More fun in the form of a lightweight, mid-engined sports car is reported to be on the way and Colin Chapman himself would approve of this new-comer and the very ‘Lotus-like’ philosophy behind it. The chap behind this new sports car is Jim Dowle, former McLaren car designer.

Dowle certainly has the credentials to design and develop a purpose built road rocket, having been closely involved with the creation of the legendary McLaren F1 and the more recent (and less legendary) McLaren Mercedes SLR.

The knowledge of advanced composite material structures gained from these projects will certainly benefit the creation of a light-weight, strong and performance focused drivers car. Expect the chassis to be an aluminium/carbon composite structure.

Dowle and his team are looking to have a prototype on the road over the next 18 months and are still in the process of deciding on the exact specifications, but expect a four-cylinder powerplant, mid-mounted, with around 150kW/200hp and all up a weight of around 870kg.

While the main focus will be on the driving experience, Dowle will be building in a degree of practicality with plenty of storage space being a pre-requisite of the design. The price? It is hoped that when the new racer goes on sale it will cost around £35,000 in the UK.

[Source: Pistonheads via MotorAuthority]