Lotus Esprit successor may feature Lexus V10

[Bgwilly31]

For Lotus fans, the next few years should prove to be very interesting times as the company pushes ahead with its five-year plan to update its model lineup, including successors to the Elise and Esprit. Lotus has already unveiled its new Evora, but rather than sitting still with this car, work on the new Elise and Esprit is already well underway at the company’s Hethel engineering center in the UK.

While the future Elise may be seen as early as 2011, of more interest is the flagship Esprit successor, which EVO is reporting could come with an optional V10 engine sourced from Lexus. While there has been no confirmation of such a move, Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley has revealed in the past that the car is being developed with “a very well respected prestige carmaker.”

Many predicted that BMW would supply one of its V8 engines for the new Esprit but Lotus' close ties with Toyota, from which it already sources a number of powerplants, could see advanced Lexus engines used instead. The 500hp (373kW) V10 engine, which is set to debut in the Lexus LF-A supercar next year, would likely be reserved for a range-topping model, while a mid-spec model would get the IS-F’s 420hp (312kW) V8 and an entry-level model would pick up a 300hp (225kW) version of the 3.5L Toyota V6 from the Evora.

To keep costs down and speed up its gestation, the new Esprit will likely share its chassis with the bonded and extruded aluminum unit underpinning the Evora. Rising development costs and changing requirements, however, have reportedly pushed back the original 2010 release date to 2012. The extra time, however, will allow for both coupe and convertible models - Lotus had originally planned to launch a hard-top only - as well as a possible ‘alternative’ model.

Lotus Esprit successor may feature Lexus V10 - MotorAuthority - Car news, reviews, spy shots

[...m...]

That. Would be. Epic.

[Nikki]

I hope the part about offering some less exotic versions like a V8 or V6 is true, since that would make it more affordable to me, plus I don't need 500+ HP for my purposes at my old age.

[Simba]

Hope they will, chances are they won't.

[6_speed]

Originally Posted by Nikki

I hope the part about offering some less exotic versions like a V8 or V6 is true, since that would make it more affordable to me, plus I don't need 500+ HP for my purposes at my old age.

Agree. But they would simply point us to the Evora or Evora S instead

[deddie]

There have been so many engine rumors (starting with the 5L V8 from the prior generation M5) for the Esprit, that I can't keep up anymore. I personally believe that the 5.7L V8 from the Tundra (another recent rumor) seems logical (unless the weight/dimensions of the engine are not acceptable). Close to 400hp, available supercharger through TRD (pushing it to 500hp) and relatively inexpensive.

[shay2nak]

they should stick with the V10. I guess it wouldn't be bad to offer V8 also, but you don't want to water it down. Evora S should be enough to fill the gap.

[Flash G]

Originally Posted by Nikki

I hope the part about offering some less exotic versions like a V8 or V6 is true, since that would make it more affordable to me, plus I don't need 500+ HP for my purposes at my old age.

I'll gladly take 500+ HP.

[Soigne]

Originally Posted by Flash G

I'll gladly take 500+ HP.

500+ hp in a 3000+ lb Lotus?! Colin would rollin' in his grave. Does that not go against all these cars stand for?

[Simba]

Originally Posted by Soigne

500+ hp in a 3000+ lb Lotus?! Colin would rollin' in his grave. Does that not go against all these cars stand for?

As opposed to 350 hp in a 3000 lb Lotus?

I'd much rather see a 2500 lb Esprit, but I don't think that'll be possible unless they get extremely exotic (and hence expensive) in construction materials.

[Jamolah]

Originally Posted by Soigne

500+ hp in a 3000+ lb Lotus?! Colin would rollin' in his grave. Does that not go against all these cars stand for?

Let’s keep in my mind, when Colin was building cars it was a different time. Now with stricter emissions, crash safety, pedestrian safety and being more manufacturers becoming more environmentally friendly it’s changing the game. Cars have to get heavier as a result of these things, unless you are going carbon fiber and making small cars (i.e. Elise/Exige size).
When you get into the Evora, Esprit, F430, 911, Corvette, etc… size cars you are talking about 3000+lbs, no way around it unless you’re going very exotic materials and $500,000+ price range.

Even the Elise has gone up in weight from the original British unit. If memory serves me correctly the original Elise (S1) was around the 1500 – 1600 lbs, now it’s in the 1984 – 2100+. When you think about it that's a 300 to 400+lbs increase on such a small car. So imagine the added pounds on bigger cars.

[buzzy]

I love this comment on that site:

Tigersworld says

Damm that look's like a Delorian with a Japanese aero kit glued on!!!!

[g and the sauce]

I would love to see the Lexus V10 in the new Esprit.

One question, why would Lexus supply the engine when they have their own supercar coming out?

[lotus4s]

Because they have a working relationship with Lotus and benefit greatly from Lotus Engineering...

[TrapperJohn]

I don't see a new Esprit as being competition for a Lexus. Different type of buyer.

A Lexus buyer thinks luxury and convenience first. An Esprit buyer is thinking about something completely different. Luxury and convenience are way down the list.

[Monsi]

Originally Posted by TrapperJohn

Luxury and convenience are not on the list.

fixed it for you

[DeanG]

Jalopnik - New Lotus Esprit To Feature 500 HP Lexus LF-A 4.8-Liter V10 - 2012 Lotus Esprit

[mikeyd]

I'm gonna get flamed for this but here goes...
Why doesn't Lotus just sign up for gen. V LS 500hp+ motors from GM for the Esprit (or whoever buys the engines division). It's reliable, 100lbs lighter than the Lexus LF-A, MUCH cheaper, could be geared to return relatively high MPG in a lighter more aerodynamic vehicle. More importantly an LS Esprit would inherit a massive fan base throughout the US and have access to huge aftermarket support/tuning.
Now I know I'm gonna get flamed for this but look past gut reactions and prejudices, how much better is a massively technical V10 with prohibitive servicing costs than a proven and much loved lump like the the LS?
Just because it's made in Detroit doesn't mean it's crap...
I would much prefer to see an Esprit with LS power and I reckon most of Esprit fans of old would too.
The Corvette isn't my cup of tea but the LS is a bloody good engine.
Lotus has as much a connection with GM as it does with Toyota (more so maybe).
My $0.02

[...m...]

...torque...

[Demonized]

Originally Posted by mikeyd

I'm gonna get flamed for this but here goes...
Why doesn't Lotus just sign up for gen. V LS 500hp+ motors from GM for the Esprit (or whoever buys the engines division). It's reliable, 100lbs lighter than the Lexus LF-A, MUCH cheaper, could be geared to return relatively high MPG in a lighter more aerodynamic vehicle. More importantly an LS Esprit would inherit a massive fan base throughout the US and have access to huge aftermarket support/tuning.
Now I know I'm gonna get flamed for this but look past gut reactions and prejudices, how much better is a massively technical V10 with prohibitive servicing costs than a proven and much loved lump like the the LS?
Just because it's made in Detroit doesn't mean it's crap...
I would much prefer to see an Esprit with LS power and I reckon most of Esprit fans of old would too.
The Corvette isn't my cup of tea but the LS is a bloody good engine.
Lotus has as much a connection with GM as it does with Toyota (more so maybe).
My $0.02

Then vette owners would have something to brag about...