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?
