[hks786]

[kyleb350]

I was hoping one of those would make it to production, perhaps the Espirit.

[hks786]

I like the Elan and Elite concepts. Elise was ugly. Esprit was boring. Eterne was nice too but I don't see how it fits in with the Lotus brand.

Anyway, I remember when these concepts came out I thought Lotus might have a future. Now it seems things have gone downhill and they are in need of an investor. They are in talks with a chinese company at the moment.

[hks786]

I agree that an Esprit revival would be great but I think that concept was a bit boring. Sitting next to something like a Noble it would look a bit tame.

[kyleb350]

True, on second look, the Elan probably looks the best. I just recognize the Espirit name the most growing up

I'd love to see a turbo V8 again though

[PINeely]

I read somewhere that they failed to get funding to buy a new factory so none of the concepts were able to see production.

[Hula-Hula]

I like the Elite concept due to the fact that it has one of the best looking folding hartops I've ever seen!

Like in this vid (at aprox. 1.25 min):

[hks786]

^ Nice video. I think if I had to pick one of these models to be made I'd go for the Elite (or Elan). I love convertibles that look like coupes when the roof is up. It's why I love the SL, it looks great with the top up and down.

I just looked at the proposed specs for that Elite. 5.0 V8 (8500 rpm redline) + KERS, 620bhp, 720Nm tq. Build it!

[KingOfJericho]

This company is always teetering on the brink....

[Year's_End]

Hell yes I remember...made a 'megathread' breaking them all down since their familiar resemblance was stronger than Audi's...which is nearly a bad thing.

Copied and pasted from my thread.

Too many new Lotus concepts you think? They all look somewhat identical, and since they were introduced within a short period it's easy to mix them up. I decided to categorize them and put them side by side so you can understand where they all stand in Lotus's new lineup.

I'll list them in order by price (least to greatest):

Elise Concept
-Estimated Price: $55,000
-Weight: 2,409 lbs
-Engine: 320hp turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 sourced from Toyota
-Transmission: 6spd manual or 6spd automatic with paddles
-0-100km/h: 4.3s
-Overview: It's the hardcore car of the lineup, albeit heavier and more expensive than the outgoing Elise. It can seat two, and will later be available in less expensive variants without forced induction. It'll be offered in both hard and soft top form.

Elan Concept
-Estimated Price: $118,500
-Weight: 2,849 lbs
-Engine: 450hp supercharged 4.0L V6
-Transmission: 7spd DCT from Toyota
-0-100km/h: 3.5s (193mph max speed)
-Overview: Lotus's potential 911 fighter, this car is heavier, more powerful, and more expensive than the Elise. Lotus says it'll eventually be offered in hybrid form with KERS, and that rear "seats" (2+2) will be optional.

Esprit Concept
-Estimated Price: $175,000
-Weight: 3,190 lbs
-Engine: 620hp FI (TBA whether turbo/supercharged) 5.0L V8
-Transmission: ??? (My guess is the 7spd DCT)
-0-100km/h: < 3.4s
-Overview: "The ultimate supercar", according to Lotus's CEO. Imagine this as a high-end R8 fighter. Tons of power, superior dynamics, and a hefty pricetag. It's reviving the Esprit name (3rd gen to use it), and as such is a two seater, although this time no open-top version is available. It will also offer KERS.

Elite Concept
-Estimated Price: $180,000
-Weight: 3,600 lbs
-Engine: 611hp modified 5.0L V8 from the IS-F
-Transmission: ??? (Again, most likely the 7spd DCT)
-0-100km/h: ~3.5s
-Overview: The grand tourer of the bunch, this model offers a convertible hardtop. The engine is mounted up front, midship, this time, allowing for decent 2+2 accomodations. It's the comfy, sophisticated sportscar you'd rather drive day to day than the rest of the lineup. KERS will be on offer.

Eterne Concept
-Estimated Price: $190,000
-Weight: ???
-Engine: 620hp 5.0L V8 or a fully hybrid drivetrain (in both RWD and AWD)
-Transmission: ???
-0-100km/h: 4.0s
-Overview: Lotus's potential Aston Martin Rapide fighter, this is a hybrid sedan that doesn't have full production confirmation. It looks damn good, though.

[Year's_End]

I always had a soft spot for the concepts. They have a good design direction and they cover a large majority of the performance niches. This lack of funding is new to me (srs).

[111R]

Much has been written about the recent troubles at Lotus, but my take is that ambitious plans combined with bloated egos (with paychecks to match) and poor financial decisions sunk the boat.

It's a real shame, as I've owned Lotus cars since 1989 and drove my first one in 1975, so I have a soft spot for their edgy vehicle dynamics along with their spotty reliability. I would hate to see the company go under or the brand wind up being diluted by another 'vision' - this time from Asia. Hopefully, they add funding, fire the excess baggage, and hire some experienced management that really know how to bring the company forward vs. just talking about it.

[KingOfJericho]

It's been owned by an Asian company (Proton, in Malaysia) for 16 years and it's been the best thing for them. My Exige was Arctic Silver like your Elise - lovely color!

[az34]

Lets hope they'll build the Esprit.