The 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed has claimed its first victim with the crash of the Lotus Evija X – a one-off track special built for a Nurburgring record attempt. The incident, which occurred at the start line, resulted in the destruction of the front end of the vehicle. Despite the dramatic crash, the driver managed to walk away unharmed. The footage of the crash showed the Evija X performing a massive burnout before losing control and crashing into the hay bales. The cause of the crash is believed to be related to the car’s four individual motors and nearly 2,000-hp output. Lotus will need to confirm the exact reason for the loss of control.
### The Crash at Goodwood
The crash at Goodwood Festival of Speed involved the Lotus Evija X, a high-performance track special designed for record-breaking runs. The incident occurred at the start line, where the vehicle veered off course and collided with the hay bales. Despite the significant damage to the front end of the car, the driver emerged unscathed. The crash was attributed to the car’s powerful motors and high output, which may have contributed to the loss of control.
### Potential Causes of the Crash
The footage of the crash indicated that the Lotus Evija X was performing a burnout before the driver lost control and crashed. The high horsepower output of the vehicle, combined with its advanced technology, likely played a role in the incident. The car’s four individual motors may have contributed to the sudden snap and subsequent crash. Lotus will need to investigate further to determine the exact cause of the crash and assess the damage to the vehicle.
### Record-breaking Performance
Prior to the crash at Goodwood, the Lotus Evija X had set a record at the Nurburgring as the fastest vehicle with the chassis of a production car. The car completed a lap of the Nordschleife in 6 minutes and 24 seconds, making it the third fastest car to ever lap the track. The record-breaking performance showcased the capabilities of the Evija X and its potential for high-speed runs.
### Recovery and Repairs
Following the crash at Goodwood, the Lotus Evija X will require repairs to restore its front end and make it roadworthy again. As a one-off track special, the vehicle may need custom parts or replacements to be repaired. Lotus will need to assess the extent of the damage and determine the best course of action to recover the car. Despite the crash, the incident is not expected to be a significant setback for the Evija X project.
In conclusion, the crash of the Lotus Evija X at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed has raised questions about the safety and performance of high-performance vehicles. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in pushing the limits of speed and technology. Lotus will need to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash and ensure that similar incidents are prevented in the future. The recovery and repair of the Evija X will be a challenging task, but the car’s record-breaking performance highlights its potential for future achievements.