While most people know Lotus for its sportscars, engineering has always been at the heart of the business. The car production side has rarely if ever made much money, and Lotus Engineering has been the cash cow that keeps the lights on. Lotus Engineering recently picked up three new contracts from Chinese automakers, and to help keep on top of the new business, Dr Robert Hentschel is joining up as the new director of the engineering consultancy. Hentschel previously held top posts at German engineering firm EDAG.

Now that the Evora has been introduced, Lotus is preparing to update and expand the rest of its production car lineup starting with an all-new Esprit in a couple of years. Paul Newsome will be heading up product engineering for Lotus Cars. In addition to the Esprit, Lotus is bringing forth an Evora convertible and eventually updated versions of the Elise and Exige.

[Source: Lotus]