Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sports/GTs, Lotus
REPORT: Lotus delays new Esprit to go hybrid
Nimble as they are, Lotus fans have been looking forward to something with a bit more oomph than the Elise/Exige/Europa series, and the Evora just didn't cut it. With the start of the new year, we thought we had come that much closer to the launch of the highly anticipated new Esprit. But the British sportscar-maker has moved the goalposts back, with new reports indicating that the re-Esprit may debut in 2011 instead of next year as originally planned.
The reason for the delay, according to emerging reports, is that Lotus is working to integrate some sort of mild hybrid system into its reborn GT. The system could be borrowed, along with its core powerplant, from BMW. A Lotus chassis with German power and regenerative braking may just be worth the wait.
[Source: Autoblog Spanish via ABG]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ajmalzx 6:37PM (1/12/2009)
WOooooWwww... Is that pic one of esprit early design study/mockup/whatever? It looks great!
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Gomi 7:07PM (1/12/2009)
That would be my guess as I don't see any way to actually open the door. Looks great anyway.
Yaroukh 3:14AM (1/13/2009)
@Gomi: scissors...?
Charlie 6:39PM (1/12/2009)
Looks slightly like a lambo from that angle...
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JDMlover 6:45PM (1/12/2009)
Lamborghini Gallardo anyone?
Anyone?
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Alex 6:48PM (1/12/2009)
thats what i thought. doesn't mean the car looks bad, but that angle makes it look like a carbon copy of a gallardo.
Al 6:47PM (1/12/2009)
Yes, that is what the Esprit is supposed to look like.
Another renering
http://www.worldcarfans.com/9090109.018/mini3/rumors-new-lotus-esprit-postponed-until-2011
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xist3nc3 7:00PM (1/12/2009)
that is a pretty bad photochop
CarbonBlack 10:05PM (1/12/2009)
I actually like his link/pic Better!
CarbonBlack 10:13PM (1/12/2009)
Here is a web page with numerous different renderings.
http://www.lotusespritturbo.com/New_Lotus_Esprit.htm
means98 6:51PM (1/12/2009)
hmm....hybrid powertrains add a whole lotta weight. kinda goes against lotus' classic lightweight performance theory
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CamryFan 9:15PM (1/12/2009)
Mild hybird. I doubt it will be a full house hybrid like the Prius. It may be some system that captures brake energy and uses it to power electrics or something. This thing should still be light.
Mobius_1 7:14PM (1/12/2009)
Wow, that is a striking design, although I really like the simplicity of the original. BMW powerplants? M division on speed dial, thank you very much.
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Mi key 7:27PM (1/12/2009)
Yeah, this rendering or mock-up looks great. Digging those front-side vents, they look a bit awkward from that angles but still digging it.
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pd 8:57PM (1/12/2009)
No suprise there, Lotus has been delaying the new Esprit for two decades why stop now.
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hakuta 9:14PM (1/12/2009)
It looks like Lamborghini Gallardo...
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Quan 2:46AM (1/13/2009)
Looks like the new Esprit is gonna be sweet, judging from the majority of the renderings. I love the way the doors integrate into the body of the car.
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ahmed 8:31AM (1/13/2009)
no they haven't got there yet they've just screwed a fine lambo gallardo with ediotic head lambs and a huge side gap.
they havn't reached the old espirit's magic
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