Lotus have a chequered past. They have always produced fabulous handling vehicles virtue of their engineering talent and low weight models. Lotus’s problem has always been funding. Also, Lotus have never benefited from truly stable management virtue of the fact it’s had as many owners in recent years as it probably has had models.It appears at present under the helm of Mike Kimberley and Lotus’s current owners, Proton, that its enjoying a period of relative stability. Lotus have recently expanded its range to cater for federal tastes with its Europa model an it now sells the Elise in the US as well.
Building on this success it has long been rumoured that Lotus have been working on a model to slot in above the Elise/Europa platform. Here before you on this site is cold hard proof that development of this model, which is codenamed “Eagle”, is well advanced. The Eagle is said to be powered by a mid mounted Toyota 3.5 L V6 running through the rear wheels. The beauty of using a mainstream manufacturer’s engine is that these units are usually able to pass the most stringent emissions legislation around the world. This frees up Lotus’s engineers to concentrate on other aspects of the car like suspension, handling and crash worthiness. Lotus previewed a piece of the new Eagle concepts front chassis module at Geneva a few days ago. Expect the whole Eagle to premiere at July’s British motor show.
Lotus may have a chequered past but it is also one laced with brilliance. Lets not forget this little sportscar maker won the Formula One World Championship seven times. Given heritage like that, if Lotus can start producing products that are relevant again, it is certain build a business that will hopefully ensure Lotus gains a much more secure future. Now that’s something keen drivers all over the world would raise a glass to.
Press Release
Excerpt from Lotus Press Release at the Geneva Motor Show:
Group Lotus plc unveiled the first glimpse of the eagerly awaited Project Eagle at the 78th annual Geneva International Motor Show. This exhibition showcases part of the advanced technology being utilised for Project Eagle and the latest development of the innovative Lotus Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA). This first glimpse is the front module of the chassis, which is shown prior to the full unveiling of Project Eagle at the British Motor Show in July 2008.
Project Eagle is the code name for the new higher specification addition to the Lotus product range entering the market above the Elise, Exige and Europa. Going into production at the beginning of next year, Project Eagle draws heavily on the proven technology used in the iconic Lotus Elise family of vehicles as well as the Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) shown as the APX (Aluminium Performance Crossover) Concept Vehicle. Project Eagle will be an all new fantastic Lotus sports car, which illustrates Lotus Engineering’s ability to create innovative and exciting high performance niche car products.
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