- Esprit revived after six years. - Supercharged 5.0-litre V8 offers 550- or 620bhp - 0-62mph in 3.2- or 3.5 seconds
After a six-year absence the Lotus Esprit is back with a bang. It's one of six new cars unveiled by the British sports car maker in Paris as it attempts serious growth and plans to take on heavyweight rival Porsche.
What's all the fuss about?
The Esprit will be a force to be reckoned with on the road. Expect 550bhp from the 5.0-litre Lexus V8, with a supercharger supplied by Lotus. There will also be a hotter R version with a scorching 620bhp.
It will hit 62mph in 3.2- or 3.5 seconds depending on which version you go for and emissions of only 250g/km are very low for such a high performance car and in keeping with Lotus' plan to make the most efficient cars in their classes.
Any new technology?
Not really, but the Esprit will be a typical Lotus in that it will be lighter than its rivals. It weighs 1,495kg, which doesn't make it a featherweight, but it that is less than its competitors.
The engine is mated to a seven-speed, paddle-shift gearbox and energy recovery systems are also fitted.
Estimated release date: 2013
Estimated cost: £80,000-£120,000
