Report: Esprit only new Lotus under development

We were a bit surprised when Lotus rolled out a total of five new concepts at this year’s Paris Motor Show. Lotus unloaded its lightweight guns in an effort to showcase the automaker’s future direction, but the question on our minds concerns which of these concepts will actually see the light of day. According to Autocar, only one of the five concepts is actually undergoing engineering work: the Esprit.

Autocar quotes Lotus insiders who say that the future range-topping Esprit is the only vehicle being fully developed at the moment. The Esprit would be the first of the next-generation Lotuses to grace our presence, sometime around 2013. The Esprit will reportedly adhere to the Lotus mantra of lightness and simplicity, with a curb weight of around 3,300 pounds motivated by a 550-horsepower supercharged V8. No, 3,300 pounds isn’t exactly lightweight by any means, but with 550 supercharged horses on deck, the power-to-weight ratio will still be what we’ve come to expect from Lotus.

Lotus reportedly brought in for chassis work on new Vauxhall Astra VXR

From the likes of the Dodge EV to the Ford Cortina, Lotus has had its fingers in all of the Big Three’s pies. But its strongest relationship has historically been with General Motors. The British engineering firm helped develop the engine in the original Corvette ZR-1, engineered the Vauxhall VX220/Opel Speedster, re-engineered the Vauxhall Carlton into ones of its own, and has undertaken a variety of projects for the General over the years. Now the latest reports have Lotus teaming up with GM’s European subsidiaries for a new hot hatch.

Much as it did with the outgoing Vauxhall Astra VXR, Lotus is reportedly hard at work tuning the chassis on the next generation of the model. Previewed by the GTC concept at the Paris Motor Show, the new Astra VXR is tipped to ditch the current model’s electronic differential for a more traditional mechanical one. The engine is rumored to produce in the neighborhood of 280-300 horsepower, with Lotus reportedly brought in to help minimize the torque steer inevitable with that much power channeled through the front wheels.

2014 Lotus Elite loses its roof

Lotus made quite a splash at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The automaker grabbed the spotlight by showing off five new concept vehicles. One of the proposed cars is the Lotus Elite, a 2+2 grand tourer powered by a 611-horsepower, supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine borrowed from the Lexus IS-F. One surprising detail for this Lotus is its weight. The Elite tips the scales at 3,600 pounds, which is a mammoth sum for anything carrying the company badge. The reason for much of that extra weight may lie in the roof, as the Elite is fitted with a retractable folding hard-top.

Losing the roof creates a whole new perspective for both the driver and people gawking at the car as it passes by. The dramatic lines get a visual boost with the top stowed, since the eye has fewer places to wander. The result is an attractive grand touring car that aims to rival similar offerings from the likes of Ferrari,Maserati and Aston Martin, even if it is a heavyweight by Colin Chapman’s standards.

You can let some virtual wind blow through your hair by watching a new Lotus Elite video clip posted after the jump.

Rumormill: Lotus Esprit to use LFA V10, V8 in lesser spec

Now this is a rumor. According to the crafty crew at Inside Line, Lotus is set to release details on its planned resurrection of the long-dead Esprit at this year’s Paris Motor Show. Even better? There’s some indication that the top-of-the-line model may pack the same heavenly V10 found in the current Lexus LFA. Oh yes, we’re excited. Inside Line spoke with someone at Lexus who’s cozy with the deal who hinted that the 552-horsepower 10-pot would find its way into the car in order to help it better compete with the likes of Ferrari. That’s right, kids; Lotus is movin’ on up.

There’s also word that lower-rung trims will receive the same 5.0-liter V8 found in the Lexus IS-F. With 416 horsepower, that lump is no slouch. Both engine choices would seem to dovetail with the close partnership we’ve seen between Lotus and Lexus parent company Toyota in the past, and with new Lotus CEO Dany Bahar (formerly of Ferrari) clamoring for ever more powerful, upscale models, all of the puzzle pieces seem to be falling into place.

Still, that’s almost way too much awesome for most manufacturers to handle. Fortunately, the Paris show is just a handful of weeks away, so we should know which parts of this rumor are solid in short order.

Lotus reveals Evora S and Evora IPS ahead of Paris debut

Not long after Lotus accidentally leaked its plans to unveil two new Evoras at this year’s Paris Motor Show, we now have the full details weeks before the dynamic duo make their public debut. The Evora S and IPS (which stands for “Intelligent Precision Shift” or “automatic transmission” in layman’s terms) will nicely fill out the Evora range, and we’re aching to get our hands on the former.

For the Evora S, Lotus has tweaked the Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V6 to produce 345 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque – gains of 69 hp and 37 lb-ft over the standard car. The run from 0-60 happens in just 4.8 seconds and top speed has been raised to 172 miles per hour. What’s more, the Evora S comes standard with a sport button that allows the driver to control the throttle response and activate an exhaust bypass valve. On top of that, pressing the magic switch increases the rev limiter and changes the stability control settings, and we imagine that the end result is more than pulse-quickening.

Lotus willing to build Evora-based sportscars for other automakers?

Lotus is considering offering up its latest sports car platforms to other automakers, and this isn’t the first time. When the Elise debuted in the mid-90s, Lotus sold the chassis to form the basis of new lightweight coupes with different powertrains, the most notable of which included the Opel Speedster/Vauxhall VX220 and, of course, the Tesla Roadster.

According to recent reports, Lotus has received inquiries from several automakers about using the new Evora in similar ways. While the Evora is all-new, the chassis is built using similar, Elise-like aluminum extrusions riveted and bonded together for a light, strong structure. Since the Evora has been designed around a V6, automakers have the potential to fit a range of larger, more powerful engines. The upsized chassis could also provide a better platform for electric motors, with far less modifications than those required to turn an Elise into a Tesla. However, if any automaker does develop something off the Evora, it’s likely to be a few years away.

Us? We’re thinking about a 3.5-liter Ecoboost-powered, mid-engine mini-Ford GT. How about you?

Lotus Reveals New Evora Cup Racer with 400 Horsepower V6

Having already launched the road-going Evora 2+2 mid-engined sports car, Lotus has now turned its focus on the development of a competition version that will be eligible for racing in the FIA GT4 category and a special one-make Evora Cup series.

Finished in Epsom Green with a Solar Yellow stripe down the centre, the Evora Cup racing car is powered by a modified version of the stock model’s Toyota sourced 276HP 3.5-liter V6 engine enlarged to 4.0-liters. The result is more than 400HP and 400Nm of peak torque.

The mid mounted V6 engine is mated to a Cima six speed sequential paddle shift dog gearbox, designed for international motor sport.

Other tweaks include adjustable motor sport dampers and six piston front brake callipers, with two piece aluminium belled brake discs, while the car also gets electrical cut off, fire extinguisher and traction control.

Lotus says that it has managed to reduce the car’s weight to 1,200 kg (2,645 lbs) or 200kg (440 pounds) less than the production model by using numerous high performance parts and materials and deleting parts not required for motor sport.

In addition, the Evora gets a Dallara developed aero package that includes a number of updated carbon fibre parts and is said to significantly improve downforce and cooling.

Fisker Karma configurator now online

Have you been anxiously waiting for the day you could spec out a sinuously-styled plug-in hybrid sports car of your very own? Then your dream is one step closer because the configurator for the Fisker Karma is now online.

What was once considered vaporware, is now edging closer to reality. At the 2010 Paris Motor Show, we got to see the first factory-built Fisker Karma with our own eyes. The car is a rolling testament to the idea that one can simultaneously be “green” and enjoy an exciting driving experience. The Karma will reportedly be able to achieve an average of 100 miles per gallon yet it also claims a 0-60 time of under six seconds.

The configurator allows you to see the various colors that will be offered across the Karma’s three trim levels. The Fisker Karma is available as one of three ECO models; Standard, Chic and Sport. ECO Standard is only available with two exterior color choices; White Sand and Eclipse. ECO Sport adds five more options to the palette in the form of Shadow, Silver Wind, Deep Ocean, Laguna and Inferno. ECO Chic throws in one more choice with the color Earth. Want to know what those names mean? Check them out at the link below.

First factory-built Fisker Karma hits the stage

 

Staying true to its concept form, the factory-built Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid that hit the stage at the Paris Motor Show retains the concept’s massive 22-inch wheels (Fisker says it’ll be the first production car equipped with standard 22s), sensuous styling, 403-plus horsepower rating and the company’s promise ofachieving 100-plus miles per gallon in regular use. So, what’s exactly different about the factory-built version? Well, the most notable exterior modification is the addition of a (blacked-out) B-pillar, which was apparently required to increase the vehicle’s structural rigidity.

Aside from the added pillar, we can’t really pick out any differences between the gorgeous concept that we laid eyes on a few years ago and this production-ready version that hit the stage in Paris. Fisker still lists a base price of $88,000 and anticipates that deliveries will begin early next year, or so it says. We hope to get up close and personal with the Karma at the upcoming LA Auto Show, but for now, hit up that high-res gallery of live shots that just came in from Paris and hop the jump for more info from Fisker.

1949 Ferrari 166 MM Touring Barchetta up for grabs from RM Auctions in Arizona

As far as Ferraris go, it doesn’t get more authentic than this. What you’re looking at is a 1949 Ferrari 166 MM– the first model made by Enzo Ferrari after setting up shop under his own name – with custom Barchetta coachwork by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan. And it’s going up for auction.

Chassis number 0024 M – the 10th of only 25 examples made – was originally displayed at the 1949 Paris Motor Show in Argentina’s official racing colors, yellow and blue, before being sent off to South America to win the 1950 Mar del Plata. True to its name, it was also campaigned in the 1951 Mille Miglia rally, and has since undergone a thorough restoration – including the red paint job you see here.

This authentic piece of Ferrari history is set to cross the block at RM Auctions’ event in Arizona on January 20th, where it is expected to fetch upwards of $2 million. Details in the press release after the jump.

Sabine Schmitz needs your help to save the Nürburgring

Race tracks open and race tracks close. It’s an unfortunate reality. But there are some circuits that we simply couldn’t imagine the world carrying on without. Like the Nürburgring Norschleife.

Lamentable as it may be to even ponder, the legendary road-course in Germany is apparently in trouble, and not the kind that Lassie can save them from. The track is reportedly half a billion euros in debt, and while the government apparently wants to help, that support has apparently arrived in the form of indoor roller-coasters and other amusements built by private companies. Unfortunately, all the ‘Ring really needed was a new parking lot and some maintenance.

With the unthinkable looming on the horizon, supporters have enlisted one Sabine Schmitz – the Ring Mistress herself – to campaign on their behalf. Follow the jump to hear her plea, and check out SaveTheRing on Facebook for more..