| All-new sportscar | 2008 British International Motor Show | 2009 Lotus 'Project Eagle' |

Today, Lotus released a single image and preliminary details for its eagerly anticipated new car. Although more information will be revealed at next week's London Motor Show - including the car's name - we now have a much clearer idea of what to expect from the first all-new Lotus since the original Elise broke cover in 1995.

The photograph portrays a car that is unmistakably from the same Lotus stable as the current Elise and Exige models, though it's a more complete design, with smoother lines and complex curves. The new car appears to be more solid too, which is emphasised by the full-size mirrors, proper door handles and less venting than is found on its track-focused siblings.

Though you wouldn't guess it at first glance, the new Lotus is actually a 2+2, with rear seats designed for kids - or adults at a squeeze. The upsweep of the side window and the large air duct in front of the rear wheel help to disguise the size of the interior. Lotus is proud to point out that its new sportscar will be the only 2+2 in production with its engine mounted in the middle, though a two-seat only model will also be offered.

Unsurprisingly, the mid-mounted engine comes from Toyota. Befitting the new car's elevated price and stature, the base unit is a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 featuring Toyota's VVT-i variable valve timing. In the Lotus, the V6 puts out 276bhp to the rear wheels. Lotus admits that it has yet to finalise performance figures, though we're to expect a sub five-second 0-60mph time and a top speed in excess of 160mph.

Despite the standard fitment of anti-lock brakes and Bosch-developed traction and stability control systems, Lotus insists the new car will be an exciting steer and let slip that its time around the Nurburgring betters the Elise, with more high-speed stability than the Exige. We're thinking that the new car will square up to the Porsche Cayman S in price terms.

As part of the company's five-year new model plan, buyers will also have the option of an open-topped version of the new car, as well as a more extreme high-performance variant.

Watch this space for more details as they emerge following the car's unveiling at 11:30am Tuesday, July 22nd, including the mysterious new name.

Shane O' Donoghue - 16 Jul 2008