All of these technical advancements will be wrapped in an already
-approved skin that is currently undergoing aerodynamic testing, and should look something like the Lotus-supplied rendering shown at the beginning of the story. Looking more like the original 1972 concept than the last Esprit, we're promised that the new supercar will not have a giant wing, but Lotus admits later higher-performing models will.
The interior is also thoroughly revamped from the last one, offering headroom for those up to 6'5" tall and the footwells that can accommodate up to size 14 shoes. Apparently the power of NBA-star marketing hasn't been lost on the quirky English firm - only 18 people running the entire North American operation (dealers not included).
This new supercar will form a large part of Lotus' growth strategy. Hoping to sell 10,000 cars annually by 2010, company chief Kim Ogaard-Nielsen promises the new "super sports car will be a serious challenger to the Porsche 911," also saying, "There are more people out there who deserve to drive Lotus cars. Why should people buy a Porsche when they could buy a Lotus?"
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| This newest Esprit actually owes most of its style to the original 1972 Lotus Esprit concept shown here. (Photo: Lotus Cars Canada) |
The interior is also thoroughly revamped from the last one, offering headroom for those up to 6'5" tall and the footwells that can accommodate up to size 14 shoes. Apparently the power of NBA-star marketing hasn't been lost on the quirky English firm - only 18 people running the entire North American operation (dealers not included).
This new supercar will form a large part of Lotus' growth strategy. Hoping to sell 10,000 cars annually by 2010, company chief Kim Ogaard-Nielsen promises the new "super sports car will be a serious challenger to the Porsche 911," also saying, "There are more people out there who deserve to drive Lotus cars. Why should people buy a Porsche when they could buy a Lotus?"
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