New Lotus Esprit?

[Johnny Boy]

Does anybody have any information / pictures of the new Esprit V8-GT Apparently it has the front end from the Sport 350, round rear light clusters Elise style, aircon, two tone leather and the SE spoiler as standard. Any other information would be much appreciated, thanks

[Nightmare]

haven't heard anything about it at all...where did you get this original info from? the rear lights wouldnt half make it look better! Night

[Johnny Boy]

My local dealer (JCT600 Leeds) told me this last Friday - it has since been confirmed by Gordon Lamb of Sheffield. Agreed - the round rear lights would be a massive improvement from the Toyota ones!

[Nightmare]

still can't find any bloody pictures! I swear...Lotus have possibly the WORST PR engine the world has ever seen...should have gone for their internet marketing manager position after all... Night

[Johnny Boy]

Well, hopefully they'll be some pictures around soon, because I've ordered one for delivery 1st week December. I took the view that whatever changes they made, it wasn't going to look crap! Anyway, I'm going to pester my dealer again to see if he can get any joy out of Lotus

[rob.ellis]

Hi Guys - i spoke to a mate who is recently ex-lotus, who was not aware of any updates. He was surprised that they would make changes given the low production volumes for the esprit. Only thing i can think is that they maybe can't get any more toyota lights, hence may be forced into doing something...? Exchanged emails with autoexpress yesterday too, they were unaware of any impending release. Must remember however, that elise 2 was a complete surprise when launched!! Personally, i think the esprit will look cr@p with round lights - the rest of the car is all straight edges.. If anyone DOES however have any info, lets have it ;-) Rob 98 V8-GT

[rob.ellis]

quote: I've ordered one for delivery 1st week December.

Have you joined the Yahoo Esprit Group? http://groups.yahoo.com/group/uklotusesprit

[Johnny Boy]

Yeah, signed up a week ago and put the same post on there (No 937) with zero response! Pestered JCT600 earlier today (whilst dropping the V8-GT in for a knackered clutch!) and still no joy from them. Still, when the pictures do finally arrive, I'll put a link to them. As to the lights looking crap, I suppose it all depends on how they do it. I personally thought the rear clusters on the original Elise were a bit plain but that they did an excellent job on the new Elise. Only time will tell...

[Nightmare]

yeah - Im with you on that - think round lights, integrated well, will look brilliant

[Johnny Boy]

So, what do we think to this guys... http://www.pistonheads.com/Lotus/default.asp?storyId=2958

[dbw]

Now I know I said I would never,ever buy a Lotus again......doh! It looks gorgeous! My dealers are denying all knowledge....I want one.

[PetrolTed]

I think that picture is actually a regurgitated M250 styling guess. It's very unlikely that changes as big as that have been implemented (particularly the diffuser). I suspect it's just the rear panel that houses the lights. There has also been a suggestion that it might lose the pop up lights though and get Diablo style units.

[Johnny Boy]

The pop up lights must stay! The sight of an Esprit with it's headlights on at dusk cannot be beaten.

[Nightmare]

yeah - unfortunately they're heavy, expensive and liable to break! this looks like a typical 'Autocar' pic - total CGI over photo - wish people wouldnt do this!