Lotus has unveiled a study for an electric endurance racer of the year 2030 with active aerodynamics inspired by a jet fighter.

The E-R9 has been designed by Lotus Engineering, the consultancy division of the company, to mark its 40th anniversary by showcasing innovations in aerodynamics and electric powertrains.

Aerodynamic panels that can morph in shape on the command of the driver or automatically via performance sensor inputs would deliver minimum drag on the straights and maximum downforce in the corners.

This would result in the E-R9, which incorporates an aircraft-style canopy over the cockpit, being "partly driven like a car and partly flown like a jet fighter", according to Lotus.

Lotus chief aerodynamicist Richard Hill, who has led the design of the E-R9 along with vehicle architect Louis Kerr, said: "What we've tried to do is to push the boundaries of where we are technically today and extrapolate into the future.

"The Lotus E-R9 incorporates technologies which we fully expect to develop and be practical.

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