Auto Trader

The dynamic voluptuous curves make the car look agile and fun to drive

by Andy Goodwin

Lotus has unveiled a new lightweight sports car that could signal the way their new cars will look.

But don’t reach for your wallet yet – it’s only a model.

Hot Wheels has teamed up with the famous British sports car maker to develop the Lotus Hot Wheels Concept, a 1:5 scale model on display at the SEMA show in Las Vegas.

Hot Wheels asked leaders in the automotive industry to each create a vehicle which embodies the ethos behind its engineering and brand philosophy.

Russell Carr, head of Lotus design, said: “This was a dream job for us because, when we were children, it was Hot Wheels that ignited our passion for cars and design.

“We relished the opportunity to design a concept free from the technical and legal restraints of a full size car.”

Design Manager, Steve Crijns explained; “Hot Wheels cars are barely 75mm long, so specific attention went to create a bold shape that could work well at this scale.

“I was keen for the design to express the Lotus philosophy of performance through lightweight: the shrink wrapped body is kept to an absolute minimum to save weight.

“The dynamic voluptuous curves make the car look agile and fun to drive.”

Although it would be impossible to make the extreme two-seater convertible Hot Wheels Concept a real road-going car, we may see hints of its design language incorporated into future products from Lotus.

In the meantime you can get your hands on your very own 1:64 scale Hot Wheels toy in spring 2008.

Hot Wheels will enjoy its 40th anniversary next year, and we suspect these collaborations will be form a major part of its celebrations.

Click here for more pictures of the Lotus Hot Wheels Concept