Lotus's Six All-New Cars In Detail

All these 'future cars' feature on the company's website, but rumours persist that they aren't the only novel developments in the pipeline.

The sixth of the firm's new models will perhaps be the most shocking of all for fans of the marque known primarily for lightweight, well-handling sports cars. Rumours are that Lotus is also developing a mould-breaking city car in a joint project with parent company Proton.

First of the new range to hit the roads will be the revived Esprit, due in 2013. According to the firm, this will be the 'ultimate Lotus'; a mid-engined two-seater designed to mix it with the new supercar elite, such as the Ferrari 458 Italia and new Mclaren MP4-12C, as well as Audi's storming R8 V10.

Power will come from an all-new supercharged V8 engine developed in-house by Lotus, with the possibility of an enhanced tie-up with Toyota leading to a V10 equipped range-topper. A later, entry-level model may be offered with the option of the Evora's V6 motor.

Next to roll out of the design studio will be the Esprit's 'little brother', an everyday sports car to rival the Porsche 911 and Aston Martin Vantage. Lotus expects the Elan to be their most popular model. Powered by a supercharged 4.0 litre V6 developed from the unit used in the latest Evora S, extensive use of aluminium will keep the car's weight down and '2+2' seating will be an option.

The following year will see the company launch the Elite; a front engined, four-seater GT car to take on the Ferrari FF and Aston Martin Virage. Featuring a Ferrari California style folding hard-top roof, use of the same 5.0 litre V8 as the Esprit indicates that it may out-power rivals as well as undercut them significantly on price.

The Elise has been the core of Lotus's range since the mid 1990s, but 2015 will herald an all-new design. The new car will feature a more luxurious interior that will be easier to live with every day and be powered by a 2.0 litre Toyota engine up-rated by Lotus engineers. However, prices will remain similar to those for the current car.

So far, so Lotus. But it's the firm's next steps that will see it break away from traditional thinking. In 2015, Lotus plans to launch the Eterne; a four-door luxury flagship model to match the Aston Martin Rapide, Porsche Panamera and Maserati Quattroporte. Four door supercars are taking off in popularity as car-makers eye Far East tastes for big sporty models, and it's that trend that's inspired this completely new concept for the company.

Finally, Lotus's sixth new model will be its boldest move yet; a premium city car to rival the Aston Martin Cygnet. Developed with parent company Proton and based on the Malaysian firm's EMAS concept, the new baby Lotus will take the sports car maker into completely uncharted territory.

Featuring trademark sporty design cues, the new supermini will be available as a full, all-electric version or as a hybrid utilising Lotus's 1.2 litre 'range extender' petrol engine offering a potential 100 mpg fuel economy.

The Future's Bright at Your Used Car Supermarket

The one thing I've always promised myself would never occur happened last week - I became my dad. Now I love my dad and we get on brilliantly, but he does have a tendency to moan. Whether it's being stuck in a traffic jam, the price of milk or the quality of projection at the cinema, my dad can't resist the odd rant. Clearly then I'm my father's son as when we attended the British Motor Show, I had a list of things to have a pop at.

Now the motor show is essentially what a used car supermarket will look like in a few years time so it's important to gauge the quality of metal on show and pinpoint the highlights. Before I do that though, let me re-live my moan. I'm from a large town myself and am often out in a large city so a trip to London doesn't faze me in that respect however it takes forever to get anywhere. The underground network is great - there's always a train, always on time and always gets you to your destination. The problem is that they're cramped, sweaty and it appears that to get from one shop to another type of retailer takes 30 minutes and 30 tube stops.

The motor show was situated alongside the river Thames, snuggled up alongside the Millennium Dome or whatever they've called it this week. In essence then the motor show was in the middle of nowhere. I could've got off a stop too early and never been seen again quite frankly. So off the train I got feeling as though I'd already done a day's work and I was herded towards the exhibition centre. After being bombarded with dozens of flyers for all manner of goods within seconds of my arrival, I spied the entrance a mere 100 metres away and thought if I could keep my head down I'd avoid anymore trees being chopped down and handed to me.

Cunningly though the companies employed the most gorgeous girls to hand out the flyers and try as I might I couldn't avoid sneaking a glimpse at their perfect faces. This of course involved eye contact which might as well have been a signed contract for another ten flyers in my direction. Despite these distractions I made it inside and can report that there are plenty of automotive delights on the horizon.

For a kick off, Lotus premiered their Evora or 'first new car in 13 years'. The Evora is a 2+2 mid engined sports car aimed squarely at the Porsche Cayman. With looks to kill, a 3.5 litre V6 engine and prices starting around the £45,000 mark in the UK; their German rivals must be sweating like a turkey at Christmas.

For the Hyundai enthusiast, the Genesis had jaws dropping. It is envisaged that the orange monster on display will morph into the latest Coupe next year with the aggressive yet curvy styling remaining unaltered. The Genesis is definitely going on sale in the United States - and judging by the reaction it got in London - in the UK as well.

For the more realistic buyer two cars were the definite standouts. Firstly Ford unveiled the long awaited return of the RS badge, this time adorning the new Focus. Developing a staggering 296bhp from just 2.5 litres, the Focus RS is the company's wildest hot hatch yet. Vauxhall offered a more modest new car in the Insignia, the replacement for the Vectra however the word 'elegant' just doesn't do it justice. Aimed squarely the existing customer base, Vauxhall hope the Insignia will entice others out of their Fords and to their way of thinking. With prices set to range from £16,000 to £22,000 they are surely onto a winner.

Best Cars

1. 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee- for a hefty amount of $30,215 you can own this powerful, luxurious. The brand itself is already a luxury and every man would want to own this enhanced on-and off-road chops that can take you to any road you want to hit with its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 churns out 290 hp and 260 lb ft of torque it is as powerful as a horse can be. The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is not only luxurious-looking but it is also as strong as Samson which can tow 5000 pounds not to mention that his Jeep uses a four-wheel independent suspension, what more can you look for in a jeep? It has an enhanced steering and suspension precision that no other jeep is capable of.

2. 2011 Lotus Evora- got $74,675? then you can drive home with you this pretty little thing called Lotus Evora. It's a luxury car that looks like chic and manly enough you can drive it at work or at party. The Lotus Evora is absolutely a head-turner. The nice thing about this car is that it looks sleek but it is powerful.

3. 2011 Hyundai Sonata- practicality these days mean a lot and when it comes to cars choosing Hyundai Sonata does not only reflect how much you value money but also your practicality when shopping for basic commodities. For less than $20,000 you can already drive a car that is chosen by 2011 PMV (Popular Mechanic's Value) as the best car. This luxury-coupe-looking car absolutely looks astonishing and with its 200-hp four-cylinder plus the company's offer of 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty I am sure that you are a real winner with this car.

4. 2011 Toyota Sienna- if you are looking for more than luxury and comfort then try Toyota Sienna it is versatile that you can take it with you on your out-of-town trips or on your dates. This car is also spacious with a 39.1 cubic feet of extra space behind the third-row seat. Aside from that the price isn't that expensive for only $25,270 you can drive a versatile minivan. This vehicle is also perfect for those who have kids with them or for those guys who enjoy tagging along their friends on weekends for a long ride out-of-town adventure.