Lotus Mid-engined 2+2 Eagle Officially Revealed
Jul 15, 2008 | 06:01 PM
#1
Thread Starter
| Teamspeed Pro
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 31,554
From: Zoo York
Lotus Mid-engined 2+2 Eagle Officially Revealed Finally, after a year of anticipation, British purist sportscar maker, Lotus, finally revealed today an all new model, the only mid-engined 2+2 in production. Bearing a Toyota 3.5-litre V6 producing 280 PS, the all new model, still codenamed 'Project Eagle', represents Lotus' first new model since the iconic Elise debuted in 1995.
Set to make its public debut in one week at the British Motorshow, Project Eagle, is reported by engineers as “considerably faster around the famously demanding Nürburgring circuit than the Elise and more stable at speed than the Exige. ” While Lotus considers top speed less important than stability at speed, early indications suggest a maximum speed of 160 mph. The 0-60 mph is estimated at sub 5 seconds (prototype figures).
With a well appointed interior of sumptuous leather, high-tech features and LED instrumentation, Project Eagle is set to appeal to a much wider range of clientele. Unfortunately, Lotus is only committing 2000 units per year with deliveries starting in spring 2009.
Despite it's 2+2 configuration, Project Eagle will also be available as a two-seater with the space in the rear being allocated to luggage storage. As announced by Lotus back in 2007, Lotus plans to build a total of five variants which include a convertible and an ultra-high performance version.
Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc, had this to say about the new model: “Project Eagle is the biggest milestone Lotus has achieved since the Elise was born 13 years ago. We are currently working at broadening the appeal of the Lotus brand through an aggressive 5-year model plan of which this car represents the first exciting step.”
Set to make its public debut in one week at the British Motorshow, Project Eagle, is reported by engineers as “considerably faster around the famously demanding Nürburgring circuit than the Elise and more stable at speed than the Exige. ” While Lotus considers top speed less important than stability at speed, early indications suggest a maximum speed of 160 mph. The 0-60 mph is estimated at sub 5 seconds (prototype figures).
With a well appointed interior of sumptuous leather, high-tech features and LED instrumentation, Project Eagle is set to appeal to a much wider range of clientele. Unfortunately, Lotus is only committing 2000 units per year with deliveries starting in spring 2009.
Despite it's 2+2 configuration, Project Eagle will also be available as a two-seater with the space in the rear being allocated to luggage storage. As announced by Lotus back in 2007, Lotus plans to build a total of five variants which include a convertible and an ultra-high performance version.
Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc, had this to say about the new model: “Project Eagle is the biggest milestone Lotus has achieved since the Elise was born 13 years ago. We are currently working at broadening the appeal of the Lotus brand through an aggressive 5-year model plan of which this car represents the first exciting step.”
Jul 15, 2008 | 06:02 PM
#3
Teamspeed Pro
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,659
From: Plano, TX
I agree, and that back seat is going to be USELESS!
I like the design though, much smoother than an elise/exige... I bet it will sell better than the elise.
I like the design though, much smoother than an elise/exige... I bet it will sell better than the elise.
Jul 16, 2008 | 11:35 AM
#6
Team Speed's Super Vixen
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 724
From: San Francisco
definitely looks tesla-ish... I thought it looks like an alien, the same way I think a tesla looks, but that's cool. I'm not sure if I dig it or not. Will have to see in person. I'm not going to be running to a dealer to leave a deposit on this one though. It's good they are expanding the line though.
Jul 16, 2008 | 01:04 PM
#9
Not bad. Not great, but not bad... Sounds like an NSX with dramatically less weight, which could be a really good thing.
I'm a fan of Lotus. I really hope this does well for them. Of course, the big tell will be how it drives. I've got hope. And a checkbook... if they succeed.
I'm a fan of Lotus. I really hope this does well for them. Of course, the big tell will be how it drives. I've got hope. And a checkbook... if they succeed.
