The New Distinctive,Mid-engined,2+2 Sportscar From Lotus

The New Distinctive, Mid-engined, 2+2 Sportscar From Lotus

July 16, 2008 – 1:35 pm by Izack

The new car, which is known only by its project name ‘Eagle”, is a more holistic offering than the Elise and Extige models that have been so massively popular with track day enthusiasts. The car, the name for which will be announced at the British Motor show on 22 July at an 11:30 press conference, is designed for people who desire exotic sports car characteristics of stunning design,exclusivity,dramatic proportions and performance.Project Eagle also offers real-world usability and a unique sense of occasion.

Powered by 3.5-litre V6 producing 280 PS,the new car employs innovative lightweight chassis technology to ensurevisceral all-round dynamic performance, in keeping with the great Lotus tradition. Even in the very early stages of development testing, Lotus ride and handling engineers report that it is considerably faster around the famously demanding Nurburgring circuit than the Elise and more stable at speed than the Exige.

Inside, Project Eagle cocoons occupants with a sumptuous leather surfaces juxtaposed with contemporary high-tech features.With driver focused instrumentation the driver sits in cockpit-esque surroundings. A beautifully appointed dash boasts tactile details such as flush-mounted controls that glow with blue LED halos and a stylized speedometer and rev ensuring that controls are both attractive and accessible.

Styled in-house by Lotus Design, the Project Eagle’s sleek, sophisticated and attention-snaring lines brilliantly disguise its ability to accommodate passengers in the rear of the cabin, giving the car the external characteristics of a small,nimble sports car whilst belying its internal space.As well as being sold in a 2+2 configuration,the car will also be available as a purely two seater, the space in the rear being allocated to luggage storage. Other derivatives are also planned for the future,including a convertible and an ultra high performance version.

Deliveries of Project Eagle will begin in Spring 2009, and with only 2000 of the hand crafted cars planned each year, this exclusive and unique car is creating a real stir with celebrity enthusiasts around the world. Holloywood actor and car enthusiast Patrick Dempsey is just one of the high profile collectors who are on the waiting list for a test drive.

Mike Kimberley, CEO if Group Lotus pls,had this to say about the new models: “Project Eagle is the biggest milestone Lotus has achieved since the Elise was born 13 years ago. We are currently working at broadening the appeal of the Lotus brand through an aggressive 5 year model plan of which this car represents the first exciting step.