Lotus Reveals Future Model Strategy, Delays Esprit

HETHEL, England — Introduction of the redesigned Esprit has been delayed until late 2009, but Lotus plans to launch two new models in the interim.

Group Lotus announced the new strategic plan on Thursday, with the first of the new cars being a high-performance Lotus/Proton model due in May 2008 and jointly developed with the British sports-car maker's Malaysian parent. The second is a new midrange Lotus slated for December 2008.

The major news, however, is the delay of the redesigned Esprit flagship until December 2009, to "incorporate more Lotus DNA and other enhancements to meet the changing needs of the global marketplace," according to a company statement.

Group Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley said the new five-year strategic plan envisions growth in the company's engineering business as it expands into new markets and pursues joint ventures and strategic alliances with other auto firms.

Few details have leaked out about the next Esprit, which had been slated to break cover in late 2007. The car is expected to employ a midengine layout and could use BMW's DOHC 4.8-liter V8, massaged to deliver more than 400 horsepower. Priced above $125,000, it will likely be aimed at such supercars as Audi's upcoming R8.

In the meantime, development work continues, with at least one prototype spotted on the Lotus test track here. An artist's rendering provides some clues as to potential design direction.
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