Spy shots of a disguised Lotus prototype wearing an old Esprit body disguise have emerged from a snow-bound cold weather test centre in Sweden. What's more, it seems that this mystery Lotus isn't a mule for the forthcoming 'Eagle' GT, as first thought; it's actually a powertrain development car for the next Esprit.
This mule has given us a clue as to the origins of the engine that's likely to power 2010's hottest British sports car too. DVLA records matching its number plate reveal that it's powered by a 4.4-litre V8. Since Lotus sources have advised Autocar that BMW will probably supply the engine for Hethel's all-new flagship, it's likely that this new Esprit is packing a tuned, 500bhp version of Munich's new 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, as seen in the new X6 crossover SUV.
BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer has publicly stated that his company wants to sell more engine technology to third parties. On top of the financial gain, BMW will score strong PR points in Britain by providing engines for Lotus.
BMW’s newest 4.4-litre twin-turbo will debut in the X6 with 420bhp. By 2010, when we expect the new Esprit to arrive, it will have been used in a number of other BMW models including the X5 and the 7-series. Lotus will probably re-work the engine management and extract a Nissan GT-R- and Porsche 911 Turbo-rivalling power figure in excess of 500bhp.
BMW's old 4.4-litre Valvetronic normally aspirated V8 had been rumoured as an option for a new Esprit, but BMW discontinued it from its own range in 2006.
Now, however, the prospect of new BMW grunt combined with peerless Lotus dynamics seems more viable, and more exciting, than ever.
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Re: Scooped: new twin-turbo Lotus Esprit
Still, you've got to question the validity of using the numberplate to guess the engine. It's reg is AU54 ENX so the mule would have had a 4.4l engine in it 3 years ago. Does the DVLA get notified every time the engine is changed, especially when the car in question is a mule that would undergo major changes regularly?
Re: Scooped: new twin-turbo Lotus Esprit
Let's hope they get Lotus profitable and sell proton to VW, Although new Lotus Esprit with BMW V8 sounds brilliant! Maybe Lotus should develop the Ultimate Driving Machines!
Re: Scooped: new twin-turbo Lotus Esprit
Hmmm.
BMW doesn't currently have a sports car in its range, despite a new M1 being mooted many times before.
BMW also state that they are interested in selling more of their technology to third parties, something Lotus have an extensive knowledge of.
Proton have been looking for a partner to move their business forward, witness the talks with VW. A cash injection would also help.
Can anyone else see a pattern here or am I reading too much in to this engine supply deal. Certainly as a business case it holds water, despite the slight overlap between Lotus's possible position in the company and the M division.
It wouldn't be the first time a German car giant has taken on British engineering expertise either (Audi's purchase of Cosworth).
If there does end up being a tie up between BMW and Proton / Lotus, I sincerely hope that it doesn't go the way of the whole MG Rover debacle. Mind you have we not already been here several times before with Lotus!!!