(Wed 16 Jul 08)

The first all-new Lotus since the introduction of the Elise back in 1995 will be formally unveiled at the British International Motor Show on July 22.

Full details will be revealed on the day, including the car's name (at the moment it's known only as Project Eagle), but we do know already that it will be powered by a modified 276bhp version of a Toyota 3.5-litre V6 engine.

That engine is mounted in the middle of the car, but there's still room in the cockpit for a 2+2 seating arrangement suitable for two full-sized adults and two smaller people. Alternatively, and in the interests of increased luggage space, customers will be able to order a two-seat version.

Although it has been 13 years since the last new Lotus, it won't be 13 years until the next one. According to Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus, "We are currently working at broadening the appeal of the Lotus brand through an aggressive five-year model plan of which this car represents the first exciting step."

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