Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars
Spy Shots: Mystery supercar spotted, what is it?
by John Neff on Sep 28th 2007 at 2:29PM 
CAR online has a mystery car on its hands. They've acquired spy shots of what appears to be a new supercar undergoing testing at a UK facility, but have no idea which supercar it is. Their first guess was the same as ours – the Lotus Esprit, though the actual car that comes won't be called by that name. However, after some detective work, it's unlikely this car is the next mid-engine Lotus. It seems that the car is registered as having a 7.0L engine, which has some thinking there's a Corvette mill back there. Unfortunately, there would be no reason for the next Lotus Esprit to be testing with a giant American V8, as those cars were known for their smaller, lightweight engines. Lotus, however, is no doubt involved with the car, as paperwork bearing its logo was seen in the car's cabin. But Lotus does work for many manufacturers, so it could belong to one of its clients. The names Noble, Ascari, Audi, McLaren and Mercedes have been thrown around, but that's merely a list of automakers that have supercars under development. Any guesses? Leave them in the comments.[Source: CAR online]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
JayP 2:36PM (9/28/2007)
Bob's mid-engined Vette.
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Fabri91 2:37PM (9/28/2007)
Looks like a crossing between audi R8 and Murcielago, but, honestly, i have no clue what it could be.
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SPG 2:37PM (9/28/2007)
I was thinking Lotus Esprit at first too.
After reading the article though I can't be sure.
I love it when I actually get stumped by a "what kind of car is that anyways?" kinda question.
It would be awesome if it was some company that none of us would ever guess.
Kia Superfasto
Lincoln MKR
Saab Sonnet 9-8
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Preston M 2:38PM (9/28/2007)
Looks to be ass ugly to me.
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Frank the Tank 2:41PM (9/28/2007)
The Back kind of looks like a Bugatti Veyron and the front looks like a Noble.
Its not exactly a looker.
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Miguel 2:42PM (9/28/2007)
The off-color "blade" behind the door apes and screams "Audi R8." In fact, that silver-on-black color scheme is, I believe, the same used for MotorTrend's "Campo to Canada" run on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Check here: http://www.motortrend.com/features/travel/112_0707_2008_audi_r8/
Mystery supercar? Please, it's definitely an R8.
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Mike 3:59PM (9/28/2007)
The bodywork looks nothing like an R8 except for the giant intake on the side. That silver colored stripe that you think looks just like the R8 intake hood appears to be nothing more than tape, possibly to disguise the car.
Could be Audi work, but I think it's nowhere near as definite as you claim.
Deep inside I am hoping it's a new Lotus.
DarkKnight67 2:42PM (9/28/2007)
Could this be the "supposed" C7 mid-engined Vette that's been rumored? It does appear to be left hand drive.
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dwightB 2:44PM (9/28/2007)
I still think it's the upcoming Esprit.
I don't see anything in the form that screams Audi or McLaren in that car. I do see headlights that remind me of those found on the ugly little Lotus Europa though. Same goes for that grille layout and the rear end reminds me of an Elise on steroids.
Guess we will just have to wait and see...
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Brett- BMW Advocate 2:47PM (9/28/2007)
I believe this came from the VW group, probably a Baby Veyron from Bugatti. The blade does scream Audi, and they already have the R8. So maybe they supplied the blade for reference to us?
I say, less expensive smaller, Bugatti.
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SLICK 2:50PM (9/28/2007)
it's Lotus Esprit it has the same rims as the older Esprit test mule and rear end is also very similar
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naggs 2:51PM (9/28/2007)
obviously new lotus supercar
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nissanfreak87 2:56PM (9/28/2007)
All of the companies mentioned have too good of design for this car, except Noble. That's my guess due to the fact it resembles their cars that are out there now.
Bugatti is too fluid for this design
Audi wouldn't let it out of their design studio without the huge grill
Mercedes is going for the F1 look, so that's out
Lotus? maybe, but who knows
The car, overall, looks pretty good, but loose that front end
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C.D. Ward 2:59PM (9/28/2007)
Didn't I hear a while back that the Pantera was making a comeback? Maybe they went with GM power instead of Ford power. Italian Styling, Lotus Suspension, American Muscle, sounds good to me.
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XR 3:01PM (9/28/2007)
It's a midengined Aston!
I'm pretty sure of that.
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nissanfreak87 3:14PM (9/28/2007)
no way, that thing's way too ugly to come out of AM's design department
it's feeling more and more lotus-ish to me all the time
Alex 3:47PM (9/28/2007)
I don't think Aston Martin is consulting with Lotus, especially considering they are owned by Prodrive now. Not to mention the design crew at AM isn't letting a mule out of the stable without the stiff upper lip grill.
I don't know what this thing is. Skinny up front, fat in ass. she's not a looker. i'm sure i'll probably eat my words by the time the full prototype comes out, but for now, she's ugly.
Speaking of... what is Prodrive up to with Aston Martin?
naggs 3:06PM (9/28/2007)
so we know it is developed by lotus
it looks like a lotus that we know is being developed
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/secret_new_car.php?sid=14&page=2
and the only reason to think it is not a lotus is that it has a big engine
sounds to me like a lotus with a big engine
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Ed Harris 3:30PM (9/28/2007)
i seriously doubt that lotus would use a 7.0 in anything for production, they build light cars, 7 liter american v8s are not exactly light.
my money is that its a new noble. it looks like a noble, it's testing in the UK, and noble has always used engines from other marques. not to mention the fact that lotus has worked with lots of other companies to help get things dialed in.
if in fact it is a noble, and it has a 7.0 that is very exciting.
Justin 5:24PM (9/28/2007)
Actually the ls7 is pretty light, although maybe not QUITE as light as a 2 liter DOHC 4 banger or something like that...
Either way i'm excited to hear what it will be