Lotus’ Eagle to land at UK show

The 2008 British Motor Show has been given a major boost after Lotus confirmed that it will launch an all-new model at the event.

The manufacturer will unveil a mid-engined 2+2 coupé – codenamed Project Eagle – at the show. It will sit between the Europa and the successor to the Esprit in the range.

A source within the Proton-owned firm told Auto Express: “The last Esprit was a £60,000 model, so it’s reasonable to assume its replacement will be in that price bracket.

“The Project Eagle car will cost around £45,000. We think it will be a logical progression for our customers to go from an Elise or Europa to that car, and then to a pricier model.” Our spies have spotted a test mule for the newcomer on roads around the company’s Hethel base, while its styling is believed to echo that of Proton’s PM5 study. Power is thought to come from a Toyota 3.0-litre V6.

“Geneva is too early and we won’t be in Paris next year, so the British show is perfect,” said our insider. “We also believe the event will only get better the closer we get to the 2012 Olympics, because the transport infrastructure will improve.”

Lotus joins Vaux­hall on the list of makers debuting new models at next year’s show. The latter takes the covers off its Vectra replacement at the event, which will be held at London’s ExCeL in Docklands from 23 July to 3 August.