Lotus->ke49' involvement in auto racing has resulted in a storied Formula 1 resume that includes six Drivers' and seven Constructors' World Championships. But for all of its achievement in Formula 1, the British automaker also has a World Rally Championship under its belt.

After a long absence in the world of rally racing, Lotus is returning to the dirt for the FIA European Rally Championship with a specially designed Exige R-GT.

Dressed in its iconic black and gold color scheme, the Exige R-GT Rally Race Car will be powered by a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 VVI-i engine that produces 300 horsepower. Seeing as the car is being built for rally racing, Lotus made some tweaks to adhere to FIA regulations, particularly the reduction in output.

According to Claudio Berro, Lotus' racing director, the Exige R-GT FIA Rally Car will be the first GT car to be homologated by the FIA. "Lotus, of course, has been successful in rallying before, so in many ways we’re going back to our roots," he adds.

The Exige R-GT will see its first testing action before heading over to the customary FIA homologation process. Should everything go according to plan, we can expect to see it make its debut at the Mille Miglia rally on April 19-21, 2012, leading to its participation in special rally stages at the FIA European Rally Championship.

2012 Lotus Exige R-GT FIA Rally Race Car

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Lotus Exige R-GT FIA Rally Race Car
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 300
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

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