Lotus Evija X Crashes at Goodwood Festival of Speed
The Lotus Evija X, an ultra-light, track-only variant of the brand’s electric supercar, had an unfortunate start to its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Before the car even had a chance to begin its run, it crashed into the hay bales. Thankfully, the driver emerged unscathed from the wreck.
The incident occurred on Thursday when the Evija X was about to showcase its capabilities. As the driver received the green light to accelerate, they initiated a long smoky burnout. However, towards the end of the burnout, the car unexpectedly veered off course to the right and collided with the hay bales before spinning around. While the front clip of the car was visibly damaged, the rest of the vehicle seemed relatively intact. Despite the dramatic nature of the crash, it occurred at a relatively low speed.
In analyzing the accident, some commentators noted that the Evija X’s four electric motors might have been disrupted by the burnout, causing the loss of control. While this remains a possibility, it is essential to recognize that even with conventional combustion-powered cars, unexpected events can lead to a loss of control. The narrow confines of the Goodwood hill climb can amplify these risks, emphasizing the need for precise handling.
Although the Evija X is known for its impressive power output of around 2,000 horsepower from its electric motors, it will likely be some time before it can return to chasing course records. This variant is based on the production model but has been modified with significant aerodynamic upgrades, including a large rear wing, front splitter, and other winglets. Additionally, it lacks production lights and has undergone lightweight modifications. Notably, it achieved a lap time of 6 minutes and 24.047 seconds at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, making it the third fastest car to complete the circuit.
All in all, while the crash at Goodwood Festival of Speed proved to be an unfortunate start for the Lotus Evija X’s public appearance, it serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with high-performance cars and the importance of maintaining control and adaptability in challenging driving conditions.
