The first all-new car from Lotus since the iconic Elise in 1995 debuts is a mid-engined 2+2.

Due to debut at the British Motor Show and known only by its project name 'Eagle', the sportscar is a more holistic offering than the Elise and Exige models.

The car, the name for which will be announced at the show on 22 July, is the only mid-engined 2+2 sportscar in production. Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 producing 205kW, the new car employs lightweight chassis technology for all-round dynamic performance, in keeping with the Lotus tradition. Even in the very early stages of development testing, Lotus ride and handling engineers report that it is considerably faster around the famously demanding Nürburgring circuit than the Elise and more stable at speed than the Exige.

Designed in-house by Lotus Design, Head of Design, Russell Carr, explains: "Project Eagle's dynamically sculptured form and dramatic proportions communicate visual drama, speed and agility even when the car is standing still. Sportscars are primarily an emotional rather than a rational purchase and so the design must seduce with its beauty and distinctive character. However, the modern customer also demands that the product offers real-world usability as well as exotic imagery. Therefore every element of the car’s exterior and interior has been carefully designed to create a product that offers comfort and convenience as well as traditional performance car attributes."

A design language of dynamic lines and fluid surfaces that flow from the 'Lotus –mouth' and over the length the cars toned form are unmistakably 'modern Lotus'. They are complemented by the distinctive wraparound visor screen but have been tailored to suit the more sophisticated character of the car, optimise high-speed aerodynamics and disguise the unique 2+2 layout. The cab forward proportion combines with muscular haunches and optimised intake detailing to suggest that this is a serious mid-engine sportscar. Elsewhere a Lotus philosophy for combining function with form is evident in the downforce generating, top exit radiator vent, rear diffuser and rear wing.

Inside the car the forms echo the exterior with fast moving surfaces that wrap around the cockpit; the contrast colour band that flows from the instrument cluster and sweeps around the cabin highlights this theme. Aluminium inserts and edge-lit switches are juxtaposed against the traditional contrast stitched leather panels.

"We recognise that 'touch' not only assists with driving enjoyment but also conveys messages about quality and therefore great attention has been paid to all the areas where the driver interfaces with the car," Carr explains.

With driver focused instrumentation, the driver sits in cockpit-like surroundings: the dash features details such as flush-mounted controls that glow with blue LED haloes and a stylised speedometer and rev counter. And of course there are figure hugging adjustable sports seats and flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Project Eagle's multi-media system features a 7.0-inch touch-screen providing advanced audio, satellite navigation, Bluetooth hands-free telephone and iPod connectivity functions; the screen also serves as a monitor for the optional reversing camera. The satellite navigation element of the system has a removable hard-drive, allowing you to programme it at home or use it as a roaming satellite navigation unit and MP3 player.

The Alpine audio set-up, called Imprint and using MultEQ sound enhancement technology, is able to cancel out imbalances in the sound caused by different areas of the cabin resulting in undistorted sound reproduction throughout the car.

A bespoke progressive air-conditioning system developed by Bergstrom is standard on all models, while on-board tyre pressure monitoring will be either standard or optional depending on model and market. And in deference to the American market in particular, a module in the headlining will accommodate automatic garage and gate opening remote controls.

The rear seats of 2+2 versions of Project Eagle are intended for children or smaller adults on short journeys. To maximise comfort in the rear, there is foot-room under the seats in front, while both back seats feature Isofix mountings for secure child seat fitment.

When unoccupied, the rear seats provide a stowage area while the boot, which features a fresh air cooling system to reduce the effect of heat ingress from the engine bay, will accommodate a set of golf clubs.

A two-seater derivative of Project Eagle is planned and will have a luggage shelf in the back replacing the two rear seats.

Anti-lock brakes are standard on all models, as are traction and stability controls.

Under the bonnet, Lotus continues its working relationship with Toyota, so the car gets a modified Toyota 3.5-litre V6, with dual VVT-I pumping out 205kW.

While for Lotus top speed is of less importance than stability at speed, early indications suggest a maximum speed of 250km/h; the 0-100km/h sprint from standstill is estimated at sub 5.0 seconds.

Deliveries of Project Eagle will begin in early 2009, with only 2000 of the hand-crafted cars planned each year.

Lotus have high hopes for the new car.

"Project Eagle is the biggest milestone Lotus has achieved since the Elise was born 13 years ago," said Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc.

"We are currently working at broadening the appeal of the Lotus brand through an aggressive five-year model plan of which this car represents the first exciting step."