2009 Lotus Eagle Hits the Nürburgring

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE LOTUS EAGLE:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/GeneralFuture/articleId=126898

It's less than two months away from its official introduction, so it's no surprise that we're finally seeing prototypes of the 2009 Lotus Eagle. It's another midengine sports car from the famed British car builder and it was caught testing recently on the Nürburgring under heavy camouflage.

The Lotus Eagle will be the first production vehicle to use the company's new Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA). Built to accommodate various body types, the VVA was first shown beneath the APX concept at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. That vehicle was a compact crossover, but the Eagle will be a midrange 2+2 coupe.

Judging by the photos of the prototype on the Nürburgring, the accommodations in back won't amount to anything more than miniscule jump seats. Although the VVA will allow Lotus to push the Eagle's wheelbase beyond the 90-inch mark found on the Elise, don't expect a significantly larger car.

Most of the extra room will go toward accommodating a V6 engine. Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley has said publicly that the Eagle will use a Toyota-built V6. Most speculation pins the power plant in the 3.0- to 3.5-liter range with roughly 230-260 horsepower. A six-speed manual is the most likely transmission, although Lotus might finally bow to customer concerns and offer an automatic as well.

The official unveiling of the 2009 Lotus Eagle is slated for the 2008 London Auto Show in late July. Production will begin later this year, with sales starting by early 2009.

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[rockkyman]

this Lotus is a bit boxier......

[malaypigs]

they speak like a dead man.. i hate it man... rather watch topgear

[monsteryussuf]

they specialize in ride & handling, they leave the engines to the profesionals.

LOTUS = L_ots O_f T_rouble U_sually S_erious

" Just kidding muahahahaha "

[julingy]

they could but the engine wouldnt be as good (reliable and probably power too) and then the vehicle would cost more.

- Ariel Atom = honda 4cyl engine

- all of lotus engines = toyota engine

[palukas80]

engine from touota??? they cant build an engine by themself????

[Janusha]

Its out now and its called a Lotus Evora.

[sleepisyummy]

It will most likely be the 3.5L V6 from the Camry...that'd be my guess. And the 60 time will settle around 4.5 seconds.

[jstntlvr]

There are more factors than HP to consider when choosing an engine like Footprint (how much space will it take) Throttle response and how will the # of the engine affect the balance of the car in something as light as a Lotus those concerns are much larger than say in a GT-R

sorry for the repost

[jstntlvr]

sorry that was meant to be a reply to

xMarchx31stx

[jstntlvr]

There are more factors than HP to consider when choosing an engine like Footprint (how much space will it take) Throttle response and how will the # of the engine affect the balance of the car in something as light as a Lotus those concerns are much larger than say in a GT-R

[Zzuegust]

swapping to honda

s2000 engine!(let it look...though)!,

byebye toyota engine...!

[mmiijjaajjlloovviicc]

das ist ein wansins auto wls sie interese haben scheken mir einen