Lotus has shocked Paris Motor Show goers by announcing six new models including a new Esprit and Elise.

It seems that last week’s announcement about the new Elite was just the tip of the iceberg, as Lotus has taken the wraps off another five new cars. These are; a replacement for the current Elise, an all-new Esprit, the Elite and the 4-door Eterne based on it, an all-new Elan and a city car co-developed by Lotus’ parent firm Proton.

Lotus CEO Dany Bahar said, “Our plan is to change Lotus from its present position as a niche sports car company to a builder of a range of premium sports cars.”

Lotus are hoping that these new models will help lift the Lotus image, and consequently its prices, into the same league as Aston Martin, Porsche and Ferrari. The new Elise, for example, is predicted to cost around £40,000 when it is released in 2015.

It’s not just the cars that are getting an overhaul, Lotus are embarking on a £770 million scheme to improve their factories, design facilities, test track and motorsports ventures as well as creating a new heritage centre and museum.

Lotus aim to have all six cars in production by 2016 and the designs of these show cars will set the precedent for all future Lotus’.

Bahar insists that these new cars will still adhere to the principles of lightness and simplicity as set by company founder Colin Chapman. However, he stated that he wants to take Lotus production up from the current 2700, sub-£40,000 cars per year to 6000 or 7000 cars of up to £120,000 per year.

Source: Autocar