Specs

White Lotus Esprit, number plate "PPW 306R", with the following modifications:

Submarine Features

*Retractable wheels, with extendable covers to protect the wheel cavity
*Retractable fins and rudders for underwater steering
*Convertible dashboard to double as a submarine control system
*Radar and Nautical guidance equipment
*Metal blinds for rear window
*Four retractable propeller units at the rear of the car

Weapons & Defence

*Surface-to-air missiles
*Underwater mines
*Oil-slick sprayer for underwater camouflage
*Rear mounted concrete sprayers
*Harpoons for underwater combat
*Self destruct system
*TV Monitor and closed-circuit camera
*Periscope

[Gridcrasher, Photo Credit: qv500

Jalopnik Snap Judgement: Despite Lotus producing the Evora in a mere 21 months and they're expanding operations globally, given the size of Lotus operations under the guidance of Proton, this three-platform plan seems extremely ambitious. But the real news is still that new mid-engined supercar. Given the existing lineup, starting with a four-banger in the smallest chassis, and now the six-cylinder Evora, a V8 seems the logical next step, and a Toyota V8 at that (Toyota 4.7-liter, anyone?). Despite our fervent wishes to see the return of the Esprit, we think it's probably unlikely they'll drink from the fountain of retro, so expect yet another new "E" name to remember.

Photo credit to Autogaleria

While we already know what some of the suspension looked like, we're also able to see there might be some funky geometry going on with the roof, or it could just be folds in the fabric. Other than that? Well — there's those fog lights and rear view mirrors sticking out... and... umm... there's not much more to see. We guess we'll just have to wait for someone to leak all the other pictures the British Motor Show starting July 22nd. [Carnoise]

The two companies have also signed a Design and Engineering agreement, meaning Lotus will have a hand in how Spyker designs vehicles based on Lotus's platforms.

The two firms were already collaborating on the Aileron supercar and D8 super SUV. [via Autocar]

Can you get a Ferrari project for just $5,500? As anyone who has gone car shopping on any Craigslist site from Florida to Texas for the last year can tell you: Yes, you sure can! I've been running across the infamous Eddy, Texas Ferrari (go here if the ad disappears) for as long as I've been doing Project Car Hell, because the seller just won't give up! Many readers have sent in tips on this one, and now- finally!- I'm using it. So, why can't the seller unload this genuine Ferrari 308 for even as much as a Fiero-based "Ferrari" sells for? Sad to say, this car has been "toasted." Actually, I'd say "damn near completely consumed by flames" would be a more accurate statement, but enough of the hair-splitting- this is a Ferrari for $5,500! It has an engine and transmission and at least three genuine Ferrari wheels. This project is not impossible! Yes, it needs a few parts, but think of it this way: from the very moment it clanks onto your driveway, you're a Ferrari owner (and that moment will be the last happy one you spend with your new project for many, many years).

Burned Ferrari sitting in a Texas field? Is there anything in the same price range that can compete? How about that mighty British Malaise Warrior, the Lotus Esprit? Say, one for the exact same price as the Ferrari? Not possible, you say? Check out this 1980 Lotus Esprit, (go here if the ad disappears) located in the profoundly iron-oxide-friendly state of Delaware. The wing! The stripes! The V8 engine "not in car" (and maybe not even included in the deal)! The seller describes it as "awlsome," which we're assuming is not a typo; you'll feel as though an awl is being hammered into your skull every time you try to make this car drive. The body is in "great" shape and the interior is "good," so you'll be able to concentrate on all the mechanical components in need of work (i.e., all of them). Oh, and the electricals; go ahead and console yourself that Lotus was not a British Leyland company, but the Prince of Darkness had a hand in there somewhere.

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For those of you that don't know, Speed Zone was the third installment of the Cannonball Run series. And as you'd expect, it's terrible as an actual movie. The proper way to enjoy it is lying down on the floor in front of your TV, with assorted Hot Wheels to one side and some milk and cookies to the other. The movie is shamelessly ridiculous in all the best ways. But don't think it's a carbon copy of the first two Cannonball installments. Whereas the opening scenes of Run and Run II are identically cheesy, the opening of Speed Zone can actually stand on it's own merits. In this infamous scene, a trusty Lamborghini Countach is hotly pursued by the fuzz in their Dodge Diplomats. As opposed to the boring desert highways of the first two films; Speed Zone's chase is on windy country back roads. The Countach slides sideways on the loose dirt surface, as if it's enacting the hand-held 1:64 scale powerslides of boys everywhere. Then, to top it all off, the Lambo drives straight onto a pond and skims across the surface like a skipping stone. For me as a child, this was what ingrained the idea of what a Lamborghini or any other supercar is supposed to be: something rebellious, ridiculous, and rapid. Yes, I know some of the action shots are of a lowly Fiero-based kit rather than the genuine Italian article, but it was the '80s—people were more interested in spending money on blow than on movie props. Besides, every handsome star has a cheap lookalike stunt-double. Ok, I've said enough, just sit back and enjoy the awesome '80s soundtrack.

Most people automatically consider "James Bond" synonymous with "cool." It's easy to see why; he's got a license to kill, all the guns and gadgets the Her Majesty can afford, and he always delivers a witty punch line. And when it comes to iconic symbols that represent 007's character, Roger Moore's Lotus Esprit submarine is always near the top of the list, right up there with Sean Connery's Aston Martin DB5. Nowadays when we think of an Esprit, we imagine a very long-in-the-tooth model of late; but when The Spy That Loved Me came out, the Esprit was a fresh new model with a very modern image. So the Esprit was the perfect car to convince audiences that it could somehow transform into a fully-loaded submarine. Now, of course there was never an actual Esprit sub; just a series of different props and mock-ups. But that's all "movie magic," which is just fine. Let's pretend all those extra Q-branch goodies worked for real. Now ask yourself, are all those gadgets actually cool? or just very dorky? As you watch the chase scene, you're likely laughing. That's fine, except for you can't help but think that the people making the movie weren't making it with comedy as the primary goal. It's sort of the same feeling you get when watching the new Knight Rider: you laugh at the movie rather than with the movie.

So which do you like? The obscure b-movie hero? Or the blockbuster superstar?

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See the car in the video above? That could be you behind the wheel, and all you need to get started is $2,500! Whoa, that must be a typo, right? Two-and-a-half grand for a Ferrari 365? I'm crapping you negative here, folks; just take a squint at this here genuine 1969 Ferrari 365 (go here if the ad disappears) and tell me you can't afford a vintage Ferrari! Now, don't think you can hop right in this car and roar off in a cloud of V12 noise and glory, because there's no V12. Matter of fact, there's no car in front of the firewall. You'll need to chase down a few bits and pieces here and there, no way around it. You could track down genuine Ferrari stuff, but that wouldn't be in keeping with the Cheap Ferrari theme; why not just graft on the front part of a Fiero chassis, then install Fierrari kit-car body parts on the front? For the engine, why, there's no rule that says you need a Ferrari V12, is there? For just a grand, you could grab this 5-liter BMW V12, which is bigger and more powerful than the original engine anyway. See, a little TLC and some backyard ingenuity and you'll have your 365 on the road in no time!

Now, it's going to be tough to resist a classic Ferrari at a price like that. That's why you need a deal with a sweetener thrown in. Say, this 1985 Ferrari 308GTS and 1994 Lotus Esprit 2-for-1 combo (go here if the ad disappears), with a price tag well below Fierrari (or even Fieroborghini) levels. Yes, just $6,800 for both cars, folks! That way you can start work on the Lotus as soon as you're done with the Ferrari- hey, how long could that take? The seller's photographs convey the gist of what you're getting with the Esprit (which lacks a drivetrain), but for some reason he or she decided to photograph only 3% of the surface area of the Ferrari (and some ominously trashed-looking surface area at that). We do know that the 308 needs "work and a windshield," but you can probably assume there's an engine of some sort included in the deal (perhaps some or all of the rods are still attached to the crank, rather than lying in the bottom of the oil pan). Oh, and they have no titles (but we're sure the DMV will be quite understanding about helping you out with the paperwork on a pair of the most notorious coke-dealer cars ever sold).

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Hot damn, a Lotus Esprit S2 for under five grand? Yes, folks, that's no typo! You hand the gentleman $4950 and you leave with a genuine 1979 Lotus Esprit S2 boasting a mere 35,000 miles on the clock. You'll note we didn't say you'll drive away in an Esprit, because there's the little matter of some fire damage; the seller doesn't go into great detail on the subject, but the engine compartment area looks awfully scorched. If you're willing to throw in another $2900, however, the seller promises to repair it... though the definition of "repair" is, how shall we say, not spelled out here. But come on, it's a Lotus Esprit! A 140-horse 4-banger was sheer lunacy in '79, and just look at how beautiful it is! We'll be the first to admit that this car doesn't look so strong in the parts availability, reliability, and ease-of-repair departments, but... well, that's where the "Hell" part of Project Car Hell comes in!

Who among us doesn't want a big Detroit musclecar from the Golden Age of the breed? Yes, a midsize coupe with great big rumbly engine and unapologetically flashy trim, a car that exudes confidence and optimism! The GM A-body musclecars of the late 60s are especially good, with their 4-link rear suspensions and mean-looking lines, but who can afford a genuine GTO, big-block Chevelle, GS, or 442? Well, if you're willing to dive into the glowing, lava-spewing entrance to Project Car Hell, you can! Howzabout a '69 Olds 442 for the you-must-be-dreaming righteous price of $3500? Where's the catch, you ask? Well, it doesn't run... but you probably figured that, and anyway the original 400 has been replaced by a 350. No problem for a wrenchmeister of your caliber! But, see, there's the "targa roof" the seller has installed. Yes, you read that correctly: this 442 has been modified with a "custom removable Targa top, fabricated using factory convertible components." Oh, and there's rust. And the interior's trashed. Don't let that scare you, though- all you need to do is weld the roof back together, build a 400 or 455, fix all the rust, and.... well, actually you should let that scare you.

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It's funny, because it's not been that long since The Spy Who Loved Me last crossed the television screen at the abode of Jalop Johnson. But we constantly romanticize the Lotus submarine, when in reality, the scene is kind of wooden and lame. Still, it's a Lotus submarine! We've always been perplexed at how the fish got into the car, though. – Davey G. Johnson

Related:
Surreal Lotus Esprit Clip [Internal]

Our love for the Lotus Esprit dates back to its appearance in The Spy Who Loved Me, and while we forget about the old girl now and then, whenever we see one, we want one all over again. We realize, of course, that this is some deranged madness. But then again, Lotuses have often been deranged, mad cars. Just ask Jim Clark, Al Navarro or the two girls in this strange long-form advert. – Davey G. Johnson

Related:
Ooh! Hayabusa Caterham Video! [Internal]

The Dutch masters at Autovisie procured some shots of what spies say is the next Lotus Espirit. It appears to be the same test vehicle seen indoors recently. This time, it's out on the street, with its assumed BMW-sourced V8 getting a workout of some measure. We'll have to wait until 2009 or thereabouts to see the finished product, which the company's been working on since the Clinton administration. But at 2,600 pounds and nearly 400 horsepower, we're just going to assume its worth the wait. – Mike Spinelli

Exclusief: nieuwe Lotus Esprit gesnapt? [Autovisie]

Related:
Spy Photos: Lotus Esprit, Maybe? [internal]

Considering the Lotus Esprit replacement has been in development since the Clinton administration — and the only evidence we've seen has been a few test mules disguised as the previous model — these spy shots gave us a bit of the gibblies. Still, we have no idea from where AutoGespot procured these pics of what could be an in-development prototype. All we know is that it may have a BMW-sourced V8 and will likely launch in 2010. And possibly weigh as much as a sack of kittens, or so we hear. – Mike Spinelli

Spied: 2010 Lotus Esprit!! [Winding Road]

Related:
Spy Photos: Lotus Esprit Test Mule [internal]

Lotus's latest corporate newsletter has more than just snapshots from the last company pot-luck supper (cheese puffs again?). It's got a primer of the engineering process that will, one day, lead to a replacement for the long-running Esprit and the new Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) that will underpin its next-generation models. It also features sketches of prospective cars, including a GT coupe and a seven-seat crossover, which speak equally to Lotus's project outsourcing business as to its own brand. Speed through lightness through technology. How clever. – Mike Spinelli

Lotus reveals information about Esprit development [Motor Authority]

Related:
Spy Photos: Lotus Esprit Test Mule; Lotus's Master Plan: Three New Models in Five Years; Hello, My Name is Esprit: Lotus Boss Namedrops New Flagship [internal]

It's high-altitude and brake testing that sent Lotus engineers into the Alps with a test mule that's likely the new Lotus Esprit coupe. Spies caught the patchwork supercar in the mountains, in the most complete prototype of the 2009 Lotus we've seen to date. It would appear that the blokes at Hethel have chosen a powertrain too, which sources say is a BMW 4.4 or 4.8-liter V8 hooked to Lotus's own ECU. Spies also say the Esprit, which reportedly has the Ferrari F430 in its sights, will also be built in roadster form. – Mike Spinelli

SPY PHOTOS: Tesla Roadster and Lotus Esprit

Related:
Lotus's Master Plan: Three New Models in Five Years; Hello, My Name is Esprit: Lotus Boss Namedrops New Flagship [internal]

The blokes at Lotus are preparing for a veritable product blitz that will bring three new models to market in the next five years, including the new, long-awaited Esprit-replacement flagship. According to the company, the two additional models will include a vague mid-market entry set to launch in December 2008, along with a high-performance model created with Lotus parent, Malaysia's Proton, coming in May 2008. Despite rumors the Esprit flagship was coming next year, the company says the Esprit replacement's introduction has been extended to 2009 to "incorporate more Lotus 'DNA' and other enhancements to meet the changing needs of the global marketplace." Exactly. Someone must have left the barn door open.

[via World Car Fans]

Related:
Hello, My Name is Esprit: Lotus Boss Namedrops New Flagship [internal]

We love Lotus. We love the odd designs, we love the sheer randomness of the cars and their penchant for finding obscure words that begin with the letter E. (Seriously, who thought "Eclat" was a good name for a car? It sounds like a bowel dysfunction.) We love the Seven because it's like a well-endwed featherweight bear, if such a thing could possibly exist. We love the Esprit because it fires missiles and can travel underwater. We love the Elise because who else has the guts anymore to build such a raw vehicle and not feel the need to apologize for it?

We love that you can still buy a vintage Europa for eight grand. We love the fact that they once killed their most famous model simply because Renault stopped making the gearbox, and we love that they revolutionalized Indianapolis. Simply put, Lotus, even if they're owned by a Malaysian conglomerate these days, remains the punkest, scrappiest car company on the planet. Now go look at some old ads.

Vintage Lotus Adverts [Lotusexcel.com]

Related:
Lotus' Super-Powered Exige: The 240R [Internal]

As PistonHeads tells it, Lotus's chief Mike Kimberley has confirmed the name of the company's Esprit-replacing flagship will be — Esprit. It's the first word from the company that the Esprit line — one of the most storied Lotus marques ever — would continue. According to PH, Kimberley said, "For Lotus to be successful we need a three model line-up and the jewel in the crown is the Esprit," to which a PR rep corrected him, with "mid-engined sports car." In other news, The Society for the Prevention of CEO Tourette's Syndrome wants a few bucks.

LOTUS ESPRIT: THE NAME'S OFFICIAL [PistonHeads]

Related:
Coming Soon, the Main Event: New Lotus "Esprit" Nears [internal]

What's a test mule other than a masquerade ball on wheels, with only the guest of honor in attendance. In this case, it's the new, long (long) awaited Lotus Esprit replacement, dressed as a Lotus Esprit. Does that mean, by default, it's the Lotus Esprit replacement? Well no, but those who are in the know say it is. And that's good enough for us. It's Friday.

Spy photos: 2008 Lotus Esprit [Edmunds Straightline Blog]

Related:
More on the Lotus Esprit [internal]

Left Lane News has the scoop on Lotus's reworked flagship, the Esprit. (The new model's been so long in the making, we'd taken to calling it Esprit de Corpse.) But Lotus's CEO Mike Kimberley now says the mid-engined supercar will arrive sometime in 2008. It'll be built at Lotus's Hethel HQ, not in some Proton facility in Malaysia, as had been rumored, and will use an all-new, all-aluminum architecture. Word is it'll use a BMW-sourced V8 for power, but that's far from confirmed.

Lotus Announces Plans for Esprit replacement [Left Lane News]

Related:
Only for You: "For Your Eyes Only" Lotus on eBay; Coming Soon, the Main Event: New Lotus "Esprit" Nears [internal]

After "Moonraker," the first movie we ever slept all the way through in the theater, Bond fans weren't expecting much from the series, which appeared to be petering out. But then came "For Your Eyes Only," and only the Connery purists' hearts were hardened. FYEO was a far better, more traditional Bond caper starring a proper, earth-bound sports car: the Giugiaro-designed Lotus Turbo Esprit. Now, the Bond Esprit from the movie, which became our favorite car right up until our ill-fated Countach period, is up for bidding on eBay, though it'll cost $250,000 just to get in the game. Damn. Now that Shirley Bassey Sheena Easton tune is stuck in our head.

James Bond For Your Eyes Only Turbo Esprit [eBay via Noonzwheels]

Related:
James Bond's Astin Martin DBS - New Hotness For The New Hotness [internal]

All this noodling about with go-karts like the Elise and Exige and Europa — not that we'd throw any of them out of bed for crying "Steve" (not our name) — has been great fun for Lotus and its acolytes. But the real show is about to begin, and its name was once Esprit. The company's been working on its newest flagship for what seems to be decades. Now, according to Autocar, the mid-engined supercar (quite literally) is nearing production. The new model is undergoing crash testing ahead of a 2008 launch. Word is a twin-turbofied, BMW-sourced V8 will provide power, and a six-speed sequential tranny will direct mechanical traffic. Hopes are running high.

Lotus's future: the new Esprit [Autocar]

Related:
More on Lotus [internal]