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Autocar staff
http://www.autocar.co.uk
07/16/2008 - 08:31 AM
London, UK
A production code, "Eagle" isn't the final name of the new coupe. (Lotus photo) » More Photos
Lotus, at last, is bound for the big time, the company hopes. On the 22 July at the London motor show, it will reveal this revolutionary mid-engined, 2+2 coupe codenamed the Lotus Eagle.
This is the car that Lotus believes will take it right to the heart of Porsche territory and transform Lotus Cars into the vibrant, 5000-cars-a-year manufacturing business that successive bosses have wanted for so long.
The 280hp, 3.5-liter V6-powered coupe is being launched in both 2+2 and 2+0 forms. It takes Lotus back into the 170mph league it vacated when the Esprit ceased production in 2004.
Due in showrooms in early summer next year, the car’s real handle – a new “E” name never before used by Lotus – won’t be revealed until the London show. Three names are still under consideration, and a decision will be made at the
With a 3.5-liter Toyota-sourced V6, the Eagle aims straight at the Porsche Cayman. (Lotus photo) » More Photos
Design
The new coupe’s wheelbase is just 13 inches longer than that of the Elise, but into that space goes an extra 3.5in of driver’s seat travel, a V6 engine instead of an in-line four, and enough rear legroom for a 5ft-tall passenger.
Despite the fact that the overall length is 3.7in shorter than a Porsche 911, the safety structure waltzes through today’s toughest crash tests, and the trunk can house a full set of golf clubs.
There’s nothing too radical about the interior, but it’s far classier and more comfortable than anything Lotus has done before. A key part of interior designer Anthony Bushell’s job has been searching out and negotiating with suppliers of prime-quality trim materials; Lotus is determined to convey longevity and class in the Eagle interior.
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