The Inside Story: Why the Lotus Evija X Crashed at Goodwood

The Inside Story: Why the Lotus Evija X Crashed at Goodwood

Recently, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Lotus Evija X, a rare and highly anticipated electric hypercar, made headlines for all the wrong reasons. The nearly 2,000-horsepower vehicle, known for its impressive power and cutting-edge technology, barely got off the line before it crashed spectacularly, ending up nose-first in a barrel of hay. The incident, though brief, has become a focal point for enthusiasts and experts alike.

According to details released by Lotus, the crash was triggered by a seemingly simple but critical mistake: the driver had turned off the traction control. This decision allowed all 1,257 pound-feet of torque to be unleashed instantly, creating a chaotic situation. 

In the few feet of its initial acceleration, the rear wheels spun at an astonishing 170 miles per hour while the front tires clocked in at 150 mph. This sudden and uncontrolled burst of power caused the car to lose traction almost immediately.

The driver’s attempt to regain control by lifting off the throttle only exacerbated the problem. The sudden shift in balance threw the car off course, causing it to veer into the hay barrels. The entire episode unfolded in just about 1.5 seconds, showcasing how quickly high-performance vehicles can become uncontrollable under extreme conditions.

In a statement from Lotus, the company attributed the crash to asymmetric grip issues caused by the driver’s overcorrection during the rapid acceleration at the start line. Thankfully, the driver emerged unscathed, and there was minimal damage to the car. Despite the crash, it’s worth noting that the Evija X had completed a successful run of the hill climb earlier in the week, even with the traction control disabled.

The crash was a disappointing turn of events, especially considering Evija X’s recent achievements. The car had set a record at the Nordschleife, being the fastest production chassis vehicle around the track with a lap time of 6 minutes and 24 seconds, placing it third behind only the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo and the Volkswagen ID.R. It’s a shame that this impressive performance couldn’t be showcased at Goodwood.

Visit Lotus of Dallas in Carrollton, TX, Today!

At Lotus of Dallas, we take pride in being your premier destination for Lotus sports cars in Carrollton, TX. As a dedicated Lotus dealership, we offer an impressive selection of new Lotus inventory, ensuring that you have access to the latest models and innovations from this iconic brand. Whether you’re in the market for a sleek new Lotus vehicle or simply exploring your options, our showroom is the perfect place to start.

Our commitment to providing exceptional service extends beyond just selling vehicles. At our state-of-the-art service center, we offer comprehensive maintenance and repair services to keep your Lotus running smoothly. Our team of skilled technicians is well-versed in Lotus vehicles, ensuring that every service appointment is handled with the utmost care and expertise. Additionally, we stock a wide range of genuine Lotus parts and accessories, so you can personalize your vehicle to fit your unique style and needs.

For those looking to finance their next Lotus, we offer attractive finance specials designed to make your purchase as convenient and affordable as possible. Our finance team is here to guide you through the process and help you find the best financing options to suit your budget.

If you’re in Carrollton, TX, or the surrounding areas, we invite you to visit Lotus of Dallas to experience the best in Lotus sports cars, exceptional service, and comprehensive parts and accessories.

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