The next generation Lotus Esprit looks likely to be made in Malaysia, according to an Autocar report. It's a favoured option both because production costs will be lower, and it's the home of parent company Proton.
The Elise will stay at Hethel, said a Lotus source. The source said the Lotus is considering other production possibilities but hasn't yet made up its mind. The news though is said to be an open secret among Lotus's 400-strong workforce, who will be bitterly disappointed should the decision fall in Malaysia's favour. With the ending of the production of the Vauxhall VX220 at the end of 2005, new projects such as the Esprit could save their jobs.
Scheduled for launch in 2007-8, the mid-engined, all-alloy £75,000 car may house the Mercedes SLR McLaren's AMG V8 powerplant.
Read about the last Esprit here
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