Lotus reveals new Elite

Lotus has revealed pictures of its aggressive new 2+2 V8 coupe that will go on sale in 2014 and wear the famous Elite badge, the third such model in Lotus' 52-year history.

The Elite marks a change in direction in more ways than one for the Norfolk-based company. The styling is sharper than on recent models and the car will weigh in at 1680kg - more than three times the weight of the original 1957 Elite.

The new car already clearly shows Lotus' intended new emphasis on luxury over lightness, and controversially for enthusiasts, will not be available with a manual shift, going on sale with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.