Lotus prepares to blossom again

As the company moves ahead with its five-year model plan, CEO Dany Bahar pledges quality, pragmatism, radical weight saving, and added DNA.

Lotus is a company that has had a checkered history-and it hasn't always concerned flags in racing.

Founded by Colin Chapman in converted stables in North London 59 years ago, it has seen glory years in Formula One, tragedy with the death of Formula One World Champion Jim Clark in 1968, the development of advanced racing and road-car technology, various owners including General Motors-and the establishment of a successful engineering consultancy meeting a wide spread of automotive challenges.