MSP4EVER
02-05-2005, 05:39 PM
<TABLE class=ImageBox><TBODY><TR><TD>http://autoweek.com/images/news/101720
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Elise XL or Esprit Short? Third Lotus model spied during test
JULIAN RENDELL
Posted Date: 2/1/05
Our spies in England spotted a prototype midsized, mid-engine $30,000 coupe that fits in the Lotus lineup between the Elise and a new Esprit.
Officially the project remains “under consideration,” but this trimmed-out mule is eerily identical to a design published in U.K. Patent Office journals last fall.
Insiders report at least six prototypes have been built, including one that has been crash-tested.
http://www.autoweek.com/files/weekart/2005/0207/lotusspy_rear.jpg The car’s aluminum chassis, dubbed the Versatile Vehicle Architecture, also underpins the larger Esprit. The design is so flexible that front- and mid-engine models can be built off the same chassis.
Aimed at Porsche’s new Boxster coupe, this model is conceived as a more comfortable touring GT. Though likely to arrive as a Lotus, it could also be sold through Proton dealers, the Malaysian carmaker that owns Lotus.
Sources say a vestigial set of rear seats is under consideration, but chances of the car being a 2+2 are slim, thanks to a lack of rear access over its wide sills and access through its narrow doors.
http://www.autoweek.com/files/weekart/2005/0207/lotusspy_side.jpg
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Elise XL or Esprit Short? Third Lotus model spied during test
JULIAN RENDELL
Posted Date: 2/1/05
Our spies in England spotted a prototype midsized, mid-engine $30,000 coupe that fits in the Lotus lineup between the Elise and a new Esprit.
Officially the project remains “under consideration,” but this trimmed-out mule is eerily identical to a design published in U.K. Patent Office journals last fall.
Insiders report at least six prototypes have been built, including one that has been crash-tested.
http://www.autoweek.com/files/weekart/2005/0207/lotusspy_rear.jpg The car’s aluminum chassis, dubbed the Versatile Vehicle Architecture, also underpins the larger Esprit. The design is so flexible that front- and mid-engine models can be built off the same chassis.
Aimed at Porsche’s new Boxster coupe, this model is conceived as a more comfortable touring GT. Though likely to arrive as a Lotus, it could also be sold through Proton dealers, the Malaysian carmaker that owns Lotus.
Sources say a vestigial set of rear seats is under consideration, but chances of the car being a 2+2 are slim, thanks to a lack of rear access over its wide sills and access through its narrow doors.
http://www.autoweek.com/files/weekart/2005/0207/lotusspy_side.jpg