This may not be the best way to start discussion on a potential exciting new supercar, but poor Lotus.  Recent reports are telling that the on-again, off-again Espirit supercar from Lotus is close to completion.  Before getting too excited, though, the same sources were the ones who told us that this car was anything but feasible for the struggling brand.  Malaysian conglomerate, DRB-Hicom, acquired Lotus from the brand’s previous owner, Proton, not long ago, and financial issues and unease regarding new models still runs rampant.  At one time (again, not long ago) there was a brand-new 6-car lineup envisioned for Lotus, but the aforementioned financial struggles brought this plan to a screeching halt.  A lot of time, resources, and money went into the Espirit, so much so that it looks like its production may not be scrapped after all.  The car will likely have 650hp sourced from Twin-Turbo 5.0 liter V8, which would put it above key competitors like the Ferrari 458 Italia & McLaren MP4-12C.  In fact, word says that it could also benefit from a KERS Hybrid system which would increase power even more.  Sales of the Evora and Exige have slowed way down, so a lot could potentially be resting on the Espirit.  We’ll be sure to keep you up to date on the fate of this exciting addition to the modern Lotus brand.

– Evan W.

Full Story at Motor Authority