The most eagerly anticipated Lotus makes its return. Without doubt, this is the car that the true Lotus aficionados have been waiting for: The ultimate Lotus.

Recently unveiled at the Paris Motorshow, the new Esprit aims to exceed the legacy of it's forefathers.

Dany Bahar, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus, said: "The Lotus Esprit is the ultimate supercar. In the past when people thought of the Esprit, they thought of the movies, Bond, Pretty Woman, Basic Instinct but this time around, the car is the star of the show."

Powered by a 5.0 litre V8 pressure charged engine delivering up to 620 PS, the Lotus Esprit retains exceptional performance through it's unique lightweight design making it the ultimate expression of Lotus supercar ownership.

The styling of the Lotus Esprit echoes the performance with strong lines throughout the sleek low body. The symmetry through the mass and proportion of the Lotus Esprit give it an intense look, it's the perfect example of the new Lotus DNA in action.

The Lotus Esprit is more than an evolution, it's a redefinition.

Lotus Esprit Specification
• Layout: 2 seater, mid-engined, rear wheel drive
• Engine: Petrol, hybrid optional
• Hybrid technology: Optional KERS
• Cylinder: V8
• Capacity: 5.0 litre
• Power/Torque: 620 PS / 720 Nm
• Rev limit: 8,500 rpm
• 0-100 km/h: 3.4 seconds
• Top speed: 330 km/h
• CO2/km: 250 g/km (using optional hybrid technology)
• Weight: 1,450 kg
• Seats: 2
• Transmission: 7 Speed DCT
• Drive: RWD
• Start of production: End of 2012