LOTUS ESPIRIT 2008
Lotus is working as fast as they can on the next-generation Esprit, scheduled to debut in late 2008 as a 2009 model. These spy shots of a heavily disguised prototype are the first of a model that is beyond the test mule stage.
While Lotus’ drive train choice has been finalized, the specifics have not yet been officially released to the public. Sources, however, are telling us that Lotus has picked a 4.4 or 4.8 liter BMW V8, with engine management tweaked by Lotus’ engine programming wizards. Lotus, aiming to extract the maximum possible performance and handling characteristics from the new model, will be mounting the engine and transmission longitudinally. If you look closely at the spy shot of the rear of the prototype, you can see the transmission case at the bottom rear end, behind the mid-mounted power plant.
Lotus is aiming at a price point of around $130,000. This is a good step up from the previous model Esprit which maxed out around $95,000, but well under what Lotus sees as the direct competition: the Ferrari F430. With such lofty and proven competition, Lotus has its work cut out for it, but their engineers have a reputation of being among the best in the business. We can’t wait to report the details of this new model to you as it comes closer to being released.