Car and Driver Article on the Eagle

[Allan Gibbs]

2009 Lotus Project Eagle - Spied/Latest News & Reviews/Car Shopping/Hot Lists/Reviews/Car and Driver - Car And Driver

2009 Lotus Project Eagle - Spied
Lotus’ next sports car is caught in its element on the Ring.

BY STEVE SILER, PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARPIX
May 2008



At last fall’s L.A. auto show, Lotus gave us some insight into its future, hinting at a new sporty member to its lineup from something called “Project Eagle.” The new car would slot in above the Elise/Exige and Europa lines but below the upcoming 2011 Esprit. Now we have our first look at an Eagle mule, caught testing at the good old Nürburgring, and the first from Lotus’ Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) first used on its 2005 APX crossover concept.

Project Eagle purportedly is a 2+0 or 2+2-seater; but after looking at the pictures, we’re guessing the former is the case. Note the shoulder-to-shoulder seating positions of driver and passenger in the photos, as well as the proportion between the tiny windows and the passengers’ huge helmets—where would you fit another set of seats?

But you never know with Lotus, a company that has turned the utilization of space into an art form. In a press release about the Eagle (we’re guessing that will be the final, official name, but to date Lotus has only referred to it by its Project Eagle code name), Lotus claims that the Elise and Exige are “much smaller.” Uh huh. The Elise and Exige are “much smaller” than pretty much any car save Barbie’s Dream Vette, so the descriptor isn’t saying a lot. Regardless, based on what we can see, if the Eagle is even slightly larger than the Europa and Elise, it won’t be by what any of us here consider much.

It will, however, be more elegant. Like the Europa, the Eagle will have rear-quarter windows and an unobstructed view out the sloping rear window. It also appears to have a longer front overhang, a slightly longer wheelbase, and some darn sexy wheels that we hope are offered in black, just like these.

What We Know About the Eagle

With its mid-engine VVA application (the VVA apparently can also be modified for front-mounted engines), Project Eagle’s largest structural component is its tub for the occupants. Behind that is the rear subframe to which the engine and rear suspension bits are mounted; in front is a 55-pound subframe that incorporates the crash structure and mounting points for the front suspension and hydraulic power steering components. All suspension arms are forged aluminum, which is both lighter and capable of handling higher loads, although much of the suspension design itself is derived from the Elise/Exige. Much of the structure is rendered in aluminum, although composites will be used for the roof, and likely many of its body panels.

Possible New V-6

The wind beneath the Eagle’s wings could come from a transversely mounted 3.0-liter V-6 of about 300 horsepower (that’s what the APX concept had under its hood). We can see the engine prefers to gulp air from the top of the rear fenders rather than the broad body sides, à la Elise/Exige/Europa.

We expect the Eagle to officially take flight with an unveil in July at the British Motor Show. It should go on sale in early 2009.

[LARRY]

"Lotus claims that the Elise and Exige are “much smaller.” Uh huh."

[Allan Gibbs]

I may be wrong but the picture and info on Car & Driver seem better than the other mag's I've seen (online).

I wonder if Lotus has a better relationship with C&D. Brings back memories of a July 2004 article about the upcoming Elise.

[def]

For some reason I never noticed the panel under the door... how it comes out from underneath.


There's a better shot for your height comparison Allan - the picture with two Eagles... the front one compared to the minivan-thingy

Although like someone else said in the last thread, the rear wheels are probably about 18" so you could use that to measure.

[Allan Gibbs]

I hope they get ride of those ugly "For Use Only on Car & Drive.com" stickers.

In regards to the panel under the door, I think the bulge may be a wire or something to hide the dimensions of the mid-section. And, the camouflage body panels make the car look larger & bulkier than it really is.

[LotinElite]

Anyone else notice the lack of cutouts for the side scoops that you would think would have to be there if the vehicle had scoops?

[AnsisK]

Originally Posted by LotinElite

Anyone else notice the lack of cutouts for the side scoops that you would think would have to be there if the vehicle had scoops?

There appears to be a set just above and behind the doors - 360/430 style.

[Vishus_1]

I just wonder if the Ethos will have knife-blade style doors like the M250 or if they will be regular doors?

[Bavarian Motorist]

You know, this Eagle does look really small, like a slightly stretched Elxise. (yes I made that up)


I hope it isn't TOO small or it won't hit the target market so well...


Just want Lotus to succeed

[kdawghomie]

Originally Posted by Bavarian Motorist

You know, this Eagle does look really small, like a slightly stretched Elxise. (yes I made that up)


I hope it isn't TOO small or it won't hit the target market so well...


Just want Lotus to succeed

yah... I wonder if the eagle will actually be "big" enough to put a spare tire on there somewhere? or is that too much to ask from lotus? lol

[Murix]

Cars don't have spare tires anymore.

[Bavarian Motorist]

Originally Posted by Murix

Cars don't have spare tires anymore.

Oh great!!! Run-craps!!


No, probably a tire sealant

[kdawghomie]

I'm still waiting for the twheel to finally come to be...
TWheel - Airless Wheel Technology from Michelin | Geek 24: Gadgets, Technology and Geek