» Get the best price on a new Lotus Lotus provided distinct clues to how its upcoming sportster (codenamed Project Eagle) will look via -- of all things -- a Hot Wheels scale model.
The 1:5 scale roadster concept was jointly conceived by Lotus and Hot Wheels and was on display at the recent SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show in Las Vegas.
The model was created to commemorate Hot Wheels' 40th anniversary, but it also provides a preview of the marque's future design direction.
Although less than three feet long, the scale model's familiar Lotus styling cues are evident -- such as the protruding snout, sensuously flared guards and taut proportions.
"The same design team who created this stunning concept is also designing our new range of cars, the first of which, codenamed Project Eagle, will go into production at the end of next year," said Group Lotus boss Mike Kimberley in a prepared statement.
The credit for the Hot Wheels model goes to Lotus design boss Steven Crijns, who confessed much effort when into its styling.
"The car needed to be recognisable as a Lotus without having to turn it over to look at the badge, so I took elements from the Elise and Exige such as the headlight design, the Lotus ‘mouth', the pronounced wheel arches and trademark bonnet graphics," he was quoted as saying.
The scale model is interesting in itself, but far more interesting will be the actual car that's being referred to as Project Eagle.
Due to debut next July at the 2008 British Motor Show, the Eagle is conceived to sit between the Europa and the successor to the Esprit in Lotus's model range.
Although yet to be confirmed, rumour has it the car will be powered by a 3.0-litre Toyota V6. Euro sources suggest the Project Eagle car will cost the equivalent of about $105,000 in the UK.
In case your budget doesn't stretch this far, you can always console yourself with a 75mm long model of the car pictured here -- it's due to go on sale next year.
» Get the best price on a new Lotus
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