Anyone up for a track toy? Lotus has launched a new one that goes along way from the Two Eleven.



Lotus says the car is made of carbon composite with nomex core and aluminum core construction. The engine is a 640-horsepower normally aspirated 3.5-liter Cosworth V8 that "won't require an army of engineers to operate," according to a Lotus spokesman. Redline is 10,300 rpm but rises to 10,800 when you hit the push-to-pass button. Weight is 1,430 pounds.

Cost is $950,000, but there's no guarantee you will be allowed to buy one. Since the car is so F1-like, potential buyers will have to meet stringent health and fitness requirements to determine whether they can not only fit into the car but handle the 5-g turns of which it is capable.

Those cleared for ownership don't just get the car but what's called the whole "Exos Experience." Think of it as a club for you and your fellow T125 owners. Driver training by the likes of Jarno Trulli and Mika Hakkinen is included. If enough of the club members want to, races between the cars will be arranged, up to five races in 2011. If not, it's good for hot laps like you've never felt before.

"It's like an F1 fantasy camp," said the spokesman.

Testing begins in November in Europe with the first deliveries to customers in March.

Full Story: http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1158451

Great looking open wheeler. I have better plans for $950k, but it's a cool car and cool program.