Auto Design

Lotus has officially announced they will be unveiling their all-new 2+2, mid-engine sports car, so far known as the “Eagle” project. Lotus will announce the actual name of the new model on the opening of the British Motor Show in London on July 22^nd.

The new Lotus is powered by a Toyota’s 3.5-litre V6, with dual VVT tuned by Lotus to effortlessly deliver 280 HP. According to Lotus, the new car “employs innovative lightweight chassis technology to ensure visceral all-round dynamic performance, in keeping with the great Lotus tradition”.

The top speed claimed is 160 mph and acceleration time from zero to 60 mph is claimed to be under 5 seconds. As well as being sold in a 2+2 configuration, the car will also be available as a purely two seater, the space in the rear being allocated to luggage storage. Other derivatives are also planned for the future, including a convertible and an ultrahigh performance version. Lotus plans a production run of only 2000 units per year, with first deliveries schedules for Spring 2009.Talking of the car design, developed in-house, under his leadership. head of Lotus Design Russell Carr said: “The dynamically sculptured form and the dramatic proportions of the “Eagle” communicate visual drama, speed and agility even when the car is standing still. Every element of the car’s exterior and interior has been carefully designed to create a product that offers comfort and convenience as well as traditional performance car attributes.”

According to Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc “Project Eagle is the biggest milestone Lotus has achieved since the Elise was born 13 years ago. It represents the first exciting step of our aggressive 5-year model plan, designed to broaden the appeal of the Lotus brand.”

From a company press-release, brought to you by Autodesign.socialblog.us

The main operating subsidiary of Group Lotus plc is Lotus Cars Ltd, which has two operating divisions: Lotus Engineering and Lotus Cars.

Lotus Engineering is an internationally recognised automotive engineering consultancy based in Norfolk, UK. Global facilities include those in Michigan (USA), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), China and offices in Germany and Japan, with rapid expansion in new territories such as South East Asia and the Gulf States.

Lotus Engineering provides comprehensive and versatile consultancy services to many of the world’s OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, offering a full engineering service from initial concept and project design through development and integration of the complete vehicle to meet all worldwide markets and customers to full production. This includes third party ‘niche vehicle’ engineering and manufacture worldwide.

Lotus Cars builds world class, prestige, high performance sports cars for sale in 37 countries. These include the iconic Lotus Elise, the Lotus Exige and the Lotus Europa. Lotus is a global high-tech company, expanding and committed to driving forward technology for both Lotus Cars and its Engineering clients, spearheading research into such areas as hybrids, electric vehicles and renewable fuels.