New Lotus, sir?

Lotus have gone crazy at the Paris motorshow by unveiling a quintet of new models.

Behold the Lotus Esprit, Elan, Elite, Elise, and Eterne. Try saying that after a Friday night in Hamburg.

Word from Paris is that executives from other car makers were staggered that the Norfolk car company managed to launch five cars in one sitting after working on them for only nine months.

The Lotus Esprit (image 1) The first to hit production in 2012 it's named after the enigmatic sports car released in the late 70s. This new model is aimed directly at the new and critically acclaimed Ferrari 458 and Lamborghini Gallarado market. It will boast a 550 or 620bhp engine and some impressive 0-60 times of around 3.4 seconds.

The Eterne (image 2) This four-door super-saloon has not only borrowed styling cues from the Aston Martin Rapide but also aims to take it head on. £120,000 will get you a Lexus-based V8 engine.

The Elise (image 3) It’s sported the same look since 1996, but not anymore. It’s bigger, heavier and due to be more expensive than the original Elise.

The Elan (image 4) The Elan will price at around £75,000 and boast a 4.0 litre V6 that will kick out 450bhp- putting it right in the middle of Porsche’s well-guarded 911 territory.

The Elite (image 5) With two tiny seats in the back it will gun directly for the Aston DBS, Ferrari 599 and Mercedes SLS AMG with its performance figures and price point, which is brave to say the least.