Lotus unveils 2013 season's first F1 car - the E21

Decked in black, red and gold the new Lotus E21 is unabashedly flashy.

Yet the team that finished fourth in the 2012 constructors standings will hope the on-track performances match up to the cosmetic enhancements. (Photo credit: AFP PHOTO/LOTUS FORMULA ONE TEAM)

Lotus beat their rivals to be the first team to showcase their new car and did so with pride with a turned-up front nose. (Photo credit: AFP PHOTO/LOTUS FORMULA ONE TEAM)

Team Principal Eric Boullier was confident of success in the upcoming season. "It's fair to say that great things are possible from the team and the E21. The leap we made from 2011 to 2012 showed what we are capable of. With the potential of our driver line-up we have a very powerful cocktail for the season ahead."(Photo credit: AFP PHOTO/LOTUS FORMULA ONE TEAM)

Lotus finished a credible fourth in the constructors standings last season.

2007 world champion with Ferrari, Kimi Raikkonen won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix under lights for Lotus on his way to finishing third in the drivers standings. (Photo credit: AFP PHOTO/LOTUS FORMULA ONE TEAM)

The ingenious steering wheel is specifically designed for maverick Kimi Raikkonen. With buttons like 'ice cream', 'angry birds', 'banana' and 'tweet' the steering is quirky yet cool. (Photo credit: AFP PHOTO/LOTUS FORMULA ONE TEAM)

Reigning GP2 series champion Davide Valsecchi has joined the team as a third driver.

If Romain Grosjean continues his erratic ways from last season, the 26-year-old Valsecchi is first in line to claim a regular drivers' seat. (Photo credit: AFP PHOTO/LOTUS FORMULA ONE TEAM)

Bearing one of the most famous surnames in Formula One Nicolas Prost has taken up a developmental role with the Lotus team.

Nicolas is the son of four-times world champion Alain, and will play a crucial role is testing throughout the upcoming season. (Photo credit: AFP PHOTO/LOTUS FORMULA ONE TEAM)