Lotus's hardcore trackday car
The levels of performance you get from are so extreme, says James Mills in The Sunday Times, that Lotus insists that new owners first pass a fitness and driving skills test.
But assuming that you have a healthy gym addiction and more than £600,000 to spare, Lotus's most expensive model ever could be yours.
That's if you're quick enough to snap up one of the 25 models being made. And even then, you'll only be able to drive the thing on a track. A "rich boy's racing toy", then – but one that will even leave a Bugatti Veyron on the start line the moment the lights turn green.
It is an F1-inspired track car but, despite appearances, it was designed entirely at Hethel by Lotus cars, without the help of the Lotus Racing F1 team, says AutoExpress. And a "whole host of hi-tech kit ensures you get your money's worth".
It has a 650bhp V8 Cosworth engine "that can rev to 10,300rpm, and a lightweight carbon fibre monocoque chassis keeps weight down to just 650kgs. That means the power to weight ratio stands at around 1,000bhp/tonne." Each car will come with invitations to five driver events at racetracks around the world where buyers "can get to grips with this hardcore trackday car".
Engine: Cosworth 3.5-litre, V8. Power: 645bhp@9,800rpm. Price: more than £600,000. Available: spring 2011.