Artists have provided us with this rendering of the 2012 Lotus Esprit, a potential competitor to the Audi R8.The British automaker had previously confirmed plans to bring theiconic sports car to market for the first time since 2004, if they sellenough current models to pay for the project.
First produced in 1976, the original Lotus Esprit was based on the1972 Italdesign concept shown at the Turin Motor Show. Created bylegendary designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Lotus Esprit was released asa well handling, but underpowered sports car. It gained in popularitythrough an appearance in The Spy Who Loved Me when it served adual-purpose as a submarine. With each successive model, the car gainedmore power, leading to the 350 hp Lotus Esprit V8. In its 28 year run,10,675 units were sold.
If released, the new Esprit would have amid-mounted V8 engine, but where they get the engine from is anyone’sguess. The company could stick with Toyota, who provides the 3.5-literV6 on the Lotus Evora. Toyota currently produces several V6 models,including an aluminum-block unit which powers the Toyota Supra GT500racecar. The upcoming Esprit should be both wider and longer than theEvora, evoking a more supercar feel.Mixing this idea with the round,curved features at the front-end of the Evora and Elise, the artist’sdrawing shows an Esprit that looks like it belongs in the current Lotuslineup. Drawing off one of the first released shots of the Evora, theartist widened out the front end, adding a larger grille, whileextending the height of the fenders. Turn signals are integrated intothe angular side mirrors, matching a more defined style on the sidepanels. The boot is longer, but the artist kept the wheels right at thevery end of the car. This drawing also features a unique, dual-spokelight-weight wheel.
With any luck, the new Lotus Esprit will be introduced in 2011 as a 2012 model year car. |
發表於 2009-7-10 12:06 PM
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