Speculations have intensified due to the delay of the introduction of the new Lotus Esprit (intended to compete with the likes of Ferrari 430 and Lamborghini Gallardo) which was supposed to be launched this year but was rescheduled to 2011.
It is thought that Lotus is working on a hybrid version of the Esprit which is expected to be propelled by the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine from Bmw which is already being utilized by the Bmw X6, but Esprit might be taking it up to 500 hp. Details are quite scant at this time for the new Lotus, but it has been laying the foundation for an EV with longer range capabilities courtesy of a gasoline-powered generator. Another hybrid drivetrain development by Lotus is in collaboration with Honda and patterned after the Honda Civic hybrid technology.
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