Lotus C-01
One of the world’s most impressive bikes bears the British car maker’s
name. The Lotus C-01, as it’s called, was sketched
by former Bugatti designer Daniel Simon (who is best known in the 2-wheel world
for the Tron Legacy Lightcycle), and built by Kodewa under license from Lotus.
The development on the C-01 was carried out with the support of Holzer Group
(co-owners of Kalex) and design guru Daniel Simon.
The idea for the C-01 came from Kodewa’s
owner Dr. Colin Kolles, who wanted to create a bike that isn’t just great to
ride but also represents a piece of art in motion.
The concept motorcycle was first
revealed as a 3D computer mockup in 2013, sporting a carbon fiber monocoque
body shell described as "menacingly retro-futuristic". By the time it
made it into a very limited series production of only 100 units, the bike
ditched the monocoque for a far more practical chromoly trellis tube frame. But
don’t worry, the contraption still integrates carbon fiber, titanium, and
aerospace quality steel.
It also features an aluminum-casted
swingarm, 320 mm Brembo racing brakes, twin Ohlins rear suspension, upside-down
Sachs forks, and carbon-fiber wheels.
Powered by a 175 hp KTM 1,195 cc V-twin
from the RC8R superbike, this particular C-01 sports a modern Lotus Formula 1
livery , and it’s believed to be the only one in North America. If you're
interested in owning one of the rarest and most exclusive motorcycles on the
planet, head up to Mecum, but be sure you have at least US$ 370,000 - US$ 450,000 in
your pockets.
