New Lotus Esprit to go hybrid?

[danidmas]

Seems that Lotus is turning greener than anyone else...

With rumours pointing that a hybrid Evora could be presented already at Geneva in 2 months...
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/look-out-fisker-and-tesla-lotus-to-jump-into-ev-game/

... now it seems that even the top-end Esprit would get the same hybrid technology:
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/12/report-lotus-delays-new-esprit-to-go-hybrid/

... reason why they've decided to delay the introduction of the so-awaited Esprit replacer.

[MartinR]

Guess it could work. It'd probably provide for better power delivery at the low end?!

As long as it also helps the performance, since really big/powerful hybrids wont save the planet anyway.

[Sir_GT]

I have to say, I really like those side vents.

The front needs a bit of work still... but those side vents/bat wings/jet fighter intake/things look incredible.

[Saadie]

gallardo did europa fromt he behind 

this is one of the very few new car shapes that me likes! 

[chest3r]

A mix between a Gallardo and an R8.

It's weird for Lotus to use hybrid technology since it ads a lot of weight to the car, and we all now there's no other manufacturer who hates weight more than lotus   

[danidmas]

A mix between a Gallardo and an R8.

It's weird for Lotus to use hybrid technology since it ads a lot of weight to the car, and we all now there's no other manufacturer who hates weight more than lotus  

Recently, they have been playing quite a lot with electric technology, with the Dodge EV Concept based on the Europa, and the Tesla Roadster, which is basically an electric Elise... so I'm sure they know what they're doing

[chest3r]

Yeah, I know that, but those are not Lotus, at most they gave a hand in the development of the cars.

[danidmas]

Yeah, I know that, but those are not Lotus, at most they gave a hand in the development of the cars.

Well I guess Lotus actually helped in the handling department...

I don't thing hybrid is the way to go anyway, since the fuel consumption is pretty much the same as a petrol car, unless you're doing a lot of stop-and-go traffic, very unlikely in the case of the Esprit. They should work on the Tesla Roadster idea of a full-electric, or an engine running on hidrogen...

Just my 2 cents

[mrmojo77]

I'm sure they made some cooperation with Tesla and when Tesla got body design from Lotus, Lotus in return got electric engine design. Both benefitted.
Should be an interesting car to see.

[spanky]

Great looking car. Looks just like a Gallardo though... Or maybe a Gallardo in 5 years time...

[Stanae86]

It also strikes me as Gallardo/R8 in look.  Those vents, coming up so high will make it impossible to see your blind spot...I'm sure the final version must look different in design at that part...?