Ex-McLaren designer working on Lotus Exige competitor

Ex-McLaren designer, Jim Dowle, is working on a new British sports car with hopes of having a running prototype within the next 18 months. Jim Dowle previously worked under Gordon Murray in the design and development of both the F1 road car and the SLR.

The car, which is being described as a competitor to the Lotus Exige, will have a number of engine options including a mid-mounted 200 horsepower motor and will...
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BFABS - 2/21/2008 1:09:30 PM

+7 Boost

This looks like a small bugatti veyron. It had better weigh less than 2000lbs!

theoptimisticpessimist - 2/21/2008 1:28:46 PM

+3 Boost

Cool!

Threepoint1415926 - 2/21/2008 3:01:53 PM

+3 Boost

What is it with the Brits and small sports cars? Ariel, Nobel, TVR, Morgan, Lotus and probably a whole slew of others that I cant even think of. They sure know how to build them, no doubt. But can their market really handle another small independent sports car maker? As many of these car companies I can name, I can name ones that arent around anymore... MG, Triumph, Austin Healy, soon to be TVR, etc.

EnnNorak - 2/21/2008 9:15:09 PM

+2 Boost

Threepoint1415926, my first motorcycle was an Ariel Square Four -- I did not know there is also an Ariel car. The only British sports cars I ever loved (but never owned) are all Aston Martins, the Jag XKE and the Austin Healey.

writer - 2/21/2008 4:51:44 PM

+6 Boost

Great post Omarrana. What I love about Lotus is that they aren't concerned with the horsepower war; they would rather focus on chassis design, and suspension in order to perfect the handling of their cars....

EnnNorak - 2/21/2008 9:18:04 PM

0 Boost

The Lotus Exige may perform OK on the track for a light car but that thing is so ugly that I would not be seen dead in it. I am happy to see the above rendering of the proposed competitor.

FerrarisR4me - 2/21/2008 11:44:34 PM

+3 Boost

Another affordable sports car? Yes please.

EnnNorak - 2/28/2008 6:41:58 PM

+1 Boost

fastonekiller, I do think that the Prius is a good-looking vehicle although I would not buy one because it's a hybrid and it could be larger for more interior room. As for the Lotus, it only performs well because it's so light but I don't want it. It's also overpriced for a dinky little uncomfortable vehicle. I believe you will see more and more future vehicles shaped something like the Prius.