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Lotus in research collaboration

Written by Lautaro Vargas

Wednesday, 19 December 2007

A Lotus sports car undergoing tests at the company’s emissions laboratory Lotus Engineering, the world-renowned automotive consultancy based in Norfolk , is forging ahead with a research collaboration with Loughborough University The programme has been extended through the sponsorship of the Group Lotus Senior Research Fellowship into Laser Diagnostics and the research activities will continue to focus on reducing internal combustion engine emissions. Lotus Engineering originally started working with Loughborough University in 1997 and the Group Lotus Fellowship was created four years ago to develop the cutting edge research programme HOTFIRE. This high technology research programme, in conjunction with Siemens VDO, UCL and EPSRC, resulted in an innovative approach to improving fuel efficiency and emissions from a gasoline direct injection engine.  The Group Lotus Fellowship is held by Dr Graham Wigley of the School of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering and Systems Engineering, who will continue the research into advanced combustion using the Lotus optical research engine and laser diagnostics. Simon Wood, technical director of Lotus Engineering said: “This collaboration provides Dr Wigley and his team the opportunity to continue this exciting research. By using the Lotus optical access research engine with Loughborough’s laser diagnostics expertise, we are able to look inside the engine to understand the interaction of the air motion and fuel spray in the cylinder. “This keeps Lotus Engineering at the forefront of advanced combustion technologies, which will find their way into engines of the future.” Group CEO Mike Kimberley added: “This is an excellent example of an industry and academic partnership producing world-class research for the benefit of the environment, the car buyer and maintaining the UK’s position at the forefront of technology.”

 

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