Paris 2010: Lotus Eterne Concept

CarThrottle's coverage of the Lotus product blitz at the 2010 Paris Auto Show continues. So far we've seen conceptual introductions of the front-engined V-8 Elite, mid-engined V-8 Esprit, and a mid-engined V-6 Elan.

Now comes a product that perhaps stands out from them all the most - a four-door sedan. If that doesn't tell you something has changed at Lotus, we don't know what will.

The high-end four-door luxury coupe segment, is a lucrative business, already entered by manufacturers like Aston Martin with the Rapide and Porsche with the Panamera.

It could be getting even more competitive as there is rumblings that Lamborghini has given the green light to its Estoque four-door concept car as well. Lotus is showing with the Eterne that it wants a piece of that pie.

The Eterne isn't groundbreaking, as it follows closely in the mould of vehicles like the Aston Martin Rapide. Stylistically its elegance reminds us of the Rapide, and that is a good thing - it is a stunningly beautiful automobile.

Unlike the other concepts, this one is a bit farther out - with an introduction date of around 2015. This is taken to mean that Lotus will likely wait a bit and see how the rest of the lineup sells before introducing this car, and that makes sense.

The drivetrain is rear-wheel drive, with available all-wheel drive. It utilizes the same 620-horsepower, 5.0-liter Lexus V-8 as the Esprit. That is good enough for a 60 mph run in 4.0 seconds and a top speed of about 196 mph.

Like the Esprit, it will also have an available "hybrid" drivetrain that utilizes the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). Sensing a theme here? KERS figures as a big part of Lotus' future product plans.

The question with the Eterne is price - how many buyers will it find at a rumored price of $190,000. At that level, why not opt for the Aston Martin Rapide or, if produced, the Lamborghini Estoque? Both of those are from established high-end brands.

The answer if customers will be receptive to the Eterne will first be answered by the success of high-end Lotus vehicles coming in 2013.

If the answer is yes, we will likely see the Esterne produced. It is likely that development was shared with the Elite, which makes the business case for production all the more attractive.