What is latest news on the "Esprit" replacement?
Discussion
OK,
During the 25th annual Lotus owners gathering this August, my friend and I cornered Lotus CEO Kim Ogaard-Nielsen about the new Esprit,
This is what we learned…
- Due to product recognition and the fact that the lines and styling queue’s of the new car pull heavily from the current model, it will continue to be called “Esprit”.
- It will be V8 powered although not by a Lotus sourced power plant. He claimed that Lotus just did not have the resources at this time to develop a new motor for the car.
(On a side note, Lotus cars head of manufacturing for the Elise, Luke Bennett was heading to Bowling Green Kentucky for a meeting with the gents at the Corvette plant, he said to discuss manufacturing techniques ……..Can you say LS7…..!!??)
- Pricing will be in line with the Porsche 911, a sequential gearbox with paddle shifter is not out of the question, but will not be seen in the first model year.
- World wide release date of Dec. 07’
That’s about all we could get out of him.
Mike R.
94’S4 NY/NJ LEO|
During the 25th annual Lotus owners gathering this August, my friend and I cornered Lotus CEO Kim Ogaard-Nielsen about the new Esprit,
This is what we learned…
- Due to product recognition and the fact that the lines and styling queue’s of the new car pull heavily from the current model, it will continue to be called “Esprit”.
- It will be V8 powered although not by a Lotus sourced power plant. He claimed that Lotus just did not have the resources at this time to develop a new motor for the car.
(On a side note, Lotus cars head of manufacturing for the Elise, Luke Bennett was heading to Bowling Green Kentucky for a meeting with the gents at the Corvette plant, he said to discuss manufacturing techniques ……..Can you say LS7…..!!??)
- Pricing will be in line with the Porsche 911, a sequential gearbox with paddle shifter is not out of the question, but will not be seen in the first model year.
- World wide release date of Dec. 07’
That’s about all we could get out of him.
Mike R.
94’S4 NY/NJ LEO|
whatever V8 they put in it will be tried and tested and that I think is the crux of it. Reliability and tunability with a gearbox that can take a bit of punishment. I won't afford one so will just sit and covet it when it arrives.
I will stick to tweeking my little 4 pot, it is inexpensive enough for me and I get lots of fun from it. Plenty of bits in the pipeline too (some are in the Pipe-dream but hey!)
I will stick to tweeking my little 4 pot, it is inexpensive enough for me and I get lots of fun from it. Plenty of bits in the pipeline too (some are in the Pipe-dream but hey!)
karmavore said:
If the Esprit has a genuine Chevy V8 it will get jeered.
It will be called a "Pantera" "Brutish" and "Uncivilized" and a the "Kit Car" thing will continue. If it got, say, an Audi V8 or a Toyota V8 this won't happen.
Lucas.
Lucas,
I think if the new Esprit ends up with the Corvette LS7 engine it would be a case of Lotus and General Motors coming full circle.
Remember a little Corvette model called the ZR-1 with the 32 valve Lotus designed engine?
This would just be turning the tables.
I doubt anyone could call the LS7 "Brutish" and "Uncivilized", it is a highly developed, race proven engine. Where else can you get 500+ normaly aspirated HP and still get 25+ MPG?
Mike
>> Edited by mikelr on Monday 26th September 23:44
I'm not saying that I will be dissapointed if Lotus doesn't use the LS7 and I understand what your saying about the possiblity of a less than warm welcome from people in the UK. But what makes you think that they would be more likely to welcome a motor from Toyota or Audi with open arms?
Mike
Mike
Because anyone but the layman will expect Lotus to source the engine AND precedent has made Euro-sourced engines in niche Euro super cars palatable, if not normal:
Mclaren F1, Zonda, Elise, Ascari…
I think a Ford or Cosworth V8 would be more palatable to Brits..
TVR (right?), Koenigsegg, etc..
I dunno, maybe I’m talking out my ass. :-)
Lucas.
Mclaren F1, Zonda, Elise, Ascari…
I think a Ford or Cosworth V8 would be more palatable to Brits..
TVR (right?), Koenigsegg, etc..
I dunno, maybe I’m talking out my ass. :-)
Lucas.
Latest rumour that I have heard on the engine is either the Lexus/Toyota V8 or the AMG V8. Either one would, presumably pass emissions in the US. Reportedly either would be turbo.
Also, IIRC, the engine has already been selected, they are just mum about it right now.
I think that they are heading to Bowling Green to learn production techniques. As we all know, Lotus could use some help in the mass produced GRP/fibre department. Don't believe me? Look at the body on your car and then take an up close look at the Corvette. At least a decade apart as far as fit and finish and Corvettes are churned out by the shipload.
ErnestM
Also, IIRC, the engine has already been selected, they are just mum about it right now.
I think that they are heading to Bowling Green to learn production techniques. As we all know, Lotus could use some help in the mass produced GRP/fibre department. Don't believe me? Look at the body on your car and then take an up close look at the Corvette. At least a decade apart as far as fit and finish and Corvettes are churned out by the shipload.
ErnestM
Interesting. It almost has to be the Toyota considering the past relationship and, more importantly, the Elise.
The AMG would surely push the car more up-market and placate the engine snobs, but I think it would be more expensive. Plus, does Lotus have any relationship with Mercedes??
Lucas.
The AMG would surely push the car more up-market and placate the engine snobs, but I think it would be more expensive. Plus, does Lotus have any relationship with Mercedes??
Lucas.
I agree. But truly the world of Lotus is repleat with tumbleweeds right now concerning rumours of the impending Esprit replacement.
Have to look for the nugget of wisdom in the pile of, er, stuff when you can...
ErnestM
PS: Don't forget that McLaren just had the P8 cancelled by Mercedes and they may want somewhere to dump some of the knowledge gained at firesale prices
Have to look for the nugget of wisdom in the pile of, er, stuff when you can...
ErnestM
PS: Don't forget that McLaren just had the P8 cancelled by Mercedes and they may want somewhere to dump some of the knowledge gained at firesale prices
A new Esprit could do much worse than be based around Corvette oily bits. The latest Corvettes are front engine, rear transaxle lay-out. All that's needed for mid-engine configuration is to delete the torque tube that joins them together in the Vette. Manual gearbox already has remote linkage as it's in the transaxle so no need for much change there. 6-speed paddle shift auto also available. Engine/transmission management electronics can be carried across and there must be loads of other bits that could be used too. Everything tried and tested and fully homologated for world markets. Reliable continuity of supply. An Esprit like this could show up the Ford GT as too big and Ferraris/Lambo's as too expensive. Availability of the 400 bhp LS2 and 500 bhp LS7 could produce a useful model range and move the Esprit right back into the upper league of world supercars, where it belongs.
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