The new Lotus Esprit
targeted for release in 2012 will not only be company’s fastest production car but
also the fastest car produced in the UK. This of course means that it will aim
to beat the new McLaren MP4-12C and the Aston Martin One-77 with a top speed of
212mph.
In order to achieve this
the naturally aspirated 4.8L V8 will be turbocharged increasing its power
output from 562bhp to 612bhp. A number of different trims are planned but the
range topping, Mclaren & Aston beating spec is surely based on the “Superleggera”
version. This is to feature an all aluminium chassis which is stronger and
lighter, with a lot of standard equipment stripped out (air conditioning,
entertainment system, etc.).
Another interesting point
about the Lotus is that the McLaren has been criticised for its lack of
steering feedback (the reason why it seems to lose out when compared to the
Ferrari 458), however (according to FastMotoring.com) the Lotus is set to
feature a 7 speed dual clutch semi-automatic gearbox and an electro hydraulic
power steering to give more feel and emotion to the driver. It all seems very ambitious from Lotus!
It probably helps that the car looks stunning:
But does it look better than the Aston Martin One-77 and the new Mclaren (both beautiful cars in their own right)? The very cars it is looking to beat on performance?
In terms of styling, my vote goes to the Aston Martin!
-Photos courtesy of Autoblog!