Indeed - I live within earshot of Lotus and it's test track/airfield at Hethel. In fact I used to deliver papers to Hethel when I was a bit younger, including the famous Ketteringham Hall.
I can't say I know 'JJ' myself, but I have a shout in the workshop here and see if anyone has heard of him. What level is he? A basic fabricator or a designer?
People are always leaving Lotus. Usually fired and re-hired for less money, which is why Lotus can only afford to make one car, and just stick different bodies on it to fool the public.
The new Esprit will be powered by a V8. A V6 or a V10 were apparently considered during the early design phase, but rejected for numerous reasons. The new Europa will be powered, oddly enough, by the same engine as the Elise (with forced induction). The new Esprit, which I see on an almost daily basis (the new Europa is rarer, I only see it three or four times a month), should be on sale in about 15 months time (call it 20 just in case).