2011 Lotus Esprit new rendering

Yesterday we reported on the Lotus Evora getting fitted for a supercharger. From that post we could tell Lotus was going to be pretty busy for the next few years, and now we know why the re-birth of the Esprit was delayed until 2011. But don’t think we’ve forgotten about it.

The next Esprit is already a few years into development, and it’s the only Lotus left we haven’t gotten a good look at yet. But that doesn’t stop the world from speculating, like with this new rendering.

As usual the best things come to those who wait. Rumors peg the 2011 Esprit to possibly use a V8 engine sourced by BMW. This engine could make between 500 and 550 hp, which would make for strong competition in Lotus’ traditionally lightweight cars. This kind of set up would make sense in the Esprit. Although the original car started life in 1975 with a 2.0-liter four cylinder, the car had grown to accept 3.5-liter twin-turbo V8 by the time it took its final bow in 2004.