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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. Next generation Lotus Esprit delayed until 2011
Lotus was supposed to unveil the Esprit’s successor by early 2010, but latest reports from the company said the launch will be delayed until early 2011 as the car will be totally redesigned. Also there are very big chances for the car to get hybrid, using a mix of Lotus and Toyota technology. Company boss Mike Kimberley said he wants to offer “guilt-free, high performance motoring” and admits the company is “working on something”. The future Esprit (he name is not actually confirmed yet) will be built on the same chassis platform as the new Evora, and will be made wider and longer and with a new rear structure designed to accommodate a longitudinally mounted engine. Also the company is working on more versions of the newly launched Evora, including a two-seater, a convertible and an automatic. And work is also advancing on S3 versions of the Elise and Exige.
2010 Lotus Esprit to be powered by a BMW engine
Autocar caught testing the 2010 Lotus ’Eagle’ GT, a model that will be powered by a 4.4-litre V8 supplied by BMW. The engine was first used by BMW in the newly launched X6, but by 2010 will have been used in a number of other BMW models including the X5 and the 7-series. Lotus will probably re-work the engine management and extract a Nissan GT-R- and Porsche 911 Turbo-rivalling power figure in excess of 500bhp.
2009 Lotus Esprit - spy shots
Autocar’s Magazine last issue features a spy photo of the future Lotus Esprit. It was caught inside Lotus’s Norfolk HQ by a snarh-eyed snapper from outside the factory gates Full story 1995 Lotus Esprit S4S
Lotus unveiled the Esprit S4S in 1994 at the British Motor Show. The new Esprit had a 300 horsepower engine, modified suspension, and a new wing, wheel and tire package. Full story
1974 - 2002 Lotus Esprit
History 1972 Esprit Concept car unveiled The November Turin Motorshow in Italy saw the unveiling of the Lotus Esprit concept car on Giorgio Giugiario’s Ital Design stand. Colin Chapman had seen the potential for a future mid-engined Lotus to replace the ageing Europa, and brought the car back to Hethel after the show to start the development process. Mike Kimberley and Tony Rudd led the M70 project, and the prototype work for the project took place at the recently purchased (... > Full story 2010 Lotus Esprit spied on the road
Lotus is currently working on a replacement for the Esprit sports car built from 1976 to 2004. The initial release date was 2008, but current assumptions within the company imply that the actual release date will be December 2009. The 2010 Esprit will be priced at $130.000 (est). The new Esprit will be built around a new aluminium structure, which Lotus plans to adopt for other cars, too. The exterior design has been signed off; the aerodynamics are being scrutinised in the wind tunnel. At (...) > Full story
2010 Lotus Esprit
Lotus is currently working on a replacement for the Esprit sports car built from 1976 to 2004. The initial release date was 2008, but current assumptions within the company imply that the actual release date will be December 2009. The 2010 Esprit will be priced at $130.000 (est) and will compete with models like Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo, Audi R8 and Porsche Turbo. One of the three models from Lotus due in the next few years, it will be built at the Lotus headquarters at Hethel in ( > Full story
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