What is the BHP of the Lotus Cortina?
The Lotus Cortina's official power output is commonly listed as about 105 bhp, with some early tests quoting around 110 bhp when measured as gross horsepower. Those figures reflect the era’s measurement methods and the car’s performance benefits from Lotus' chassis work.
Engine and power profile
In the early 1960s, Lotus built a 1.6-liter Ford twin-cam engine for the Cortina, blending Ford's design with Lotus tuning to deliver a lively, light performance saloon. The 105 bhp figure became the baseline reference for standard form, while some contemporary tests reported marginally higher numbers under different measurement conditions.
Power metrics commonly cited for the Lotus Cortina include:
- Net horsepower: about 105 bhp at around 6,500–6,800 rpm
- Gross/public test horsepower: around 110 bhp at roughly 6,500–6,700 rpm
- Torque: approximately 112 lb-ft (152 Nm) at about 4,000–4,500 rpm
These numbers translated into brisk acceleration for the time, aided by a lightweight shell and tuned suspension that emphasized handling as much as straight-line speed.
Performance context
With the 1.6-liter twin-cam engine, the Lotus Cortina typically pushed top speeds in the region of about 110 mph (177 km/h) and 0–60 mph times around 9–9.5 seconds, depending on the car and measurement standards. The car's reputation rested as much on its cornering and lightweight balance as its horsepower.
Production legacy and variants
Manufactured between 1963 and 1966, the Lotus Cortina remains a landmark in British automotive history. It represented a collaboration between Ford of Britain and Lotus, designed to bring race-bred performance to a practical family car. Today, surviving examples are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
Although some markets and restorations may show minor deviations in published figures, the baseline power specification for the original Lotus Cortina remains widely cited as about 105 bhp, with occasional references to around 110 bhp gross horsepower from period tests.
Summary
The Lotus Cortina's BHP is generally listed as 105 bhp in standard form, with some period measurements noting around 110 bhp gross. The combination of this power with the car's light weight and sharp handling cemented its place in automotive history as one of the era's most influential hot sedans.
