The 2010 Lotus Eagle, the new Lotus 2+2 sports car we've all been waiting for, has possibly been spotted for the first time in production trim (we saw this possible Lotus Eagle mule testing in November). The driver of this prototype was unlucky enough to be captured just outside of the Bosch arctic testing facility, possibly out for a quick cocoa — or some kind of sneak preview viewing of the new Batman movie where he's decided to dress up the proto as the caped crusader. This new 2+2 should be slotted somewhere between the Elise and the next-gen Esprit in the Lotus lineup and fill the niche for people who like the Elise but would like a little room to carry passengers and gear. Or have two children with no legs. Rumors are that the Eagle's engine will be a V6 sourced from Toyota, and will likely be offered in displacements of 2.5- and 3.0-liters. Horsepower figures are expected somewhere between 200 and 300, making the new Lotus 2+2 a compelling performer, with zero-to-sixty times expected to be in the low five-second range. But heck, what do we know — we're just calling it the "2010" because it sounds good. Full spy report below the jump and more pictures in a moment.
We just got our first glimpse of Lotus' all-new 2+2 sports car, and
managed to snap this set of shots before the test driver could escape
back into the safe confines of his Arctic Testing Grounds.
Knowledgeable sources in the U.K. have given us iron-clad confirmation
that this prototype is the car that Lotus has codenamed "Eagle." The
new four-seat Lotus will make its official public debut in July at the
London Motor Show, but this is the first time that the car has been
photographed in its full production form. The angular camouflage is
very thorough, but it's clear that a very svelte, sexy shape lies
beneath.Sources tell us that the Eagle 2+2 will slot in between the Elise and
next-generation Esprit, and is designed for those who love the Elise,
but also want a little more room and comfort. Lotus Boss Mike
Kimberley, quoted by U.K.'s CAR Magazine, has described the Eagle's
rear-seat accommodations as comfortable for children up to nine-years-
old, so the Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide aren't exactly in
jeopardy here. The rear seats will most likely be used for a couple
golf bags, or other cargo suitable for a nice weekend trip, giving the
Eagle a nice dose of practicality.The Eagle is said to use Lotus' aluminum variable vehicle
architecture, so the traditional lightweight Lotus feel should be part
of the package. The Eagle's engine will be a V-6 sourced from Toyota,
and will likely be offered in displacements of 2.5- and 3.0-liters.
With horsepower figures expected to hover somewhere between 200 and
300 horsepower, the new Lotus 2+2 will be a compelling performer, with
zero-to-sixty times expected to be in the low five-second-range.Don't be fooled by the Eagle's mid-summer debut, as there is still a
lot of development to be done. Finished, production-ready models
aren't due to reach showrooms-and their lucky buyers—until sometime
in the Spring of 2009.