Road And Track Article

[ErnestM]

For all US PHers...

Grab this month's Road and Track for a short blurb on the Esprit replacement. It seems that they are still using the Gallardo-sprit "knockup", but the information was interesting. 2006, huh?


sorry about the size for all you non-broadband users, but I wanted people to be able to read it. Also - sorry for the uneven page, but I was deep into Guiness #5 and couldn't be arsed to sort it


ErnestM

[kylie]

I am not sure I like the adaption of the Elise styling on the bum, and the style of the wheels arent making me jump up and down. However, the side air intakes look neat and has some nice lines on the front. I guess they will do many last drawings to get it right before it hits production.

I think Lotus should get approval from us PH'ers first don't ya think

[rob.e]

Thanks for posting that Ernest.. looks like they took a lot of stuff from that autocar article

[86turbo]

The information is very interesting, if it is true then it sounds like the Esprit replacement is shaping up to be a very good car, innovative too. The rear on the rendering could be a little more imaginative, and I don't really like the smiley face grille or the huge vent in the side. Hopefully Lotus' actual design will do better justice to the car's (hopefully good) performance. I'd like to see an Elite replacement.
Dan

>> Edited by 86turbo on Wednesday 14th April 12:30

[Skerd]

$ 125,000 is a big increase over what the real life transaction price is currently for a new one. I will get a two year old one for $ 50,000 in a few years.

[BrianTheYank]

Did they have to make it look soo crap???

[86turbo]

I really liked the CG proposal made by that one guy... www.neilwhitedesign.cjb.net/
Dan

[jayinatlanta]

Yeah, that's not bad (referring to the design Dan pointed us to, this specific page: www.geocities.com/MotorCity/3804/esprit2006.html).

I like that it continues to modernize the angularity that I think we all love in our Esprits. Personally, I'd make the headlights more of a homage to the old popups rather than the slits that are so popular in today's exotics & concepts.

As far as the R&T / Autocar designs: I like that they keep the engine vents on the rear decklid rather than enclosing the engine inside glass, but I hate the Lamborghini-style intake vents on the upper body.

~Jay in Atlanta
1993.5 Silver Frost Esprit SE

[hedgerley]

An 'Exclusive' in todays Autocar reveals that Lotus are considering the BMW V8 in M5 guise for the new Esprit. The 4.9L develops 400bhp in the BMW but Lotus are investigating forced induction to raise the output further.

It will be a shame if they don't use their own, a derivative of the current V8 perhaps, but what I do find encouraging is the regular news and updates, confirming the work Lotus are putting into the new supercar. I just hope they change their mind and do actually called it Esprit.

[CAM79]

Thanks for posting the image. Just looking at the design here, there's no doubt about it, the body is definately based on the new Lambo, personally I think Lotus should try and keep the design as close to the shape of the Esprit's to date as possible, I don't think the shape will ever be 'dated', people generally know the shape of an 'Esprit'. Perhaps because I'm a Gallado fan too that maybe the reason I'm not sure about it, although I think that Audi should have designed the Gallado to look more like a 'proper' Lamborghini, but that's another subject.

I agree, the cost is a steep, but people will buy the new Esprit because it is the new 'Esprit', but looking at the competition around the price range i.e the 360 and Gallado, the new car will have a lot to prove. To be honest if I was spending that sort of money I'd probably push myself towards the Gallado. Hopefully I will be proved wrong, and the new 'Esprit' will be awesome, I better start saving...

[Skerd]

A forced induction BMW starting at 400hp is not bad. Just keep the weight under 3,000lbs.


>> Edited by Skerd on Thursday 15th April 12:36