LOTUS VISION-E: The Latest Concept Designed for the Future

Lotus Vision-E is a personal project by Won-Cheol Shin for Lotus Cars Limited who is a British automaker based in Norfolk, England. It produces sports and racing automobiles that are known for their minimal weight and excellent handling. Lotus formerly raced in Formula One as Team Lotus, winning the Formula One World Championship seven times. Colin Chapman established and ran Lotus Cars for many years. Following his death and a period of financial uncertainty, it was purchased by General Motors, then Romano Artioli and DRB-HICOM via its subsidiary Proton. Geely, a Chinese multinational, presently owns the company, with Etika Automotive as a partner in equity.

Introduction: Lotus Vision-E

This idea arose after hearing an intriguing narrative regarding the design of the A-10 Thunderbolt jet fighter. The A-10, a one-of-a-kind and legendary jet fighter, was created using a radically different technique. Typically, the first step in creating a jetfighter is to create a highly aerodynamic jet aeroplane. The design of the weapon system is followed by its use.

However, the A-10 jet fighter development team faced a major challenge: the standard procedure was not meeting their required performance and weapon specifications for ‘close combat.’ As a result, the crew investigated and placed the appropriate machine gun on the table. As a result, the legendary jet fighter A-10 Thunderbolt was born.

The A-10 had a few problems because its concept was novel and straightforward. One of these was the machine gun’s gas intake to the cockpit. However, it is believed that the A-10 production method is quite close to the procedure and spirit of Lotus racing vehicles. Lotus has been ruthlessly removing unneeded pieces. As a result, they reasoned that if they designed a vehicle with modern technology and an electric vehicle architecture, they could give a high-speed driving capability similar to flying from a different and direct perspective like above.

In addition, one of the most powerful aerodynamic technologies, the Venturi tunnel – was used. They placed two large straight venturi tunnels, similar to the A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft, and began designing from them. To retain athletic tension, the general shape of the car has been compared to the 1997 Lotus Elise GT1. The Elise GT1’s muscular thigh has been transferred to this car as an edgy form for a powerful look and aerodynamics.

Design

The front face, which features L-shaped headlights and canard wings, is meant to create psychological stress and dread in other drivers when they glance in the mirror and see this vehicle following them from behind at extremely high speeds, much like an enemy jet fighter. The massive air intakes on the front are meant not just to let in as much air as possible, but also to give the vehicle a daring image.

Because this vehicle is outfitted with in-wheeled pmsm motors, it features a straight venturi tunnel. This implies that the engine (or motor) compartment of this midship roadster might be vacant and available for other uses. The aerodynamics may have been incredibly efficient based on this architecture and its potential. Furthermore, the negatively twisted stationary wings enable the active aero wing to function directly in the direction of the collected wind flow.

Development

The hole on the top, behind the cockpit, is directly connected to the rear and helps to eliminate turbulence created at the vehicle’s rear. Because of the venturi tunnels, this system allows for smaller diffusers. The design of this vehicle’s ornamentation was influenced by the outside components of aeroplanes, resulting in exterior sections that are incredibly aerodynamic while yet appearing robust.

Six linear lights make up the back illumination. This gives the impression of toughness and bravery, but in reality, it sends a signal to the faraway engineering staff regarding the operating vehicle’s information. The design of these rear lamps was influenced by ‘Runway distance marker lights’ set on an airport runway to signal by lights. The ultimate goal of this idea is to allow drivers to enjoy automobiles by using Lotus’ strong legacy and ambition in aerodynamic technology.

This vehicle is also intended as a single seater to allow drivers to fully immerse themselves in the racing experience. Drivers will feel incredible performance and exhilaration when operating this vehicle, which is similar to flying a jet fighter.

About Designer

Won-Cheol Shin’s from South Korea, a final-year automobile design student at Coventry University who has graduated shortly. He has worked as an intern in Citrus design in South Korea, specialising in automotive and transportation design. He aspires to be a designer who can offer new lifestyles, stories, and experiences to consumers through product, space, and movement. You can follow his more work at behance.