Lotus Considering Developing Its Own Esprit Engine

Lotus is currently doing a feasibility study on the prospect of developing two new engines, including a V8 engine for its upcoming Esprit revival. The move is a reaction to some voices that were less than excited when Lotus’ recent Esprit concept came packing a Toyota/Lexus powerplant.

Lotus showed off a handful of new concepts at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, most notable of which was the Esprit. And while the styling and performance figures definitely said the old U.K. supercar was back and better than ever, one thing hadn’t changed from the more modest Lotuses of recent history: Lotus’ use of Toyota engines. The Esprit concept had a 5.0-liter V8 from the Lexus IS-F, and while it was pressure charged for 620 horses, it still wasn’t an all-Lotus engine.

So car fans grumbled and Lotus listened, at least enough to make an official decision about building a new engine. That decision is expected to land by the end of January. Fingers crossed in the meantime. [via Autocar]