Spied: Lotus Eagle

This is the mid-engined, four-seat Lotus GT codenamed 'Eagle'. The spy image shows how the car is both wider and longer than an Elise, with much of the length being added to the rear of the car. The Eagle appears to have a more steeply sloping front end than the current Lotus models, with the doors and roofline more reminiscent of the Europa GT. It's also worth noting the similarities between this disguised, pre-production car and the Lotus M250 concept first seen at Frankfurt motor show in 1999. The M250 was another mid-engine GT, this time a two seater. It was canned after Lotus failed to make the car compliant with US manufacturing standards – a key market for the new Eagle.However, that's not to say that there couldn't be plenty of design inspiration taken from the abortive concept, and we certainly don't think it would be a bad thing. When it does finally go into production, the Lotus GT will be the first in a line of new Lotus models planned to rejuvenate the Norfolk-based company. It will use an extended version of the Elise's aluminium monocoque and a transverse-mounted Toyota V6 engine, rumoured to be putting out up to 300bhp.The Eagle is likely to debut at the London motor show in July this year before going on sale in early 2009 at around £45,000.

Vicky Parrott