On track on the web

LOTUS has opened its doors for an exclusive behind the scenes tour of its famous factory and test track thanks to Google.

Lotus invited Google to record a testing session of selected Lotus cars and to give fans of the legendary British sports car brand a chance to look around areas of the Lotus Headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk, that normally remain hidden from public view.

Sharp-eyed Street View users will spot the Lotus 2-Eleven being driven quickly, a research and development Lotus Exige 265E which is fuelled by sustainable, environmentally friendly ethanol and a number of prototypes of the new Lotus Evora.

Nigel Marshall, Head of Facilities Management for Lotus, said: "We decided to give Street View users an opportunity to look around part of the Lotus HQ and to virtually drive the Hethel Test Track.

"Only a select number of drivers have driven the Lotus circuit over the years, but now anyone can get a closer look at where some of the most iconic British sports and racing cars have been tested and developed.

"To see some dynamic track driving of the Lotus 2-Eleven just check out the North Hairpin!"

To see the Street View of the Lotus Headquarters visit http://3.ly/LotusCarFactoryGoogleStreetView