Graham Hill’s Car Review Of A Couple Of Lotus

Saturday, 16. October 2010

The Graham Hill review of the week is on two cars following the re-birth of Lotus, one of my favourite car makers of all time. Probably because my namesake drove for them when he started his motor racing career and won his second world F1 title in his famous Lotus 49. Anyway, after returning to F1, Lotus have now launched the new Esprit and Elise at the Paris Motor Show (along with Elan, Elite, Eterne and a City Car) and I have to say what a couple of beauties. Now for those who expect me to describe the attributes of a couple of half naked stunners draped across the bonnets of each car you’d be wrong, in the case of these Lotii I am talking about the cars. Lotus, now owned by Proton, who I have to say know how to create a great sports car, have pushed the boat out following their commitment to invest £770 million over the next 10 years. The Esprit looks awesome with some great flowing lines, sitting low on the road with an air scoop of a grill that would get the boys in blue pulling out of its way for fear of being eaten. The engine is a 5.0litre V8 from partner Toyota. They haven’t decided on superchargers or turbo charging but they expect the car to power you from 0-62 in 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 195mph. The car will come in coupe and convertible versions with prices expected to start at £110,000. If you get a chance check it out on the Internet – it looks stunning. The smaller Elise doesn’t look bad either. Not totally dissimilar in size to its likely competitors, Porsche Boxster, BMW Z4 and Audi TT having grown up a little in terms of size I have to say I haven’t fallen in love with the interior. Think they let the wrong designer loose inside the car, probably Laurence Llewelyn Bowen, so a bit extreme for me but outside it looks great. The car will be fitted with a 2.0l Toyota engine and will build up a head of steam of between 300 and 350BHP. Prices will start at £35,000, that’s enough of that – back to drooling over the Esprit! Check it out! By Graham Hill