Lotus boss Mike Kimberley is upbeat about the brand's performance in the credit crunch as UK sales are ahead of last year's.

"Year on year we are actually up 10.6%. It shows this is not just a flash in the pan and compares to Porsche who are down 26%, and Bentley down 18%," he said.

Dealers have already taken 250 deposits for the Evora 2+2 coupe, ahead of the announcement of its price.

Kimberley said the period ahead is softening but he is confident that Lotus will hold its own against the bigger, heavier sports car brands.

Success in Europe

He told the EDP newspaper: "Yes, we are bucking the trend, not only in the UK but in Europe even more.

"Our sales in Europe are massively higher than we bargained for. The only area running at a low level is America."