Yahoo Autos Lotus Is Reportedly Bringing Back the Elan
Lotus is considering resurrecting the Elan nameplate within the next few years, according to a report citing unnamed sources from Autocar. The new car, which will create a new slot in the company's lineup, would slot between the Elise and Exige, and use a two-seater convertible configuration.
According to Autocar, the car is expected to have more comfort-focused amenities to help it compete with its theoretical rival, the Porsche Boxster. It will be built on a new rivet-bonded alloy structure, meant to underpin Lotus's entire sports car lineup in the near future. It'll also likely have a Geely-sourced powertrain.
This car, should it be green-lit by Lotus, would be the third-generation Elan. The first was a joyful rear-wheel drive roadster sold from 1962 to 1975 that we here at R&T have a soft spot for. The name returned in 1989 in the form of a front-wheel drive two-seater convertible, sold until 1995 in small numbers.
Rumor of Lotus's continued expansion doesn't come as a surprise. Since it was purchased by Geely in 2017, it's seen an influx of cash develop new platforms and even introduce an all-electric hypercar, the Evija. Still, the Elan is a storied name with a lot to live up to. If this new one becomes a reality, we hope it can deliver.
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