The Lotus Esprit, a car severely missed by a huge number of auto fans, is slated after numerous delays to return from the dead in 2009, perhaps at the Geneva Motor Show. Until then, the Dutch seem to be first in getting details on and spy shots of this most English of cars. Last year it was said that Esprit would have a "much more compact" footprint than than the Gallardo or F430, have an aluminum or composite skin, and be produced at a rate of 2,500 per year. The latest info is that the engine will be a 4.8-liter V8 from BMW producing in excess of 400 bhp -- possibly with the help of some forced breathing apparatus. This time around, there will be a convertible version to go with the coupe, and word is that the car will sell for 70,000 British pounds. Whenever it arrives, it will find there aren't many chairs left in the affordable sports car arena, what with every month bringing a new entrant. Still, we only have two words for the new Esprit: bring it. For more spy shots of the zebra-striped car testing in Holland, go here.
The Stroopwafels are on us next time, Sam!
[Source: Autogespot]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
biggins @ Jul 20th 2007 4:46PM
something just happened in my pants when i saw this.... now there's white, gooey stuff everywhere.
Don @ Jul 22nd 2007 7:56PM
Disgusting bodily functions aside...I heart the Esprit.
Dan @ Jul 20th 2007 4:58PM
looks like a gallardo.. i guess that is a good thing but they should differentiate it more. also, the price seems a bit steep, considering it 70k pounds isn't much less than a real gallardo
Turbofrog @ Jul 20th 2007 6:38PM
A lightweight Lotus supercar with 400+ hp will be as good as a real Gallardo.
Max Merak @ Jul 21st 2007 12:57AM
The damn thing's covered up. Let's get past the "It looks like."
Rocket Punch @ Jul 20th 2007 5:16PM
70k GBP will put it smack in the R8 territory, price wise.
JC3 @ Jul 20th 2007 5:20PM
They need to put it in tha next Bond film as a tribute to the Esprit in "The Spy Who Loved Me."
Sam @ Jul 20th 2007 5:25PM
*offtopic*
Frank Filipponio knows how good the stroops are!
*ontopic*
I can't wait to see it @ the Nurburgring testing!
Lucas @ Jul 20th 2007 7:41PM
these pictures are older than dirt
..and word is it is NOT the "Esprit."
Lucas
1994 Esprit S4
Nick @ Jul 20th 2007 7:50PM
many people will be greatly anticipating this cars return, me being one of them. Lotuses are just all around great cars to me. It's going to be beautifil i have not doubt.
Mr Different @ Jul 20th 2007 11:57PM
That's not what it's gonna look like though. Similar but it'll be different. I heard that that car in the camo is a different body than what it's going to be, the working parts are true esprit though.
ebm14 @ Jul 21st 2007 12:33PM
I was just going to say that this should be the next real Bond car, unless Aston Martin has something really cool up its sleeve.
Nellydesign @ Jul 23rd 2007 9:02AM
Can we please have a link to the view posted as a thumbnail showing only the rear wheel? WTF AB? The link pics are all old but there's obviously a new pic we can't see, since you have a portion of it in the post.
And that old rear shot looks A LOT like the Bugatti.
Moss @ Jul 23rd 2007 10:02PM
These are old pics. It is just like reruns of your favorite TV show.