Lotus Eagle - Unveiled Nest Week

[Cough]

http://www.autocar.co.uk/contentImages//Car/Lotus/157885308.jpg

Known only as Project Eagle, this new mid-engined 2+2 is based off an entirely new and larger chassis than the Elise/Exige and is powered by a 280 hp 3.5-liter V6 engine. The engine is once again sourced from Toyota and can be found in the Camry. Judging from output in that car, expect torque to be close to 248 ft-lbs.


According to the company’s press release, it is considerably faster around the Nürburging than the Elise and more stable at speed than the Exige.

Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc, had this to say about the new model: “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.”

Project Eagle’s new chassis is larger than the Elise/Exige and when combined with the larger engine and a sub five second 0-60 mph time, it is apparent that Lotus has finally decided to attack the Porsche Carrera.

The Project Eagle will officially be unveiled on July 22 at the Biritish Motor Show.

[skidz88]

I can see hints of Gallardo.

[corrupt123]

Well, it's the first lotus I like.

I wonder if anyone over 5'5" will fit in this one :lol:

[goffeebeans]

I can see hints of Gallardo.

It pretty much is.

http://www.lamborghinitoronto.com/images/new_models/new_gallardo_09.jpg
http://www.autocult.com.au/img/gallery/full/7HJEHFGC.jpg

[Badman]

yea, too much lambo and not enough lotus.

[Justin]

280HP and it is going to attack the Porsche Carrera???

[jetway1212]

280HP and it is going to attack the Porsche Carrera???

yah meng. Porsche is going down meng

[Emancipated]

280HP and it is going to attack the Porsche Carrera???

It's probably under 2,000 lbs. Why not?

[Sepiraph]

280HP and it is going to attack the Porsche Carrera???

HP aint everything - other variables like weight, suspension, transmission, power-train matters as much. Look at the GTR, that car weights a ton and has less HP than most supercars, yet it beats them in the Ring.

[MaximDude]

Not feeling this design at all.

[sexpuppet6000]

weak

[mic2074]

yea, too much lambo and not enough lotus.

+1... totally lacking the lotus look.

[P90Puma]

It's probably under 2,000 lbs. Why not?

The Elise is barely under that now, what makes you think something bigger with a larger motor will be under 2000 lbs?

The picture posted above is NOT the eagle, it was a concept rendering for the new esprit.

Official Photo:
http://www.product-reviews.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/project-eagle-lotus-roadster.jpg

[P90Puma]

More pictures:

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsGallery.aspx?AR=233975&EL=-1&IM=182280

[maniacshopper]

The elise weakness was the motor, not enough torque. You need torque to move up those crazy hills at nurburg.

The short wheel base of the elise allows razor sharp turns, but a high speed car needs to be a bit longer than the elise to have the high speed stability along with the aero pkg.

If it has this much torque, and the weight is still under 2000 lbs. This car will be a mover. Lotus is one of the leading designers for suspensions.

But a camry motor? Definitely needs to be tweaked. I don't know how much the motor weighs. But will wait for more details.

True the R35 GTR is quick and heavy, but no matter how good the suspension settings are, the weight will come to play in tire wear along with brake wear on the track. No substitute for going lighter to go faster.

[Badman]

actually the the photos look very nice

[Asad_A203]

The elise weakness was the motor, not enough torque. You need torque to move up those crazy hills at nurburg.

The short wheel base of the elise allows razor sharp turns, but a high speed car needs to be a bit longer than the elise to have the high speed stability along with the aero pkg.

If it has this much torque, and the weight is still under 2000 lbs. This car will be a mover. Lotus is one of the leading designers for suspensions.

But a camry motor? Definitely needs to be tweaked. I don't know how much the motor weighs. But will wait for more details.

True the R35 GTR is quick and heavy, but no matter how good the suspension settings are, the weight will come to play in tire wear along with brake wear on the track. No substitute for going lighter to go faster.

Wasn't the elise doing 0-60 under 6 seconds with the XRS motor and the new Supercharged motor does it under 4 seconds? To me that is plenty fast; you will be giving the GTR/Z06/911 a run for their money.