The interior design looks attractive, and the quality of fit and finish looks high. Nice effort by Lotus.

As for the exterior design, it reminds me of the M250 concept, you can see the front windscreen and side window design is very similar, and the front end design is more tone down than the concept.

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Of course there's the distinct possibility that Lotus is saving the Esprit badge for something truly special.

The development of the Esprit was delayed because the new Lotus management team wanted to push forward the launch date for this Eagle. The Esprit is coming, we will have to wait til next year to see the car.

I am big fan of Lotus and I want to feel excited about this car, but something is missing. But it is a vast improvement over that crap Europa. And having driven a V6 Camry, the engine doesn't excite me much either. I am sure the reviews will change my mind.

After day 2 and after monster posted that pic of the sublimely gorgeous M250, I like this car less still. I'm still smarting from the whack-f&%k insult that the Europa was and I can't help but see a strong connection between these two.

It's the only thing about it I like.

From this side-on view the car is actually ugly. It's chubby-looking and has some unflatteringly discordant detailing. Ugh. Ok - I'm officially off it now. Did Lotus hire Andreas Zapatinas?

I can't wait to hear what Richard Porter has to say about this one.

It has a new name...

Autocar - London show: Lotus Evora

Lotus has released basic information and our first look at the 2009 Lotus “Eagle” as a teaser prior to next week’s British auto show where the car’s true identity will be revealed—Eagle is just its internal codename.

Until then, what we know for certain is that the Eagle will be positioned above the Elise and Exige S models and, like the not-for-the-U.S. Europa, aims to provide increased day-to-day usability, which means it should be no harder to get in and out of than a Corvette, with a low, flat door sill. Think Porsche Cayman as opposed to all-out track toy: the Eagle will carry more creature comforts and be larger (although that’s a relative term) than the Elise and Exige.

The basic structure is similar to every other modern Lotus: mid-engined, lightweight, and smaller than most everything else on the road. Like the Europa, the Eagle has a sloped rear window and a fixed roof, although a convertible will arrive at a later date.

The Eagle will be offered either as a true two-seater or with a 2+2 seating arrangement, although Lotus warns the rear seats are only suitable for children, and we suspect only those with very short legs.

Power will come from a Toyota 3.5-liter V-6 with variable valve timing tuned to produce 276 horsepower, and Lotus says the car clears the 0-to-60-mph sprint in less than five seconds and tops out around 160 mph.

The Eagle employs typical Lotus aerodynamic tricks to keep the car planted at high speeds, including a rear diffuser and spoiler. Lotus engineers claim the Eagle is quicker around the famed Nürburgring circuit than the Elise. It is not designed to offer a go-kart-like ride, but rather to appeal to a wider demographic.

Inside there are way more toys than in the Exige and Elise: air conditioning, leather seating, a tire-pressure monitoring system, a backup camera, cool blue LED lighting, and a remote garage-door opener.

There’s also a slick Alpine audio and navigation system with satellite radio, iPod, and Bluetooth connectivity, and a clever audio equalizer. We recently installed a similar system in our long-term Subaru WRX STI, and it sounds great.

As a further concession to practicality, the Eagle even has a rear-mounted trunk that’s supposed to fit a set of golf clubs. Because it’s mounted behind the engine, the trunk is cooled to stop engine heat from melting cargo—but we wouldn’t go so far as to put ice cream back there. Lotus rounds out the features list with anti-lock brakes and traction and stability control.

Check back next week for our coverage of the Eagle’s official unveiling, but Lotus says it will be another six months before the car is available for test drives. The Eagle—or whatever its real name is—will go on sale in spring 2009, starting in Europe, with only 2000 to be built per year unless demand warrants adding a second shift. We’re waiting to hear back from Lotus on how many are headed to the U.S. We expect them later in 2009 as 2010 models.

The car is the first of three new models Lotus promises as part of a five-model business plan to grow the niche brand. It is the first all-new addition to the lineup since 1995.


2010 Lotus Evora - Car News/Latest News & Reviews/Car Shopping/Hot Lists/Reviews/Car and Driver - Car And Driver


The interior looks like a luxury car for a Lotus. I think I like it, something different.


M