Techno World Mania

Just like the last Esprit, which was sold with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine from 1996 to 2004, the new car has a bent-eight mounted amidships. But, whereas the old engine was developed in-house, this car uses a 5.0-liter V-8 sourced from the Lexus IS F, and then turbocharged. Lotus must have done a bit more than just slap on the turbo, as the engine spins up to 8500 rpm (the IS F’s unit redlines at 6800). The company claims output of 612 hp and a stout 531 lb-ft of torque.

The Esprit is 179.1 inches long, 76.8 inches wide, and 49.2 inches high, almost spot on with the Ferrari 458 Italia’s dimensions. Lotus claims that it will weigh 3197 pounds—somewhat lighter than the Ferrari—enabling it to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds and go on to a top speed of 205 mph. The price is estimated to be in the region of $110,000, far less than the 458 Italia or an Aston Martin V-12 Vantage. That price tag will leave Lotus loyalists with a very difficult decision to make: 612-hp, front-engine Elite for about $115,000; or 612-hp, mid-engine Esprit for nearly the same price.