2010 LOTUS ETERNE

 The Lotus Eterne concept – another 4-door supersedan similar to the likes of the Aston Martin Rapide, the Porsche Panamera, the Fisker Karma, the Tesla Model S, the Maserati Quattroporte, and etc. The Eterne will be powered by a similar engine as the one found in the Esprit – a 5.0 liter force inducted V8 making 620 PS, but it will be mounted in a front-mid position instead of at the rear like the Esprit.

The plan is for a Spring 2015 launch so this car has quite some way to go. An Eterne equipped with just the internal combustion engine will be rear wheel drive, but the spec sheet lists optional hybrid drive via a “hybrid gearbox with integrated electric motors and KERS”. This is likely a gearbox that has the electric motor sandwiched between it and the combustion engine, somewhat like a motor assist system.

Lotus has put an indicative price of £120,000. That’s about £20,000 cheaper than the four door Aston Martin Rapide’s £139,950 starting price tag, but much more expensive than a Porsche Panamera.