Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Lotus, Earnings/Financials, Rumormill, Luxury
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/lotus-esprit-frt34.jpg
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 Autoblog on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Commentshttp://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~at/3r0mk9gJ5zWDbeK1G05Wsj805kU/0/di
http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~at/3r0mk9gJ5zWDbeK1G05Wsj805kU/1/di
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/weblogsinc/autoblog?i=VFSRIYtadNw:MHdY0IhYvas:wF9xT3WuBAs http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/weblogsinc/autoblog?i=VFSRIYtadNw:MHdY0IhYvas:V_sGLiPBpWU
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/weblogsinc/autoblog/~4/VFSRIYtadNw