The British sports car maker Lotus - owned byMalaysia's Proton - is developing a new mid-engined Lotus Esprit, due for launch in 2007. These photos show a first mule in high-speed testing at the N\303\274rburgring. It has wider fenders and a big rear wing than the current car.

Lotus aims to double its production in 5 years, by expanding the Elise and Europa model ranges, by offering a mid-engined Esprit with a BMW V8 engine.

Although Lotus is still cranking out new versions of the Elise, work is also under way on a replacement for the Esprit. It will hit the streets around 2008 and is expected to use a BMW V8 for power while sticking with the Lotus mantra of minimal weight. Although this test mule was spotted on the Nurburgring wearing an older Esprit shell, the odd proportions suggest this is most likely a test mule for the chassis of the new supercar.

More super sweet photos from the 2007 Bullrun Kick OFF in Montreal... Porsche 928, Mercedes-Benz CLK-DTM, 300c drop top with lambo doors slammed with 22's......more....

More fabulous photos from the 2007 Bullrun which left from Montreal. Lamborghini Murcielago, Dodge Viper Hennessey Venom 800R, Lotus Esprit, Ferrari 612, Porsche 911 Turbo, Hummer H1, 300c Drop Top with Strut package....more..

With a new V8 engine and sequential transmission, a new Lotus Esprit may be available soon.

Lotus' third, high-end performance model will be called the Esprit, according to Lotus boss Mike Kimberley during an exclusive interview for PistonHeads. The Hethel-based hasn't officially announced the name of the old Esprit's replacement yet even although everyone outside the company's been calling it the Esprit. But Kimberley let it slip during the fascinating interview.