Mike Kimberley, CEO of Lotus, revealed that the company is working on two new projects–the new Esprit and a new 2+2 coupe. While it’s been known that a new Esprit has been in the works for some time now, Kimberley did reveal that the car’s engine would be sourced from “a very well respected prestige car maker.” It was originally thought that BMW would supply the engine but several signs now point to Aston Martin as the power provider. The new supercar is expect to debut in late 2009 with a sticker price of £70,000 ($140,700 U.S.).
According to an interview with EVO, Kimberly also said that Lotus is working on a 2+2 coupe, codenamed Project Eagle. The new car would slot between the Elise/Exige/Europa and the forthcoming Esprit. The chassis will not be based on the Elise platform but will incorporate an aluminum tub accompanied by fiberglass-composite panels. Power for the new mid-engine car is said to be a Toyota-sourced V6 that will send over 300 horsepower to the rear wheels. Lotus’ new 2+2 is expected to debut at next year’s London Motor Show with sales following in early 2009.
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09/04, 12:58 PM
posted by:
Italiafan
I hope they can pull it off, though I am skeptical. The price point seems on target. It had better be gorgeous, especially if carrying another manufacturer’s engine, since it will be judged on looks more than anything.
It would be better if Jag would fill this void with a light weight super-XK…but what are the chances of that?
09/04, 1:57 PM
posted by:
global_lightning
Most of Lotus’ designs have had an outsourced motor. With all the money the Elise/Exige has brought in, I hope Proton is re-investing in Lotus to pull this off.
09/04, 2:02 PM
posted by:
Aston Martin
There is an XKR, Italiafan. But Jag can’t afford making a super-light, Exige-like coupe.
Lotus is a simply fantastic company. An Exige beats any Ferrari for sheer thrill. In a Ferrari, everything is artificial, the car’s rage stifled by an army of electronic overlords. However, in a Lotus, the driver is the sole master of the car. In fact, I very nearly crashed my Exige, proving my driving isn’t really up to scratch for such a hardcore car. A new Esprit should be good for Lotus, especially considering their racing pedigree, which should get them to sell well.
09/04, 5:14 PM
posted by:
Italiafan
I know there is an XKR…that is not what I was referring to.
“…if Jag could fill this void (ie: $140K range) with a light weight super-XK….)…ie: $140K Jag XKR-R with >500hp, aluminum light weight, highly sport tuned suspension, manual tranny, etc…..
I would like Lotus to put together somethng special. I am just concerned that another British manufacturer will die on the vine with poor planning….which they pretty much have done with every single car they ever made…much to my dismay.
09/04, 5:43 PM
posted by:
Commodore
Too much for a Lotus
09/04, 9:15 PM
posted by:
gtv6
“especially if carrying another manufacturer’s engine”
If it’s an Aston Martin engine, I wouldn’t worry.
09/05, 1:09 AM
posted by:
jamaicandude
Sounds good. Hope they manage to pull it off.
09/05, 7:46 AM
posted by:
sinnercitizen
The Toyota engine that comes along with Elise and Exige is nothing short of marvelous. The fact that, here in Europe, it also equips the Celica is truly a laugh. Drove a Celica just last week and two days later drove a Exige. I was thinking snails and lightning as a comparation point… The Celica is like a prima-donna on a stake and fries diet, while the Lotus is like a 100 meter olympic runner. On the basis its the same heart, but the surroundings…
09/05, 8:22 AM
posted by:
55amg
id rather have a BMW ///M engine than an Aston engine. Arent Astons unreliable?