2010 Lotus Sport Cars Elan Concept

2010 Lotus Sport Cars Elan Concept

At Paris Auto Show 2010 Lotus automaker manufacture has display six new models super car sport. One of the six models is the Lotus Elan Concept. 2010 Lotus Elan Concept Cars, a high performance sports car, is the beating heart of the new Lotus line-up and thanks to some clever innovations the Lotus Elan also has everyday usability too.

2010 Lotus Sport Cars Elan Concept

Elan is expected to go to production in summer of 2013 and will be available for purchase in fall of 2013. Like the Evora, the Lotus Elan features 2+2 seating, suggesting that the new Evora may not really have a long life at Lotus. Prices for the production Elan are estimated to start around $118,500 ( £75,000 ).

Lotus Elan Concept Power is provided by a mid-mounted 4.0-liter V6 engine with 450 PS (331 kW / 444 hp) and 465 Nm (343 lb-ft) of toque. It is backed up by a seven-speed DCT transmission, which enables the 1,295 kg (2,855 lb) car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 310 km/h (193 mph). If that fails to attract your attention, perhaps you’ll be interested in the hybrid variant which will have CO2 emissions as low as 199 g/km. With performance specs like that, there's a little double that Elan is supercar.

From a styling perspective, the Elan is built like an athlete with a muscular physique and perfect poise. It’s a thoroughbred, rigid with tension, ambitious and addictive, nothing but best in class will suffice for this car.

It’s not enough to simply provide performance and exceptional looks, innovation is also integral to the Elan’s appeal. In keeping with the rest of the new Lotus range, the Elan features optional hybrid technology with KERS.

2010 Lotus Sport Cars Elan Concept

Dany Bahar, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus, said: “If there was ever a car to make you drive the long way home, it’s the Elan. Perfect for both road and track, the Elan not only ticks all the boxes, it creates new ones too.”

“The Elan will convert people to Lotus, I would challenge people not to become addicted to driving it. It will also go a long way towards dispelling the old misconceptions about this class, that in order to have high performance you must sacrifice usability – those days are gone.”

“Once you drive an Elan you won’t look back, it will give you things you didn’t even realise you were missing – that’s the essence of Lotus and the Elan perfectly captures that spirit.”

2010 Lotus Sport Cars Elan Concept

2010 Lotus Sport Cars Elan Concept

2010 Lotus Sport Cars Elan Concept

At Paris Auto Show 2010 Lotus automaker manufacture has display six new models super car sport. One of the six models is the Lotus Elan Concept. 2010 Lotus Elan Concept Cars, a high performance sports car, is the beating heart of the new Lotus line-up and thanks to some clever innovations the Lotus Elan also has everyday usability too.

2010 Lotus Sport Cars Elan Concept

Elan is expected to go to production in summer of 2013 and will be available for purchase in fall of 2013. Like the Evora, the Lotus Elan features 2+2 seating, suggesting that the new Evora may not really have a long life at Lotus. Prices for the production Elan are estimated to start around $118,500 ( £75,000 ).

Lotus Elan Concept Power is provided by a mid-mounted 4.0-liter V6 engine with 450 PS (331 kW / 444 hp) and 465 Nm (343 lb-ft) of toque. It is backed up by a seven-speed DCT transmission, which enables the 1,295 kg (2,855 lb) car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 310 km/h (193 mph). If that fails to attract your attention, perhaps you’ll be interested in the hybrid variant which will have CO2 emissions as low as 199 g/km. With performance specs like that, there's a little double that Elan is supercar.

From a styling perspective, the Elan is built like an athlete with a muscular physique and perfect poise. It’s a thoroughbred, rigid with tension, ambitious and addictive, nothing but best in class will suffice for this car.

It’s not enough to simply provide performance and exceptional looks, innovation is also integral to the Elan’s appeal. In keeping with the rest of the new Lotus range, the Elan features optional hybrid technology with KERS.

2010 Lotus Sport Cars Elan Concept

Dany Bahar, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus, said: “If there was ever a car to make you drive the long way home, it’s the Elan. Perfect for both road and track, the Elan not only ticks all the boxes, it creates new ones too.”

“The Elan will convert people to Lotus, I would challenge people not to become addicted to driving it. It will also go a long way towards dispelling the old misconceptions about this class, that in order to have high performance you must sacrifice usability – those days are gone.”

“Once you drive an Elan you won’t look back, it will give you things you didn’t even realise you were missing – that’s the essence of Lotus and the Elan perfectly captures that spirit.”

2010 Lotus Sport Cars Elan Concept

Sport Car: Lotus Sport Exige GT3

Sport Car Lotus Sport Exige GT3 Black Color

The prototype Lotus Sport Exige GT3 race car was unveiled at the annual FIA GT Championship presentation ceremony outside the world famous Casino in Monte Carlo, Monaco 2nd December 2005th The next day (2 December 2005), the first test vehicle was held at high speed Paul Ricard High Tech Test Track in Southern France under FIA supervision, the first phase of the Lotus Sport Exige GT3 becoming eligible for FIA GT3 competition. This latest FIA series, which will begin in 2006, has been racing cars that have the same power and weight, and that has direct lineage to their road going versions.

Lotus Sport Exige GT3 participants developed the Lotus Sport, the performance arm Lotus Cars and is derived from the standard Lotus Exige coupé model. Weighing about 750 kg, it stays true to "performance through light weight" core Lotus philosophy. The car uses a race prepared 1.8 2ZZ-GE VVTL-i engine with a Roots-type supercharger and air-to-air intercooler that uses Lotus T4e Engine Control Unit to produce 285 hp (289 hp) at 7800 rpm. This gives an impressive power to weight ratio of 380 hp / tonne or 2.6 kg / hp.

After a brief shakedown program Lotus test track at Hethel, factory test driver Gavan Kershaw conducted a final set of chassis tires on the wet morning session at Paul Ricard official FIA test. What followed was a trip to slick tires on the track by FIA nominated test driver drying Christophe Bouchut.

Sport Car Lotus Sport Exige GT3 Back

Commenting on the encouraging test, Chris Arnold, General Manager of Lotus Sport, explained: "We were delighted to attend the official FIA tests. Since the car was still on the drawing board two months ago, it's a fantastic achievement for the full build-in such a short time. We knew this test would be a first test for the car at the spot, and I am very pleased with the results. Our winter development program began testing the tunnel just before Christmas followed by further work in preparation for the next FIA test in March. "

FIA announced five races of the European Championship for the new GT3 class with rounds in the UK, Germany, Belgium, France and Italy. Various national GT Championships are also considering modifications to its regulations to include GT3 class.

Sport Car Lotus Sport Exige GT3 Turing

Special Edition Lotus Elise SC RGB and Exige S RGB [Video]

Lotus is launching two special-edition cars in honor of vehicle engineering director Roger Becker, who retired from Lotus in January. Becker joined Lotus in 1966 and helped develop every new Lotus since, including the Esprit, Elan, and Evora.

The Elise SC RGB (for Roger G. Becker) features ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels, sport and touring packages, air conditioning, monochrome Lotus badges, an individually numbered plaque, and Roger Becker's signature on B-pillar. It is powered by a 217 hp (220 PS / 162 kW) supercharged 1.8-liter engine, which allows the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds).

The Elise SC RGB Special Edition is powered by a supercharged 1.8 liter engine that develops a total of 217 hp and rockets the car from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. The Lotus Exige S RGB Special Edition gets a supercharged and intercooled 1.8 liter engine with 257 HP and a sprint time of 4 seconds.

Body colours available for the Lotus Elise SC RGB and the Lotus Exige S RGB are Aspen White, Starlight Black, Solar Yellow and Carbon Grey and each exemplar will also feature a numbered plaque with Roger Becker's signature.

The cars will go on sale in September, the Elise SC RGB will be priced from £38,550 (€43,655) while the Exige S RGB starts at £41,950 (€50,042).




Press Release

Roger Becker, former Director of Vehicle Engineering for Lotus is celebrated with a series of special edition versions of the final run of European specification 1.8 litre Elise and Exige sportscars.

In celebration of his now legendary input over the years, Roger Becker (RGB) who retired in January following 44 years of service, will have a series of Lotus Elise and Lotus Exige sports cars in bespoke RGB Special Edition specification produced and set for release from September 2010.

The Elise SC and Exige S RGB Special Editions will both be specified to a high level with Sports and Touring packs as standard. The Elise SC RGB Special Edition has a supercharged 217 hp (220 ps) 1.8 litre engine which blesses it with a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds (0-100kmh in 4.6 seconds). The Lotus Exige S RGB Special Edition uses the range topping 257 (260 ps) supercharged and intercooled 1.8 litre engine which endows it with a 0-60 mph in around 4 seconds and a phenomenal aerodynamic downforce figure of 92.5 lbs (42 kg) at 100 mph (160 kmh).

Roger Becker said, "I am honoured that Lotus has named these two special editions after me, especially as it allows me to offer the customer my favourite specifications. The past 44 years have been an incredible journey and I'm looking forward to watching Lotus progress in the future, I have no doubt that the company will continue to go from strength to strength."

Both the Elise SC and the Exige S RGB Special Editions are available in four colours, Aspen White, Starlight Black, Solar Yellow & Carbon Grey and each one is identified by a numbered interior plaque, Roger Becker's signature on the side of the bodywork and special monochrome Lotus nose badge.

At the end of 2010, production of the European versions of the Elise R and SC and the Exige S and Cup 260, which use the 1.8 litre 2ZZ VVTL-i engines supplied by Toyota, will finish due to changes in legislation and the introduction of "Euro 5" Type Approval which does not apply to these cars. Production of the Elise R and SC and the Exige S and Cup 260 will, however, continue for all other markets.

Andreas Prillmann, Chief Commercial Officer for Lotus Cars said, "I would like to thank Roger for his dedication to Lotus It's fitting that an exclusive number of the last of the 1.8 litre Elises and Exiges for Europe are dedicated to Roger, who has been instrumental in the development of so many Lotus cars over the years, in particularly the Evora, the Exige and the recent versions of the Elise. Not only has his extensive knowledge and learning been passed on to our team of talented and skilled engineers, but also his passion for the Lotus brand and heritage has helped Lotus grow into the world class organisation that it is today."

The new, super efficient 2011 Model Year Lotus Elise, introduced to the market earlier this year, will continue for all markets where it is sold including Europe.

The Lotus Elise SC RGB Special Edition in more detail:

• 217 hp (220 ps) supercharged 1.8 litre engine
• Lotus ultra lightweight forged alloy wheels
• Sport pack
• Touring pack
• Four paint colours - Aspen White, Starlight Black, Solar Yellow & Carbon Grey
• Roger Becker signature on rear of the car
• Roger Becker numbered plaque
• Monochrome Lotus badges
• Air conditioning
• Recommended Retail Price:
  • UK: £38,550 (including VAT)
  • Euro Zone: € 43,655 (excluding regional taxes)
  • Switzerland: CHF 71,435 (excluding taxes)

Official European Combined Cycle = 8.5 litres / 100 km (33.2 mpg)
Official European Extra Urban Cycle = 6.4 litres/100 km (44.1 mpg)
Official European Urban Cycle = 11.8 litre/100 km (23.9 mpg)
199 g/km of CO2

The Lotus Exige S RGB Special Edition in more detail:

• Standard Features
• 257 hp (260 ps) Supercharged 2ZZ 1.8 engine
• Lotus ultra lightweight forged alloy wheels
• Performance pack
• Sport pack
• Touring pack
• Four paint colours - Aspen White, Starlight Black, Solar Yellow & Carbon Grey
• Roger Becker signature on rear of car
• Roger Becker numbered plaque
• Monochrome Lotus badges
• Structural shear panel which gives increases lateral stiffness to the rear subframe by 30%
• Air conditioning
• Recommended Retail Price:
  • UK: £41,950 (including VAT)
  • Euro Zone: € 50,042 (excluding regional taxes)
  • Switzerland: CHF 81,887 (excluding taxes)

Official European Combined Cycle = 8.5 litres / 100 km (33.2 mpg)
Official European Extra Urban Cycle = 6.5 litres/100 km (43.5 mpg)
Official European Urban Cycle = 11.9 litre/100 km (23.7 mpg)
199 g/km of CO2

Press release announcing Roger Becker’s retiremen:

Roger Becker Lotus' Director of Vehicle Engineering is retiring from Group Lotus after a long career of 44 years.

Roger, 64, joined Lotus in 1966, working on the Elan assembly line at Cheshunt, but his natural driving and engineering skills came to the attention of Lotus founder Colin Chapman and Roger was quickly moved to the vehicle development team where he worked directly with Mike Kimberley (former Lotus CEO) on the Lotus Europa Twin Cam - his first Lotus car development project.

During his career at Lotus, Roger has been responsible for the development of every Lotus car, including the legendary Esprit, Excel, Elan, Elise, Exige and the new critically acclaimed Lotus Evora. Roger has helped to maintain the philosophies laid down by Colin Chapman and has ensured that the essence and purity of Lotus is instilled in all new Lotus cars. He also has imparted his chassis engineering knowledge and development skills to many of the world's major automotive manufacturers in support of Lotus' consultancy engineering business.

On his retirement, Roger Becker said, "I have had a dream career at Lotus, with the honour of not only working directly for Colin Chapman but also working with some of the finest people in the motor industry. With the Lotus Evora successfully entering the market with unprecedented global adulation, and at 64 years of age, I feel now is the natural time to retire. The Evora has given me my finest hour at Lotus and I leave knowing it will be the foundation of all our next generation cars. The product engineering team will build on this to develop many more award-winning products and I wish them every success for what promises to be a very exciting future for Lotus cars and the Lotus brand."

Dany Bahar, CEO of Group Lotus plc said, "On behalf of all the staff at Lotus, I would like to thank Roger for his contribution to Lotus over 44 years and we wish him well in his retirement."

This Is Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar

This Is Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar


This Is Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar


This Is Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar


This Is Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar


This Is Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar

2011 Lotus Esprit Sports Car Gallery

2011 Lotus Esprit Sports Car

The guys over at AutoCar have caught the upcoming Lotus Esprit testing in cold-snowy weather of Sweden. After running some DVLA records and matching the license plate, AutoCar has learned that the prototype is powered by a 4.4 liter V8 engine. Lotus sources have previously said that BMW may be the supplier for Lotus’ 2011 Esprit.It’s possible that the new Lotus Esprit will carry the 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 engine from the new BMW X6, but will most likely be tuned to develop 500 horsepower.Currently the 4.4 liter twin-turbo from V8 produces 400 horsepower. The engine is also expected to be used in other BMW models including the X5 and the 7-Series. Lotus engineers will most probably re-work the engine management to reach numbers closer the Nissan GT-R and the Porsche 911 Turbo.
According to Lotus insiders, the next-gen Elise will arrive sometime in early 2011 followed by an all-new V8-powered Esprit in 2012.

2011 Lotus Esprit Sports Car

The 2011 Elise will likely be built upon an evolved version of the current model’s extruded-aluminium underpinnings and continue the same formula that’s made the pint-sized sportscar a track day fave, but the Esprit will be a wholly different beast.
While the new Elise is all but locked in, the Esprit project is very much dependent on whether Lotus can sell enough Evoras to fund it. The timeline for the Esprit is also at the mercy of the global economic situation, with Lotus likely to delay the Esprit and forge ahead with a far less costly drop-top Evora if the recession persists much longer.
If it launches on time, the Esprit could be Lotus’ best hope of gaining a much larger share of the sports car market.
There are speculations stating that the 500bhp V10 powerplant can be the source of power for the Lotus Esprit, which will be released in 2012.

2011 Lotus Esprit Sports Car

The engine is currently being used in the Lexus LF-A, a car that has not yet been launched itself. Being connected with the Japanese carmaker Toyota, Lotus has access to its entire range of parts and components, as well as powerplants from the Lexus line. This points to the likelihood of an Esprit flagship, costing more than ?100,000, equipped with the compact 8500rpm V10 unit (to rival the Lamborghini Gallardo), including a less expensive variant equipped with the 5-liter, 417bhp V8 from the Lexus IS-F and an entry-level model coming with a Lotus-tuned direct-injection Toyota V6 unit that can come up with 300bhp.
Although a V8 or a V10 unit would definitely boost the profile of Lotus, there is also a possibility of an Eco Esprit. Lotus is moving forwards with more efficient products with lightweight engineering and its keen interest in alternative fuels and hybrid solutions. This is also underline by its partnership with the electric car manufacturer Tesla.

2011 Lotus Esprit Sports Car

The Esprit was inspired by the larger bonded and extruded aluminum chassis of the recently launched Evora, the rear section of which have been developed to accommodate both transversely and longitudinally fitted engines. Although the Lotus has shown that it can develop a new model in a short time (the Evora, for example, was developed in 27 months), the work on the Esprit will only reach its maximum when the Evora is being swept out of showrooms in the UK, Europe and US. It is the Malaysians who are funding the Evora project, with the persuasion of Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley.

source: http://blogcarwallpaper.blogspot.com

2011 Lotus Esprit Sports Car Gallery

2011 Lotus Esprit Sports Car

The guys over at AutoCar have caught the upcoming Lotus Esprit testing in cold-snowy weather of Sweden. After running some DVLA records and matching the license plate, AutoCar has learned that the prototype is powered by a 4.4 liter V8 engine. Lotus sources have previously said that BMW may be the supplier for Lotus’ 2011 Esprit.It’s possible that the new Lotus Esprit will carry the 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 engine from the new BMW X6, but will most likely be tuned to develop 500 horsepower.Currently the 4.4 liter twin-turbo from V8 produces 400 horsepower. The engine is also expected to be used in other BMW models including the X5 and the 7-Series. Lotus engineers will most probably re-work the engine management to reach numbers closer the Nissan GT-R and the Porsche 911 Turbo.
According to Lotus insiders, the next-gen Elise will arrive sometime in early 2011 followed by an all-new V8-powered Esprit in 2012.

2011 Lotus Esprit Sports Car

The 2011 Elise will likely be built upon an evolved version of the current model’s extruded-aluminium underpinnings and continue the same formula that’s made the pint-sized sportscar a track day fave, but the Esprit will be a wholly different beast.
While the new Elise is all but locked in, the Esprit project is very much dependent on whether Lotus can sell enough Evoras to fund it. The timeline for the Esprit is also at the mercy of the global economic situation, with Lotus likely to delay the Esprit and forge ahead with a far less costly drop-top Evora if the recession persists much longer.
If it launches on time, the Esprit could be Lotus’ best hope of gaining a much larger share of the sports car market.
There are speculations stating that the 500bhp V10 powerplant can be the source of power for the Lotus Esprit, which will be released in 2012.

2011 Lotus Esprit Sports Car

The engine is currently being used in the Lexus LF-A, a car that has not yet been launched itself. Being connected with the Japanese carmaker Toyota, Lotus has access to its entire range of parts and components, as well as powerplants from the Lexus line. This points to the likelihood of an Esprit flagship, costing more than ?100,000, equipped with the compact 8500rpm V10 unit (to rival the Lamborghini Gallardo), including a less expensive variant equipped with the 5-liter, 417bhp V8 from the Lexus IS-F and an entry-level model coming with a Lotus-tuned direct-injection Toyota V6 unit that can come up with 300bhp.
Although a V8 or a V10 unit would definitely boost the profile of Lotus, there is also a possibility of an Eco Esprit. Lotus is moving forwards with more efficient products with lightweight engineering and its keen interest in alternative fuels and hybrid solutions. This is also underline by its partnership with the electric car manufacturer Tesla.

2011 Lotus Esprit Sports Car

The Esprit was inspired by the larger bonded and extruded aluminum chassis of the recently launched Evora, the rear section of which have been developed to accommodate both transversely and longitudinally fitted engines. Although the Lotus has shown that it can develop a new model in a short time (the Evora, for example, was developed in 27 months), the work on the Esprit will only reach its maximum when the Evora is being swept out of showrooms in the UK, Europe and US. It is the Malaysians who are funding the Evora project, with the persuasion of Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley.

2011 Lotus Esprit Sports Car Gallery

2011 Lotus Esprit Sports Car

The guys over at AutoCar have caught the upcoming Lotus Esprit testing in cold-snowy weather of Sweden. After running some DVLA records and matching the license plate, AutoCar has learned that the prototype is powered by a 4.4 liter V8 engine. Lotus sources have previously said that BMW may be the supplier for Lotus’ 2011 Esprit.It’s possible that the new Lotus Esprit will carry the 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 engine from the new BMW X6, but will most likely be tuned to develop 500 horsepower.Currently the 4.4 liter twin-turbo from V8 produces 400 horsepower. The engine is also expected to be used in other BMW models including the X5 and the 7-Series. Lotus engineers will most probably re-work the engine management to reach numbers closer the Nissan GT-R and the Porsche 911 Turbo.
According to Lotus insiders, the next-gen Elise will arrive sometime in early 2011 followed by an all-new V8-powered Esprit in 2012.

2011 Lotus Esprit Sports Car

The 2011 Elise will likely be built upon an evolved version of the current model’s extruded-aluminium underpinnings and continue the same formula that’s made the pint-sized sportscar a track day fave, but the Esprit will be a wholly different beast.
While the new Elise is all but locked in, the Esprit project is very much dependent on whether Lotus can sell enough Evoras to fund it. The timeline for the Esprit is also at the mercy of the global economic situation, with Lotus likely to delay the Esprit and forge ahead with a far less costly drop-top Evora if the recession persists much longer.
If it launches on time, the Esprit could be Lotus’ best hope of gaining a much larger share of the sports car market.
There are speculations stating that the 500bhp V10 powerplant can be the source of power for the Lotus Esprit, which will be released in 2012.

2011 Lotus Esprit Sports Car

The engine is currently being used in the Lexus LF-A, a car that has not yet been launched itself. Being connected with the Japanese carmaker Toyota, Lotus has access to its entire range of parts and components, as well as powerplants from the Lexus line. This points to the likelihood of an Esprit flagship, costing more than ?100,000, equipped with the compact 8500rpm V10 unit (to rival the Lamborghini Gallardo), including a less expensive variant equipped with the 5-liter, 417bhp V8 from the Lexus IS-F and an entry-level model coming with a Lotus-tuned direct-injection Toyota V6 unit that can come up with 300bhp.
Although a V8 or a V10 unit would definitely boost the profile of Lotus, there is also a possibility of an Eco Esprit. Lotus is moving forwards with more efficient products with lightweight engineering and its keen interest in alternative fuels and hybrid solutions. This is also underline by its partnership with the electric car manufacturer Tesla.

2011 Lotus Esprit Sports Car

The Esprit was inspired by the larger bonded and extruded aluminum chassis of the recently launched Evora, the rear section of which have been developed to accommodate both transversely and longitudinally fitted engines. Although the Lotus has shown that it can develop a new model in a short time (the Evora, for example, was developed in 27 months), the work on the Esprit will only reach its maximum when the Evora is being swept out of showrooms in the UK, Europe and US. It is the Malaysians who are funding the Evora project, with the persuasion of Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley.

2011 Lotus Esprit Sports Car Gallery

2011 Lotus Esprit Sports Car

The guys over at AutoCar have caught the upcoming Lotus Esprit testing in cold-snowy weather of Sweden. After running some DVLA records and matching the license plate, AutoCar has learned that the prototype is powered by a 4.4 liter V8 engine. Lotus sources have previously said that BMW may be the supplier for Lotus’ 2011 Esprit.It’s possible that the new Lotus Esprit will carry the 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 engine from the new BMW X6, but will most likely be tuned to develop 500 horsepower.Currently the 4.4 liter twin-turbo from V8 produces 400 horsepower. The engine is also expected to be used in other BMW models including the X5 and the 7-Series. Lotus engineers will most probably re-work the engine management to reach numbers closer the Nissan GT-R and the Porsche 911 Turbo.
According to Lotus insiders, the next-gen Elise will arrive sometime in early 2011 followed by an all-new V8-powered Esprit in 2012.

2011 Lotus Esprit Sports Car

The 2011 Elise will likely be built upon an evolved version of the current model’s extruded-aluminium underpinnings and continue the same formula that’s made the pint-sized sportscar a track day fave, but the Esprit will be a wholly different beast.
While the new Elise is all but locked in, the Esprit project is very much dependent on whether Lotus can sell enough Evoras to fund it. The timeline for the Esprit is also at the mercy of the global economic situation, with Lotus likely to delay the Esprit and forge ahead with a far less costly drop-top Evora if the recession persists much longer.
If it launches on time, the Esprit could be Lotus’ best hope of gaining a much larger share of the sports car market.
There are speculations stating that the 500bhp V10 powerplant can be the source of power for the Lotus Esprit, which will be released in 2012.

2011 Lotus Esprit Sports Car

The engine is currently being used in the Lexus LF-A, a car that has not yet been launched itself. Being connected with the Japanese carmaker Toyota, Lotus has access to its entire range of parts and components, as well as powerplants from the Lexus line. This points to the likelihood of an Esprit flagship, costing more than ?100,000, equipped with the compact 8500rpm V10 unit (to rival the Lamborghini Gallardo), including a less expensive variant equipped with the 5-liter, 417bhp V8 from the Lexus IS-F and an entry-level model coming with a Lotus-tuned direct-injection Toyota V6 unit that can come up with 300bhp.
Although a V8 or a V10 unit would definitely boost the profile of Lotus, there is also a possibility of an Eco Esprit. Lotus is moving forwards with more efficient products with lightweight engineering and its keen interest in alternative fuels and hybrid solutions. This is also underline by its partnership with the electric car manufacturer Tesla.

2011 Lotus Esprit Sports Car

The Esprit was inspired by the larger bonded and extruded aluminum chassis of the recently launched Evora, the rear section of which have been developed to accommodate both transversely and longitudinally fitted engines. Although the Lotus has shown that it can develop a new model in a short time (the Evora, for example, was developed in 27 months), the work on the Esprit will only reach its maximum when the Evora is being swept out of showrooms in the UK, Europe and US. It is the Malaysians who are funding the Evora project, with the persuasion of Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley.

source: http://blogcarwallpaper.blogspot.com