Aurion-powered Lotus Eagle July 22 debut

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By George Skentzos | June 29th, 2008

Lotus builds some of the most revered and celebrated performance cars in the world, however hasn’t produced an all-new model in over a decade.

This dry spell is about to come to an end, with Lotus set to reveal its Espirit-successor – the Lotus Eagle – at next month’s British Motor Show on July 22.

Like the current Elise and Exige line-up which feature the 1.8L VVTL-i engine, Lotus has also looked to its Japanese companion to power the Eagle which is set to boast a Toyota-sourced powerplant.

Specifically, a modified version of the 200kW 3.5-litre V6 engine from the Toyota Aurion will be used to power the new Eagle in both naturally-aspirated and supercharged variants.

The Eagle is set to replace the Espirit as the flagship of the Lotus range which ended production in 2004.

The new mid-engined 2+2 coupe will utilise Lotus’ trademark lightweight aluminium space frame technology, no doubt keeping the overall weight hovering about the 1,000kg mark.

Source: CarScoop

http://www.caradvice.com.au Anthony

After driving the Exige S Performance Pack all week, it is scary to think how quick an Aurion powered lotus will be.
Richo

Although the project name is Eagle, it will actually be called the “Ethos” when it goes on sale. Also it’s not lotus’s new flagship as stated in the article, it will be positioned above the elise/exige/europa however it will be positioned below the next Esprit which is due in 2011.

Also the top model will be supercharged, not turbocharged as stated in article, and will have around 300kw which will translate to being farking quick!
Joober

Im guessing its probably more IS350 powered Lotus? They are probably more potent the the cut down Aurion engine (- DI)
Richo

Depends what level of specification lotus requested. The Toyota 3.5ltr V6 has found a home in a hell of a lot of different toyota’s from Aurions to Rav 4’s and torago’s and indeed the lexus IS350 with direct injection. It’s just a matter of whether lotus required the more expensive direct injection spec or the cheaper “aurion” spec. Either way lotus will have done some of their own modifications anyway
Mitch Impey

They should get 300kw easy.
No Name

Waahey – got me tickets for London Motor Show..

Lotus ought to stick some skinny tyres a la Aurion which I’m sure would assist in the driving dynamics. Cor 200Killer waps plus in a Lotus. Wonder what that will do round the Nurby??