Powertrain: As we expected, it's a 280 HP 3.5-liter Toyota-sourced V6. However, Lotus has breathed on the electronic engine controls to make it more suitable for its new home powering a sportscar that weighs around 3,000 lb (less than 1400kg). The Eagle also uses a Toyota 6-speed manual transmission, but features a Lotus-engineered clutch and gearchange. All this should give it a top speed somewhere between 165 and 170 MPH, a 0-to-60 time somewhere in the low five second range and track ability that will more than likely eclipse rivals like the 2010 Porsche Cayman S.
There's even talk of a future high performance model and hints that it'll achieve that increased performance using a supercharger.
Frame: Holding the car together is a an Elise-like bonded and riveted aluminum chassis that in addition to being exceptionally light, is also exceptionally strong, allegedly lending the Eagle crash test performance that far exceeds expectations for a vehicle of this size. Unlike the Elise, the Eagle uses a 3-part chassis; the rear supports the engine and double wishbone suspension, while the front part bolts on and off for relatively easy replacement after a crash. It holds the double wishbone front suspension and is designed to deform in an impact.
Dimensions: The Eagle's overall length is just 171 inches, 3 inches shorter than a Porsche 911. Compared to the Elise, that gives the driver's seat an additional 3 inches of travel and leaves room in the rear for passengers up to 5-feet tall. A 2-seat model will be available that swaps out those rear seats for more luggage space. Lotus claims there's room in the "boot" for a set of golf clubs.
Name: The first Eagle should reach its buyer in May 2009, but more than likely won't be called an Eagle at all. Right now Lotus calls this the "Eagle Project," but we're not expecting that name to stick. Rather, we're told it will be some other 'E' name that won't be decided until the very last minute. We have no idea why they can't just crack open the dictionary now, it's not like there's any surprises left. Lotus hasn't confirmed US sales, but bizarrely and strongly hints that Dr. McDreamy himself, Patrick Dempsey, will be getting one of the first vehicles, so we do expect to see the vehicle come stateside, whatever they end up calling it.
The Future: Lotus plans to keep the vehicle around for 8 years, in that time launching several derivatives that will include the aforementioned high performance model and convertible. Knowing Lotus, we fully expect there to be up to a dozen inexplicable models with the Eagle range. Production will take place at Hethel alongside the Elise and Exige to the tune of 2,000 units a year; bringing total Lotus production up to 5,000 vehicles yearly and giving the diminutive company much needed financial liquidity. For some reason, the company thinks that keeping the Eagle's real 'E' name under wraps until next Tuesday lends the model some air of mystery. Regardless of what they call it, we know that we want one.
