Motor Trend: Lotus Type 119B Makes Impressive Debut

The initial hype surrounding the Lotus Type 119B soapbox was that it would be one of the fastest gravity-powered vehicles in the world, with the ability to reach speeds of up to 230 mph. Because of the fact that this was only a theoretical number, representatives from Lotus have refused to officially confirm it. However, the soapbox's magic extends beyond its capacity for speed.

A young, five-man team from Lotus Engineering has been working together since last September to develop the gravity racer. James Setter, the project leader, has called the ten-month long process, "an immense challenge and a fantastic journey." The end product was is the Lotus Type 119B, which weighs in at a mere 39 kilograms -- just under 86 pounds. The soapbox boasts technologically advanced features such as a tub chassis constructed of a material with a lightweight aluminum honeycomb core; wheels, hubs, and struts enclosed in fairings designed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency; and titanium Formula One steering components.

But, such advanced technology comes with a price. Hence, in addition to tentatively laying claim to the title of one of the fastest soapboxes of its kind, it can also call itself one of the most expensive. The 119B is valued at around 100,000 pounds, approximately $170,000.

The Lotus Type 119B took to the track for its first racing experience this past week at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the Gravity Racing Dunhill Challenge. Those ten months of hard work paid off for Lotus, as the 119B lived up to its expectations and won the Roadster category of the competition in a dominant fashion.

As the Lotus Engineering team makes plans for the future, Setter isn't content to simply let the Lotus Type 119B's laurels rest on one victory. "We've been invited to compete again towards the end of the summer, and it seems like a great opportunity to confirm our leadership in British roadster soapbox racing."