Want to see the first official image of the Lotus ‘Project Eagle’? Thats it above… Other manufacturers might provide a darkened teaser image of some body work but leave it to Lotus to revel in the beauty of an aluminium front chassis module!

Project Eagle is the code name for the new higher specification addition to the Lotus product range entering the market above the Elise, Exige and Europa. Lotus are saying that we will get to see the whole car in July at its British Motor Show unveiling and that it should be in production by early 2009.

Project Eagle draws heavily on the proven technology used in the Lotus Elise family of vehicles as well as the Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) previously shown in Geneva as the APX (Aluminium Performance Crossover) Concept Vehicle.

“I am delighted with the exceptional “fast-track” progress of Project Eagle - the project is hitting key gateway, timing and technical objectives. The project utilises our core competencies in aluminium, and composite body engineering, jointing techniques, and vehicle systems integration. Lotus Engineering is a world leader in niche vehicle design, manufacture and global sales and Project Eagle is a prime example of this technological competence, which will build upon this reputation,” said Mike Kimberley CEO of Group Lotus plc.

Lotus say the development of Project Eagle is advancing rapidly, with engineering prototypes already conducting testing in Northern Europe and at Lotus’ headquarters at Hethel, England. Ride, handling and cold weather testing are currently being undertaken as part of Lotus’s demanding worldwide industry standard vehicle development programme.

Expect to see spy photos of ‘Project Eagle’ mules hit the net in the coming months.