Lotus' ambitions for rapid growth have been underlined by the news that the Norfolk marque is to be the main theme of the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2012.
Lotus cars – it is not yet confirmed whether they will be road cars or racers, but given the plans to push a new range of road cars we suspect the former – will present Gerry Judah with this year's challenge as he fashions them into the installation sculpture on the lawn outside of Goodwood House from 28 June to 1 July.
Lotus is celebrating a raft of anniversaries in 2012, including 60 years since the company's formation, 50 years of the Elan, 40 years of the Esprit and, rather more grimly, 30 years since the death of Colin Chapman.
A Goodwood spokesman said: "The enviable global reputation that Lotus enjoys today grew out of Chapman’s unparalleled technical ingenuity to dominate all levels of motor sport, from club racing to Formula 1, to create a glorious and enduring legacy.
