Elise XL or Esprit Short?

[p0w3r]

From http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101720

Elise XL or Esprit Short? Third Lotus model spied during test
JULIAN RENDELL
Posted Date: 2/1/05

Our spies in England spotted a prototype midsized, mid-engine $30,000 coupe that fits in the Lotus lineup between the Elise and a new Esprit.

Officially the project remains ?under consideration,? but this trimmed-out mule is eerily identical to a design published in U.K. Patent Office journals last fall.

Insiders report at least six prototypes have been built, including one that has been crash-tested.

The car?s aluminum chassis, dubbed the Versatile Vehicle Architecture, also underpins the larger Esprit. The design is so flexible that front- and mid-engine models can be built off the same chassis.

Aimed at Porsche?s new Boxster coupe, this model is conceived as a more comfortable touring GT. Though likely to arrive as a Lotus, it could also be sold through Proton dealers, the Malaysian carmaker that owns Lotus.

Sources say a vestigial set of rear seats is under consideration, but chances of the car being a 2+2 are slim, thanks to a lack of rear access over its wide sills and access through its narrow doors.

--------

hmm, a $30,000, mid-engined lotus.........sounds like a great deal!

 

[Mischief007]

That's awesome. Thanks for that news

 

[SL65]

That's awesome. Thanks for that news

Yeah same
Thats a hot looking Lotus. Still very nimbly looking thing really. I'd prefer the Exige though .

 

[bone]

is the elise not raped enough?

how many versions are there? 47?

it's time they come with sth new

 

[andyhui01]

looks more like a new Esprit

 

[Mischief007]

That's awesome. Thanks for that news

Yeah same
Thats a hot looking Lotus. Still very nimbly looking thing really. I'd prefer the Exige though .

How about the Exige Sport?? Man what a hot car. Too bad it is a one-off right now and no price set

is the elise not raped enough?

how many versions are there? 47?

it's time they come with sth new

Like stated earlier, I actually think it will replace the Esprit market.

 

[asthenia]

How can it be based on the Esprit? They've been making that thing since the 70's. Or are they talking about a new one?

 

[Mischief007]

Not based on the Esprit but a replacement for the Esprit. The Esprit is not being made anymore, unfortunately.

 

[Ethan]

ME WANT, ME WANT, ME WANT!!!!!!!!

 

[zyran]

NOO I KNOW THAT CAR. IT'S MALAYSIA'S NEXT SUPERCAR BY LOTUS. HAVE A LOOK AT THIS! Well according to this report at least.

 

[jasonchiu]

dear god that looks so ugly

 

[mmap]

VX 220 anyone?? (At least the rims are the same).

 

[p0w3r]

I think that the one i posted is a different car.
Just look at the headlights and nose..it's a lot different from the proton (lol proton supercar...what a oxymoron :lol: )

 

[Mischief007]

I think that the one i posted is a different car.
Just look at the headlights and nose..it's a lot different from the proton (lol proton supercar...what a oxymoron :lol: )

That's what I was gonna say...proton supercar Thing will fall apart.

 

[zyran]

Don't worry those two cars are the same. I'm positive. Only the tail lights differ.

 

[Mischief007]

Don't worry those two cars are the same. I'm positive. Only the tail lights differ.

The more I look at it, the more it looks the same. WOW.

I guess Lotus is being really generous lately.

 

[zyran]

Well proton pwns lotus. pun intended.

 

[Mischief007]

Well proton pwns lotus. pun intended.

 

[zyran]

Remove all doubts.

Similiar things.
-Exhaust.
-Door vents.
-Lines along the rear arch.
-The Front wheel arch.
-You can almost see the double lines on the rear bumper covered by duct tape.