Autoblog

Spy Shots: Elise, Exige, Esprit? Lotus tests new model

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Lotus, Luxury

When it comes to the successor to the Lotus Esprit, the specs -- and even the name -- are still up in the air. There is, however, a mule undergoing testing on the ground. Autocar has pics of an Exige with a seriously modified rear end, leading to speculation that the new Esprit's powertrain lives underneath.

This time engine talk centers on "a version of" the Lexus lump in the IS F, but with 275-325 bhp per ton as the goal, that could mean an engine which is quite close or quite far from its source material. Knowing Lotus, we won't doubt the power -- what we really can't wait to see are the looks. The Esprit V8 was the last of the gee-willikers rip-snorters from the house of Chapman, but it was the design of the earlier s4s that made us go "Oh yeah." Please, Lotus, give us that lovin' feelin' again...

[Source: Autocar]

Spy Shots: Elise, Exige, Esprit? Lotus tests new model originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus reportedly gives the go-ahead to Esprit replacement

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Lotus, Luxury

We have liftoff on the next Lotus Esprit. Finally. Scuttlebutt at the beginning of the year suggested it was taking so long because Lotus was pondering some sort of hybrid system for the car. More recently the talk has turned to three specimens from Toyota's book of engines, including the Lexus LFA's V10, and the word "hybrid" disappeared.

It's the V10 that interests us here, because Lotus is planning for the new Esprit -- or whatever it will ultimately be called -- to have 275-325 bhp per ton. Even if they keep it freakishly lightweight you're looking at a minimum of 400 horsepower, something Lexus' Yamaha-tuned lump could easily handle. We'll get the full picture in a few weeks when new Lotus CEO Danny Bahr unveils his long-term plan for the company.

[Source: Autocar]

Lotus reportedly gives the go-ahead to Esprit replacement originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus CEO says automaker will again take on Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Europe, Lotus

Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racer - click above image for high-res gallery

When most people think of Lotus, a few different thoughts tend to enter their head. One is of little teeny Toyota-powered Elise/Exige track toys buzzing around a racetrack. Another is of an underwater submarine piloted by none other than James Bond (albeit Roger Moore). And then -- maybe -- some of you might think of the racing success Lotus used to enjoy, back in the day, a long time ago. Well, according to Autocar, Lotus' new CEO Dany Bahar is seeking to change all that.

"Lotus was mentioned in the same sentence as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati in the 1970s-1990s," said Bahar. "Then, it got closed into a corner. We believe it's the right time to bring Lotus back to where it was." Not only that, but Proton Group (they own Lotus) managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir (must make for one hell of a business card) says that the new Evora, Lotus's first new car since 1995, is "a turning point."

Bahar is making returning Lotus to a place of prestige a top priority for the Malaysian-owned company. The ex-Ferrari exec claims to have have a business plan to return Lotus to the same plane of existence as Ferrari within five years. Of course, to accomplish this, the Camry-powered Evora just ain't going to cut it. Which more or less guarantees the return of the Esprit, which very well might have a Lexus V10 perched out behind the driver. All of which gets our octane lovin' hearts all aflutter. Also, let's not forget about racing - serious racing. We'll keep you posted.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racer

[Source: Autocar | New Straights Times]

Lotus CEO says automaker will again take on Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Next Lotus Esprit could be powered by Lexus V10

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Supercars, Lotus, UK, Rumormill

Lotus' relationship with Toyota could extend beyond supplying drivetrains for the Elise, Exige and Evora, with three new engines sourced from Lexus rumored to be fitted to the 2012 Lotus Esprit. According to EVO, a choice of three Esprits will be available for any (thick) wallet, including a 300 hp version packing Toyota's direct injected V6, a 417 hp model that would make use of the Lexus IS F's 5.0-liter V8 and, at the top of the range, a V10-powered Esprit packing the yet-to-be-released Lexus LF-A's 500+ hp engine.

Additionally, the alliance with Toyota could make good on Lotus' recent push for eco-friendly motoring. The Hethel-based automaker has repeated said that lightweight platforms and fuel-efficient drivetrains are a top priority, going so far as renaming its powertrain engineering arm the "propulsion systems" division. As such, an "Eco Esprit" could be available with a reworked version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive.

The recently launched Evora will be the basis for the next Esprit, and considering the quick turnaround - a mere 27 months - for the Evora to go from concept to production, Lotus has the ability to bring the new Esprit to market quicker than ever. If the Evora's a hit, then we should be seeing the Esprit on roads in Europe, the UK and the US by 2012, with a price somewhere north of £100,000 for the V10-powered variant.

[Source: EVO]

Rumormill: Next Lotus Esprit could be powered by Lexus V10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Lotus delays new Esprit to go hybrid

Noah Joseph — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Lotus

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]

REPORT: Lotus delays new Esprit to go hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corners like it's on rails: Pretty Woman Lotus Esprit for sale

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Supercars, Lotus, Celebrities

Click above to see the Lotus in action in the Pretty Woman trailer after the jump

Besides Julia Roberts' boots and Richard Gere's state-of-the-period-art brick cellphone, one of the most memorable props from "Pretty Woman" had to be the Lotus Esprit that Gere borrows from Jason Alexander to get away from a party when his limo is buried in the parking lot. He stops to ask a hooker for directions and she hops in to show him "personal." After futzing with the British exotic's transmission, Gere turns over the reins and lets Julia drive the Esprit. While uttering phrases like "standard H-pattern" and "it corners like it's on rails," gearheads by the thousands fell for the blond-wigged prostitute with a heart of gold.

And now, you can actually relive that classic bit of movie magic for yourself. No, we're not recommending cruising for help with your "stick shift" on Hollywood Blvd. You see, the very same Lotus that they used in the movie is now listed on Hemmings for the bargain basement price of just $54,998. Well, color me happy! The car has been at the Volo Auto Museum in Volo, Illinois but is now for sale. It's a 1990 Lotus Esprit SE, but evidently it somehow got titled as an '89. It has a turbo four-cylinder that gets it from 0-60 in a scant 4.7 seconds and doesn't stop pushing until the car reaches 165 mph. It's one of just 324 Loti sold in the States in 1990 and the only one used in the movie. It currently has 23k miles on the clock and even comes with a letter of authenticity from Lotus. There's a longer description over at Hemmings and just to jog your memory, we've included a "Pretty Woman" trailer after the jump that features the Lotus in the first 40 seconds. Thanks for the tip, Corey!

[Source: Hemmings via The College Driver]

Continue reading Corners like it's on rails: Pretty Woman Lotus Esprit for sale

Corners like it's on rails: Pretty Woman Lotus Esprit for sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Lotus Esprit nearing completion

Noah Joseph — Thu, 22 May 2008 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Supercars, Lotus

With its 60th anniversary rolling around the corner, Lotus isn't about to coast down the straightaway. After years of relying on Elise derivatives - including the Exige, 2-Eleven and Europa - the world-renowned gurus of handling are preparing two completely new models: the Eagle - a new 2+2 GT - and the return of the Esprit - the hardcore, Ferrari-battling supercar.

After seeing numerous spy shots of the former, a test mule for the latter has emerged, giving us a glimpse at how the top-of-the-line Lotus is shaping up. The Esprit's design is tipped to be quite different from other Lotus models. But while the platform will be distinct from that of the compact Elise, Lotus' new Variable Vehicle Architecture will be malleable for future applications as well... although, with such a diverse sportscar range zooming over the horizon, we wonder what else Lotus has got in store.

Sources claim power for the new Esprit will come from BMW - not an in-house engine like the previous Esprit, nor a Toyota engine like those found in the current models, and not an Audi engine like that one-off. The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 from Bavaria is tipped to be tuned to 500hp for the Esprit, which will be ready to take on the Ferrari F430 and Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 when it hits the market at the end of next year.

[Source: EVO]

Spy Shots: Lotus Esprit nearing completion originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 May 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Swapping Spirits: Audi V8-powered Lotus Esprit

Noah Joseph — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Performance, Supercars, Audi, Lotus

Click above to watch the video

Some people just can't be satisfied. As if the Lotus Esprit weren't still one of the hottest-handling cars on the market, back in 1996 the British sportscar firm updated the iconic Bondmobile with an all-new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V8 to give it more of a fighting chance of showing up cars like the Ferrari 355 and Porsche 911 Turbo. Not enough for one enthusiast on the Motorgeek.com forum going by the name of "hilly", who apparently just wasn't satisfied with the engine in his '81 Esprit S3. So he yanked it out and painstakingly swapped in the all-aluminum 4.2-liter V8 from the Audi A8. Although the Esprit's engine bay could accommodate the engine, turning it around and squeezing it in there was no mean feat, requiring the project's undertaker to custom fabricate a slew of parts himself. Follow the link to the forum where hilly describes the process with pictures, or follow the jump to watch the Audi-powered Lotus disappear fast into the horizon.

[Source: Motorgeek.com via CarScoop]

Continue reading Swapping Spirits: Audi V8-powered Lotus Esprit

Swapping Spirits: Audi V8-powered Lotus Esprit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Lotus "Supercar", a.k.a. the Esprit replacement

John Neff — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Lotus

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.]

Spy Shots: Lotus "Supercar", a.k.a. the Esprit replacement originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2007: Lotus blossoms from Elise/Exige to Eagle to Esprit

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:55:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Performance, Lotus

Large high-res gallery of all of the Lotus models available by clicking above

This week in LA, veteran Lotus development engineer Roger Becker told the assembled press about the changes we'll see in the Elise and Exige for 2008. He also talked a bit about some of the changes happening at the factory and even gave us some info about new models in the company's future.

The biggest recent news for Lotus was that the Elise SC and Exige S were given an optional power boost via a Magnuson-developed supercharger that raises horsepower from 190 to 218 or 240 depending on the application. Other changes were made to all 2008 model year cars in the lineup.

Aside from upgraded brakes and a few other tweaks, the biggest changes came inside, where a new security system has been installed that for the first time ever allows a single key for Lotus owners. As a nod to American driving habits, TPMS and a new information display were also added, because as Becker put it, we aren't too aware of when a tire is going down and need to have it pointed out. That line was delivered without missing a beat and expertly showed a typically dry British sense of humor. Funny guy. Follow the jump for individual model news and to hear more about the upcoming Eagle and Esprit replacement too!

[Source: Lotus]

Gallery: 2008 Lotus Elise and Exige

Continue reading LA 2007: Lotus blossoms from Elise/Exige to Eagle to Esprit

LA 2007: Lotus blossoms from Elise/Exige to Eagle to Esprit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Lotus "Eagle"

Dan Roth — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Lotus

Yes, we know it looks like the Esprit. Please don't bombard us with comments about how it looks like the old Esprit. It really is the new GT from Lotus, known for now as the Eagle. It's wearing Esprit body panels, so yes, we know it looks like the old Esprit. Based on a heavily revised Elise structure and powered by a Toyota V6 plunked down in the middle of the chassis and kicking out 300 hp, the coupe will cost about $100,000 (£48,000). Even though Lotus isn't fond of them, the transmission will be a paddle-shift automated manual. Lotus cites market desires for the about-face on the transmission. The Eagle will spawn several different models, including a convertible and a replacement for the reviled Europa. When they're done, the Eagle won't look like the Esprit. Instead, the bodywork will more closely follow the M250. Cramming four seats into a mid-engined chassis takes some cleverness, and who's more clever than Lotus?

[Source: Autocar]

Spy Shots: Lotus "Eagle" originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus "Eagle" coming in 2008

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 12:43:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Lotus

Lotus has plans: the Elise is going to get a detuned Exige engine (220 BHP without an intercooler), a new Exige SR model will feature launch and traction control systems, California series Elise and Exige models are in the pipeline for the boulevard cruising crowd, and Lotus is also going to inject some luxury into the Europa.

But the big news -- which isn't the Esprit -- is the Lotus Eagle, which will be "a mid-engined four-seater" made of aluminum for the luxury lifestyle set. Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley said there will be seven (count 'em, seven) versions of the car, and in a crow-eating first for Lotus, the car will have paddle shifters. Lotus had previously sworn never to include them on a car, citing purity of the driving experience. But what does the market care for driving purity? (Insert maniacal laugh here.) The Eagle arrives at the end of 2008.

The much anticipated, exceedingly long-awaited Lotus Esprit was sent back for reworking by Kimberley, who said it didn't have enough Lotus heritage in it. In Lotus fashion, the car isn't trying to break any records by being a sub-200 MPH conveyance, but it will be powered by "a very high brand-image engine" and performance will be "exceptional" and "very usable." Lotus: stop dallying -- let's have it.

[Source: Channel 4]

Lotus "Eagle" coming in 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mystery supercar not a Lotus at all

Dan Roth — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 10:04:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Supercars, Lotus

It was only natural. A bunch of autopundits picks up on reports of a camouflaged vehicle with supercar intent ripping around the English countryside, and we automatically think "Lotus." Wrong. The story isn't so black and white. The car itself is a Spectre, and it was spotted with Lotus paperwork in it at one point, adding to the speculation that it could be "Project Eagle," the recently announced Lotus 2+2. What's more likely is that C2P Automotive, Spectre's sister company, was hiring some help in from Lotus Engineering. The 7-liter engine is also reportedly not a GM unit, but rather a new bespoke powerplant. So, we're no closer to seeing any new blossoms at Lotus, but at least there's something cool to look at in the meantime.

[Source: LLN]

Mystery supercar not a Lotus at all originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Oct 2007 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Inspirational Vehicle II: Big Si's Lotus Esprit

Alex Nunez — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Europe, Lotus

Last August, we brought you the story we dubbed Inspirational Vehicle: Mark's 7, in which a group of enthusiasts and forum members rallied together to complete an RX-7 build for one of their friends stricken with ALS whose condition prevented him from seeing his project through to its completion. If you missed it the first time around, check it out here. It's a great story of friends helping another friend. Sadly, we must also report that Mark, the man all those good folks rallied around, passed away in January of this year. Our belated condolences to his family and friends.

Today's feel-good story is very similar, only it took place across the Atlantic in the UK, where one Simon Pritchard was in the midst of restoring a Turbo Esprit when a series of mini-strokes put him in the hospital and his resto project in limbo. During the course of the restoration, he had joined the Lotus Esprit Forum to chat with other owners and get advice on his project car. "Big Si" (that's his handle and nickname), made some good friends there, and when he fell ill, they stepped up. Led by Andy Betts, who runs the Esprit forum, his comrades got together and secretly pooled money and time to complete the car. Even Lotus got in on the act, and the red beauty you see above is the final result. It took the gang of volunteers just 5 weeks to complete the project that was expected to take 18 months. Fast forward to a Lotus track day at Castle Combe, where Simon and friends were in attendance. Simon thought his car was tucked away in a buddy's garage having the engine worked on. He realized that wasn't the case when his car, resplendent in its newfound glory, pulled up right before his eyes. We extend a tip of the cap to everyone involved. For full details, you can read this BBC story and check out the private"Plan 'Bigsi'" section at the Lotus Esprit Forum that got it all rolling. Simon's mates recorded the big reveal when it happened, and we've embedded that footage after the jump. The thread that specifically covers the handover at Castle Combe can be found here. Well done, guys!

Thanks to all who sent tips.

[Sources: BBC, Lotus Esprit Forum]

Continue reading Inspirational Vehicle II: Big Si's Lotus Esprit

Inspirational Vehicle II: Big Si's Lotus Esprit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bond's submersible Lotus Esprit to hit the auction block

Alex Nunez — Sat, 12 May 2007 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Auctions, Lotus

For many of us in our 30s, the white Lotus Esprit S1 driven by Roger Moore as James Bond in 1977's The Spy Who Loved Me represents our first exposure to Lotus and the beginning of a long love affair with the British marque. After all, the Esprit was one of the most exotic and different-looking cars those young eyes had ever set on at the time ( and the S1still looks fantastic today). What made the Bond car special, however, was its incredibly cool alternate mode, which we were introduced to when Bond, being pursued by a helicopter, drives it off a pier into the water in a bid to escape (insert British-car electrical system joke here).

We know what happens, of course. The Lotus transforms into what is quite possibly the slickest make-believe submarine ever, dispatches the pursuing chopper with a missile from its vertical launch tubes (which happen to share the exact same real estate as the engine -- another Q Branch packaging miracle -- wink, wink), performs reconnaissance on the evil Stromberg's underwater hideout, and then, in a great scene, returns to the mainland via a crowded beachfront.

And now you can buy it. Next week at Coys Monaco auction, a completely refurbished "submarine mode" prop car from The Spy Who Loved Me will cross the block. During the filming, two complete cars and two bodyshells were used, and the car for sale was purchased as a shell in the Bahamas. Lotus confirmed its authenticity to the buyer, and then provided him with complete technical specifications so that it could be restored to full Bond-car glory. There's no running-gear in it at all (the sub-mode cars apparently didn't have any), and we think this would make one seriously impressive home decoration -- easily surpassing the Countach wall-hanging. If we had, you know, a 20,000 sq. ft. house and money to burn, we'd be there, paddle in hand. Alas, we'll make do with the Corgi Junior version we still possess today. Coys expects the sale to net somewhere between €30,000 - €40,000. And no, guys, Barbara Bach (a.k.a. Anya Amasova, a.k.a Agent XXX, a.k.a. Mrs. Ringo Starr) is not included.

[Source: Coys via Hemmings]

Related:

Bond's submersible Lotus Esprit to hit the auction block originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 May 2007 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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