The automotive world was abuzz with anticipation as the 2,000-horsepower Lotus Evija X made its debut at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed. However, the excitement quickly turned to dismay when the cutting-edge electric hypercar crashed into hay bales shortly after beginning its run.
A Dramatic Start
The Evija X, known for its groundbreaking performance, lined up for its much-anticipated run, and the driver executed a massive burnout to warm up the tires—a common spectacle at Goodwood. Just moments after the tires began to smoke, the car unexpectedly snapped to the right and collided with the hay bales lining the track. This incident resulted in significant damage to the front end, including the clamshell, bumper, and advanced aerodynamic elements.
High-Tech and High-Risk
The Lotus Evija X is a marvel of modern engineering, featuring four individual electric motors that collectively produce an astonishing 2,011 horsepower. This immense power recently helped it achieve the third-fastest lap time ever recorded at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The crash at Goodwood, however, has sparked speculation about a possible computer software issue that may have disrupted the coordination of these motors, leading to the sudden veer off course. Automotive journalist Harry Metcalfe suggested that this might not have been a driver error but rather a technical malfunction.
Impact and Repairs
Despite the relatively low speed of the crash, the damage to the Evija X is extensive. The entire front section, including several custom aero parts, appears to have been crushed. The question now is whether Lotus can repair the car in time for the remainder of the event, or if this marks an early end to its Goodwood debut.
Pushing the Limits
This incident underscores the challenges faced by manufacturers pushing the limits of electric vehicle technology. The Evija X represents the pinnacle of Lotus’s engineering capabilities, and its crash at Goodwood is a stark reminder of the fine line between cutting-edge performance and the inherent risks of new technology.
Source: (Carscoops) (Yahoo Finance)
