Esprit Spy shots: 2009 Lotus Esprit

[Zafiro]

An anonymous tipster to AutoGespot, a car spotting website, has managed to get the best pictures yet of Lotus’ upcoming Esprit supercar. Sources claim that the new Esprit will feature a BMW-sourced engine –there’s still some debate about whether it’ll be 4.4L or 4.8L - developing in the region of 370hp and will be able to take the new Esprit to a top speed of 290km/h.

Lotus has always been about low weight, so don’t be surprised if the new Esprit comes in at around 1200kg thanks to the use of advanced materials like aluminium and carbon fibre. The flagship Lotus is expected to cost around €110,000 and will hit a road near you towards the end of 2009. Now that VW has bought Proton, and by association Lotus, we’re pretty sure they don’t want to be sending money over to BMW for its engines. Could that mean the Esprit may get the RS4’s 420hp V8? We’ll have to wait and see.

 

[Zafiro]

 

[Zafiro]

The Lotus Esprit, a car severely missed by a huge number of auto fans, is slated after numerous delays to return from the dead in 2009, perhaps at the Geneva Motor Show. Until then, the Dutch seem to be first in getting details on and spy shots of this most English of cars. Last year it was said that Esprit would have a "much more compact" footprint than than the Gallardo or F430, have an aluminum or composite skin, and be produced at a rate of 2,500 per year.

The latest info is that the engine will be a 4.8-liter V8 from BMW producing in excess of 400 bhp -- possibly with the help of some forced breathing apparatus. This time around, there will be a convertible version to go with the coupe, and word is that the car will sell for 70,000 British pounds. Whenever it arrives, it will find there aren't many chairs left in the affordable sports car arena, what with every month bringing a new entrant. Still, we only have two words for the new Esprit: bring it.

 

[Mr. M]

Looks like a proper supercar. For someone like me who hasn't seen a Lotus this big or eye-catching other than an Elise, it's pretty exciting.

 

[martinbo]

Looks very promising...

 

[Merc1]

Yes it does indeed. I can't wait to see what they can do with a real car again and not just a track toy.

M

 

[Zafiro]

sounds like a new Z06. Amazing performance for a cheap cost.

 

[ateekt]

Price like American big-block & performance like Italian exotic, "wow" ...!

Looks a little Lambo-ish to me, I wish, she get same rims in production model too ...!