The 2012 Lotus Esprit as envisioned by AutoExpress

AutoExpress is reporting that Lotus will be showing off four new models at the Paris Motor Show this fall – a roadster and two front-engined grand tourers, along with the long-anticipated new Esprit. A convertible Lotus Evora might make sense as one of these new models, but there’s also a chance the rumored roadster will actually be the 2012 Lotus Elise. The big surprise would be the two front-engined GTs, which if they reach production with the Esprit would double the Lotus model range.

As excited as we are to finally see the Esprit, we’re just as interested in seeing the new Lotus engine line-up. A widened Elise prototype that has been spotted during testing has folks speculating about a V6 taking the place of the current Toyota four-bangers in the engine bay. We are expecting a V8 in the Esprit, possibly sourced by BMW or Lexus, although Lotus itself has been working with Cosworth to further develop their own powertrains. The Esprit will finally bring Lotus back to the heavyweight end of the sports car division, so its Paris debut should be something special.

Lotus and Cosworth – Each of those words elicit memories of the golden era of racing, of very special road and race cars, of powerful, lightweight engines and sweet-handling sportscars. Combined, the two names elicit thoughts of world domination.

Well, the two renowned British automotive names are set to indeed be linked, the companies announcing a strategic partnership to “develop high performance engines for Lotus road and race cars.” Cosworth will apparently tune the Toyota engines currently being used in the Lotus range. The first joint project to come of this marriage will be the new Lotus Evora Cup racing car, powered by a Cosworth-tuned Toyota V6 engine.

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