Lotus’ mid-engine 2+2 sportscar unveiled
The brand’s first all-new car since the Elise in 1995
By Justin Lee
LOTUS WILL REVEAL its mid-engined, 2+2 coupé on 22 July at the British Motorshow in London.
Codenamed the Eagle, the car’s real name will be announced at the launch and manufacturing will start in 2009. Only 2000 of the hand crafted cars are planned for production each year.
It will be powered by a Toyota sourced 3.5-litre V6 that has been modified to produce 280bhp.
Its exterior design is made up of dynamic lines and fluid surfaces. The car has a cab forward stance and muscular haunches along with a distinctive wraparound windscreen.
Inside, the sportscar has a driver-centric cockpit. The dashboard features design details such as flush-mounted controls that glow with blue LED haloes and a stylised instrument panel. Figure hugging adjustable sports seats and flat-bottomed steering wheel are some of the other items included in the cabin.
The car will also be available as a two-seater with the space in the rear used for luggage storage. Other versions have been planned for the future which includes a convertible and an ultra-high performance model.
