LOTUS EVORA – A Sure Success at the PETRONAS Malaysia Grand Prix

Kuala Lumpur, 15 March – The much-anticipated 2014 Petronas Malaysia Formula1 Grand Prix and the 1Malaysia Grand Prix Sale return with refreshing vigour. One of the main features of the motor race is its highly competitive selection of race cars; most notably the acclaimed Lotus Evora GT4, Nurburgring round champion of the 2010 GT4 European Cup season.

The name 'Evora' was derived from the words evolution, vogue and aura. It is no surprise that the Evora is an advanced performer even on the most challenging of journeys – may it be sweeping curves, tight hairpin or flat-out straight tracks. Highly tuned suspension ensures it tracks accurately through corners, while its cross-drilled and ventilated disc brakes provide more stopping power than a .357 Magnum.

Lotus is a British driving icon that through decades of development has remained loyal to its core principles; the minimum number of parts, a perfectly balanced chassis and a tactile and engaging spirit. The parent company of the Lotus today is DRB-HICOM Berhad, Malaysia.

DRB-HICOM Berhad is one of Malaysia’s leading corporations – a champion trailblazer in paving the nation’s path to thriving industrialisation. Listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad, DRB-HICOM was the main player in the formation of Malaysia’s first national motorcycle and Malaysian-made truck in alliance with international automakers.  It currently assembles cars in Malaysia for TATA Motors, Honda, Isuzu, Suzuki, Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen.

When DRB-HICOM bought over Group Lotus’ previous owner Proton in January 2012, intelligent strategies were made and executed. Funding of about £100million was pumped in to enhance the Lotus production in terms of engineering, productivity, efficiency and quality. It is an excellent machine that has emerged as a result and one that is expected to grab the attention at this year's Petronas Malaysia Formula1 Grand Prix.

With the rule changes recently enforced by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) which includes the introduction of new 1.6 litre turbo-powered engines, energy recovery systems, revised aerodynamics and the new ruling on racing fuel, most motor racers might take to the tracks with some degree of apprehension. But for the Lotus Evora, the tougher the challenge, the sweeter the triumph!

Listed as one of the major events in the Visit Malaysia Year 2014 calendar, the Petronas Malaysia Formula1 Grand Prix is an annual race that sees visitors arriving in Malaysia from the world over. Although it is THE highlight of March 2014, visitors will do well to take time out and explore the creative retail selections presented by the 1Malaysia Grand Prix Sale. The first of the nation's three-part shopping campaign, it runs from 15 March to 6 April, offering much shopping fun through retail treats and a refreshing range of multicultural and social events leading up to the motor race on 28 to 30 March.

If you would like to catch the grand launch of this sale, head for the Sunway Pyramid Mall on 15 March and make your way to the LG2 Orange Concourse. Visitors will be treated to a grand medley of cultural dances, busker entertainment, guitar and song performances by popular local artistes, an elegant fashion show and the star highlight- a display of a series of the sharp and sporty Lotus Supercars. A few of these cars will also be on display at the same area on 15 and 16 March for the appreciation and viewing pleasure of shoppers to the mall.

F1 fans meanwhile, have a great season to look forward to. The recently launched Petronas Formula 1 Grand Prix campaign also saw the kick off of a series of roadshows slotted to take place at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Queensbay Mall Penang, Johor Bahru and Sunway Pyramid Selangor. Themed 'Sepang Comes Alive', the roadshows will engage motorsports fans through a string of activities; one of these is the F1 Simulator Challenge which is open to all ticket holders. 10 drivers with the fastest time laps at each venue will qualify for a grand finale at the SIC on 29 March; winner will drive away a Nissan Almera NISMO worth RM92, 000!

Experiencing a shopping spree at one of the world’s best shopping destinations (with great bargains of course!) is a form of retail therapy that promises get your mood high and your stress level low. So, go ahead and enjoy your ‘therapy’! It might be just what you need before heading off to indulge in other holiday highlights of Visit Malaysia Year 2014. 
-Tourism Malaysia.