Finally, after a year of anticipation, British purist sportscar maker, Lotus, finally revealed today an all new model, the only mid-engined 2+2 in production. Bearing a Toyota 3.5-litre V6 producing 280 PS, the all new model, still codenamed 'Project Eagle', represents Lotus' first new model since the iconic Elise debuted in 1995. ( WCF )
Set to make its public debut in one week at the British Motorshow, Project Eagle, is reported by engineers as "considerably faster around the famously demanding Nurburgring circuit than the Elise and more stable at speed than the Exige. " While Lotus considers top speed less important than stability at speed, early indications suggest a maximum speed of 160 mph. The 0-60 mph is estimated at sub 5 seconds (prototype figures).
With a well appointed interior of sumptuous leather, high-tech features and LED instrumentation, Project Eagle is set to appeal to a much wider range of clientele. Unfortunately, Lotus is only committing 2000 units per year with deliveries starting in spring 2009.
Despite it's 2+2 configuration, Project Eagle will also be available as a two-seater with the space in the rear being allocated to luggage storage. As announced by Lotus back in 2007, Lotus plans to build a total of five variants which include a convertible and an ultra-high performance version.
Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc, had this to say about the new model: "Project Eagle is the biggest milestone Lotus has achieved since the Elise was born 13 years ago. We are currently working at broadening the appeal of the Lotus brand through an aggressive 5-year model plan of which this car represents the first exciting step."