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Corners like it's on rails: Pretty Woman Lotus Esprit for sale

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Supercars, Lotus, Celebrities

Click above to see the Lotus in action in the Pretty Woman trailer after the jump

Besides Julia Roberts' boots and Richard Gere's state-of-the-period-art brick cellphone, one of the most memorable props from "Pretty Woman" had to be the Lotus Esprit that Gere borrows from Jason Alexander to get away from a party when his limo is buried in the parking lot. He stops to ask a hooker for directions and she hops in to show him "personal." After futzing with the British exotic's transmission, Gere turns over the reins and lets Julia drive the Esprit. While uttering phrases like "standard H-pattern" and "it corners like it's on rails," gearheads by the thousands fell for the blond-wigged prostitute with a heart of gold.

And now, you can actually relive that classic bit of movie magic for yourself. No, we're not recommending cruising for help with your "stick shift" on Hollywood Blvd. You see, the very same Lotus that they used in the movie is now...
Look out Fisker and Tesla! Lotus to jump into EV game!

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Green, Lotus
Lotus is looking to challenge one of clients by building an electric sports car of its own. CEO Michael Kimberly told the Financial Times that the sports car maker and engineering powerhouse will soon launch extended-range battery-powered vehicle. The high performance model could appear as a concept as soon as the Geneva Motor Show in March, and like the Chevy Volt and Fisker Karma, Lotus will use an internal combustion engine to supplement the range of a battery which will provide primary propulsion.

Kimberly hasn't indicated what kind of vehicle layout would be used, but the new Evora sports car would seem a likely candidate with a battery taking the space of the small +2 rear seats. Another possibility could be a revival of the APX crossover concept from a couple of years back. California's Zap had hoped to use that platform for the basis of its own Zap-X, but nothing has been heard about that project for some time.

The other unknown is what, if any impact, this might have on Lotus' relationship...
Hammond, May, Brosnan and Craig all in line for Lotus Evora

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Etc., Lotus, Celebrities

Click above to view high-res image gallery of the Lotus Evora

We're apparently not the only ones in love with the Lotus formula, as celebrities are reportedly falling all over each other to get on the list for an Evora. We had a blissful visit with an Exige recently, but our main gripe was that we could only share the joy with one other person. When you've got a car that's such a delight, you want to pack the whole family in it, car seats and all. We're not sure if the 2+2 Evora will have LATCH anchors in the back seats, but that wouldn't stop us from trying to sign up for the upcoming four-place Lotus were we able to swing the payments. We'd be in good company, automotive celebrities Richard Hammond and James May are on "the list," along with TWO James Bonds. We wonder if the Evoras destined for Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig have been fitted with Q-approved submarine conversions, but even if they can't go swimming, it's...
LA 2008: Lotus Evora makes it to the States

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sports/GTs, Lotus

Click above for high-res image gallery of the Lotus Evora live

The "mostly" U.S. version of the "midsize" Lotus Evora was shown today at the LA Auto Show and it looks exactly like the one that debuted at the 2008 British Motor Show back in June. It's just missing its side marker lights. The Evora follows the '70s Lamborghini Urraco, Maserati Merak, Ferrari 308GT4 and its follow-up the Ferrari Mondial in being a mid-engine 2+2 sports car. It's arguably the best looking of that quintet, though.

Two adult American males fit up front and there's still room in back for a couple of kids, while power comes from a Toyota-sourced 3.5L V6 producing 276 hp. With a curb weight of just 2,976 lbs., that should be plenty to scoot this puppy along. Expect 0-60 in 5 seconds, a top speed of 160+ and 30 mpg.

As cool as all of that is, the interior is what will blow you away,...
Bond's The Spy Who Loved Me Lotus Esprit hits the auction block

Filed under: Time Warp, Sports/GTs, Auction Action, Videos, Lotus, Celebrities

Click above for a gallery of the Esprit S1 from The Spy Who Loved Me

Hey, if you missed the For Yor Eyes Only Lotus Esprit sale a couple of years ago, your shot to own another Bond-driven Lotus is on the horizon. In December, Bonhams will auction one of the two 1976 Lotus Esprit S1s used in The Spy Who Loved Me. The film is well known for the car/motorcycle/helicopter chase that culminates with the Lotus flying into the drink and turning into a submarine (one of those famous prop cars sold last year); and the Stromberg hench-babe giving chase in a JetRanger turning into a charcoal briquette.

A look at the photos Bonhams includes with its listing make it pretty clear that the interior used in the chase sequence's dialogue scenes between Roger Moore and Barbara Bach did not match the one in the actual car being auctioned. The proud new owner of this one will surely revel in the splendor of its...
Lotus Sport reveals 270-hp 2-Eleven GT4 Supersport racer

Filed under: Motorsports, Lotus

Click image above to enlarge

In 2007, Lotus released the 2-Eleven track car for customers who wanted an affordable club racer for their weekend fun time. Now the gang at Lotus Sport, the motorsports and tuning arm of the English sports car maker, has created an even more ferocious 2-Eleven, dubbed the GT4 Supersport. As the name implies, this one is designed to conform to the SRO GT4 Supersport technical rules. The modified body work is accompanied by more power, a sequential gearbox and full roll cage. The GT4 gets an extra 15 horsepower taking it to 270 with 181 lb-ft of torque. Power is put down to the ground through a new 6-speed sequential gearbox with a fore-aft shift lever. Lotus has also tied the gear position and shift indicator into the engine management system to manage torque output during shifts. Racers can upshift without lifting their foot while the engine automatically blips the throttle for downshifts. Lotus is only planning to build 10 cars initially for delivery in March 2009. This professional race car will run £78,255, although Lotus says...
In The Autoblog Garage: Lotus Exige S240

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Lotus

Click above for high-res gallery of the Lotus Exige S240

"What is it?" people will ask. They'll keep going. "It's fast, huh? How fast does it go?" The answer will disappoint them. Yes, it is fast, but when driving the Lotus Exige S240, its 150-mph top speed is not at the forefront of one's mind. Lotuses are more classically described as accurate weapons of destructed mass; light cars that handle as an extension of the driver's body. True to the roots laid down by the Europa, the Exige is a composite monocoque, carrying 1800cc of supercharged Toyota fury admidships.

Many have glommed on to the Elise and Exige as track-day toys, but we wanted to see how this most raucous of Lotuses would do as a desert island car. If all you could swing were the payments for a single car, and you got your kicks by surgically trimming apices, could the Lotus hack it? It's certainly one of the most accurate-handling street cars we've had the pleasure...
Citroen GT Concept now available in GT5 Prologue

Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Lotus, Ferrari, Citroen, Toys

Click above for shots of the GTbyCitroen, Ferrari California and Lotus Evora in GT5

Polyphony's Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is about to get a pretty substantial upgrade. The next time you boot up your Playstation 3, an update will be available for GT5 that will add the GT by Citroen, Ferrari's new California and the Lotus Evora. Lotus fans got a sneak peek into the Evora's GT5 inclusion at the British Motor Show a few weeks back, and now everybody gets to join in on the aluminum-intensive fun. It's always a pleasure to strap yourself in a Ferrari, in real-life or virtually, and the California is the latest Italian Stallion around, so its addition was a foregone conclusion. The biggest news, though, is the new French GT, which its maker says was "a partnership between Citroën and Polyphony." In the game-realm, the new GT concept will be powered by electrons generated from a hydrogen fuel cell. Even if the technology isn't quite ready for...
Lotus unveils even lighter 2009 Exige Cup 260

Filed under: Motorsports, Sports/GTs, Euro, Lotus

Click above for high-res gallery of 2009 Lotus Exige Cup 260

Lotus released its Exige Cup 260 for the 2008 model year to terrorize much larger and pricier cars on race tracks 'round the world. For 2009, the British automaker has spiced things up by 'adding lightness' in the marque's grand tradition. Weight drops by over 80 pounds this year to just under a ton thanks to copious use of carbon fiber. Coupled with a 257-horsepower 1.8-liter Toyota-sourced mill force fed through an intercooler by an Eaton M62 supercharger, the '09 Exige Cup 260 should hit 60 mph in less than 4 seconds. Electronic goodies such as launch control combined with variable traction control, plus 40 kilograms of downforce at 100 mph, do their best to keep the car planted on the track.

Race-ready bits like forged wheels wearing Yokohama A048 LTS tires, Eibach springs over one-way adjustable Bilstein dampers and cross-drilled and ventilated discs at all four corners highlight the serious intent of this car. Plus, a standard roll...
Ken Okuyama 7 going in to production

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Japan, Lotus
Click above for a high-res gallery of the K.07 Spyder
When the K.O7 Spyder broke cover in Geneva we were struck by its bold design (it was penned by the guy who gave us the Enzo and the Quattroporte), but seriously doubted that the track star/supercar would ever see production. Well, a limited run of 99 K.O7s will go on sale on November 1st for the princely sum of 19,500,000 Yen. Yep, that's near-as-makes-no-difference $200,000 -- an awful lot of money for very little car.
And when you consider that it's essentially a modern remake of the fenderless Lotus 340R, which itself seemed expensive back in 2000 at $70,000, you've got to wonder how many more orders Okuyama-san will be taking beyond the 24 cars pre-ordered by Tag-Heuer, who've had a hand in the project since its inception just a year ago. You may remember that the Lotus 340R never reached its performance target of 340 bhp/ton, largely because it was powered by Rover's asthmatic K-series engine. This is why three-hundred and forty 340Rs were built -- the number had to stand for...

Maserati

Detroit Preview: Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Maserati

Click above for high-res image gallery of the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S

When one thinks of the Indianapolis 500, Maserati is not a name that pops immediately to mind. However, cars wearing the famous trident logo won the 500 twice in 1939 and 1940 when legendary Wibur Shaw drove an 8C TF to victory at the "Brickyard" both years. Thankfully, even with all the bad news about automakers pulling out of the Detroit Auto Show this year, Maserati is using the occasion to celebrate the 70th anniversary of that first Indy victory with yet another variant of the Quattroporte.

The new Sport GT S has a recalibrated 4.7L V8 from the S now putting out 433 hp along with revised shift points for its transmission. This ultimate Quattroporte also gets a revised song thanks to a new exhaust system. The spring rates are stiffer and the dampers are now single rate rather than variable as on other QPs. Inside the GT S also gets the obligatory Alcantara trim to supplement the usual acres of...
Maserati unveils MC Sport Line customization program on GranTurismo S

Filed under: Coupes, Supercars, Maserati, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for high-res image gallery of Maserati's MC Sport Line

Ferrari has the One To One Personalisation Programme, so it makes since that its sister brand, Maserati, would get one too. The Italian automaker unveiled its own customization program called the MC Sport Line today at the Bologna Motor Show, and this one is meant to amp up the sporting nature of its cars. Since the GranTurismo S is the model in Maserati's line-up, it was chosen to stand on display at the show wearing the functional bits and pieces from the MC Sport Line. GranTuriso S owners will be able to start ordering parts in early 2009 from the new line, which includes front and rear carbon fiber spoilers, side skirts, carbon fiber mirror housings, CF door handles and gloss black 20-inch wheels. Interior options include door sills monogramed with "MC Sport Line" that are made out of - you guessed it - carbon fiber, which is also the material of...
Black Friday Blowout! Maserati of Palm Beach offers $35K off '08 Quattroporte

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Maserati

Click the Quattroporte for a high res gallery

If you've been eying that gorgeous new Maserati Quattroporte but the current economic malaise has you thinking twice before signing on the dotted line, now is the time to act. Maserati of Palm Beach, Florida is offering a Black Friday blowout this weekend on leftover 2008 model Maserati sedans. You can get up to $35,000 off the list price of a Quattroporte until Sunday November 30. The south Florida dealership has a pair of factory demonstrators for just over $90,000. The automatic transmission Q'Porte starts at $115K quickly heads north from there as you tick off the option list. There's no indication on the web-site of how many miles are on the cars, but if you're looking for something nice for special someone for Christmas, this might be just the deal you need. Thanks to Mike for the tip!

Gallery: Maserati Quattroporte Automatic

[Source: Maserati of...

LA 2008: Restyled Maserati Quattroporte makes North American debut

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Maserati

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Maserati Quattroporte S
The updated Maserati Quattroporte made its debut at the Paris Motor Show earlier this year, but us Yanks are getting our first look at the LA Auto Show this week. The most noticeable new feature is the front grille that mimics the GranTurismo's vertical slat design. Both front and rear lights have also been updated with LEDs. Inside, the center console has been reorganized and a new Maserati Multimedia System features an upgraded navigation system. The Quattroporte S also benefits from a new 4.7L V8 with 430 horsepower mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission found in the standard model, as well. We've included the original press release after the jump, and added more live photos of the world's most gorgeous four-door in the high-res gallery below.
Gallery: LA 2008: Maserati Quattroporte

Live photos copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
Inaugural Enderle Concours features Pininfarina designer, classics

Filed under: Etc., Bentley, BMW, Jaguar, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Misc. Auto Shows, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo

Click above for high-res gallery courtesy our friends at Speed and Motion

Long known amongst car people around southern California for its fine dining, upscale boutiques and most importantly its twice-monthly collector car breakfast cruises, the Enderle Center in Tustin, California decided to do something a little different to celebrate its 30th Anniversary: host a Classic European Concours. For this inaugural event they even flew in Pininfarina designer Maurizio Corbi who answered questions and sketched dream cars for the crowd. When someone groaned after hearing Corbi was partly responsible for the new Ferrari California's form, he quickly pointed out he did the front, which brought relieved laughter. Local collector Dick Marconi brought several cars from his nearby Marconi Automotive Museum, which supports the Marconi Foundation for Kids. Several of Dick's artworks were also displayed in the center's Chemers Gallery, but the cars were really all the art we...
Car Porn: Supercarmovies releases Nurburgring SUPERTEST vids

Filed under: Videos, Supercars, Dodge, Maserati, Porsche, Ferrari

Click above to view video trailer after the jump

As we told you a couple of weeks ago, there's one incredibly lucky dude in Europe who happens to own at least a handful of the greatest supercars of the modern era. He also happens to house them near the Nürburgring. It was only a matter of time before all five of the cars were brought to the 'Ring to have them 'rung out. Fortunately for us that blessed event recently took place, and more importantly, it was captured on film. Even better, the lads over at Supercarmovies were the ones who filmed it.

After sharing their lush, kinetic films of the Lamborghini LP640, Weismann GT, and most recently the Chevy Corvette Z06, they have just posted videos of the five supercars getting down to business. Follow the jump to watch the trailer for this blessed vid, and click the source link below to see the Maserati MC12, Ferrari...
More 'Ring running: Maserati MC12 beats world's best in super comparo

Filed under: Supercars, Maserati

Click above for more high-res shots of the Maserati MC12

Despite the fact there is no real "Official 'Ring Record" for production cars, manufacturers never miss the chance to time their fastest cars as they lap the famous German race track. After all, there's a great bit of marketing to be had by claiming that your car is faster than everything else. Maserati realizes this just as much as the next company, and the Italian automaker's MC12 is still 'super' even though it's now three years old. Perhaps even more so, as it recently managed to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife in just 7:24.29. Not only is this an extremely fast time, it betters the marks set by such enviable performers as the Ferrari Enzo, Koenigsegg CCX, Pagani Zonda F Clubsport and Porsche Carrera GT. All of these cars are owned by one (very lucky) man and were tested with the same driver (American Le Mans Series racer Marc Basseng) at the same time and under the same conditions, while lap timing duties went to Europe's evo magazine. All of this lends...
Maserati could add a small sedan, wagon is a no-go

Filed under: Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Rendered Speculation

Click above for high-res gallery of the Maserati Quattroporte S

Maserati is on a bit of a tear, and if things keep going its way, the Trident will turn that into a full-on ripper. The Gran Turismo S and Quattroporte S have secured the right kind of buzz, a Gran Turismo convertible - said to feature a cloth top, not a folding steel unit - is on the way, and there's always that Gran Turismo MC Corse Concept to hope for. If additional models get to wear the badge, they will come via Alfa. Fiat underlings Maser and Alfa have pledged to share technologies, so if Alfa picks up a RWD platform from someone else, that's an opportunity for Maserati to create a small sedan and coupe to fit underneath the GT and the Quattroporte. What Maserati will definitely not be creating, however, is a wagon: the Kuban GT has been taken off the menu. You'll hear no complaints from us about that, for while there...
BREAKING: Maserati GranTurismo MC Corse Concept

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Sports/GTs, Maserati

Click above to view high-res gallery of the Maserati GranTurismo MC Corse Concept
Maserati is a company with a deep-rooted racing heritage, and it isn't about to let that fall by the wayside. With that in mind, the Trident marque has released details of its latest competition model, called the GranTurismo MC Corse Concept.
We brought you spy shots of a stripped-out, track-bound GranTurismo earlier this month, and this looks to be the ticket. Based on the 430hp GranTurismo S, the MC Corse is destined for the tarmac. The engine has been upgraded with a new intake system, competition-spec catalytic converters and a center-exit exhaust to boost output to 450 horsepower. Grip is enhanced by an increased track along with a new front splitter, a larger rear spoiler, and more aerodynamically efficient side skirts, while the suspension has been upgraded to meet the track surface with 18x12-inch front and 18x13-inch rear wheels fitted with racing slicks. Enlarged brake discs with monobloc racing calipers help keep the power in check, along with an FIA-approved rollcage.
Following on the...
Maserati is up to something, we'll know soon

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Etc., Euro, Marketing/Advertising, Maserati

Head to Maserati's website and you're greeted with a tantalizingly coy poll, asking users to guess what event will take place on October 2nd, the first day of the Paris Motor Show. The overwhelming popular opinion is that a new car will be debuted, possibly the smaller Maser that's supposed to take aim at Porsche. A test mule was spied a while back, though that car didn't have the folding hardtop the new mini-Maserati, based on a hacked-down GranTurismo, is whispered to be carrying. We'll all just have to wait, each day feeling longer than the next. What else could it be, other than a car? The idea of generating such buzz over a new website, logo, or advertising campaign (all three are choices) is ludicrous, but the rest, including a new production facility could seem plausible. Even more intriguing, it could be all of the above. We want a smaller Maserati, and we're going to hold our breath until we turn as blue as the website's banner image to get...