The guys over at
AutoCar have caught the upcoming
Lotus Esprit testing in cold-snowy weather of
Sweden. After running some
DVLA records and matching the license plate, AutoCar has learned that the
prototype is powered by a
4.4 liter V8 engine. Lotus sources have previously said that
BMW may be the supplier for Lotus’
2011 Esprit.It’s possible that the new Lotus Esprit will carry the 4.4 liter
twin-turbo V8 engine from the new
BMW X6, but will most likely be tuned to develop
500 horsepower.Currently the 4.4 liter twin-turbo from V8 produces 400 horsepower. The engine is also expected to be used in other BMW models including the X5 and the 7-Series. Lotus engineers will most probably re-work the engine management to reach numbers closer the
Nissan GT-R and the
Porsche 911 Turbo.According to Lotus insiders, the next-gen
Elise will arrive sometime in early 2011 followed by an
all-new V8-powered Esprit in
2012.
..............................2011 Lotus Esprit Sports CarThe 2011 Elise will likely be built upon an evolved version of the current model’s extruded-aluminium underpinnings and continue the same formula that’s made the pint-sized
sportscar a track day fave, but the Esprit will be a wholly different beast.
While the new Elise is all but locked in, the Esprit project is very much dependent on whether Lotus can sell enough Evoras to fund it. The timeline for the Esprit is also at the mercy of the global economic situation, with Lotus likely to delay the Esprit and forge ahead with a far less costly drop-top
Evora if the recession persists much longer.
If it launches on time, the Esprit could be Lotus’ best hope of gaining a much larger share of the sports car market.
There are speculations stating that the 500bhp V10 powerplant can be the source of power for the Lotus Esprit, which will be released in 2012.
..............................2011 Lotus Esprit Sports CarThe engine is currently being used in the
Lexus LF-A, a car that has not yet been launched itself. Being connected with the Japanese carmaker
Toyota, Lotus has access to its entire range of parts and components, as well as powerplants from the
Lexus line. This points to the likelihood of an Esprit flagship, costing more than ?100,000, equipped with the compact 8500rpm
V10 unit (to rival the
Lamborghini Gallardo), including a less expensive variant equipped with the 5-liter, 417bhp V8 from the
Lexus IS-F and an entry-level model coming with a Lotus-tuned direct-injection
Toyota V6 unit that can come up with 300bhp.
Although a V8 or a V10 unit would definitely boost the profile of Lotus, there is also a possibility of an
Eco Esprit. Lotus is moving forwards with more efficient products with lightweight engineering and its keen interest in
alternative fuels and
hybrid solutions. This is also underline by its partnership with the electric car manufacturer
Tesla.
..............................2011 Lotus Esprit Sports CarThe Esprit was inspired by the larger bonded and extruded aluminum chassis of the recently launched Evora, the rear section of which have been developed to accommodate both transversely and longitudinally fitted engines. Although the Lotus has shown that it can develop a new model in a short time (the Evora, for example, was developed in 27 months), the work on the Esprit will only reach its maximum when the Evora is being swept out of showrooms in the
UK, Europe and
US. It is the
Malaysians who are funding the Evora project, with the persuasion of
Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley.
