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"new kid on the block" Lotus Emira GT4 makes remarkable victory sweeper at the 2023 Macau Grand Prix

By Randy
.
November 15, 2023

The Lotus Emira GT4 completed a stunning ‘clean sweep’ victory in its international race debut at the Macau Grand Prix in China. TORO Racing drivers Luo Kailuo and Adam Christodoulou took first and second positions, holding a commanding 12-second lead over the third-place finisher.

Both Emira GT4 race cars paid tribute to Lotus' 75 years of successful motorsport heritage and showcased the brand’s classic black and gold livery. Locking out the front row of the grid, they led from the start and were in complete control when the race was stopped early following an on-track incident. Race organisers determined the final positions based on the order before the stoppage, resulting in Luo Kailuo and Adam Christodoulou taking first and second in the GT4 class. Their best lap times were 2:31.392 and 2:31.724 respectively.

The Lotus Emira GT4 has been homologated for competition in global GT4 classes and, thanks to a comprehensive options list, is also eligible for other non-homologated and specialist race series around the world. It is powered by a Lotus-tuned 3.5-litre V6 with Motec engine management and a Harrop TVS 1900 supercharger. It features a Hewland six-speed sequential transmission with paddleshift actuation and limited-slip differential. Power output is 455 bhp with 500Nm of torque, though both were reduced slightly for the Macau Grand Prix to ensure a fair race with all competitors.

Ringo Chong, Team Director at TORO Racing, commented: ”The Emira GT4's three greatest strengths in the race were: first, the centre of gravity is very low, like flying on the ground; second, the car's steering is flexible, which gives the car a good advantage in the sharp corners of the Macau Grand Prix circuit; and third, we have added tuning for the city track and the mountain track to meet the demands of more intense driving.”

Feng Qingfeng, CEO of Lotus Group, was trackside to see the stunning 1-2 finish. He commented: "A racetrack is the only place better suited for a Lotus than the road. Lotus has been competing on the racetrack for 75 years, and championships have been a long-standing tradition for Lotus."

Established in 1954, the Macau Grand Prix is renowned for its challenging circuit. As one of the oldest street races in the world, it combines intricate twists, sharp bends and demanding terrain, pushing high-performance cars and the best drivers to their limits.

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About the Author

Randolph de Leon
Randy is a person with disability (PWD), a partially-blinded person with only his left eye functioning. Since childhood, the automobile has always been his passion, and is able to express it through photography and most recently, through writing as well. Outside the motoring beat, Randy spends time manning the media aspect of his business which he co-founded with his sister/college classmate. It's called Dragonlight Wellness and Solutions, a multi-business venture centering on improving peoples' lives through earning.