2014 Lotus Esprit - First Look

Powered by a 640-bhp Lotus-built V-8

Lotus announced that the new Esprit will make its debut at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show and will go on sale in this country in 2014. The experts in chassis design haven’t released much regarding the upcoming Esprit other than the use of aluminum body panels, with higher-end versions receiving more carbon fiber. The surprising news for Lotus came with the powertrains, namely a hybrid version for the base Esprit and a new internally built V-8 engine.

Initial plans had Lotus using a supercharged version of the 5.0-liter Lexus IS F V-8 engine, as shown at the 2010 L.A. Auto Show. In a surprising move, Lotus revealed plans for new engine developed in-house. The result is a 4.8-liter V-8 featuring direct injection, four valves per cylinder, a flat-plane crank and dry-sump lubrication. Although not confirmed, expect variable valve timing and a minimum redline of 9000 rpm.

The Lotus V-8 is compact, measuring approximately 620 mm (24.4 in.) in length, and will weigh at least 140 lb. less than the supercharged IS F setup originally intended. Final horsepower figures have yet to be announced but the minimum target is 570 bhp. There are whispers of dyno numbers reaching as high as 640 bhp.
Despite recent news of Malaysian parent company Proton seeking to sell the brand, Lotus’ current plans—as of press time—are to continue its course.

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