These are the first images of the new Lotus motorcycle, the C-01.
The single-seater is a lightweight super bike with futuristic looks, but a traditional twin shock rear with massive front forks, according to the images published by British magazine, MCN.
The engine is supposed to be a V-twin, but it is totally concealed by sleek carbon fibre bodywork with a massive radiator at the front, so it is obviously water cooled.
The single exhaust exits out the right from the body work behind the rear set pegs and the handlebars are cafe racer style with minimal instruments set into the triple clamps.
It appears Lotus has intentions to race the C-01 with its radical riding position and no side stand.
Company spokesman Colin Kolles told us a couple of months ago that test bikes had been made and tested.
Now it looks like they are just about ready for production.
As expected of the former Formula 1 winners, the C-01 cafe racer will include racing technology and will be made of lightweight materials such as carbon, titanium and aerospace steel.
The C-01 is a joint project of the Kodewa racing team, performance company the Holzer Group and Bugatti designer Daniel Simon.
The German has also designed the Lightcycle in the 2010 Disney motion picture ‘Tron: Legacy’, the Bubbleship used by Tom Cruise in the recent Universal Sci-Fi hit ‘Oblivion’ and the famous black and gold livery of the Lotus LMP2 sports cars.
He refers to the C-01 as “a high-tech monster in a tailored suit”.
“The shapes of the marvellous Lotus 49 were a main inspiration, and all color schemes pay homage to iconic Lotus racing liveries, such as the dashing black and gold,” he says.
In Australia, Lotus cars are imported by Ateco in Sydney.
