Lotus has started testing the Esprit
successor on public roads, with an Evora-based mule spotted trying to hide its
different proportions under a coat of flat-black paint. The development mule
appears to be significantly wider than a standard Lotus Evora, which leads us
to believe that the company is now in the early phase of testing the company’s
revised aluminum platform.
We don’t know yet if Lotus is going to
revive the Esprit nameplate for its new model, which will sit above the Evora
in the corporate food chain and go against more expensive machinery. The “new
Esprit” is expected to be the last Lotus to use the aluminum architecture
before the company moves on to a completely new platform design.
Lotus plans to introduce an expanded range
of models based on their all-new platform, which could include a new Elan as a
rival to the Porsche Boxster. Unlike the Evora, it will offer a two-seater
interior but it will continue using a Toyota-sourced V6 engine in combination
with an electric motor and a battery pack. Yes, the Esprit successor will be a
hybrid, with the electrified V6 powertrain said to offer around 500 HP.
As for the exterior design of the new
Lotus, expect to see lots of Evija styling clues dotted around the new Esprit’s
bodywork, as well as a totally revamped interior that blends high-tech features
with minimal lines. Lotus is expected to reveal the “new Esprit” next year
-which will be available for sale not only in Europe, but North America and
China as well- but expect to see more test cars on public roads and tracks
before that happens, so stay tuned.
