180 kg Lotus C-01 motorcycle to use 200 hp 1200cc V-twin

Lotus Motorcycles has released the first images of its new lightweight C-01 superbike, produced by a collaboration of motorsport veterans led by Dr Colin Kolles of Kodewa, with support from the Holzer Group, all under license from Group Lotus plc.

The C-01's external bodywork has been crafted by acclaimed designer Daniel Simon while the bike's geometry and construction is the work of Holzer, a company that has had a hand in designing several Moto One and Moto Two world championship motorcycles, not to mention Formula One and LMP2 cars. So apart from the name that carries so much gravitas, the team behind it comes with serious credibility too. The limited edition (100 only) 180 kg Lotus C-01 is powered by a 200 hp, 75 degree v-twin Rotax motor similar to that used in the KTM RC8R superbike.

Wearing one of the most revered names in motorsport, the Lotus C-01 certainly looks the part, with styling and paintwork that immediately identify the heritage and provenance of the brand, yet translate it from four-wheels to two-wheels, and that's not surprising given the portfolio of Simon, a designer we're certain to see interpret many well known brands in coming years.

Simon is a former designer for Bugatti, but is best known for the ‘Lightcycle’ in the 2010 Disney motion picture ‘Tron: Legacy’ and the ‘Bubbleship’ used by Tom Cruise in the Universal sci-fi hit ‘Oblivion’. The German is also responsible for the black and gold livery of the Lotus LMP2 sports cars.

Simon says of his most recent work: "With the Lotus C-01, we have only one ambition: to create a unique state-of-the-art machine that carries its brutal forces with elegance and style, a high-tech monster in a tailored suit. The C-01, with all its top notch components and materials, is first and foremost emotional, heartbreaking, at times playfully retro, and always clearly a Lotus. Lotus is a glamorous name with a rich history, and the C-01 celebrates it proudly: the shapes of the marvelous Lotus 49 were a main inspiration, and all color schemes pay homage to iconic Lotus racing liveries, such as the dashing black and gold. The intersection of past and future always fascinates, and so does the unique idea of the C-01.”

The original idea to create the C-01 came from Kodewa’s Dr Colin Kolles. Speaking about the project he said: “We set out to create a bike that isn’t just great to ride but also represents a piece of art in motion. Over the years I have seen my fair share of style over substance, what this bike brings to the market is a unique combination of both - state of the art technology with a truly jaw- dropping aesthetic.”

Commenting on the C-01 Güther Holzer, CEO of Holzer Group said: “I was one of the first people to ride it and I have to say I was very impressed. Together we have found that delicate balance between raw, aggressive power and breath- taking handling. The team has created something very special, it looks incredible, it sounds fantastic but above all, the ride is sensational. I’m very happy.”

Most other available details of the new C-01 are contained in the spec sheet, which is reproduced here in its entirety. No price has yet been released, but don't bother asking unless you are a person of very independent means.