2013 Lotus Espirit

2013 Lotus Espirit

2013 Lotus Espirit

The Esprit is back for 2012. The mid-engined supercar will be powered by a reworked V-8 from the Lexus IS F making 550 horsepower in standard form, up to 620 in R trim. The UK maker added a supercharger, and a new injection system, and revised the internals so it can rev to 8500. Performance is claimed to match the Ferrari 458 and Porsche 911 Turbo, its key rivals.

The Esprit's transmission is a seven-speed DCT, and Lotus also is working on an optional mild hybrid system. It uses regenerative braking to recharge a battery pack, and an 'e-boost' button on the steering wheel switches on an electric motor between the engine and transmission, giving a 50-horsepower helping hand. The system also allows idle-stop. The batteries are located in the structural tunnel between the seats, so the center of gravity is mostly unaffected. As with all the cars in the new range, the Esprit utilizes Lotus's patent aluminum frame. But, for the first time in a Lotus, glass fiber is no longer used for the body panels. Instead, aluminum is used for the skin, because it gives better panel gaps and surface finish, as expected by buyers in this category. The Esprit uses carbon fiber side panels, and aluminum doors, roof, and front and rear ends. Lotus claims 3300 pounds dry weight. A convertible will be offered with standard and R engines and the hybrid.

2013 Lotus Espirit

2013 Lotus Espirit