Filed under:
Concept Cars,
Coupe,
Performance,
Lotus,
Earnings/Financials,
Rumormill,
Luxury
Two years ago, we were gobsmacked when humble
Lotus shocked the automotive world by
wheeling out no fewer than five new models - admittedly in various stages of development - at the 2010
Paris Motor Show. The ambitious onslaught of new sheetmetal came at the behest of then-CEO
Danny Bahar who aimed to broaden the British marque's appeal by dramatically expanding its portfolio. Bahar was later thrown out by new Malaysian owners DRB-Hicom in a management shakeup that seems to still be, well, shaking out. Bahar was
deposed over accusations of financial wrongdoing and the controversial executive has
fired back with a $10.6M lawsuit.
Against this chaotic background, a cornerstone of Lotus' revival plans hinged on the rebirth of its
Esprit supercar (shown in 2010 concept form above). According to new reports, however, the Esprit has been cancelled, a victim of the company's uncertain finances and direction. Depending on which rumor you choose to believe, the two-seat coupe was slated to receive a
house-built V8 and
possibly turbocharging or hybrid power. That may all be moot now, however, as DRB-Hicom is
reported to have scrapped Bahar's plans wholesale, a development that apparently includes killing off the mid-engined Esprit, too.
Lotus Esprit cancelled? originally appeared on
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Rumormill: Lotus Esprit cancelled?
