Lotus E21 Renault (pre-launch speculation)

[stefan_]

To quote Jane Austin … “It is a truth universally acknowledged that any car image before the launch is not the actual car.”

Einstein then added “If you saw the race car and then travelled on a tram away from that car, you’d realise that the launch car is an apparition that is only relative to the actual race car.”

Marx added “Pre-launch teasers are opium of the people”

Exactly.

I do not think it is the same car. Notice how the sheet is differently placed on the ground.

Look at the stripe where the two parts of the material meet: it is running down the exact direction and points in both pictures - on both rims and on the top N from Genii, Pirelli stripe (it is now thicker), The RW endplates top cut. The different angle is playing with you.

[turbof1]

Yes I noticed the stripe. However, the blanket still lies differently on the 2 images. Noticed that on the blanket is more cropped at the wheels. It could of course still be that someone did that after the first image. Anyhow, we will see later.

[xDama]

The blanket is different, 100% sure about that. The car underneath looks the same though.

Pretty sure Lotus will simply 'present' an update E20, with the new livery and nothing more then that.

[spadeflush]

I do not think it is the same car. Notice how the sheet is differently placed on the ground.

The pic in the link seems to have been taken some time before the unveiling. The black placard in the background is blank. Last year's car, no doubt

[fritticaldi]

The Italian media is reporting that current GP2 Champion, Davide Valsecchi will be Lotus third driver. The Italian will be present at the official launch this evening.

[FrukostScones]

The blanket is different, 100% sure about that. The car underneath looks the same though.

Pretty sure Lotus will simply 'present' an update E20, with the new livery and nothing more then that.

I hope they show us the real thing, but I think you are right. E21 probably still lies in parts in they factory (or already in the trucks) but for playing the early tune hype Kimi bandwagon they will calculatingly deceive the average fan with an E20 masquerade.

[N12ck]

I am actually excited, will they go with RBR Coanda Ramp or McLaren Bulges, hmmm

[KATO]

I am actually excited, will they go with RBR Coanda Ramp or McLaren Bulges, hmmm

RBCoanda Ramp-?? It was sauber who first used this.... what ever.....

[Sevach]

I am actually excited, will they go with RBR Coanda Ramp or McLaren Bulges, hmmm

Last season their "bulges" had almost no bulge at all, seamlessly integrated, so i also am very interested on what Lotus will do.

[ESPImperium]

First Leaks:

[Sevach]

Ramp + overpass it is.

Not too fond of the paint job...

[Mika1]

My eyes! The red colour is terrible!

[N12ck]

wow nice ramp, but the paint job is strange

[FrukostScones]

more pictures on autosport forums, step nose, tub keel looks like E20, hole thing looks like E20 with red bull exhaust, can't tell whether it is the real deal... surely it is their presentation car. =D>

[f1316]

Is it me or does the ramp look very bulky and also very close to the rear tyres?