2011 Lotus Esprit could use Lexus LFA 4.8-litre V10 engine

By Brett Davis | August 30th, 2010

Imagine that. It is just a rumour at this stage, but one insider has reportedly said that the upcoming Lotus Esprit will use the Toyota/Lexus LFA 4.8-litre V10 for its power source.

The new Lotus Esprit is scheduled to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October, showing from the 2nd to the 17th. A Lexus source reportedly told Inside Line, the engine (LFA) will be used in the Esprit to help it compete with the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche. Using this engine would certainly help Lotus step back into the market with a car that truly can compete with the best.

Returning to the days of the previous, twin-turbo V8 Esprit, a V10, in this 400-plus-kilowatt supercar age, would fit in nicely. Sources say there could be a lower-spec variant to come out using the Yamaha-developed Lexus IS F 5.0-litre V8 engine as well, to give the model substance and foundation.

If these engines are offered in the upcoming Lotus Esprit, the car will be an outstanding proposition compared to the rivals. Lotus has always made great handling cars, and express huge enthusiasm for lightness evident by all of its products. The only area Lotus could be lacking in is the power department with most of its range incorporating a mainstream Toyota engine of some sort. This is mainly to keep costs down. With the Esprit though, this is an all-out supercar with fewer boundaries. Fingers crossed, then.

Justin

This would be fantastic if it is indeed true, the v10 weighs less than a v8 of same capacity which follows lotus philosophy perfectly and it would be put to good use, seeming it has only been used in one car limited to 500, would have been such a waste otherwise
Jimmy

That would be incredible if it eventuates. That LFA engine is a stonker. It is the closest sounding thing to an F1 car I have ever heard.
Shak

Isnt the V10 the major reason the LFA costs so much. I can see why Lotus uses Toyota engines in their conventional range. Either way, if it happens……OHH YEAH!
Shane

Whatever it uses, I hope it looks as good as this picture
mitsusubar

Is it just me or does the rear side of the car looks like a gallardo . Not a complaint just an observation
Baddass

I remember reading that Lexus only made the V10 for the LFA. Which makes sense when you think about it. The V10 is arguably the most important thing about the LFA, so would Lexus really want to lend it to another company who would put it in a lighter, faster probably cheaper car?

Bugger.

lexus/toyota has had a share holding in lotus for years it even goes back to the early 80′s with the celica, I doubt that they would use the v10 from the LFA but dont be surprised to see the AWESOME 5.0 litre ISF motor in a light weight lotus!

Charles

If the Esprit is gonna use the LFAs’ amazing engine then it might as well use the fully spec if not an even improved version. point being first that could continue the life of the engine long after LFA is no longer in production in the life of the new Esprit, & second that would at least see some $ return for Toyota given the massive investment they made on the whole LFA project. third who knows about the future hold i rather like the Lotus Lexus partnership.
Jimmy James

I thought the rumour was that the car would use a V8 engine that is DERIVED from the LFA’s V10. So basically a reworked version of the LFA engine with 2 cylinders lopped off.