Wednesday 2nd December 2009

Drive the Lotus Test Track (Virtually)

Google Street View sends its camera car to Hethel

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The Lotus HQ in Norfolk has been added to Google Street View, meaning that Google Maps users can now have a virtual poke about the nooks, crannies and service blocks of the Hethel site, including the 'top secret' test track.

The former RAF base has been Lotus's home since 1966, and the test track is built partially out of the old runway. Now, thanks to the magic of the internet, anyone can 'float' around the track and see the corners that have contributed so much to so many important cars' development.

By marvellous coincidence, quite a few interesting Lotus models just 'happened' to be being simultaneously put through their paces as the Google camera car trundled its way around the circuit, and a full lap on Street View turns up a few interesting scenes.

This is the first time a European racing track has been added to Street View. To find the Lotus test track on Street View, click here to get the main maps view, then click on the postcode and then click 'Street View'. If you 'drag and drop' your little orange man about an inch to the left, you'll be on the circuit.

[tvrman]

Even more fun sniffing round the car park there to see what they all drive :-)