Lotus’ intriguing teaser image of its first foray into motorcycles.

Lotus has announced its expansion into the two-wheel market, releasing a teaser image and details of the Lotus C-01, a 150 kilowatt ‘hyper bike’ that reflects lifestyle, design and high-end technology.

The iconic automobile brand says the bike will be manufactured of Formula 1-level materials including carbon, titanium and aerospace quality steel, with safety, ergonomics and classic Lotus design the most important factors.

Lotus Motorcycles will be a joint project of Kodewa, car designer Daniel Simon and the Holzer Group. Kodewa is the branch responsible for the brand’s Le Mans prototype racing car, and is made up of personnel with experience in Formula 1 and touring cars.

“With the Lotus C-01, we have only one ambition: to create a unique state-of-the-art machine that carries its brutal forces with elegance and style, a high-tech monster in a tailored suit,” explained Simon.

“The C-01, with all its top notch components and materials, is first and foremost emotional, heartbreaking, at times playfully retro, and always clearly a Lotus.

“Lotus is a glamorous name with a rich history, and the C-01 celebrates it proudly: the shapes of the marvelous Lotus 49 were a main inspiration, and all color schemes pay homage to iconic Lotus racing liveries, such as the dashing black and gold.

“The intersection of past and future never fails to fascinate, and so does the unique idea of the C-01.”

Lotus Motorcycles will release images and further insight into the C-01 in the coming weeks.