Lotus is working overtime getting the next Esprit ready for its late-2013 production target, and that means development of everything from an in-house V8 to a slew of new chassis components are under way.
Lotus officials confirmed to Autoblog that the automaker is working on its own 4.8-liter V8 that will power the mid-engine Esprit, along with the front-engine Elite and Eterne. Naturally, they're remaining mum on outputs, but it's safe to assume that the naturally aspirated version will top out around 570 horsepower while a higher-tuned variant would crest 620 hp.
Additionally, the chassis set to underpin the entire range of next-generation Lotus vehicles will be fully modular, allowing the automaker to swap front, middle and rear sections as needed and with very little modification. Front- and mid-engine platforms will be different, but the same basic components holding the Elite together would also be used for the Eterne. Similarly, the Esprit chassis could be reworked for the next Evora (or Elan, depending on whether the Evora name carries enough cache in the following years) and could mean that the Evora could get V8 power – although don't hold your breath for that one.
UPDATE: Sources at Lotus have informed us that the base 4.8-liter V8 will produce 570 hp and that an higher-spec version – without turbos – will boost output to 620 hp. The text of the post has been amended to reflect these figures.
Lotus officials confirmed to Autoblog that the automaker is working on its own 4.8-liter V8 that will power the mid-engine Esprit, along with the front-engine Elite and Eterne. Naturally, they're remaining mum on outputs, but it's safe to assume that the naturally aspirated version will top out around 570 horsepower while a higher-tuned variant would crest 620 hp.
Additionally, the chassis set to underpin the entire range of next-generation Lotus vehicles will be fully modular, allowing the automaker to swap front, middle and rear sections as needed and with very little modification. Front- and mid-engine platforms will be different, but the same basic components holding the Elite together would also be used for the Eterne. Similarly, the Esprit chassis could be reworked for the next Evora (or Elan, depending on whether the Evora name carries enough cache in the following years) and could mean that the Evora could get V8 power – although don't hold your breath for that one.
UPDATE: Sources at Lotus have informed us that the base 4.8-liter V8 will produce 570 hp and that an higher-spec version – without turbos – will boost output to 620 hp. The text of the post has been amended to reflect these figures.
Featured Gallery Lotus Esprit Concept
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