It comes as no big surprise to hear via Inside Line that development of the Lotus Esprit has been put on hold, however, this may, or may not, be the case.

Following the dismissal of former CEO Dany Bahar, new owners DRB Hicom have throttled back on expenses in an effort to curtail the demise of the sportscar brand. Bahar, however, was the original architect of Lotus’ product expansion, which potentially complicates matters.

Conflicting information has emerged from DRB Hicom surrounding the car’s future. On the one hand the company has said, “We are firming up our long-range product plan. These plans are extremely confidential.” While on the other hand, Kevin Smith, PR for Lotus Cars USA, has stated, “Until an official of Group Lotus, Lotus Cars Ltd or DRB-Hicom makes any announcement it’s just rumor and supposition.”

So whether the Esprit is or isn’t in development remains to be seen, but one things for sure, confusion and turmoil continues at the Lotus Group. We hope DRB are able to consolidate matters persue the “long-range product plan” they speak of, or if not, at least return the company to a stable enough position for someone else to take over the reigns and run with it.