Lotus Esprit revealed in Paris - shock and awe [video]

The Icon Is Back

The most eagerly anticipated Lotus makes its return. Without doubt, this is the car that the true Lotus aficionados have been waiting for: The ultimate Lotus.

The new 2013 Esprit represents the very essence of exclusive supercar driving. It picks up and exceeds the legacy of it's forefathers. Think of it as a statement of superiority. Think of it as Lotus CEO Dany Bahar's personal statement of intent, his vision for the future of Lotus.

Dany Bahar, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus, said: "The 2013 Esprit is the ultimate supercar. In the past when people thought of the 2013 Esprit, they thought of the movies, Bond, Pretty Woman, Basic Instinct but this time around, the car is the star of the show."

"One has to be very careful when taking on the challenge of reinventing such an iconic classic as the 2013 Esprit - everyone has an opinion. There's a fine balance between acknowledging the greatness of the past whilst at the same time rapidly leaping forward to the future and ensuring that this car not only does the name 2013 Esprit justice but also the Lotus brand. I think we've managed to find the balance and in doing so created a new icon, a car people will find hard to resist."

"Not only does the 2013 Esprit look incredible but it has the performance to match. We've stuck to the Lotus core values of performance through lightweight and teamed them with future technology and exceptional engineering to ensure that the 2013 Esprit will be the leader of the pack. The design is aggressive, you have to see it to appreciate how low and wide the proportions are but it still retains a level of dignity, of class and most of all exclusivity. I'm very proud of this car."

Powered by a 5.0 litre V8 pressure charged engine delivering up to 620 PS, the 2013 Esprit retains exceptional performance through it's unique lightweight design making it the ultimate expression of Lotus supercar ownership. It is the supercar that will redefine ride and handling, performance, comfort and exclusivity.

The styling of the 2013 Esprit echoes the performance with strong lines throughout the sleek low body. The symmetry through the mass and proportion of the 2013 Esprit give it an intense look, it's the perfect example of the new Lotus DNA in action.

The 2013 Esprit is more than an evolution, it's a redefinition.

2013 Lotus Esprit Specifications

• Layout 2 seater, mid-engined, rear wheel drive
• Engine Petrol, hybrid optional
• Hybrid technology Optional KERS
• Cylinder V8
• Capacity 5.0 litre
• Power/Torque 620 PS / 720 Nm
• Rev limit 8,500 rpm
• 0-100 km/h 3.4 seconds
• Top speed 330 km/h
• CO2 approx (CO2/km) 250 g/km**
• Weight 1,450 kg
• Seats 2
• Transmission 7 Speed DCT
• Drive RWD
• Start of production End of 2012
• Enters the market Spring 2013
• Price indication Circa £110,000

*Please refer to the ‘Further Information' section in the Media Kit for information relating to this specification
**Using optional hybrid technolgy