Lotus is among individuals enigmatic producers which have given a whole lot towards the automotive globe although also bearing its fair share of problems. Less than its authentic founder, Collin Chapman, the brand set up itself as being a Formulation 1 pioneer. Afterwards, they went on to aid other companies create a lot of the most epic vehicles, just like the Lotus Carlton, Chevrolet Corvette C-4 ZR-1, and perhaps the Nissan GTR. Now, the model is bringing an additional a person of their outdated names. The new Esprit is coming. Lotus is axing Elise, Exige, and Evora to help make this take place. What this means is the successor to Esprit will likely be important towards the brand’s upcoming plans. Here’s what we are able to assume.
DRIVETRAIN & PERFORMANCE
We already know which the test mules for the brand new Lotus are disguised like a wide-body Lotus Evora, so it’s a good bet which the new car will have the same underpinnings, with some modifications. Power is expected to come from the same Toyota 3.5-liter V-6. We are still expecting it to have a supercharger. Back in the day, the Esprit was quite possibly the most powerful road-going Lotus, the brand had ever made. With this in mind, we are expecting to get more power than the latest Evora.
An output of 500 horsepower is quite realistic, supplied that the brand name has always focused on balance and lightweight, rather than on sheer power.
The latest version from the Evora already has 410 horsepower (305 kW) and 302 pound-feet (410 Nm) from the 3.5-liter supercharged Toyota V-6. Since Esprit is meant to a more performance-oriented model, we will definitely see more power than anything they currently have on sale. Moreover, there’s a very good reason for us to anticipate a hybrid powertrain since the French company Alpine is planning to become an EV manufacturer and is joining forces with Lotus for potential vehicles. What this means is that the new Lotus may serve being a bridge to a new all-electric lineup of Lotus vehicles.
AESTHETICS
Although the test mules are based on the Evora, the car will have its distinctive design language. We know it will feature a good deal of design cues from the Evija, which will arrive later on. In true Esprit fashion, it is expected to be a two-seater. In 2019, Lotus presented a concept car, dubbed the Type 131. Strangely enough, the front plate said “Elan”. The car was supposed to come out in 2020, but that never happened.
Now, we see a new concept that is heavily-inspired by the Evija EV, featuring the same taillight design and big air dams on the side. In the front, the concept, once again, resembles the Evija. The front hood also accommodates the two air extractors, we are used to seeing on the Elise, Exige, and Evora models.
That said, the roofline and overall dimensions are quite similar for the Evora’s. We still don’t have any idea of what the interior would look like, but it is quite possible that, just such as exterior, it would carry over some elements from the Evija. Lotus has recently made a habit of giving us different information, each time there are talks about their potential models. With this in mind, quite a bit from the above-mentioned specifics may change as the car gets closer to production.
WHY ESPRIT?
Okay, we actually don’t have any solid evidence which the new Lotus will be called Esprit, but there’s quite a bit that suggests it might be. First of all, Lotus has had a strong relationship with Renault, in the previous days. The manufacturer used various engines, transmissions, and other components from the French manufacturer, 2022 Lotus Esprit Successor 500+ HP. Now that Alpine – Renault’s performance brand name – has joined forces with Lotus, there’s a good chance, they’ll bring back the model, which cemented their relations. Moreover, Alpine has announced three all-electric upcoming models, which implies that some of that electric tech will probably be found in the all-new sports car from Lotus. With all this in mind, we think Esprit is one of the most appropriate name for this a person.
CONCLUSION
Lotus is the latest British manufacturer to feel the winds of change. Although the integration of an electric powertrain might interfere with the brand’s lightweight philosophy, we are certain that they would make it work, as other producers have. The joint-effort with Alpine, which now focuses on EVs is Lotus’s foothold into electric performance. From what we know so far, the brand new 2022 Esprit are going to be the start on the brand’s transition to electricity and a completely new lineup. Whether it will retain all elements that make Lotus vehicles fun driving machines, remains to be seen.
