Slight delay for new Esprit -- 2011 (maybe?)

[RoadDad]

2011

Hybrid?

I really like the "guilt free" part :D.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/Lotus-Esprit/234236/

[Andy B]

I can't think of a better combination. Actually it's one (or really 2) I already own.
My fun car is a Super seven.
My every day driver is a Camry Hybrid.

I tell people Chapman started to build the first Smart car, at 1200lbs the Seven was a step in the right direction. It was only when he added the 40 DCOE's that the "Smart" departed and the fun started.:thumbup:

Seriously although the purists will be upset I think it would be a winning move.

[Autocross7]

I will only be upset if it is ALL they offer and if it has no clutch (this horse is not quite dead yet so I continue to beat it). Once upon a time I was set to go get me a Jaguar - no clutch option.... no sale.

The reality of a true exoctic sports car (yes non sports cars can be exotic to me) is the balance between the drive and the ride. A true exotic sports car - or any sports car for that matter - should ALWAYS be more about the drive than the ride. The new Esprit should be a real driver's car. You know, one that get around town okay but if you drive it with spirit you should get out at least a little tired. If not then there is too much ride.

Fact is there is just too few people that really want to drive anymore. It is all about status symbols and cup holders. Even Ferrari has fallen as a mark due to this unfortunate trend. People are just too lazy to drive a real stick and they cannot text if they have to manually change a gear. OMG... where will the Big Gulp and Fries fit? I wish the exhaust was quieter... everytime I cross the paint stripe I can feel it and I shouldn't... blahhhhhh.....

I am ever more dedicated to the classics, but I hope the New Esprit will not follow the 599 Ferrari with electro whizmo ghizmo crap! I am not against a hybrid motor, but I cannot imagine a hybid barking out a revy exhaust note that sings like harrpies on speed? Maybe...

My opinion...
Cameron

[WayneB]

I think adopting the Lexus/Toyota hybrid drive for the up and coming Esprit is a smart move on Lotuses part and I am looking foewards to seeing and driving it so outfitted.

A friend who has owned a continuous string of Lexus vehicles since the early 90's has a GS 450H which I have driven, and it is an Impresive package moving the 4000lb car around with ease (0-60 in 5.0 secs)

Loose 1000lbs or more and you will get to 60 in the high 3's which is great!.

As for top speed (200 plus mph) I am not very bothered to be honest, there aint nowheres in North America (besides Bonneville) where it can be done (without jail time) anyways.

I think 160 to 170 mph is perfectly OK for the Esprit. Leave the 200mph claims to the braggers who will never do it anyways.(Corvette Z06/BMW M6 drivers)

As for the clutch thing, whilst I agree the heel and toe technique is becoming an lost art, (which I like to do incedentally) I dont like a clutch when I am stuck in traffic crawling forwards on highway 401 for an hour (alot these days), as it makes my leg hurt (not good)

Then a full auto/tiptronic or SMG seems a much more intelegent choice in transmission, and the current crop suffer low parasitic horsepower losses and lightening fast shifts, and get it done better and faster than 95% of the general public would.

If I were Lotus I would also keep a transverse location for the drivetrain, you get a good useable trunk that way (for the golfclubs etc) which would be a great selling point for a performance supercar.:)

See you in 2011:thumbup:

[Andy B]

Autocross7 you just spoiled it for me. Of course you are correct, any hybrid worth having will come with a CVT. Apart from the obvious always in the perfect gear syndrome I believe it makes the whole gas/electric switcharoo business easier.
Having said that the standing start acceleration would be awesome as the electric motor makes maximum torque from 1 rpm and up. Also you would always be in the correct gear for exiting a corner and the Toyota hybrids do have a braking mode.
Perhaps I'll stick with the 2 cars, one very practical gas saver and one totally impractical fun car.