The concept was designed for the Hot Wheels Designer Challenge, organized by Mattel to celebrate the 40th anniversary of its Hot Wheels brand.
A 1:5 scale model was on display to the world at
the annual SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Centre between 29th October and 2nd November
2007.
A 1:64 scale version of the design will become part of the Hot Wheels® product range in
spring 2008.
From the official Press Release:
Russell Carr, Head of Lotus Design said; "This was a dream job for the design team because, for many
of us, when we were children, it was Hot Wheels® that first ignited our passion for cars and design.
"Lotus Design’s international reputation for designing visually dynamic and exhilarating sports cars
perfectly fitted the brief for this programme and we relished the opportunity to design a concept that was
free from the typical technical and legal constraints of a full size car.
"In addition the design offered
unique challenges because it has to work as a toy and we therefore had to remember how specific
views, features and tactile qualities of toy cars fascinated us as children.
"I am very proud of the final
design by Steven Crijns that succeeds in being both instantly recognisable as a Lotus and a Hot
Wheels® Car."
Steven Crijns, Design Manager at Lotus Design and creator of this concept design explained “Hot
Wheels® cars are barely 75mm long, so specific attention went to create a bold shape that would work
well at this scale. Another challenge was to create an exciting design that would work well as a toy.
"The
car needed to be recognisable as a Lotus without having to turn it over to look at the badge underneath,
so I took elements from the Elise and Exige such as the headlight design, the Lotus ‘mouth’, the
pronounced wheel arches and trademark bonnet graphics. 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. Bold
aerodynamic aids are incorporated to achieve exceptional Lotus handling. The top exit radiator at the
front, a distinctive Lotus design feature, the rear diffuser and a large rear wing all provide down-force
helping the vehicle stick to the road.
"In addition, large side air intakes and an open rear end aid engine
breathing. Inside the car, the exposed centre spine is part of the structure and incorporates the switches
and gear linkage and supports the rear wing.”
Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus Plc said “We are delighted to have worked with
Hot Wheels®, who share our passion and enthusiasm for all things automotive.
"Lotus Design has a
global reputation and is responsible for the design of all Lotus cars, including Europa, Exige and iconic
Elise and many designs for our engineering clients globally.
"The same design team who created this
stunning concept is also designing our new range of cars, the first of which, codenamed Project Eagle,
will go into production at the end of next year.”
About Mattel
Mattel, Inc., (NYSE: MAT, www.mattel.com) is a leading company in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products.
The Mattel family is comprised of such best-selling brands as Barbie®, the most popular fashion doll ever introduced, Hot Wheels®, Matchbox®, American Girl®, Radica:® and Tyco® R/C, as well as Fisher-Price® brands.
With global headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs more than 30,000 people in 43 countries and territories and sells products in more than 150 nations.
(Source: Lotus)
