The Lotus Esprit, confirmed with a 4.8-litre V8

The Lotus Esprit has taken a little longer than expected to arrive, as British engineers wanted the model’s eventual engine to be designed and built entirely in-house. But we now have some confirmation on the matter, and the first is that the Esprit will have a 4.8-litre V8 engine.

This engine will be the same one that will power the upcoming Elite and Eterne. Both models will be unveiled in 2014 and 2015 respectively, while the Esprit is said to arrive in 2013. In the meantime, the new engine is reported to be producing around 600 hp, whether in naturally aspirated or turbo form.

Another step forward for the engineers at Lotus has been the concept of a modular chassis, divided into sections that are almost literally interchangeable between several models and can be quickly adapted should a redesign or engine change be needed.

Otherwise, we will continue to wait and closely follow the development of the Esprit, another of the historic names set to make its return soon.

Source | Autoblog