The New Distinctive, Mid-engined, 2+2 Sportscar From Lotus

The New Distinctive, Mid-engined,

2+2 Sportscar from Lotus

Eagerly anticipated and making its official global debut at the

British Motorshow in London on July 22nd, the first all-new

car from Lotus since the iconic Elise in 1995, will enter the

sportscar market as the only mid-engined 2+2 in production.

The new car, which is known only by its project name `Eagle', is a more

holistic offering than the Elise and Exige models that have been so massively

popular with track day enthusiasts. The car, the name for which will be

announced at the British Motorshow on 22

nd

July at an 11:30 press

conference, is designed for people who desire exotic sportscar characteristics

of stunning design, exclusivity, dramatic proportions and performance. Project

Eagle also offers real-world usability and a unique sense of occasion.

Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 producing 280 PS, the new car employs innovative

lightweight chassis technology to ensure visceral all-round dynamic

performance, in keeping with the great Lotus tradition. Even in the very early

stages of development testing, Lotus ride and handling engineers report that it

is considerably faster around the famously demanding Nürburgring circuit than

the Elise and more stable at speed than the Exige.

Inside, Project Eagle cocoons occupants with a sumptuous leather surfaces

juxtaposed with contemporary high-tech features. With driver focused

instrumentation the driver sits in cockpit-esque surroundings. A beautifully

appointed dash boasts tactile details such as flush-mounted controls that glow

with blue LED haloes and a stylised speedometer and rev counter ensuring

that controls are both attractive and accessible.

Styled in-house by Lotus Design, the Project Eagle's sleek, sophisticated and

attention-snaring lines brilliantly disguise its ability to accommodate

passengers in the rear of the cabin, giving the car the external characteristics

of a small, nimble sportscar whilst belying its internal space. As well as being

sold in a 2+2 configuration, the car will also be available as a purely two-

seater, the space in the rear being allocated to luggage storage. Other

derivatives are also planned for the future, including a convertible and an ultra-

high performance version.

Deliveries of Project Eagle will begin in Spring 2009, and with only 2000 of the

hand crafted cars planned each year, this exclusive and unique car is creating

a real stir with celebrity enthusiasts around the world. Hollywood actor and

car enthusiast Patrick Dempsey is just one of the high profile collectors who

are on the waiting list for a test drive.

Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc, had this to say about the new

model: "Project Eagle is the biggest milestone Lotus has achieved since the

Elise was born 13 years ago. We are currently working at broadening the

appeal of the Lotus brand through an aggressive 5-year model plan of which

this car represents the first exciting step."

Ends

Notes to Editors

Project Eagle in detail:

Project Eagle is the first of three new models included in the CEO's (Mike

Kimberley) five year strategic business plan initiated in October 2006 to

support Lotus' growth.

Design

Designed in-house by Lotus Design, Head of Design, Russell Carr, explains

"Project Eagle's dynamically sculptured form and dramatic proportions

communicate visual drama, speed and agility even when the car is standing

still. Sportscars are primarily an emotional rather than a rational purchase and

so the design must seduce with its beauty and distinctive character. However,

the modern customer also demands that the product offers real-world usability

as well as exotic imagery. Therefore every element of the car's exterior and

interior has been carefully designed to create a product that offers comfort and

convenience as well as traditional performance car attributes."

A design language of dynamic lines and fluid surfaces that flow from the `Lotus

­mouth' and over the length the cars toned form are unmistakably `modern

Lotus'. They instantly convey a sense of agility and athleticism that is intrinsic

to the car's driving persona. On Project Eagle they are complemented by the

distinctive wraparound visor screen but have been subtly tailored to suit the

more sophisticated character of the car, optimise high-speed aerodynamics

and artfully disguise the unique 2+2 layout. The cab forward proportion

combines with muscular haunches and optimised intake detailing to instantly

inform the viewer that this is a serious mid-engine sportscar. Elsewhere a

Lotus philosophy for combining function with beauty is evident in the

downforce generating, top exit radiator vent, rear diffuser and rear wing.

Inside the car the forms echo the exterior with fast moving surfaces that wrap

around the cockpit cosseting the occupants, the contrast colour band that

flows from the instrument cluster and sweeps around the cabin highlights this

theme. "We recognise that `touch' not only assists with driving enjoyment but

also conveys messages about quality and therefore great attention has been

paid to all the areas where the driver interfaces with the car." Carr explains.

Figure hugging adjustable sports seats and flat-bottomed steering wheel

instantly communicate the driving potential of the car. Project Eagle employs

premium quality material and finishes to create an exclusive, British

handcrafted ambience that is unique in this price segment. Modern, precision-

engineered aluminium inserts and hi-fi quality, edge-lit switches are brilliantly

juxtaposed against the traditional contrast stitched leather panels.

Everyday convenience is catered for through ergonomically located touch

screen SAT NAV, remote release glove box, storage bins and integrated "cup

holders".

Technology

In a world launch by partners Alpine, Project Eagle boasts a truly cutting edge

in-car entertainment and navigation system. The multi-media system features

a 7in touch-screen providing advanced audio, satellite navigation, Bluetooth

hands-free telephone and iPod® connectivity functions; the screen also serves

as a monitor for Project Eagle's optional reversing camera. The satellite

navigation element of the system has a removable hard-drive, allowing you to

programme it from the comfort of your home or use it as a roaming satellite

navigation unit and MP3 player.

The Alpine audio set-up is one of the most sophisticated automotive systems

in the world. Called IMPRINT and using MultEQ sound enhancement

technology, it is able to cancel out imbalances in the sound caused by

different areas of the cabin ­ window glass, for instance, creates echoes,

while carpets suppress mid-range frequencies ­ resulting in amazingly crisp,

clear, undistorted sound reproduction wherever you are seated in the car.

A bespoke progressive air-conditioning system developed by Bergstrom is

standard on all models, while on-board tyre pressure monitoring will be either

standard or optional depending on model and market. And in deference to the

American market in particular, a module in the headlining will accommodate

automatic garage and gate opening remote controls.

Interior space and accommodation

The rear seats of 2+2 versions of Project Eagle are intended for children or

smaller adults on short journeys. To maximise comfort in the rear, there is

foot-room under the seats in front, while both back seats feature ISOFIX

mountings for secure child seat fitment.

When unoccupied, the rear seats provide a convenient stowage area for

briefcases and jackets, adding to Project Eagle's appeal as an everyday car.

The boot, which ingeniously features a fresh air cooling system to reduce the

effect of heat ingress from the engine bay, will accommodate a set of golf

clubs.

A two-seater derivative of Project Eagle is planned and will have a luggage

shelf in the back replacing the two rear seats.

Safety

Lotus' Project Eagle conforms to all regulatory standards and in addition

boasts additional safety features; Lotus aluminium chassis technology applied

to Project Eagle's provides the car with immense inherent strength, particularly

in regard to side impacts and a tubular steel seatbelt anchorage frame that

also acts as a rollover structure.

Anti-lock brakes are standard on all models, as are traction and stability

controls; these systems have been specially developed in co-operation with

Bosch to provide enhanced safety features whilst maintaining performance

characteristics.

Under the bonnet

Lotus continues its excellent working relationship with Toyota, world leaders in

engine development and manufacture and Formular1 competitors. For Project

Eagle Lotus has modified Toyota's 3.5-litre V6, with dual VVT-i (`intelligent'

variable valve timing) for optimum performance.

Performance

At the time of unveiling, full performance figures for the new Lotus will not

have been compiled on a production specification car, however Lotus has a

further 6 months of development time to conduct these before Project Eagle is

available to test drive.

While for Lotus top speed is of less importance than stability at speed, early

indications suggest a maximum speed of 160 mph; the 0-60 mph sprint from

standstill is estimated at sub 5 seconds (prototype figures).