and enjoy.
They are planning to make just 100 Lotus C01s, so if you have the moolah, it’s time to sign up and join the queue.
For us model makers, there's good reading reference on Lotus machines (below) and a starter for a kit-bash could kick off with one of Tamiya's excellent motorcycle kits.
Lotus C01 Stat Summary
Construction: 2-cylinder 4-stroke engine, 75 degree V-style
Capacity: 1195 cc
Bore: 105 mm
Stroke: 69 mm
Power Approx:
200 hp
Transmission: 6-gear jaw-type shift transmission
Lubrication: Dry sump
Main shaft ratio: 40:76
Lay shaft ratio: 15:41
Cooling: Water cooling
Clutch: Hydraulic anti-hopping clutch
Chassis details
Frame: Aero tech steel/Titanium/Carbon fibre frame
Fork: Upside down
Suspension strut: Twin suspension strut
Spring travel front: 80 mm
Spring travel rear: 70 mm
Brake system front:
Twin brake disc, ø320mm, four piston calipers
Brake system rear:
One brake disc, ø220mm, two piston calipers
Chain: X-Ring resp. O-Ring
Head tube ang: 59 degrees
Fork ang:
54 degrees
Wheelbase 1645 mm +/- 15 mm
Ride height: 90 mm
Height of seat:
710 mm
Fuel tank capacity: 10.5 litres
Dry weight: 181 kg
Wheel front: 3.00x19, 120/70ZR19
Wheel rear: 6.00x19, 190/55ZR17
