| Sneak Preview | 2008 Geneva Motor Show | Lotus Project Eagle |

Lotus may not have a full prototype or concept version of its upcoming Eagle sports car on display at the Geneva motor show, but it does have the front section of its chassis to show the world. Far from being coy about its new car, the Eagle chassis showcases Lotus's latest high-tech design.

The chassis uses Lotus's new Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA), which allows a single base platform to be used for a wide variety of different cars. This means Lotus can develop new models more quickly and cheaply.

The VVA platform is made from extruded aluminium sections bonded together and progresses the technology first seen on the Lotus Elise's chassis. The chassis can be stretched or shortened to suit a particular application and Lotus says it has exceptional strength for its weight.

For the Eagle, the front chassis section weighs only 25kg and it has the front suspension, air conditioning and body panels attached to it.

Lotus will unveil the finished Project Eagle at the British Motor Show in London in July and the car is expected to use a 400bhp V8 engine. Sales are expected to start at the beginning of 2009.

Alisdair Suttie - 3 Mar 2008