German Car Zone

This spy shot just came in from Brenda Priddy and her horde of photogs. They know it's a Lotus and claim it shows what has been identified internally as "THE Supercar". We do know that Lotus showed off its future product to employees about a month ago, and from that it's been learned that the Jaguar XKR's supercharged V8 producing 420 horsepower will be the engine used in this car. Since we also know the upcoming Esprit replacement is the only Lotus slated to get a V8, well, you do the math...

After inspecting the photo, however, we can't deny that whatever's underneath that sheet must bear a resemblance to the Tesla Roadster. Where the cover wraps tightly around the body revealing some of its shape we can see a fender and rear 3/4 panel that's very similar to the all-electric roadster that's been developed in conjunction with Lotus. The length of this cloaked supercar, however, appears too long and its wheels don't match what we've seen on Tesla Roadsters before. Clearly, though, it's a mid-engine high-performance car of some sort, and we can't wait to find out exactly what.

[Photos: Brenda Priddy & Co.]

Thanks J_M.

Lotus, instead of piddling around with the Europa, should've rather diverted funding into the new Esprit replacement. The world needs Lotus to have a supercar again. Preferably one that's more affordable than the regular gaggle (methinks 911 / R8 pricing) but with the performance of the upper echelon which Lotus is so capable of producing.

Please excuse my total ignorance. Is Lotus totally independent? ....I see it is going to use a Jaguar (cough cough Ford) engine. Sounds like crap already.

their Elise and Exige models have been using Honda and Toyota engines for years now.

^^Hmmm ...so they were actually reliable then.

I'm in an odd mood today Andreas ...I could type anything! ...I think I have mania.

But Jaguar of all companies? There are so many good V8s out there to use.

Yes, that is what I was thinking ....maybe it is a cost issue Jaguar was probably desperate for something to do ....considering nobody actually buys their cars anymore.

Lotus is owned by Malaysian Proton.

Ahh Thanks Martinbo .......it just goes from bad to worse.

Not long ago it was talk about a V8 engine from BMW ( I think it was a modified engine from 550i).