These Lotus spy shots show a revamped Lotus Exige masquerading as what could possibly be the new future Lotus Esprit. In fact, the rear is almost unbelievable and it is what indicates the new Esprit powertrain, according to reports. There are plans to build a new Lotus Esprit, considered essential to the brand, which would have an impressive power-to-weight ratio.

The new Esprit engine is unknown as yet, but it could be a V8 from Toyota, and it’s not entirely certain how modifications to the aluminium chassis will play out. The project is apparently in a very early stage, and will use a version of Lotus’ Versatile Vehicle Architecture.

The Lotus Esprit would be the top-of-the-range model, described as the “ultimate expression of the brand”. We should soon get a full Lotus product plan from the new CEO Danny Bahar, and reports already show a rough idea of what that will be. The Exige, Europa and Elise will be entry-level models with their four-cylinder engines, while the V6 Evora will take up the middle in the Lotus range, with the Esprit right at the top.

Lotus Esprit spy shots

Source | Autocar

Continue reading: Lotus Esprit spy shots

Lotus has released these pics of the Elise Club Racer prior to its Frankfurt show debut this month. The Special Edition Elise Club Racer is being described as a “high performance”, “low emission sportscar”.

The model will be made in 1960’s classic colour scheme colours of Elite Yellow, Carbon Grey, Sky Blue and Old English White, and then matched with a Club Racer interior. The car is based on the 134 hp Elise S model, and can reach 100 km/hr in 6.1 seconds. It has CO2 emissions of 179 g/km and a combined fuel consumption of 7.6 l/100 km.

The Elise Club Racer will be on sale from September 15 at prices ranging from 33,125 euros in Germany, to 34,770 euros in Italy and 25,712 pounds in the UK.

Lotus Elise Club Racer

Continue reading: Lotus Elise Club Racer pics

Lotus has appointed a new CEO to its ranks with Dany Bahar, previously Senior Vice President for Ferrari’s Commercial and Brand division. The appointment will be effective from October 1st, as Bahar replaces Michael Kimberley, who retired from Lotus in July.

In a statement from Lotus, Bahar says: “I am looking forward to taking on the challenges as CEO of this legendary and iconic company with a peerless motorsport history. Lotus has a worldwide reputation for innovative engineering and superb sportscars that lead the world in efficiency, design and dynamics. With the recent launch of the award-winning Evora, there is proof that Lotus is better placed than many to capitalise on the rapidly changing automotive market. I can’t wait to get my plans underway in October.”

The appointment coincides with the release of the new Lotus Elise Club Racer which will be presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show this month. See our post on the Elise Club Racer for more details.

Continue reading: New Lotus CEO Dany Bahar

The Geneva motor show revealed a suprise from Lotus with the presentation of its Exige S Model Year 2010. This new version has updated aerodynamics, and reduced emissions at 199 g/km of CO2. Not easy for a sports car, figures also reveal that fuel consumption is down to 8.5 l/100km, with highway driving further reduced to 6.5 l/100km.

With this new Exige S, Lotus shows of its luxury car qualifications with the Touring package that includes everything from leather seating, central console in leather, i-pod connection and glass holders. The Sport package has Bilstein suspension, traction control and anti-roll bar. The Performance package is different again, with AP four- piston braking system and 308mm discs, larger air intakes and a power kit that takes this car from 220 to 240hp.

The Evora was also on show, with its interior finally displayed to us, snap-happy bloggers. One disappointment though is the confirmation that the rear seats have no room whatsover, for legs. The driving position is, however, more comfortable and luxurious than with the Elise-Exige models. With more detailed interiors, this model aims at a different clientele and shows a Lotus touring style.

Continue reading: New Lotus Exige S revealed

This a rumour too juicy to be denied: or better, a dream, even a mirage. But if it’s true… According to reports from Leftlane, following more on Abarth rumours, Fiat could have reached an agreement to develop its future spider on the base of the next Elise. There’s no trick here - we are talking about the Lotus Elise.

Luca DeMeo, general manager of the “Scorpione”, has let out a dream declaration: one day, they might produce a product all of their own. The English site, at this point, has put two and two together, a difficult sum in these situations, and has come up with the solution that Abarth will need technical resources, and so would ask the Hethel company to provide them.

Continue reading: Spider Abarth: close relative of the future Lotus Elise?

More news from Hethel regarding the Lotus Elise has arrived before the impending London Show. The Elise is treading an ecological path and should be adding an “Eco” signature to its name, which evokes unforgettable track days of times gone past.

The allimiunium chassis and technology come from the Elise S, but the real news is all in the materials: this Eco Elise will include parts made from canvas, environmentally friendly wool, agaves and particularly a new varnish made from a water base which will result in the same colouring as currently seen.

The result is that the car’s manufacturing has a reduced impact on the environment, reducing energy required, and it should also lose a couple more kilos. Solar panels on the roof and gear change indicator are other aspects of this Eco Elise. We’ve just got to be patient while waiting for more information and pics.

Via | Autoblog.com

Continue reading: Londra 2008: Lotus presents Eco Elise

Known by know to all long-term Autoblog readers, Chris Harris does a road test of the new Lotus Elise SC, the 220hp supercharged version of the English sportscar which finally adopted the compressed engines from its coupè cousin Exige. On the Elise volumetrics are different, developed exclusively by Lotus and in particular the Exige’s intercooler, which completely closes the driver’s rear vision, is not included.

Positive notes include the performance, combined with reasonable consumption, but of particular attention is the handling, supported by a feather-light weight (although a long way from the Elise S1), and the Yokohama tyres specific to this version.

Chris, in love with the SC, doesn’t take long to praise Lotus’ choice of persuing the aim of lighter and less powerful cars, in such a way as to maintain the sporty characteristics, adapting to the ever more stringent laws on consumption and emission, compared to the German counterparts.

Continue reading: Video: Autocar enthusiastic about the Lotus Elise SC