Lotus Carlton news - Return of the Lotus Carlton? - 2008

The blokes at Lotus would fit in well at the Top Gear office. And this is why. Just weeks after revealing the Evora, they've hinted at plans to recreate the iconic Lotus Carlton.

Well, those plans are more 'ideas' at this stage. But they're the sort of ideas we like very much.

The Lotus Carlton was suitable for both hooligans and families. Or even hooligans with families. It caused a bit of a fuss among health and safety bores - probably because it did 177mph and 0-60mph in five seconds. Not bad for a four-door saloon...

Question is, what will they base it on this time? The Insignia would be the natural successor, but Lotus has nothing to do with GM these days. They're owned by Proton.

So how about a Lotus Impian? Or a Lotus GEN-2? OK, so they already fettle the suspension on both of those, but who's to say they couldn't stick a mental 3.6-litre, twin-turbo V6 under either bonnet, like they did with the Carlton.

We reckon a few other dull saloons could with some Lotus treatment, too. How about a Lotus Accord? Or a Lotus Magentis? They could even do a reasonably-priced Lotus Lacetti.

What do you think? We want to hear your suggestions. Email us with some ridiculous ideas. The winner gets a pint, or something.