Spy Shots: Lotus "Supercar", a.k.a. the Esprit replacement
by John Neff on Dec 6th 2007 at 12:59PM 
click above image to enlarge
This spy shot just came in from Brenda Priddy and her horde of photogs. They know it's a Lotus and claim it shows what has been identified internally as "THE Supercar". We do know that Lotus showed off its future product to employees about a month ago, and from that it's been learned that the Jaguar XKR's supercharged V8 producing 420 horsepower will be the engine used in this car. Since we also know the upcoming Esprit replacement is the only Lotus slated to get a V8, well, you do the math...
After inspecting the photo, however, we can't deny that whatever's underneath that sheet must bear a resemblance to the Tesla Roadster. Where the cover wraps tightly around the body revealing some of its shape we can see a fender and rear 3/4 panel that's very similar to the all-electric roadster that's been developed in conjunction with Lotus. The length of this cloaked supercar, however, appears too long and its wheels don't match what we've seen on Tesla Roadsters before. Clearly, though, it's a mid-engine high-performance car of some sort, and we can't wait to find out exactly what.
[Photos: Brenda Priddy & Co.]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
carmaniac 1:15PM (12/06/2007)
I don't see how it looks like a Tesla Roadster...I would imagine I'd be the other way around since the Tesla is based off the Elise! =P
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mcheddadi 1:15PM (12/06/2007)
Tesla roadster? no way
more like this i'd say:
http://www.automoblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2006/09/McLaren_Concept3_400x215.jpg
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Quattrofan 1:34PM (12/06/2007)
front maybe, rear....not even close.
DonLaw 1:23PM (12/06/2007)
Wow! That is a cool... uh.. a cool... car cover?
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nissanfreak87 1:26PM (12/06/2007)
from what I see it looks pretty sexy, now let's just find one without the cover
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Mike 1:30PM (12/06/2007)
Great engine choice, the XKR flies...and as I recall Jaguar reliability is pretty high now according to JD Power...
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Josiah 1:31PM (12/06/2007)
very nice, someone photochop it ...
use the same technique they use to make celebrity blouses transparent ;)
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Temple 3:31PM (12/06/2007)
Use of the AJ-V8 is an odd choice, being that the engine is starting to show its age against the competition (Audi, BMW, Lexus), would have loved to see a 417hp V8 from Lexus(IS-F) or the the BMW the 414hp (M3) V8 inside this Lotus since the vehicle was originally rumored to get power from Toyota or BMW.
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