New Lotus Esprit to share Audi R8 engine?

I think the R8 motor would be a good choice. Lambo motor would basically make it too much of a lambo and I think take away it identity.

 

I thought Porsche was being a dominate player in VG's affairs, and claimed 'no more toys' when asked about Lambo, Bugg, etc. This would be contary to that assumption.

 

Porsche has purchased a significant portion of VW's stock, not vice versa.

It would be surprising if Porsche were interested in acquiring another sports car maker (via VW). Then again, I am not sure how much control of VW affairs Porsche has at this point.

 

The original post says that VW are buying a majority stake in Proton who own Lotus, not that VW are buying Lotus on it's own. To me this would mean that it fits in with Porsche's 'no more toys' concept.

I'm not entirely sure of all the facts on this, so I apologise if any of the following is incorrect, but getting access to Proton's manufacturing plants could be highly beneficial as imported cars are highly taxed in Malaysia and other parts of the far east, however having a local production plant circumvents the taxation meaning that they may be able to reduce the price of other VAG cars in such markets. Also, Proton owns 80% of Group Lotus, not just Lotus Cars and Lotus' engineering arm does a huge amount of work for other car manufacturers (I seem to remember hearing that they have been involved in part with over 60% of the cars produced in Europe). Further Lotus cars have a variable platform architecture similar to Aston Martin's which VAG may want to get their hands on. Also a reasonably popular aftermarket mod for Lotus Elises is to install an audi engine (see www.audieliseowners.com ), so VW having an interest in Proton and Lotus doesn't seem all that unlikely - I wouldn't bet against it, however I wouldn't necessarily bet for it either. Time will tell...

 

I hate the new gen of cars, everybody is sharing engines and designs and its like WTF! what happend with the good old days where it took years of engineering to manufacture your own parts and such now everybody is ripping a page out of GM.

If it is to be ill gladly take an oldschool esprit over the new one.

 

I find your comments quite funny, coming from someone who's nickname is Pantera.

Also, if you are familiar with the older Esprit, I'm sure you realized that it shares components from other cars. Lotus has to cut corners where they can. So there are some small items here and there from other car makers, even Toyota. Just look here: http://www.espritfactfile.com/Parts.html or even here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_Esprit

And look at cars like the Lamborghini's Gallardo, with Audi's influence and dollars, they are building a rock solid car and the only bad thing about an exotic from Lamborghini these days, is the panels actually line up!


p.s. - I can't wait for the new Esprit. Many years ago, I was itching for an 88SE, and then... a few years later, the V8's came out. I can only hope there is a market for the Esprits.