This is the first image of a new mid-engined, 2+2 sports car from Lotus scheduled to debut at the British Motor Show in London next week. Known only as project 'Eagle', the new car is first all-new Lotus in 13 years and was designed in-house by Lotus Design.
"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," said Russell Carr, Head of Design. Dynamic lines and fluid surfaces symbolize the 'modern Lotus' and are meant to convey a sense of athleticism while the wraparound windshield is said to optimize high-speed aerodynamics. Inside, the cab forward proportions enable the fitment of two occasional seats at the rear, making this the first 2+2 mid-engined design since the Ferrari Mondial of 1980.
Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 sourced from Toyota, the Eagle is set to go on sale in Spring 2009. It will also be available as a strict two-seater, with additional space for luggage storage behind the seats. Other derivatives are also planned for the future, including a convertible and a high performance version.
