Lotus unveiles five new concepts at the 2010 Paris Motor Show

Lotus blew everyone away with the showing of not one or two, but five new models at the 2010 Paris Motor Show; the Esprit Concept, Elan Concept, Elite Concept, Eterne Hybrid Sedan Concept and Elise Concept. Importantly, these were not just concept cars, but real cars that already have a development and production program scheduled in at the factory near Norwich, the first one reaching the showroom just 24 months from now. Lotus has truly positioned themselves to becoming a leading player in the performance supercar market over the next few years.

Lotus Esprit

The Lotus Esprit, the most eagerly anticipated Lotus makes its return. The new Esprit represents the very essence of exclusive supercar driving. As Dany Bahar, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus, said: "We've stuck to the Lotus core values of performance through lightweight and teamed them with future technology and exceptional engineering to ensure the Esprit will be the leader of the pack."

The two-seater, mid-engined, rear wheel drive Esprit is powered by a 5.0 liter V8 pressure charged engine delivering up to 620 hp, capable of doing 0-62 mph in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 205 mph. It is the supercar that will redefine ride and handling, performance, comfort and exclusivity. Currently due to arrive in Spring 2013 with price indication at $175,000.

Lotus Elan

The Elan is the beating heart of the new Lotus line-up. With a 2+2 variant, the Elan should be the only car you need. Set for release in the second half of 2013, the Elan features a 4.0 liter V6 pressure charged engine capable of delivering up to 450 hp with 342 lb/ft torque. Taking into consideration its relative light weight of 2,849 lbs., the Elan's performance edges on supercar.

In keeping with the rest of the new Lotus range, the Elan features optional hybrid technology with KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System). The price without KERS technology is projected near $120,000, a steal for a car with this type of performance and styling.

Lotus Elite

The groundbreaking new Elite is not only exquisitely elegant, in keeping with Lotus' core values, it's a car of substance incorporating some of the very latest technological innovations Lotus has to offer. The slick retractable hard top and the optional use of hybrid technology with KERS are typical examples of Lotus tailoring technology to deliver perfect performances.

Set for release in spring 2014, this 2+2 hides beneath its shark like exterior a front-mid positioned 5.0 liter V8 engine delivering up to 620 hp meaning drivers can expect to go from 0-62 mph in approximately 3.7 seconds. Dany Bahar, CEO of Group Lotus, said: "One could say it's a car of perfect contradictions, it's compact yet spacious, high performing yet low emitting, lightweight yet still reassuringly solid." Set for release in early 2014 with a price indication of $180,000.

Lotus Eterne

The Lotus Eterne is a true four door, four-seater sports GT. It's the ultimate expression of refined style, sophistication and grace. A sports car by definition can't be defined as graceful? Powerful, exciting, aggressive yes, but not graceful. Yet the Eterne encompasses it all; power and grace, performance and elegance, beauty and strength all in one stunning package.

The Eterne will be supplied with a 5.0 liter pressure charged V8 engine delivering up to 620 hp with 531 lb/ft torque capable of reaching a top speed of 195 mph. In keeping with the rest of the new line-up, the Eterne will benefit from hybrid technology. The Eterne will begin direct competition with the Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide beginning in spring 2015.

Lotus Elise

The Elise, due for release in 2015 is a sexy, agile beast of a car. Aside from strong graphic styling, the practicality of the car has had a major overhaul too with sizeable improvements made to the ingress and egress - in simple terms, no more acrobatics but still all the fun you expect from the Elise.

Fear not though, despite the dramatic upgrades the Elise 2015 has lost none of the charm that made the two-seater sports car famous, it still retains performance through lightweight and handles like a dream. With a 2.0 liter inline 4 pressure charged engine delivering up to 320 hp, the Elise 2015 should reach 0-62 mph in under 4.5 seconds.