Spy Shots: 2009 Lotus Esprit

Posted Fri Feb 23 2007 6:39 AM by James Martinez

Even more images of Lotus’ upcoming Esprit supercar have turned up, this time with a test-mule seen driving on public roads. The car is expected to be powered by a BMW-sourced V8 engine displacing either 4.4 or 4.8L, and deliver within the region of 370hp. Lotus fully denies that this prototype is in fact the new Esprit, but sources in the UK confirm that it is and that the car will be ready for sale in 2009.

The images reveal the new Lotus picks up design cues from Audi’s R8 coupe, with large air intakes in front of the rear-guards feeding air to the mid-mounted powerplant. The flagship Lotus is expected to cost around €110,000 and don’t be surprised if the new Esprit weighs in at around 1200kg. Follow the jump to see the images in full over at Autovisie.

MotorAuthority