Lotus will introduce its crucial new model, the Eagle, at the British Motor Show in July and has been trying hard to keep the cars styling under wraps before then. However, armies of spy photographers have spotted the Eagle at various locations, including cold weather testing and on the famous Nürburgring in Germany.

What is known about the new model is that it will be powered by a 3.5L V6 engine from Toyota and will be a mid-sized 4-seat coupe. It will be based on a stretched version of the Elise’s aluminium monocoque and (going against Lotus tradition) will offer semi automatic paddle shift gear options, to satisfy US and Japanese buyer demands. The Eagle will officially land in showrooms at the start of next year.