New Lotus unveiled
It has been responsible for some of the most iconic cars in recent history and last night Norfolk-based Lotus unveiled another classic of the future - its first new model in 13 years.
Only known as Eagle, its project name, until the official debut at the British Motor Show next Tuesday, the car is already on the waiting lists of high profile collectors including top Hollywood star Patrick Dempsey.
It is the Hethel-based company’s first all-new car since the iconic Elise in 1995 and as the only mid-engined - where the engine sits between the rear and the front axles - four-seater sportscar in production it is one of the most eagerly anticipated projects on the market.
Project Eagle is the first of three new models included in CEO Mike Kimberley’s five year strategic business plan launched in October 2006 to propel Lotus forward.
It is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine and even in the very early stages of development testing, Lotus ride and handling engineers reported it was considerably faster around the famously demanding Nürburgring circuit than the Elise and more stable at speed than the Exige.
Styled in-house by Lotus Design the leather cockpit-like surroundings feature high-tech controls.
A spokesman for Lotus said: “The Project Eagle’s sleek, sophisticated and attention-snaring lines brilliantly disguise its ability to accommodate passengers in the rear of the cabin, giving the car the external characteristics of a small, nimble sportscar whilst belying its internal space.”
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| Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley. |
As well as being sold in a two plus two configuration, with rear seats designed for children or small adults on short journeys, the car will also be available as a purely two-seater, with the space in the rear being allocated to luggage storage.
Other derivatives are also planned for the future, including a convertible and an ultrahigh performance version.
Deliveries of Project Eagle will begin in Spring 2009, and with only 2,000 of the hand crafted cars planned each year, it is creating a real stir with a number of celebrity enthusiasts, including Mr Dempsey, star of Enchanted and Grey’s Anatomy, on the waiting list for a test drive.
Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc, had this to say about the new model: “Project Eagle is the biggest milestone Lotus has achieved since the Elise was born 13 years ago.
“We are currently working at broadening appeal of the Lotus brand through an aggressive five-year model plan of which this car represents the first exciting step.”
Russell Carr, head of design, said: “Project Eagle’s dynamically sculptured form and dramatic proportions communicate visual drama, speed and agility even when the car is standing still.
“Sportscars are primarily an emotional rather than a rational purchase and so the design must seduce with its beauty and distinctive character.
“However, the modern customer also demands that the product offers real-world usability as well as exotic imagery. Therefore every element of the car’s exterior and interior has been carefully designed to create a product that offers comfort and convenience as well as traditional performance car attributes.”
Lotus has not yet named the price of the new model but it has previously been reported as expected to sell for between £45,000 and £ 48,000.
Meanwhile work is also under way on the top-secret replacement for the company’s hugely successful Esprit model which is expected to retail around the £80,000 mark
just go with it on July 16th 2008 in Exotic Car Rental