POWERTRAIN


The ultimate Lotus Sunbeam?


Engineers rarely get the chance to build the ultimate iteration of a car, especially when building to comply with historic race regulations but a Lotus Sunbeam, owned by Phil Shaw, was created by Tolman to be just that. Although not built to a specifi c series of regulations, Tolman was careful to preserve the bodyshell and ensure it could be converted to period Group 2 spec should


it ever be requested. Along with a strengthened ‘shell, it is fi tted with a 2.2 litre works specifi cation engine with dry sump, fl y-by- wire throttle bodies, eight injectors and electronics to produce 260bhp. A 6-speed sequential gearbox by Drenth can be controlled by paddles, operating a pneumatic change. Suspension is also contemporary, with 3-way adjustable Nitron dampers. The dash is fully electronic


The 2.2 unit found in the Lotus Sunbeam


but in a nod to the past, features a digital replication of original dials and gauges. With fastidious attention to detail, the car off ers an insight into what is possible when engineers get truly creative.


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