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The blokes at Lotus would fit in well at the Top Gear office. And this is why. Just weeks after revealing the Evora, they've hinted at plans to recreate the iconic Lotus Carlton.
Well, those plans are more 'ideas' at this stage. But they're the sort of ideas we like very much.
The Lotus Carlton was suitable for both hooligans and families. Or even hooligans with families. It caused a bit of a fuss among health and safety bores - probably because it did 177mph and 0-60mph in five seconds. Not bad for a four-door saloon...
Question is, what will they base it on this time? The Insignia would be the natural successor, but Lotus has nothing to do with GM these days. They're owned by Proton.
So how about a Lotus Impian? Or a Lotus GEN-2? OK, so they already fettle the suspension on both of those, but who's to say they couldn't stick a mental 3.6-litre, twin-turbo V6 under either bonnet, like they did with the Carlton.
We reckon a few other dull saloons could with some Lotus treatment, too. How about a Lotus Accord? Or a Lotus Magentis? They could even do a reasonably-priced Lotus Lacetti.
What do you think? We want to hear your suggestions. Email us with some ridiculous ideas. The winner gets a pint, or something.
Open Car Bar
What do you think?
Want to comment on this?
Igor commented on this article
at 02:23 pm on 13 February 2009
(sorry if my English is bad, I'm Bulgarian) As one of the biggest fan of Lotus Carlton (known in Germany and in my country as Opel Omega Lotus), I can say that GM should recreate it. But there is the other question: Which Opel/Vauxhall can be a base for setting a new iconic car? It's kind of difficult decision, because there is a great competition between Mercedes, BMW and the other brands, which means that as we know their engines are the best (63 AMG, 65 AMG, the M-powered engines of BMW and etc.). So it means that if GM wants to build a new iconic super car, like the Lotus Carlton, the MUST use at least 500 hp engine with more than 700 nm tourge (it should be Bi-turbo again) and I'll make a suggestion that the base should be Opel ( I'm from Bulgaria, I don't know all the Vauhxall models). They can use the new Insignia, because it's modern and quite nice looking. Also Omega B with the facelift is a good choice, but they are "forbidden" to make Chevy or something else.
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lotuscarlton. commented on this article
at 04:07 pm on 14 July 2009
ive had a lotus carlton and i can say oh my god!!!!!.its so much fun.what a car?? I would love to see lotus make one but like top gear say what would they base it on...ive got it make a new vauxhall carlton and then let lotus have it and see what great car they would bring out.come on the carlton(lotus)?????????????
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Raixa commented on this article
at 05:23 am on 12 August 2009
(sorry if my english is bad) As the person who own a number of lotus and proton. I really want them to make a collaboration by making a 2 seater super lightweight car and make it bi-turbo and supercharge all together under one hood that produce at least 400kw. That would be very bloody good supercar that make ferrari and lamborghini owner cry.
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roadrunnerkyle commented on this article
at 11:13 pm on 08 February 2010
what about a lotus mondeo it already has good handling but, it could use the twin turboed V6 to give it some umph. it would be brilliant
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m1garland commented on this article
at 07:48 pm on 18 February 2010
I think that lotus should do a better version of the new ford fiesta! they should put a V6 in it and put a huge spoiler on the back!
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