1988 Lotus Esprit Turbo Se on 2040-cars

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Lotus has a new sports car in the pipeline

Lotus is bringing a new, yet-unnamed model to the market next year, as Autocar reports. The new sports car is likely to be based on a significantly updated Evora platform, and it will function as a link between the current lineup and a new portfolio, which can incorporate even sport utility vehicles and electrified products as well as a completely new sports car platform. To appeal to less-than-hardcore Lotus buyers, the new model will offer improved practicality and livability, with better ergonomics and comfort than current Lotus models. It will be a challenge to achieve this without compromising on weight; the earlier attempted Lotus re-invention in the early 2010s was based on five simultaneously unveiled concept cars that weren't as lightweight as desired, nor based on a solid foundation. Ultimately, the concepts led nowhere, and the then-CEO was terminated. When the time comes to update the Elise, Exige and Evora in the next decade, they will be based on a new architecture under development that will meet U.S. regulations from the get-go. The recently appointed CEO, Phil Popham, told Autocar: "The focus for now is on replacing the products we've got today — the sports cars," said Popham. "In a long time, Lotus has not had sight of what is required. You need a longterm plan, a product plan and a business plan locked down with investment. We have that plan locked in." Lotus' tie-in with new owner Geely can result in funding in the billions, with Geely assisting with engineering and manufacturing. Crucial Lotus input such as design and product planning will continue in Hethel, UK, but with Geely helping out elsewhere, in Coventry, Sweden, Germany and China. Currently, Lotus continues to use Toyota engine technology, but there is a possibility that future Lotus models will use Geely-related powertrain parts.

The exotic '80s: Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus and the Porsche 959

There's no secret that we are big fans of the MotorWeek Retro Review series around here. In an automotive world that often focuses on the latest tech and what's coming in the future, it's refreshing to take a look into the past to get a new perspective. That said, the show is really outdoing itself this time by posting a full episode from the '80s to YouTube, complete with the original, jazzy opening. The video is an absolute standout, too, with drives of some of the best supercars that Europe could offer at the time. Among the now classic sportscars that MotorWeek got to drive are the Ferrari 328, Lotus Esprit Turbo, Lamborghini Jalpa and Autokraft AC Mark IV. There's even a preview that sings the praises of the tech in the Porsche 959. The episode is basically a showcase of most of the exotics from young enthusiasts' walls and school folders during the '80s and is not to be missed. News Source: MotorWeek via YouTube Ferrari Lamborghini Lotus Porsche Performance Classics Videos lotus esprit ac

Lotus Advanced Performance division wants to make your dreams come true

Lotus took a big step in its quest to position itself as a British alternative to Porsche by launching a division called Advanced Performance. Run by a former Aston Martin executive, Lotus Advanced Performance will design and build one-off and few-off models, among other tasks. Most high-end and specialty carmakers operate a program that gives customers some degree of freedom in terms of customization. Lotus was, until now, largely an exception to this rule. It hopes to make up for lost time by giving its Advanced Performance division a surprisingly long list of responsibilities. First the department will be responsible for building "ultra-exclusive and unique vehicles" that will not be part of the firm's regular-production line-up. One of these (shown in a sketch above) looks like it draws inspiration from classic Formula One cars. Details are few and far between, but the massive rear wing speaks volumes about the kind of halo cars we'll see in the not-too-distant future. What's unclear is whether Lotus will take customer requests. We've reached out, and we'll update this story if we learn more. Designing limited-edition models and developing race cars will also fall within the scope of Advanced Performance's responsibilities. And, it's the door that buyers who want to customize their car will need to knock on; they'll be able to select different paint colors, trim materials, and upholsteries. Optional extras and a range of Lotus-branded accessories will also emerge from Advanced Performance's headquarters. Immersing customers and enthusiasts into the Lotus world is important as well, so Advanced Performance will organize tours of the brand's production lines, organize driving academies around the world (including on the Hethel test track in England) and prepare "money can't buy" opportunities for clients. There's no word yet on what these experiences will look like; more information should emerge later in 2022. Lotus put Simon Lane in charge of its Advanced Performance division. He's a good choice: his resume includes leading Aston Martin's Q division, whose list of responsibilities looks a lot like Advanced Performance's. Q notably brought us the V8-powered Cygnet in 2018 and the one-of-a-kind Victor unveiled in 2020. Some of its other projects have been more tame: it gave the DBX a long list of carbon fiber parts. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.