The two Lotus Evora S have been specially prepared to work as high speed pursuit and emergency service cars in Rome and Milan, and Lotus is also teaching Carabinieri drivers new high speed driving skills.
The Arma dei Carabinieri, a division of the Italian army, play a similar role in Italy to Scotland Yard in the UK and work with the civilian police to provide a crucial crime fighting and emergency service to the public.
In preparation for the two year stint with the Carabinieri, both Evoras have been equipped with some of the very latest voice recognition technology including the EVA (Enhanced Vehicle Automation) system. A special portable refrigeration compartment has been fitted behind the front seats which will allow for the rapid transport of vital organs and blood required during medical emergencies.
Commenting at the handover event Group Lotus Chief Executive Officer Dany Bahar said: “We are extremely proud to be working with such an iconic and professional organisation as the Carabinieri who play an integral role in Italian society.”
“Everyone knows that Italy has more than it’s fair share of high profile sports car manufacturers so it is a real honour for a relatively small British brand to be in this position. The feedback from the driver training on the Evora S at our test track was very positive, it’s such a responsive car to drive, I think the teams in Rome and Milan are really going to feel the benefit of working with our product.”
Carabinieri spokesperson, Colonel Marco Minicucci said: “Our special Lotus Evoras combine the very best of our technology with excellent British engineering from Lotus. Not just anyone can drive these cars, we carefully selected some of our team to attend a driver training session at the new test track at Lotus’ headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk where they learnt all about the very special characteristics and incredible potential of the cars.”
Did you know new Zealand has a new Lotus distributor? Find out more here.