Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Lotus Esprit all but ready to go, but held back by management issues]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/lotus-esprit-all-but-ready-to-go-but-held-back-by-management-is/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/lotus-esprit-all-but-ready-to-go-but-held-back-by-management-is/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/lotus-esprit-all-but-ready-to-go-but-held-back-by-management-is/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Brief and disappointing is this report from Autocar on the status of the Lotus Esprit: it is finally ready and sitting at the light, but the light might not go green for a long time. The good news is that from being a concept two years ago at the Paris Motor Show, the aluminum and carbon fiber revival coupe is "purportedly almost finished." It is powered by a twin-turbo, 5.0-liter V8 with something like 650 horsepower, boosted by a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) and shifting through a seven-speed paddleshift transmission. Even with all that, the UK price is said to be around that of a Porsche 911 4S Cabriolet, and the car only needs "signing off and minor tweaking."

The bad news is that former company owner Proton couldn't stay independent long enough to see through the company's ambitious five-concept-car assault - led by then-CEO Dany Bahar who was hired explicitly to lead such a campaign - and was swallowed up by Malaysian auto supplier DRB-Hicom. For a brief spell Lotus had to shut down production for lack of funds. Then the new owner cleaned house, sweeping out Bahar and, according to the Financial Times just one month ago, the Esprit and every other concept with it. Just after the FT piece came out, Lotus denied the Esprit had been canceled. Still, according to Autocar, the management whirlpool is keeping the Esprit "far from becoming a production reality."

If we're honest with ourselves, we'll keep in mind that the Esprit has been slipping into and out of a terminal ether for what seems like decades. None of us knows what is going on inside Hethel HQ, but the fact that there really is a lightweight, twin-turbo, 650-hp Lotus Esprit finally ready to be produced has to be, in spite of all else, very good news.

Lotus Esprit all but ready to go, but held back by management issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drb-hicomespritlotusMon, 26 Nov 2012 09:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20387578/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/26/lotus-esprit-all-but-ready-to-go-but-held-back-by-management-is/20387578/article-detail.xml 20387578 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/espritreadybut_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/espritreadybut.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus Esprit cancelled? [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/04/lotus-esprit-cancelled/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/04/lotus-esprit-cancelled/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/04/lotus-esprit-cancelled/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2010 Lotus Esprit concept - front three-quarter view

Two years ago, we were gobsmacked when humble Lotus shocked the automotive world by wheeling out no fewer than five new models - admittedly in various stages of development - at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The ambitious onslaught of new sheetmetal came at the behest of then-CEO Danny Bahar who aimed to broaden the British marque's appeal by dramatically expanding its portfolio. Bahar was later thrown out by new Malaysian owners DRB-Hicom in a management shakeup that seems to still be, well, shaking out. Bahar was deposed over accusations of financial wrongdoing and the controversial executive has fired back with a $10.6M lawsuit.

Against this chaotic background, a cornerstone of Lotus' revival plans hinged on the rebirth of its Esprit supercar (shown in 2010 concept form above). According to new reports, however, the Esprit has been cancelled, a victim of the company's uncertain finances and direction. Depending on which rumor you choose to believe, the two-seat coupe was slated to receive a house-built V8 and possibly turbocharging or hybrid power. That may all be moot now, however, as DRB-Hicom is reported to have scrapped Bahar's plans wholesale, a development that apparently includes killing off the mid-engined Esprit, too.


UPDATE: And this, friends, is why we have this story with a question mark and a Rumormill tag - Lotus is denying that the Esprit has been killed off.

Lotus Esprit cancelled? [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 lotus espritbahardany bahardrb-hicomespritlotusThu, 04 Oct 2012 19:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20342115/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/04/lotus-esprit-cancelled/20342115/article-detail.xml 20342115 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/lotus-esprit-frt34_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/lotus-esprit-frt34.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus custom channels the Esprit of Ayrton Senna]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/lotus-custom-channels-the-esprit-of-ayrton-senna/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/lotus-custom-channels-the-esprit-of-ayrton-senna/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/lotus-custom-channels-the-esprit-of-ayrton-senna/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lotus Esprit JPS Ayrton Senna tribute by Cam Shaft

These days it seems like the dream of a new Lotus Esprit is getting nothing but further away, while the troubled company responsible for it applies the classic black and gold livery to everything it produces - and many things produced by others. But there was a time when the original Esprit was a mechanical wonder to behold, and the JPS livery was championed by arguably the greatest driver who ever lived.

That driver, of course, was Ayrton Senna. And to mark the 18th anniversary of his death at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, a German outfit called Cam-Shaft Premium Wrapping has created this special edition in his honor. Instead of starting with the original four-cylinder Esprit, though, Cam Shaft went with the later turbo V8 and laid over its black paint a series of gold decals evocative of the iconic livery which Senna sported on his 1985 Lotus 97T, including a reproduction of his signature on the panel in front of the door.

The German firm didn't stop there, however. They gave the Esprit new turbos, an intercooler and cats to drive output up from 354 horsepower (stock) to 492 hp, drop the 4.9-second 0-62 time down to 4.3 seconds and increase the top speed from 282 km/h to 305. They also fitted it with a new six-speed gearbox to replace the old five-gear unit, upgraded the brakes with AP Racing four-pot calipers on 330mm cross-drilled discs and fitted it with a chassis control switch similar to a Ferrari manettino.

A fitting tribute to the legendary pilot? We'd say so, and you can see for yourself in the high-res image gallery above and the press release below.

Continue reading Lotus custom channels the Esprit of Ayrton Senna

Lotus custom channels the Esprit of Ayrton Senna originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 May 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ayrton sennacam-shaftcam-shaft premium wrappingespritjohn player specialjpslotuslotus espritlotus esprit v8sennaTue, 01 May 2012 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20227134/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/01/lotus-custom-channels-the-esprit-of-ayrton-senna/20227134/article-detail.xml 20227134 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/webcam-shaftlotus4_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/webcam-shaftlotus4.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus scrapes together enough money to restore production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/lotus-scrapes-together-enough-money-to-restore-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/lotus-scrapes-together-enough-money-to-restore-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/lotus-scrapes-together-enough-money-to-restore-production/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 lotus cars

"The past four months have been really tough for us," admits Lotus CEO Dany Bahar to Autocar magazine. "We were working at a pace nobody had seen at Lotus for many years," Bahar continued, alluding to the British sports car maker's planned rollout of four models over five years that recently had recently hit the skids thanks to a 60-day financial freeze at Malaysian parent DRB-Hicom. "The shut-down, as I call it," Bahar continued, "was very hard for us," but the Lotus boss forcefully rejects media reports that his company is being shopped to potential buyers.

Production at Hethel is reportedly swinging back into action within the next few days now that DRB-Hicom has slid money across the table to re-start Elise, Exige and Evora production. Lotus will also reportedly continue to develop the new Esprit and its V8 engine and automated transmission. Bahar went on to dispute reports that KPMG was looking for a buyer to take on Lotus, though there are likely to be management shuffles and continuing developments between Lotus, DRB-Hicom, Youngman, and who know what other parties, as the re-start doesn't completely short-circuit the rumors of a possible sale.

In fact, resuming production could potentially even position Lotus more attractively for a potential suitor, rather than putting a shuttered, down-at-the-mouth boutique carmaker on the block.

Lotus scrapes together enough money to restore production originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dany bahardrb-hicomeliseespritevoraexigelotuslotus productionFri, 27 Apr 2012 16:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20225469/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/27/lotus-scrapes-together-enough-money-to-restore-production/20225469/article-detail.xml 20225469 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/lotus-evora_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/lotus-evora.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus model development on lockdown as company looks to change hands]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/lotus-model-development-on-lockdown-as-company-looks-to-change-h/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/lotus-model-development-on-lockdown-as-company-looks-to-change-h/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/lotus-model-development-on-lockdown-as-company-looks-to-change-h/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Lotus Exige S live on show floor

Lotus has put a halt to all development of future models. The news comes after the Malaysian government sold its controlling stake in Lotus parent company Proton. According to EVO, the company's takeover regulations require all involved parties to enter into a "lockdown" wherein anything outside of normal business is brought to a halt. For Lotus, that means stalling development for 60 days and pushing back launch dates for vehicles like the Exige S, Evora GTE and the upcoming Esprit successor. Lotus CEO Dany Bahar is currently engaged in talks with DRB-Hicom, Proton's new owner, in an attempt to ensure the industrial conglomerate holds onto the sports car maker.

Odds are we won't know what the future has in store for Lotus until after the due diligence period comes to a close. In the mean time, Lotus will continue to build and sell cars as well as engage motorsports efforts. It will also be the featured marque at the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Lotus model development on lockdown as company looks to change hands originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dany bahardrb-hicomespritexigelotuslotus carslotus saleprotonWed, 14 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20192382/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/14/lotus-model-development-on-lockdown-as-company-looks-to-change-h/20192382/article-detail.xml 20192382 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/lotus-exige-s-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/lotus-exige-s-628.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus Exige to get V6 power, Esprit gets optional hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/lotus-exige-to-get-v6-power-esprit-gets-optional-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/lotus-exige-to-get-v6-power-esprit-gets-optional-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/lotus-exige-to-get-v6-power-esprit-gets-optional-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Lotus Exige S

Autocar has the skinny on the next-generation Lotus Exige and Esprit. Dany Bahar, Group Lotus chief executive, dropped a few details on both models while speaking to the publication about the renewal of his contract with the sports car maker.

Bahar has signed on with Lotus for another four years, which means he'll be around to see the launch of the 2013 Esprit. The vehicle is crucial to Bahar's five-year plan for Lotus and should give the company a legitimate halo vehicle when it goes on sale. Motor Authority reports the vehicle will be available as a hybrid that uses an in-house V8 engine paired with an electric motor.

Meanwhile, additional Esprit models will provide no-compromise performance. Speaking of performance, word has it Lotus will work up its own V6 engine in the near future for use in the company's next-generation Exige. Currently, Lotus relies on Toyota to supply its powerplants.

Bahar has also made it clear that Lotus will expand its motorsport endeavors in the near future as part of his quest to make Lotus a British version of Porsche. We certainly can't complain about that.

Lotus Exige to get V6 power, Esprit gets optional hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dany baharespritesprit hybridexigehybridlotuslotus espritlotus exigeWed, 14 Dec 2011 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20127240/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/14/lotus-exige-to-get-v6-power-esprit-gets-optional-hybrid/20127240/article-detail.xml 20127240 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lotus-exige-s-628-1323810153_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lotus-exige-s-628-1323810153.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus confirms in-house V8, Lego-like chassis has potential [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/18/lotus-confirms-in-house-v8-lego-like-chassis-has-potential/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/18/lotus-confirms-in-house-v8-lego-like-chassis-has-potential/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/18/lotus-confirms-in-house-v8-lego-like-chassis-has-potential/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2014 Lotus Esprit

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 confirms in-house V8, Lego-like chassis has potential [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eliseeliteespritevoralotusv8Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20108220/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/18/lotus-confirms-in-house-v8-lego-like-chassis-has-potential/20108220/article-detail.xml 20108220 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/lotusespritconcept000-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/lotusespritconcept000-628.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus to turbocharge new Esprit into UK's fastest supercar?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/lotus-to-turbocharge-new-esprit-into-uks-fastest-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/lotus-to-turbocharge-new-esprit-into-uks-fastest-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/lotus-to-turbocharge-new-esprit-into-uks-fastest-supercar/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lotus Esprit concept
Lotus Esprit concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fast. Lightweight. Eminently enticing. There are a lot of things you could call a Lotus, but perhaps "ambitious" would be the most suitable. The company's been snapping up former Ferrari personnel en masse, unveiled five new concepts at the same time last year, and plans on returning to producing its own engines to bring them to market.

Now it seems that Lotus has its eye on a rather boastful prize indeed: that of the fastest supercar built in the UK. That's quite the goal when you consider it'll be up against the likes of the McLaren MP4-12C and Aston Martin One-77. To get there, Lotus reportedly plans on turbocharging its new V8 up to 612 horsepower, and stripping out the new Esprit to pump up the power-to-weight ratio from both ends in Superleggera fashion.

As it stands, the naturally-aspirated V8 is anticipated to produce 562 horsepower from its 4.8 liters of displacement. Lopping off a couple of cylinders or chopping the block in half could also give Lotus six- and four-cylinder versions of the modular engine for use in a variety of cars. But while the engine may be raced initially (for example in a new LMP2 car) and shoehorned into the other products Lotus plans to bring to market, its first road-going application is expected to be in the new Esprit.

Lotus to turbocharge new Esprit into UK's fastest supercar? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>espritlotuslotus espritlotus esprit rlotus esprit superleggeralotus v8Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19980342/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/30/lotus-to-turbocharge-new-esprit-into-uks-fastest-supercar/19980342/article-detail.xml 19980342 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/lotus-esprit-frt34_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/lotus-esprit-frt34.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus to go in-house, upmarket with new V8 for upcoming Esprit?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/lotus-to-go-in-house-upmarket-with-new-v8-for-upcoming-esprit/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/lotus-to-go-in-house-upmarket-with-new-v8-for-upcoming-esprit/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/lotus-to-go-in-house-upmarket-with-new-v8-for-upcoming-esprit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lotus Esprit Concept
Lotus Esprit Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Lotus unveiled its slew of new concepts at the Paris Motor Show, it included a rather enticing new take on the Esprit. The show car packed the 5.0-liter V8 from the Lexus IS-F, but the latest reports suggest that the British automaker is planning on developing its own eight-pot engine for the supercar.

Although the original mid-engined exotic used four- and eight-cylinder engines developed and built in-house, the newer generation of Lotus sportscars have used engines borrowed from Toyota. However, rumors have been circulating that the partnership with the Japanese auto giant could be coming to a close as Lotus weighs returning to building its own engines.

And little wonder, as the Esprit will reportedly be positioned significantly higher than any of the current models. While the current range-topping Evora S sells for around $76,000, reports indicate that the Esprit will more than double that in the $170-200K range.

That would make it more expensive than the Porsche 911 Turbo ($137K) or even the Turbo S ($160K), but undercut the top-of-the-line GT2 RS ($245K)... not to mention the likes of the Ferrari 458 Italia, McLaren MP4-12C and Lamborghini Gallardo (all of which start above $220K) by a significant margin - and crucially pack their own lunches.

Lotus to go in-house, upmarket with new V8 for upcoming Esprit? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 lotus esprit2014 lotus espritespritlotuslotus espritMon, 13 Jun 2011 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19964801/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/13/lotus-to-go-in-house-upmarket-with-new-v8-for-upcoming-esprit/19964801/article-detail.xml 19964801 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/004-lotus-esprit-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/004-lotus-esprit-concept.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus delays Elan until 2016, Esprit on track for 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/21/lotus-delays-elan-until-2016-esprit-on-track-for-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/21/lotus-delays-elan-until-2016-esprit-on-track-for-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/21/lotus-delays-elan-until-2016-esprit-on-track-for-2013/#commentsFiled under: ,

lotus elan concept car
Lotus Concept Cars - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite the barrage of concepts presented at the Paris Motor Show, Lotus still has lots of planning ahead as it maps out the future. Five concept vehicles were revealed in 2010:the Elan, Elise, Elite, Esprit and Eterne. We've got an update on two of them.

Car and Driver says that the Lotus Esprit should arrive by 2013. The Elan, however, has a murkier future. Forget 2013; it's been speculated that we might not see it until 2016. Blame the Lotus Evora.

Orignally, Lotus planned to shut down the Evora so that it could give way to the Elan. Now, Lotus management has decided that the Evora deserves a traditional model cycle. Should the Evora continue into a second generation, it puts the Elan's existence into question. If a second-generation Evora isn't developed, a next-generation car, then new Elan will arrive and fill in the open lineup spot.

Lotus delays Elan until 2016, Esprit on track for 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 May 2011 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elanespritlotuslotus conceptslotus elanlotus espritSat, 21 May 2011 12:05:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19946238/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/21/lotus-delays-elan-until-2016-esprit-on-track-for-2013/19946238/article-detail.xml 19946238 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/lotus-elan-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/lotus-elan-concept.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Lotus unable to secure local government money]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/14/report-lotus-unable-to-secure-local-government-money/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/14/report-lotus-unable-to-secure-local-government-money/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/14/report-lotus-unable-to-secure-local-government-money/#commentsFiled under: , ,

lotus esprit concept
Lotus Esprit Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Lotus ushered out a plethora of new concept vehicles at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, we were more than a bit surprised. Sure, many of the designs had no chance of making it to production, but even a new Elan or Esprit would cost the boutique automaker millions to build - money Lotus simply doesn't have.

Auto Express reports that the English Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has turned down the automaker's application for a £27.5 million loan ($50 million U.S.). The money was reportedly sought in order to build a new plant in Hethel, Norfolk, that would have produced some of new models while also employing another 1,200 Brits. The BIS turned down Lotus in spite of the fact that the government body had already approved £450 million in loans to automakers like Jaguar and General Motors.

The automaker is no doubt disappointed with the decision not to allow the loan, but Team Lotus isn't going down without a fight. Lotus released a statement saying that the automaker was exploring all options, adding that a next step could be "submitting an updated bid for round two of the RGF (government loan), which is set to close on July 1."

What does this latest setback mean to Lotus? We're not privy to the automaker's financial statements, but we're guessing Lotus really needs this money to build any and all of its new products. If it doesn't get the proper financing, we're thinking that there may not be any new Lotus models anytime soon.


Gallery: Paris 2010: Lotus Esprit Concept


[Source: Auto Express]

Report: Lotus unable to secure local government money originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Department for BusinesselanespritInnovation and Skillslotuslotus government loansThu, 14 Apr 2011 19:39:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19913179/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/14/report-lotus-unable-to-secure-local-government-money/19913179/article-detail.xml 19913179 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/01lotusespritparisliveopt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/01lotusespritparisliveopt.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog's Top 10 Concept Cars of 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/29/autoblogs-top-10-concept-cars-of-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/29/autoblogs-top-10-concept-cars-of-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/29/autoblogs-top-10-concept-cars-of-2010/#commentsFiled under:

Lamborghini
Autoblog's Top 10 Concept Cars of 2010 - Click above to read the list

Just under 70 concept cars were rolled out by automakers from around the globe at this year's major auto shows. These swoopy, futuristic showstoppers usually preview what's to come in terms of new designs and technology, and in some cases, concept cars directly foreshadow full-on production models that aren't too far down the pipeline.

We've scanned back through our full raft of concept car coverage over the past year to pick these examples, our ten best concept car and truck reveals from 2010, ranked in order as judged by our staff. See what we were most eager to point our cameras at after the jump, then sound off with your own favorites (or take us to task for ours) in Comments.

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Continue reading Autoblog's Top 10 Concept Cars of 2010

Autoblog's Top 10 Concept Cars of 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102uettottanta918 spyderalfa romeoaudic-x75cls shooting breakcls-classconcept cardezirespritfeaturedjaguarjeeplamborghinilotusmazdamercedes-benznukizerporschequattro conceptrenaultsesto elementoshinariWed, 29 Dec 2010 11:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19779468/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/29/autoblogs-top-10-concept-cars-of-2010/19779468/article-detail.xml 19779468 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/lambocover_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/lambocover.jpg <![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: Lotus releases slew of new images]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/23/pics-aplenty-lotus-releases-slew-of-new-images/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/23/pics-aplenty-lotus-releases-slew-of-new-images/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/23/pics-aplenty-lotus-releases-slew-of-new-images/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Lotus Elise concept
Lotus concept cars - Click above for high-res image gallery

Lotus set the motoring community abuzz when it showed up at the Paris Motor Show with a slew of concept cars. These vehicles show the direction Lotus is moving, and each is a polarizing example of a future filled with heavier yet more powerful Lotus sports cars.

The automaker recently brought its Elise, Esprit, Elan, and Elite concept vehicles out to the beach for a day of camera fun. There really isn't much more we can say about these cars that we haven't already said... that is, until someone gives us a few sets of keys (and a lesson in holding back ear-to-ear grins). So stop reading and click through the gallery below.


Gallery: Lotus Concept Cars

Lotus Elise ConceptLotus Elise ConceptLotus Elan ConceptLotus Elan ConceptLotus Elan Concept

[Source: Lotus]

Pics Aplenty: Lotus releases slew of new images originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptconcept carselaneliseeliteespritlotuslotus elanlotus eliselotus elitelotus espritThu, 23 Dec 2010 15:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19774576/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/23/pics-aplenty-lotus-releases-slew-of-new-images/19774576/article-detail.xml 19774576 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/000-lotus-elise-concept-copy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/000-lotus-elise-concept-copy.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus planning to build V8 in-house?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/16/lotus-planning-to-build-v8-in-house/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/16/lotus-planning-to-build-v8-in-house/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/16/lotus-planning-to-build-v8-in-house/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Lotus Esprit concept
Lotus Esprit Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Might Lotus, in its unerring though recently intensified quest to take on Ferrari, develop its own V8 engine for use in the promised-before-2013 Esprit? According to company head Dany Bahar, it's a distinct possibility.

It should be mentioned that Lotus is quite the well-sorted engineering firm. In fact, the British automaker has designed three complete engines for other manufacturers and last produced its own V8 engine from 1996 through 2004 in the then-current Esprit.

If it does indeed develop its own engine architecture, Autocar suggests it will be seen in V8 form in the Esprit and V6 form in the Elan, which is slated to follow about six months after the Esprit. And what of the Toyota-sourced powerplants - currently seen in the Lotus Elise, Exige and Evora and shown off in the five conceptual new sports cars recently unveiled at the Paris Motor Show - we've come to expect from Lotus?

"In the mind of sports-car enthusiasts, Toyota power might not be good enough," admitted Bahar. In the end, though, the decision may come down to simple dollars and cents, and we're certainly looking forward to seeing how it all plays out in the coming few years.


Gallery: Paris 2010: Lotus Esprit Concept


Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Autocar]

Lotus planning to build V8 in-house? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 lotus espritDany baharespritlotuslotus espritlotus v8Thu, 16 Dec 2010 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19763734/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/16/lotus-planning-to-build-v8-in-house/19763734/article-detail.xml 19763734 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/01lotusespritparisliveopt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/01lotusespritparisliveopt.jpg <![CDATA[Dissecting the Lotus Metamorphosis: The Company]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/23/dissecting-the-lotus-metamorphosis-the-company/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/23/dissecting-the-lotus-metamorphosis-the-company/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/23/dissecting-the-lotus-metamorphosis-the-company/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Click above for high-res image gallery

Lotus sent a cryptic missive last year indicating it wanted to challenge Porsche and Ferrari. Aiming at those targets, it pulled the trigger five times at the Paris Motor Show this year, unleashing the new Elise, Elan, Esprit, Elite and Eterne showcars. Then came the name for the project, "The Metamorphosis," and its tidings of a new era. Yet behind all the modern interpretive art, there are the simple nuts and bolts of getting a car company into a new place. Follow the jump to find out what we learned.

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Continue reading Dissecting the Lotus Metamorphosis: The Company

Dissecting the Lotus Metamorphosis: The Company originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elaneliseeliteespriteternefeaturedlotuslotus metamorphosisTue, 23 Nov 2010 14:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19716222/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/23/dissecting-the-lotus-metamorphosis-the-company/19716222/article-detail.xml 19716222 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/lotus-1-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/lotus-1-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus shocks Paris Motor Show with five concept debuts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/lotus-shocks-paris-motor-show-with-five-concept-debuts/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/lotus-shocks-paris-motor-show-with-five-concept-debuts/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/lotus-shocks-paris-motor-show-with-five-concept-debuts/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lotus Esprit Concept
Lotus Esprit Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been a while since something took us by surprise at an auto show. Usually we've seen the pictures and read the press releases a few days ahead of time, so there's nothing new revealed we weren't already expecting. Until today. We were expecting Lotus to reveal a pair of new Evora models, a new front-engined GT called the Elite, and if we were lucky, maybe the new Esprit. What we got was something much, much better.

As we arrived at the Lotus booth here at the Paris Motor Show, we spotted a total of five cars under cover. Perhaps a concept and some new versions of existing cars? What proceeded to happen was something entirely unexpected. Lotus CEO Dany Bahar addressed the crowd, announcing that Lotus would be entering a new era. In a matter of minutes, the wraps were pulled off the Esprit, Elan, Elite, Elise and Eterne concept cars, each time with a gasp from the crowd as the next concept's name was announced. This wasn't just the introduction of a few concept cars. We were witnessing the complete and utter revitalization, rebranding and rebirth of a legendary car company.

Lotus Elise and Elan concepts - Click above for high-res image galleries

With this new lineup of cars, it's easy to see that Lotus wants to play with the big boys - Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Aston Martin. Bahar had announced last year that this was the direction the company would take, but we didn't expect it to happen so soon or all at once.

One question still has to be asked, though. Is this direction the right one for Lotus? We can appreciate all forms of performance cars, but is there enough room for Lotus to edge its way into each of these target markets? Can the Esprit conquer the McLaren MP4-12C or the Ferrari 458 Italia? Will buyers go for a Lotus Elite over the Ferrari 599 GTB or the Aston Martin DBS?

Lotus Elite and Eterne concepts - Click above for high-res image galleries

Lotus has long been the master of lightweight, nimble sports cars, and many will undoubtedly say that the company should stick to the same cars it's been building for the last decade. After all, what would Colin Chapman say about a Lotus coupe that weighs over 3,600 pounds? And a grown up Elise? Then there's the styling. As usual, we're split down the middle here at Autoblog. Half of us love the styling, while the other 50 percent thinks it looks too generic. In the end, only time will tell whether Lotus fans will like the direction the company is headed.

There's quite a bit of information on each vehicle, so click the links below to learn more about them.


You can also browse through our live galleries of each concept:

Gallery: Paris 2010: Lotus Esprit Concept


Gallery: Paris 2010: Lotus Eterne Concept


Gallery: Paris 2010: Lotus Elite Concept

Lotus EliteLotus EliteLotus EliteLotus EliteLotus Elite

Gallery: Paris 2010: Lotus Elise Concept


Gallery: Paris 2010: Lotus Elan Concept


Live photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Lotus shocks Paris Motor Show with five concept debuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 paris2010 paris motor showelaneliseeliteespriteternefeaturedlotuslotus elan conceptlotus elise conceptlotus elite conceptlotus esprit conceptlotus eterne conceptparisparis motor showThu, 30 Sep 2010 19:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19655883/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/30/lotus-shocks-paris-motor-show-with-five-concept-debuts/19655883/article-detail.xml 19655883 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/leadlotusespritparislive_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/leadlotusespritparislive.jpg <![CDATA[Paris 2010: Lotus Esprit Concept previews upcoming revival of a legend [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2010-lotus-esprit-concept-previews-upcoming-revival-of-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2010-lotus-esprit-concept-previews-upcoming-revival-of-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2010-lotus-esprit-concept-previews-upcoming-revival-of-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Lotus Esprit Concept
Paris 2010: Lotus Esprit Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Lotus is ready to make a big impact at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. It brought five concept vehicles to the show (more on the other four in short order), and one in particular has us salivating. Lotus plans to revive the much-loved Esprit for the 2013 model year. Before we see a production version of that car, the automaker is showcasing its Lotus Esprit Concept.

Taking cues from the old Esprit, the Esprit Concept plunks its engine amidship, though instead of honoring the turbocharged four-cylinders that powered the originals, the concept makes do with a meaty supercharged 5.0-liter V8. That V8 will look familiar to fans of the Lexus IS-F. The two-seater will produce 620 horsepower, accelerate from 0-60 in under 3.5 seconds and then blast onward to a 205-mile-per-hour top speed. The plan is to bring the production version to market in the spring of 2013 with a price tag around $175,000.

In addition to the massive, and massively exciting ,V8 power, the Lotus Esprit will also be offered with KERS as an option. KERS, or Kinetic Energy Recovery System, is a system used by Formula 1 cars to recover heat energy generated during braking. The energy is stored until the driver wants a powerful boost and with a push of a button propels the car with more force than two bottles of NOS... the big ones.

Stay tuned as we'll update this post with more official images as well as live shots from the show floor soon.

UPDATE: We have video of the Esprit in action, check it out after the jump, and live shots in the second gallery below.


Gallery: Paris 2010: Lotus Esprit Concept


Gallery: Lotus Esprit Concept

Lotus Esprit ConceptLotus Esprit ConceptLotus Esprit ConceptLotus Esprit ConceptLotus Esprit Concept

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading Paris 2010: Lotus Esprit Concept previews upcoming revival of a legend [w/video]

Paris 2010: Lotus Esprit Concept previews upcoming revival of a legend [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>espritesprit conceptlotuslotus esprit conceptparisparis 2010paris motor showparis motor show 2010Thu, 30 Sep 2010 11:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19655517/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/30/paris-2010-lotus-esprit-concept-previews-upcoming-revival-of-a/19655517/article-detail.xml 19655517 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/01lotusespritparisliveopt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/01lotusespritparisliveopt.jpg <![CDATA[Rumormill: Lotus Esprit to use LFA V10, V8 in lesser spec]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/27/rumormill-lotus-esprit-to-use-lfa-v10-v8-in-lesser-spec/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/27/rumormill-lotus-esprit-to-use-lfa-v10-v8-in-lesser-spec/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/27/rumormill-lotus-esprit-to-use-lfa-v10-v8-in-lesser-spec/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Lexus LFA engine

Now this is a rumor. According to the crafty crew at Inside Line, Lotus is set to release details on its planned resurrection of the long-dead Esprit at this year's Paris Motor Show. Even better? There's some indication that the top-of-the-line model may pack the same heavenly V10 found in the current Lexus LFA. Oh yes, we're excited. Inside Line spoke with someone at Lexus who's cozy with the deal who hinted that the 552-horsepower 10-pot would find its way into the car in order to help it better compete with the likes of Ferrari. That's right, kids; Lotus is movin' on up.

There's also word that lower-rung trims will receive the same 5.0-liter V8 found in the Lexus IS-F. With 416 horsepower, that lump is no slouch. Both engine choices would seem to dovetail with the close partnership we've seen between Lotus and Lexus parent company Toyota in the past, and with new Lotus CEO Dany Bahar (formerly of Ferrari) clamoring for ever more powerful, upscale models, all of the puzzle pieces seem to be falling into place.

Still, that's almost way too much awesome for most manufacturers to handle. Fortunately, the Paris show is just a handful of weeks away, so we should know which parts of this rumor are solid in short order.

[Source: Inside Line]

Rumormill: Lotus Esprit to use LFA V10, V8 in lesser spec originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EspritLexusLexus LFAlexus supercarLexusLfaLexusSupercarLF-ALFALotusLotus EspritLotusEspritRumorFri, 27 Aug 2010 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19611275/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/27/rumormill-lotus-esprit-to-use-lfa-v10-v8-in-lesser-spec/19611275/article-detail.xml 19611275 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/lexus-lfa-engine-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/lexus-lfa-engine-630.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus accidentally confirms Evora automatic and S variants for Paris through email snafu]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/16/lotus-accidentally-confirms-evora-automatic-and-s-variants-for-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/16/lotus-accidentally-confirms-evora-automatic-and-s-variants-for-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/16/lotus-accidentally-confirms-evora-automatic-and-s-variants-for-p/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Lotus Evora - Click above for high-res image gallery

Lotus seems to have quite a hit on its hands in the form of the Evora. We were quite taken with it ourselves when given the chance to put the car through its paces in Southern California, and we've yet to hear a nasty word uttered in its general direction. But that doesn't mean Lotus can't find a way to improve the breed yet further.

Apparently, a couple of those improvements are headed to the Paris Motor Show later this year. Buried within the automaker's stand will be both a hotted-up S version of the Evora and one bestowed with an automatic transmission. How do we know? Well, an errant email recently went out to everyone on Lotus' media list (ourselves included) that promised the two machines along with the other "new car(s) not yet announced."

As if the thought of a Lotus Evora S (forced induction?) and an automatic for the clutch averse among you wasn't enough, it seems the British specialists have plenty more up their well-tailored sleeves. There's been plenty of postulation regarding what else we may see - most notably the rumored return of the Esprit - but we're content to just take a wait-and-see attitude on this one. Paris just can't come soon enough.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lotus Evora


Photos by Michael Harley / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Lotus via iCars Singapore]

Lotus accidentally confirms Evora automatic and S variants for Paris through email snafu originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>espritevoraevora autoevora automaticEvoraAutoEvoraAutomaticlotuslotus espritLotus Evoralotus evora slotus evora sclotus evora superchargedlotus evora superchargerLotusEspritLotusEvoraLotusEvoraSLotusEvoraScLotusEvoraSuperchargedLotusEvoraSuperchargerparis motor showparis motor show 2010paris motorshowParisMotorShowParisMotorShow2010Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:34:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19595250/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/16/lotus-accidentally-confirms-evora-automatic-and-s-variants-for-p/19595250/article-detail.xml 19595250 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/03lotusevora2010fdopta_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/03lotusevora2010fdopta.jpg <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: 1979 Lotus Esprit Turbo w/Buick Regal GNX power is inky hotness]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/20/ebay-find-of-the-day-1979-lotus-esprit-turbo-w-buick-regal-gnx/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/20/ebay-find-of-the-day-1979-lotus-esprit-turbo-w-buick-regal-gnx/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/20/ebay-find-of-the-day-1979-lotus-esprit-turbo-w-buick-regal-gnx/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

1979 Lotus Esprit with Buick GNX turbo V6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

What happens when you're head over heels for the lethal wedge styling and superb handling of the 1979 Lotus Esprit, but find yourself smitten with the all-out grunt of the turbo 3.8-liter V6 in the Buick GNX? If you're the intrepid creator of the particular car you see above, you mate the two, forging your very own take on the Esprit Turbo. On paper, the mashup seems like a match made in the lofty spires of the Lotus engineering department. Whereas General Motors' conservatively rated 276-horsepower six pot tended to suffer by being bolted into the heavy GNX platform, the lithe Esprit could have always used a bump in power over its smaller four-cylinder. At least one creative soul has opted for a sexier looking Yamaha SHO swap to solve the Esprit's power woes, but we're big fans of this particular recipe.

If your mouth is already watering at the thought of a mid-engine turbo V6 terror, we're about to sweeten the deal. The car is currently for sale, and looks about as mint as mint can be. The engine bay is clean, the paint spotless and the attention to detail unmatched for a Frankenstein creation of this caliber. Perfection? Thy name just might be GNEsprit. The running bid is a shave over $16,000 at the time of writing with the reserve not met, so get to bidding. You just might take this sucker home. Thanks for the tip, Al!


Gallery: 1979 Lotus Esprit with Buick GNX turbo V6


[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: 1979 Lotus Esprit Turbo w/Buick Regal GNX power is inky hotness originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>19791979 Lotus Esprit1979LotusEspritBuickBuick GNXbuick grand nationalbuick regalbuick regal grand nationalBuickGnxBuickGrandNationalBuickRegalBuickRegalGrandNationaleBayebay find of the dayeBay MotorsEbayFindOfTheDayEbayMotorsEspritGNEspritGNXgrand nationalGrandNationalLotusLotus EspritLotus GNEspritLotusEspritLotusGnespritregalregal grand nationalRegalGrandNationalTue, 20 Jul 2010 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19561724/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/20/ebay-find-of-the-day-1979-lotus-esprit-turbo-w-buick-regal-gnx/19561724/article-detail.xml 19561724 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/01-gnesprit-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/01-gnesprit-630.jpg -1 2