Lotus developing hybrid drivetrain
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Lotus Engineering, the automotive consultancy division of the sports car manufacturer, has announced it is collaborating with Oaktec, the Lancashire-based engineering research and development partnership that focuses on energy efficient vehicle design, to develop the performance of a Honda Civic Hybrid for stage rallying and circuit racing.
Lotus Engineering is supplying technical expertise to Oaktec in developing racing technology that exploits the performance potential of the petrol electric Honda hybrid system.
The Honda Civic Hybrid will compete on the racetrack with ultra low exhaust emissions and high fuel efficiency.
Oaktec approached Lotus to investigate areas of battery and system control technology that enable maximum racing performance and efficiency from the hybrid drivetrain. The collaboration is in partnership with Energy Efficient Motorsport (EEMS), Motorsport Development and Honda UK. The project has won funding from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).
Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley (pictured) said the company’s dedicated Hybrid and
Electric Vehicle Technologies Group was working on a large number of third party client projects and the collaboration with Oaktec was another demonstration of Lotus’ advanced skills and expertise in the area of hybrid vehicle engineering.
