Lotus is working with a renowned British music producer, Patrick Patrikios, to develop a range of sounds for their new all-electric Evija hypercar. The sound will be inspired by the engine note of Lotus’ iconic Type 49 Formula 1 racing car.
Lotus’ Type 49 is one of the most famous racing cars of all time. It took its first victory on its first outing at the 1967 Dutch Grand Prix with legendary driver Jim Clark at the wheel. The following year Graham Hill won the F1 Drivers’ Championship in a Type 49.
The new Lotus Evija electric hypercar, which has a top speed of over 200mph (322kph) and a range of 215 miles (346km) has already been recognised in the International Design Awards (IDAs), winning the Product Design of the Year category. These award celebrate smart and sustainable multi-disciplinary designs, promoting outstanding creativity while uncovering emerging talent.
Patrikios, who has written and produced for Olly Murs, Sia, Britney Spears, Pixie Lott and numerous other world-famous stars, loved the idea of using a famous Lotus Type 49 for the sound.
Patrikios said: “We wanted to create a soundscape for the Evija that was recognisably and distinctively Lotus. I sat with the development team at Hethel and discussed what that should be.
“We wanted something intrinsically connected to Lotus so we could set an audio blueprint for its future electric cars. There’s a purity to that V8, a raw edge and an emotion that stirs something in your soul, just like the best songs.”
The process began with the recording of a Type 49, which Patrikios fed into his computer. In digitally manipulating the sound he and the Lotus team realised that slowing the engine note down created a similar frequency to the natural driving sound produced by the Evija’s advanced all-electric drivetrain.
Patrikios added: “I adjusted the replay speeds and digital filtering of the Type 49 to generate a soundscape for the Evija. It was a very organic process. We all wanted something to spark an emotional connection between car and driver. Sound is hugely influential when it comes to creating and forming emotions, to enrich that bond that’s such a critical part of the Lotus experience.”
Patrick’s primary task was to craft the Evija’s external noise as it begins to deliver its immense acceleration of 0-186mph (300kph) in under nine seconds. However, using the Evija soundscape he created, he has also developed chimes and tones for everything from the activation of the indicators to the seatbelt warning.
Few race cars from any motorsport brand are as celebrated as the Lotus Type 49. It won on its first Formula 1 outing, the 1967 Dutch Grand Prix, with legendary driver Jim Clark at the wheel, and a Type 49 was on pole position at every race for the rest of the season. The following year Graham Hill won the F1 Drivers’ Championship in a Type 49.
The new added sound to the electric Evija hypercar is great news for racing fans who will appreciate the classic sounds of the Type 49. We also love the fact Lotus have used sounds for the seat belts, doors opening and other hazards and warnings to make the car safer for the driver and those around.
