After the Esprit in 1982, a new cooperation with Lotus for an aggressive two seats Coupé, sophisticated and powerful. The new 8 cylinders, 4 liters, 340 hp engine is the basis of the new cooperation between Lotus and Italdesign, for the creation of a two seats Coupé; Lotus is enthusiastic about this project and begins the development that will be interrupted in 1986 to coincide with the leverage by GM.
The Etna wheelbase is longer than the Esprit one (70mm) to contain the engine. In the '90s, the super-cars look impose rounded lines, but general statement, in common for all the Lotus, is wedged. After BMW M1 and DeLorean DMC 12 squared lines, Etna opens a new shaping thread that will characterize many two seats Coupé in years to come.
Engine & performance:
Position: mid-engied, longitudinal
Type: Lotus 909 V8, DOHC, 32-valve
Capacity: 4000 cc
Power: 340 hp @ 6500 rpm
Dimensions:
Length: 4268 mm
Width: 1844 mm
Height: 1143 mm
Wheelbase: 2515 mm
Weight: 1180 kg
Source: www.italdesign.it
Images: ItalDesign; Lotusespritturbo.com; Bonhams; www.lotusbuzz.com