Lotus Esprit delayed until 2011, more Evora variants on the way

Now that Lotus has finally completed and unveiled the new Evora, it’s time to get back to the Esprit. However, according to boss Mike Kimberley the Lotus Esprit is being totally redesigned and won’t arrive on the market until 2011. Rumor also has it that the range-topping Esprit will be a hybrid.

The hybrid-technology will be developed in collaboration with Toyota. Kimberley says that Lotus wants offer “guilt-free, high performance motoring.”

The new Lotus Esprit is expected to use the same platform as the new Evora, will be wider and longer and will use the Evora’s compact double-wishbone suspension.

Kimberley also said that Lotus is working on different versions of the Evora – a convertible, two-seat, and an automatic are in the works. Work is also progressing on S3 versions of the Elise and Exige.

Source: AutoCar