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

The Lotus Exige Scura has debuted at the Tokyo motor show, showing the dark livery of the special edition coupe. The Exige Scura will have a production run of just 35 units, and the matt black colour is called Phantom Black.

The Exige Scura has a few modifications that add to its nasty look, including front splitter, new air intakes, air scoop and rear wing. Carbon fibre is used extensively in the interior and adds to the look but also, significantly, reduces the weight of the car down to a total of 925 kg.

The Exige Scura is equipped with Lotus’ most powerful engine: the 1.8 litre supercharged four-cylinder at 260 hp which appears on the Exige Cup 260. The limited edition model also has launch control, adjustable traction control, Ohlins suspension, Eibach springs and black forged wheels with Yokohama A048 LTS tyres.

Lotus Exige Scura

Continue reading: Lotus Exige Scura pics

Here are pics of the 2010 Lotus Exige S240 which features a new nose job and rear wing. Larger air intakes and the new rear wing improve aerodynamics and engine cooling, with the rear wing that of the 2007 Exige GT3 road car concept. The only modifications to the mechanical parts are new Ohlins suspension with separate tank that forms part of an optional track kit.

Continue reading: Lotus Exige S240 pics

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