We knew Lotus, despite their many troubles, was making a motorcycle, or at least getting someone else to make it while they stuck their name on it. Now we know what it looks like, and it can best be summed up in one word: damn.
This is the Lotus C-01. It will be built by Kodewa, the German outfit that built Lotus' Le Mans car. It was designed by Daniel Simon, formerly of Bugatti and movies like Tron: Legacy. And it will apparently go on sale soon in very limited quantities, although pricing hasn't been announced. Only 100 are set to be produced.
Besides the gorgeous looks, why should you care? Because it sounds like an impressive performer. Top Gear says it has a high-performance brakes, a four-stroke 1195cc V-twin engine that puts out 200 horsepower, and weighs a smidge under 400 pounds.
More importantly, one version comes in that sweet, sweet Martini livery. Sure, it's just a limited-run thing, and it certainly isn't the answer to Lotus' many problems these days. But it's neat. I wouldn't kick it out of my garage.