New Lotus Advanced Performance Division to work on bespoke models 

We’ve got some very exciting news coming from Lotus. No, it isn’t about a new electric car - instead it is about a new division the Norfolk-based carmaker has launched. Meet Lotus Advanced performance: an in-house special operations division that will let designers, engineers and buyers' imaginations go wild in creating bespoke and special edition models. 

This new division will be spearheaded by ex-Aston Martin Q division boss Simon Lane. Mr. Lane’s CV and projects at Aston Martin’s Q branch show that he is the perfect guy for the LAP division.

While Lotus hasn’t mentioned anything regarding the one-off car that will be the launchpad for the division, a teaser image released gives us a hint of a mad Formula 1-inspired track only car. 

But LAP won’t just be making one-offs and special editions for millionaires to splash their money on. The division will also assist the buyers of regular production cars (like the Emira) in choosing bespoke colours, trims and materials. Further down the line, Lane and his team are also looking to build "exclusive high-spec and highly desirable versions of Lotus cars".

Before all the cool stuff starts, Lotus Advanced Performance is right now working on launching a driver academy for buyers of the new Emira GT4 customer racer and giving them training on tracks across the world, including the firm’s infamous Hethel test track in Norfolk, UK.

Simon Lane said: “I have always been a Lotus fan, and this has to be one of the most exciting roles in the automotive industry right now – a blank sheet of paper and the opportunity to launch a completely new division at the world’s most ambitious car brand. 

“The LAP team and I have some fantastic and truly innovative ideas with very broad appeal, for Lotus fans young and old to those in search of unique experiences and collectible opportunities.”

While commenting on LAP, Matt Windle, Managing Director, Lotus Cars stated: “With the Emira and Evija starting production in the coming months, Lotus Advanced Performance is another significant opportunity to enhance our brand and communicate direct with customers.”