The Esprit

First Lotus I ever experienced; and it hasn't even existed yet...

Lotus, as the iconic British car company, is set to undergo a 'reawakening' of some sorts, and their efforts to gain machismo and reputation among the automotive realm in the next 5-10 years is manifested inside the Lotus Esprit concept.

The Esprit has a feasible and realistic feel to it, and not much is going to change in terms of the overall design for the production version, which will be unveiled in 2013. The brief is a top-of-the-range supercar which has the ability to deviate future customers away from Ferraris, Porsches, and Lamborghinis... It certainly will have the performance credentials to rival these big names, judging by the fact that a 5.0L V8 sourced from Toyota is going to be shoved inside this car.

2 days ago, I got the chance to view the Esprit concept at the Kuala Lumpur Motor Show. Stunning as it is in the pictures from Paris, you really have to see it in the flesh to fully comprehend what Lotus is trying to achieve with their new technological masterpiece.

Naturally, viewing the Esprit inspired me. It helped me see the world from a fresh perspective. I wanted more inspiration, so I got inside the Esprit for a brief second. Time stayed still as I sat in the soft woven leather of the Esprit's driver seat. The bright yellow and green Lotus badge crowned atop the futuristic steering wheel shone in my eyes...

The experience of being cocooned inside the interior of a concept car, of which I know only one existed in the world, the same Esprit that was unveiled at the recent Paris Motor Show, was awesome.

I sat inside the future of Lotus.

Sincere thanks are in order to a very polite man from Lotus HQ Norfolk, whom I got to chat with, another very nice man from Lotus, who showed us out of the Esprit, and last but not least, a Proton official who explained in a very detailed manner the unwritten rule of auto shows. A million thanks for letting us slip out of this one... We really appreciate it.

This year's KL Motor Show is admittedly a disappointment compared to previous editions, but is worth attending because of the chance to view the Esprit alone. Thanks to Proton for flying the Esprit all the way to KL. Plus, they also showcased the Lotus CityCar Concept, the EMAS, and five new Malay Warriors. Naza brought along the 458 Italia and a Murcie`lago SV. There's also a sixteen-ft Bumblebee model and Batman and his Tumbler for the kids and kids at heart, although the 'kids at heart' might get easily disappointed :-)

Happy birthday, Lothfi;

and, if you're is reading this, Amalia Amir, sorry if you find this boring...