Lotus planning 2+2 for London '08, Esprit replacement in '09
In an interview with EVO, Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley let it fly that two new projects are on their way, and the financial woes that have troubled the niche automaker are finally beginning to dissolve.We were already aware that a new Esprit had been under development for the past few years, and that the launch would come before the end of the decade. Kimberley confirmed that we could expect to see the next-gen Esprit in late 2009, with power provided by "a very well respected prestige car maker." The initial speculation was that BMW might be tapped to supply an engine, but several signs now peg Aston Martin as being the power provider. The £70,000 supercar has already been sent back to the drawing board once, and Kimberley is confident that the new Esprit will be the dynamic masterpiece expected from Lotus.
More intriguing was the revelation that Lotus is in the process of developing a 2+2 coupe, codenamed Project Eagle, which is designed to slot in between the Elise/Exige/Europa and the forthcoming Esprit. EVO was privy to a brief glance of the concept and described it as a, "Bertone-bodied Dino 308GT4 with a modern Lotus twist." The chassis won't be derived from the Elise platform, but instead will incorporate an aluminum tub accompanied by fiberglass-composite panels. Power is likely to come via a Toyota-sourced V6, mounted amidships, and sending 300+ horsepower to the rear wheels. Lotus will take the wraps off the concept at the London Motor Show next year, with sales expected to begin early 2009.
[Source: EVO]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
James 7:42PM (9/03/2007)
The comeback will be complete when Q Branch turns the next Esprit into a submarine.
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Don 1:49AM (9/04/2007)
I'll be happy with an Esprit anything.
Cliff 4:06AM (9/04/2007)
I love the fact that Lotus is using Japanese engines in their cars. They know that reliability was one of their weaker points, and by using some of the most bulletproof power plants in their cars, along with their racing experience, some incredible cars are going to come out. Their 2+2 with a Toyota engine will be a great daily driver and for those that want a more exotic, sporting exhaust note, they can opt for the Aston powered car. I can't wait to see some sketches.
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Lucas 5:05AM (9/04/2007)
Is thee such thing as an "Aston Martin" engine? I dunno, I'm asking... I assumed they were "derived."
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TheChaz 11:35AM (9/04/2007)
It's a 2+2 with a mid engine? That's either going to be an incredibly cramped back seat, or the strangest looking sports car ever.
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Tsunami Racer 11:39AM (9/04/2007)
the english engineering with japanese power is a brilliant idea. allows me to have my quirky british car and get daily "engine" reliability too. and my elise is the second time i've had this formula: the first was my old 1989 Sterling 827 SLi with the honda V6.
the windows still might not go up, the AC might go out and the dash lights come on, but at least i get to work every morning!!
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