The Lotus Cars 'Bloom'

For anyone who has been following the internet-chatter around the British automaker, Lotus, you know that the company is redesigning their current models. What you may not know, is that Lotus plans on revealing six (6!) new models at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show. Two of these models are expected to be additional packages for existing Lotus models. Rumours indicate that they will likely be automatic or paddle-shifting packages for the Evora and the Elise.

At the 2010 Paris Auto Show, Lotus announced it would be building the Lotus Eterne, a 4-door competitor to the Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide. They also announced a potential 4-litre V6 Lotus "Elan". Sources tell me that the Elan project has been shelved, at least for now.

The Lotus Eterne looks like a sharper Panamera.

Of the other entirely new models expected to be released, we know that one is a supercharged replacement for the Lotus Elise SC, which won’t be available in North America. Another model I hope to see is a rally-built version of the current Exige. Thirdly, there is the model which I struggle to find any real information on. The only thing I can get out of Lotus is that “it will be one of the fastest road cars Lotus has ever built”. The Evora GTE Road Car perhaps?

The Evora GTE Road Car Concept. Gorgeous.

Earlier this year, Lotus unveiled the Evora GTE Road Car concept, a weight-reduced and stunningly aggressive Lotus with an estimated 420+ horepower. Considering the old Lotus didn’t weigh much to begin with, and could already run 0-60 in less than 5 seconds with 276 horsepower, we can expect the limited edition production version of this car to be a supercar slayer. To me, this is the most anticipated unveiling for the Frankfurt Auto Show. I predict a 0-60 time under 3.5 seconds. I also, however, expect a price tag far beyond my price range.

It looks to me like Lotus is attempting to do what McLaren has begun doing as well: Challenging the leading supercar makers (The McLaren Boom). Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini had better keep an eye out for these underdogs; they have done great work in the past, and I expect them to keep improving.