Japanese Car Zone - View Single Post - Mystery Supercar Spotted: Your Guess Is As Good As Mine

Tycoon · 10-08-2007, 04:51 AM

Mystery Lotus not a Lotus at all?

Early this year, spy photos surfaced of what was purportedly the 2010 Lotus Esprit. There were many skeptics, and in February sources told us the car was most definitely not a Lotus. We decided to hold off on the story until more information was available, but the Lotus story keeps getting repeated in the auto press, so we'll throw in our two cents.

Project Eagle

Today, a story began circulating that the car in question is the all-new Lotus code-named "Project Eagle," rather than the Esprit as previously speculated. Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley announced the 2+2 project last month.

While such a project is clearly underway at Lotus, the vehicle photographed several times this year is probably not that car.
Instead, insiders insist the car is actually the work of a very small independent British sports car maker. Apparently, it has been in development for the last three or four years. While the identity of the manufacturer is not certain, the company produces very low volumes and has not marketed a car in several years.

7.0 liter engine a clue?

The vehicle's body is made entirely of carbon fiber, our source says. Vehicle registration data based on the prototype's license plate indicates the vehicle is powered by a 7.0 liter engine — something a Lotus would never have.
The most logical assumption is the company is sourcing a seven-liter V8 from GM's Chevrolet Corvette Z06, but our insider assures us this is not the case. Might the powerplant come from Saleen or Roush? Or perhaps it's a custom job.

Lotus Engineering involved?

The prototype was registered in Milton Keynes, a location where almost every European automaker does testing. Various evidence suggest Lotus Engineering might be involved in the project. Lotus Engineering — a Lotus Group subsidiary — often helps other automakers develop cars. That might explain why Lotus papework was seen in one of the cars, and why a prototype was spotted in a Lotus paint booth.

At the end of the day, the car remains a mystery — but we'll keep you posted as the story develops.

Source LLN: http://www.left lane news/mystery-lotus-not-a-lotus-at-all.html

10-08-2007, 04:51 AM	#5
Tycoon Expert Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 12,811 Thanks: 3,263 Thanked 3,647 Times in 1,986 Posts	Re: Mystery Supercar Spotted: Your Guess Is As Good As Mine Mystery Lotus not a Lotus at all? Early this year, spy photos surfaced of what was purportedly the 2010 Lotus Esprit. There were many skeptics, and in February sources told us the car was most definitely not a Lotus. We decided to hold off on the story until more information was available, but the Lotus story keeps getting repeated in the auto press, so we'll throw in our two cents. Project Eagle Today, a story began circulating that the car in question is the all-new Lotus code-named "Project Eagle," rather than the Esprit as previously speculated. Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley announced the 2+2 project last month. While such a project is clearly underway at Lotus, the vehicle photographed several times this year is probably not that car. Instead, insiders insist the car is actually the work of a very small independent British sports car maker. Apparently, it has been in development for the last three or four years. While the identity of the manufacturer is not certain, the company produces very low volumes and has not marketed a car in several years. 7.0 liter engine a clue? The vehicle's body is made entirely of carbon fiber, our source says. Vehicle registration data based on the prototype's license plate indicates the vehicle is powered by a 7.0 liter engine — something a Lotus would never have. The most logical assumption is the company is sourcing a seven-liter V8 from GM's Chevrolet Corvette Z06, but our insider assures us this is not the case. Might the powerplant come from Saleen or Roush? Or perhaps it's a custom job. Lotus Engineering involved? The prototype was registered in Milton Keynes, a location where almost every European automaker does testing. Various evidence suggest Lotus Engineering might be involved in the project. Lotus Engineering — a Lotus Group subsidiary — often helps other automakers develop cars. That might explain why Lotus papework was seen in one of the cars, and why a prototype was spotted in a Lotus paint booth. At the end of the day, the car remains a mystery — but we'll keep you posted as the story develops. Source LLN: http://www.left lane news/mystery-lotus-not-a-lotus-at-all.html