The ultimate Lotus, as the company describes it, is the perfect example of what the new Lotus DNA is like.
The hypercar is powered by a mid-mounted 5.0-liter V8 unit that lets the driver play with 620 hp and a peak torque of 720 Nm. As with other concepts presented at the French event, Lotus offers an optional hybrid technology that also includes a Kinetic Energy Recovery System and allows the monster to be gentle with the environment (250 grams of CO2 per km).
The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and sends its power to the rear axle. It manages to take the 1,450 kg vehicle past the 62 mph mark in 3.4 seconds and offers it a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).
If you are looking for the top Lotus thrill-giver, be prepared to spend about 110,000 pounds and wait until spring 2013 (EUR127,914 or $174,577).
“One has to be very careful when taking on the challenge of reinventing such an iconic classic as the Esprit – everyone has an opinion. There’s a fine balance between acknowledging the greatness of the past whilst at the same time rapidly leaping forward to the future and ensuring that this car not only does the name Esprit justice but also the Lotus brand.I think we’ve managed to find the balance and in doing so created a new icon, a car people will find hard to resist,” explained Dany Bahar, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus.
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