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Is a Lotus Cortina the same as a Ford cortina?

No, a Lotus Cortina is not the same as a Ford Cortina. The Lotus Cortina was a high-performance version of the Ford Cortina, developed in collaboration between Ford and Lotus.


The Ford Cortina


The Ford Cortina was a mid-size car produced by Ford in the United Kingdom from 1962 to 1982. It was one of Ford's most successful models, becoming Britain's best-selling car in the 1970s. The Cortina was known for its practical, affordable, and reliable design, making it a popular choice for both families and businesses.


The Lotus Cortina


The Lotus Cortina was a high-performance version of the Ford Cortina, developed in collaboration between Ford and the British sports car manufacturer Lotus. Introduced in 1963, the Lotus Cortina featured a more powerful engine, upgraded suspension, and distinctive styling cues, such as a unique front grille and badging.


The Lotus Cortina was designed to compete in motorsports, particularly in touring car racing. It was a successful race car, winning numerous championships and events throughout the 1960s. The Lotus Cortina was also popular with enthusiasts and became a sought-after collector's item.


Key Differences



  • Engine: The Lotus Cortina had a more powerful 1.6-liter twin-cam engine, while the standard Ford Cortina had a smaller, less powerful engine.

  • Suspension: The Lotus Cortina had a more sophisticated suspension system, including Lotus-designed components, to improve handling and performance.

  • Styling: The Lotus Cortina had distinctive styling cues, such as a unique front grille, badging, and other exterior modifications, to differentiate it from the standard Ford Cortina.

  • Purpose: The Lotus Cortina was designed for motorsports and enthusiast driving, while the standard Ford Cortina was a more practical, family-oriented car.


In summary, while the Lotus Cortina and Ford Cortina shared the same basic platform, they were distinct models with different performance characteristics and intended uses. The Lotus Cortina was a high-performance, race-inspired version of the Ford Cortina, developed in collaboration between Ford and Lotus.

Is Cortina Lotus or Ford?


Lotus Cortina is the commonly used term for the Ford Cortina Lotus, a high-performance sports saloon, which was produced in the United Kingdom from 1963 to 1970 by Ford in collaboration with Lotus Cars.



What was the American equivalent to the Ford Cortina?


But back in 1964, its USDM equivalent would be the Ford Fairlane. While the Fairlane was 5,002 mm (197“) long, hulking sedan riding on a 2,934 mm (115.5“) wheelbase, with a 2.8-litre straight six (145hp) as a base engine (a 4.7/289 c.i. V8 with 271hp was available), the Cortina was a different beast altogether.



Does Ford still own Lotus?


After his death and a period of financial instability, it was bought by General Motors, then Romano Artioli and then DRB-HICOM through its subsidiary Proton, which owned Lotus from 1996 to 2017. Lotus is currently majority-owned by Chinese multinational Geely.



Which Hyundai built Ford Cortina?


Hyundai Motor Company, founded in 1967, selected CORTINA as its very first vehicle with Ford Motor Company. In 1968, CORTINA was successfully assembled in the Ulsan Plant, South Korea, accrediting Hyundai Motor with outstanding manufacturing capacity.



What car is the Ford bringing back for 2024?


Ford's 2024 Recap
Their two biggest launches being the 2024 Ford F-150 Lighting and Mustang Mach-E. Both of these vehicles got a major upgrade in performance, range, and technology. Those upgrades include rear wheel and electric all-wheel drive, extended mileage of EPA-estimated range, and more.



What are the different models of the Cortina?


Contents

  • 1 Mark I (1962–1966)
  • 2 Mark II (1966–1970) 2.1 Export markets.
  • 3 TC Mark III (1970–1976) 3.1 Export markets.
  • 4 Mark IV (1976–1979)
  • 5 Mark V (1979–1982)
  • 6 Sales success.
  • 7 Racing and rallying.
  • 8 Other cars using Cortina engines.



Did Lotus use Ford engines?


The Lotus-Ford combined a European Formula One-inspired lightweight chassis with a big Ford V-8 engine. The Lotus-Ford's success effectively killed the traditional Indy roadster and established a new design for American race cars.



How many Lotus Cortinas were made?


There were 3,306 Mark 1 and 4,093 Mark 2 Lotus Cortinas produced. Ford wanted to change a few things for the Mk2, the Mk1 had done all and more than they could expect in competition, but the public linked its competition wins with Lotus and its bad points with Ford.



What engine was in the Lotus Cortina?


Twin-Cam I4
Mk1

Ford Lotus Cortina Mk. I
Engine1557 cc Twin-Cam I4
Dimensions
Wheelbase98 in (2,489 mm)
Length168 in (4,267 mm)



What car replaced the Ford Cortina?


Ford enthusiasts will know that the year of this car was the last for the long-running Cortina before it was replaced by the aerodynamic Ford Sierra.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.