<http://schema.org/articleBody>
"Lotus&amp;#039; legendary Esprit is a big deal for many enthusiasts. So significant, in fact, that the unveiling of the new Esprit here at the 2010 Paris Auto Show featured supermodel Naomi Campbell and Queen&amp;#039;guitarist Brian May pulling the sheet off the car. At first glance, you might mistake the stealth fighter-like design for something out of Sant&amp;#039;Agata. Carbon-fiber accents abound as a mid-mounted engine is clearly visible beneath the rear hatch window. Italian this is not, but it may just steal some fans away from the red, white and green.   Dispelling rumors of a Lexus LFA-sourced V-10 onboard, Lotus announced that the power driving the rear wheels will come from a mid-mounted supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 pumping out between 542 bhp and 611 bhp, depending on tuning, with 531 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine, out of the Lexus IS F, utilizes direct and port fuel injection, scavenged cylinder heads, dry sump lubrication and electronically controlled variable valve timing.   Following the &amp;quot;manumatic&amp;quot; transmission trend, the Esprit&amp;#039;s V-8 will mate up with a 7-speed paddle-shift dual-clutch gearbox (DCT). There has been no mention so far of a possible manual transmission option, but we&amp;#039;re hoping (as we&amp;#039;re sure the late Mr. Chapman is too) that Lotus will stay true to its roots. What will be an option however is a street-going version of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) you may remember from last year&amp;#039;s Formula 1 season, which provides added performance when called upon. Last, the new Esprit, along with the new Elan, will be available in open-top form as well as coupes.   At $171,000, the 2-seat Esprit is sure to cause a stir when it comes to market in 2013. And if plans to make the car comply with future FIA and IMSA GT regulations hold true, this new Esprit should stir up some track competition as well. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-shows/paris-auto-show/news/a16366/2013-lotus-esprit/>