Goodwood Festival Of Speed: One-Of-Its-Kind Lotus Evija X Crashes In Bizarre Moment

An incident at the Goodwood Festival of Speed saw the record-breaking Lotus Evija X crash at the starting line due to a suspected glitch.

Lotus Evija X / Lotus Press Image

During the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Lotus Evija X, reportedly valued at $2.3 million, met an unexpected fate as it crashed right at the starting line of the event on Thursday.

The Lotus Evija X, distinctively designed for the Nurburgring and boasting an impressive 2,000 horsepower from four individual motors, was expected to dazzle onlookers with its power and precision. However, during a burnout intended to thrill the audience, something went awry. The vehicle, instead of surging forward, unpredictably veered right and collided with hay bales, extensively damaging the front but thankfully leaving the driver’s cell intact. The driver emerged unscathed, managing to walk away from the wreckage.

The crash did not occur at Goodwood's infamous Molecomb corner, a usual hotspot for mishaps, but at the very start line, which added an unusual twist to the incident. Speculation by announcers suggested that a glitch in the sophisticated software, designed to manage the car’s formidable power, might have contributed to the erratic behavior that led to the crash.

Just before this event, the Evija X clinched a record-setting lap time of 6 minutes and 24 seconds at the Nordschleife, positioning it as the third fastest behind icons like the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo and the Volkswagen ID.R.

Looking ahead, the recovery of the Evija X poses a unique challenge. Being a one-of-a kind vehicle, especially crafted for record-breaking attempts, means that parts like the damaged front clamshell might need bespoke fabrication, potentially prolonging the repair process. However, financially, the damage is perceived as manageable within the broader context of motorsports accidents.

The incident has undoubtedly heightened interest in the Lotus Evija X's sophisticated design and capabilities.

Crashed! The $2.3 million Lotus Evija X hit the wall right at the start of the #2024GoodwoodFestivalOfSpeed Hill Climb…🥺 #LotusEvija #AutoNews pic.twitter.com/HAjB6gYkHG

— DriveGreenLiveGreen (@DriveGreen80167) July 12, 2024