HAZE Posted July 13 Report Share Posted July 13 Pretty hot.The next Lotus Esprit is tipped to use one of Autocar’s favourite engines of recent years: BMW’s firecracker V8 from the recently departed M5 saloon (right).Senior-placed sources have confirmed that Hethel is considering the 4.9-litre lump from the outgoing E39 5-series. Lotus had previously been linked with Toyota, following the deal to supply the Celica engine for the latest Elise 111R.In BMW’s application, the V8 developed 400bhp and 369lb ft of torque. Lotus is considering a forced induction system to raise outputs further and has proven experience from turbocharging the previous Esprit.Following the classic supercar formula, the V8 will be mounted longitudinally amidships in the Esprit’s extruded aluminium chassis, driving the rear wheels. The car’s modern, wedgy shape was first revealed in our scoop on 3 February.The current Esprit ceased production this spring and its successor – tipped to carry a different name – will be launched in 2006. Priced at around £75,000, it will rival supercars such as the Porsche 911 Turbo, Ferrari F430 and Lamborghini Gallardo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest onisakura Posted July 13 Report Share Posted July 13 Ooooohhh....yeah thats nice looking. Is it still gonna be crappy construction or are they over that? Sounds like it. Nice, turbocharged! "longitudinally amidships" WTF is that geek speak for midengine? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HAZE Posted July 13 Author Report Share Posted July 13 "longitudinally amidships" WTF is that geek speak for midengine?I believe so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BKDJ Posted July 14 Report Share Posted July 14 niceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BKDJ Posted July 14 Report Share Posted July 14 the rear could use some work though... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BKDJ Posted July 14 Report Share Posted July 14 it does resemble a gallardo though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flippinsweet Posted July 14 Report Share Posted July 14 headlights a bit generic.... overall shape seems like its just borrowing styling accents from the most beautiful cars on the road now and just putting them all on the same bodynothing groundbreaking...but sleek Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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