Lotus Eminence Project, 1980. A luxury saloon designed by Paulo Martin the ex-Pininfarina designer, the plan was for the car to have a 2 litre V8 engine but Lotus’s financial troubles at the time meant the project did not progress beyond a clay model.
"During the Wickens era Lotus announced a number of projects, none more optimistic than Eminence. First seen at the 1984 Motor Show it was conceived as a high-speed — 160mph — six-seater, four-door head-of-state saloon. Powered by a 4-litre V8 it would feature Active Suspension and a Kevlar and carbon fibre monocoque, with armour plating an option. It never got beyond this concept sketch..."
