New 2008 Lotus Esprit

[alexz]

New mid-engined car starts serious testing


Testing for the next Lotus Esprit is proceeding apace -- and it's aimed right at the Lamborghini Gallardo and the Ferrari F430.
The car is currently undergoing crash test work and looks likely to emerge from the factory on late 2007, in time for launch proper in 2008, according to this week's Autocar. Chief designer Russell Carr reckoned that the mid-engined car would be smaller than either of the two supercars mentioned above.

According to the report, it'll be powered by a twin-turbocharged V8 -- possibly a BMW -- via a six-speed sequential transmission. Bodywork is likely to be either composite or aluminium. There's no news on concrete matters such as price or a more detailed spec.

After the lukewarm reception afforded the new Europa, let's hope that Lotus gets the styling right for this prestigious end of the market.

Looks nice isnt it? :)

 

[SkYwAlKeR]

ooo... nice...

 

[munky]

by the time it is launched, the gallardo and f430 would have a new model which should be better.

btw is that the real picture ? not some computer generated image ?

 

[si|verfish]

Hahaha...yeah...what munky said is damn true. The new Gallardo is coming soon, maybe as soon as next year. The f430 CS is also in hot pursuit. The Esprit will have to come with a free playmate for it to beat the Italians.

 

[prodigy]

The Lotus has always been a pure racers car. People love Lotus for its extremely well balanced and handling which offers a very satisfying ride.

I've said it before, Ferrari makes great cars but they're always there for comercial reason. You find that flashy people would drive Ferrari for its style(and performance) while a pure racer would appreciate the inner beauty of a Lotus.

For people like you and me, we still love both cars no matter what.

 

[si|verfish]

You're taking a lot away from Ferrari with that comment. There are people who buy Ferraris because they are flashy, but Ferrari don't simply build flashy cars. Anything Lotus can do, Ferrari can do (the handling and balance thing) and with more style (in typical Italian fashion), racetrack ability included, especially given the difference in budget.

What, for me, differentiates Lotus from the others, and what keeps the Lotus lovers happy is its minimalism and its focus. It doesn't try to be something it isn't and it sticks to its gun, its defining concepts. Simple, lightweight, compact, great handling cars.

I say bring on the Esprit and bring on the f430 Challenge Stradale and we'll see what's what.

That said though, it'll never beat its intended targets (not in terms of performance). I don't really see the Esprit causing the Italians any sleepless nights at all. The Lotus will still more or less appeal to a niche and not carving a chunk out of Lambo and Ferrari sales.

 

[xerofighter]

and since lotus is owned by proton, the power windows probably wont work

 

[alien]

..a turbocharged v8 from bmw? hmm..

 

[SkYwAlKeR]

and since lotus is owned by proton, the power windows probably wont work

haha.... lotus owned by proton doesnt mean lotus using proton's technology...:X-:

 

[crsjimmy]

looks like europa

http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/4783/europas14ep.jpg
http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/4530/europas27ax.jpg
http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/1813/europas35dh.jpg
dashboard same as saga lmst (now)
rear looks like new srm n savvy r using center pipe
also call as proton ultimate ?? haha

 

[na_power]

hurmz... dif company have dif advantage... but for me lambo is the REAL supercar...

 

[WBH8668]

..a turbocharged v8 from bmw? hmm..

Lotus use alot others manufacture engine for their car even from GM and Toyota. but not from Proton!

 

[na_power]

lotus is famous with their handling... lambo famous in engine... while ferrari famous with itz BRAND... i hope lotus use their own engine in future...

 

[rollakid]

Lotus use alot others manufacture engine for their car even from GM and Toyota. but not from Proton!

i hope they use a twin turbo 3UZ XD

 

[si|verfish]

lotus is famous with their handling... lambo famous in engine... while ferrari famous with itz BRAND... i hope lotus use their own engine in future...

Right....so says the foremost authority on sportscars.