Rumormill: Next Lotus Esprit could be powered by Lexus V10
#1
05-27-2009 | 03:16 PM
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Rumormill: Next Lotus Esprit could be powered by Lexus V10
Lotus' relationship with Toyota could extend beyond supplying drivetrains for the Elise, Exige and Evora, with three new engines sourced from Lexus rumored to be fitted to the 2012 Lotus Esprit. According to EVO, a choice of three Esprits will be available for any (thick) wallet, including a 300 hp version packing Toyota's direct injected V6, a 417 hp model that would make use of the Lexus IS F's 5.0-liter V8 and, at the top of the range, a V10-powered Esprit packing the yet-to-be-released Lexus LF-A's 500+ hp engine.
Additionally, the alliance with Toyota could make good on Lotus' recent push for eco-friendly motoring. The Hethel-based automaker has repeated said that lightweight platforms and fuel-efficient drivetrains are a top priority, going so far as renaming its powertrain engineering arm the "propulsion systems" division. As such, an "Eco Esprit" could be available with a reworked version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive.
The recently launched Evora will be the basis for the next Esprit, and considering the quick turnaround – a mere 27 months – for the Evora to go from concept to production, Lotus has the ability to bring the new Esprit to market quicker than ever. If the Evora's a hit, then we should be seeing the Esprit on roads in Europe, the UK and the US by 2012, with a price somewhere north of £100,000 for the V10-powered variant.
Additionally, the alliance with Toyota could make good on Lotus' recent push for eco-friendly motoring. The Hethel-based automaker has repeated said that lightweight platforms and fuel-efficient drivetrains are a top priority, going so far as renaming its powertrain engineering arm the "propulsion systems" division. As such, an "Eco Esprit" could be available with a reworked version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive.
The recently launched Evora will be the basis for the next Esprit, and considering the quick turnaround – a mere 27 months – for the Evora to go from concept to production, Lotus has the ability to bring the new Esprit to market quicker than ever. If the Evora's a hit, then we should be seeing the Esprit on roads in Europe, the UK and the US by 2012, with a price somewhere north of £100,000 for the V10-powered variant.
what do u guys think about this?..
#2
05-27-2009 | 05:01 PM
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Given Lotus' recent involvement with Toyota, I could see why they'd want to spec the LF-A's V10 in their halo car as well. Should be a good fit for them and hopefully it'll see a slight bump in performance over the Lexus/Toyota equivalent.
#3
05-27-2009 | 06:23 PM
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Oh good, another underpowered Toyota lump in a heavy Lotus.
Guh. I'll believe the V10 when I see it, and would really love to see it, but Lotus' continued use of lackluster Toyota lumps is really starting to drag the brand down. (Evora project manager, call your office)
Guh. I'll believe the V10 when I see it, and would really love to see it, but Lotus' continued use of lackluster Toyota lumps is really starting to drag the brand down. (Evora project manager, call your office)
#5
05-27-2009 | 06:45 PM
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I take it you're not a fan of the engine in the Elise then? It seemed like the perfect engine choice for that car, imo.
#6
05-27-2009 | 06:58 PM
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Toyota used to make some of the best engines in the world, back when they cared about power, ridiculously over-engineering things, and industry leading reliability.
These days, that isn't really the case.
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