Lotus Esprit/Elise News (copied from Autoweek)
Discussion
Lotus position: More powerful Elise to arrive in U.S. sometime in '04
The Lotus Elise will arrive on our shores as a 2005 model in either April or June 2004, depending on which Lotus executive you speak to. Without releasing specifics, Lotus execs said our Elise will have a more powerful engine than the European model, though torque will be similar to the European engine. Lotus will release more information midyear, including the name of its engine maker.
The V8-powered Esprit will continue into the 2004 model year, ending its 28-year life in early ’04. Lotus said that an all-new Esprit will hit the streets “in a few years time,” with the same name and the same two-seat, mid-engine configuration.
Lotus is also investigating a 2+2 car, “to see what the market’s expecting,” said Tony Shute, head of product in Hethel. Does the market expect an SUV?
“I don’t think the Lotus market does,” said Shute.
Whew!
The Lotus Elise will arrive on our shores as a 2005 model in either April or June 2004, depending on which Lotus executive you speak to. Without releasing specifics, Lotus execs said our Elise will have a more powerful engine than the European model, though torque will be similar to the European engine. Lotus will release more information midyear, including the name of its engine maker.
The V8-powered Esprit will continue into the 2004 model year, ending its 28-year life in early ’04. Lotus said that an all-new Esprit will hit the streets “in a few years time,” with the same name and the same two-seat, mid-engine configuration.
Lotus is also investigating a 2+2 car, “to see what the market’s expecting,” said Tony Shute, head of product in Hethel. Does the market expect an SUV?
“I don’t think the Lotus market does,” said Shute.
Whew!
My reaction exactly! I missed this on Monday. 
It was on the wall in the design building at the Lotus factory... It was in public view so I doubt it will go into production, they wouldn't show it during an open day would they??
I got some more if you want to see them... have a look at www.ovalstudios.co.uk/lotus
I got some more if you want to see them... have a look at www.ovalstudios.co.uk/lotus
I wouldn't worry about that becoming a reality, Lotus often, like many car makers has a go at theoretical studies to see what it can produce. From the look of it they would need mass investment to launch such a thing and more because they have no experience in designing that sort of vehicle. They would probably only do it as a project for another company.
Nicholas
(92 Esprit SE HW)
Nicholas
(92 Esprit SE HW)
Gassing Station | General Lotus Stuff | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff