Eric

There's a good interview with Jean-Marc Gales in this month's CAR magazine. The article is called "Upmarket: That's Where The Market Goes". Brace yourselves.... He talks openly about the future plans, which (sadly) do not include an Elise replacement. Nope, the next model releases will be a combined Exige/Evora replacement, plus a brand new top-of-the-range supercar - effectively an Esprit-like halo car. Volvo engines could become the norm too. Also due around 2022 is an SUV, possibly sharing some components with Volvo's CMA platform (used by the XC40), but integrated into a lightweight Lotus-specific platform. As mentioned previously, the company is moving firmly up market, which, in pure business terms, is a very smart move (the prime example being McLaren) , but for loyal enthusiasts of the world's best "affordable" sports cars, it is very bad news indeed. Of course, these were JMG's plans, and new Lotus CEOs tend to have a habit of hoovering up and re-decorating, so.... here we go again!!

Possibly a Cayman GTS (manual 981), or Boxster GTS (manual 981, obviously). Or a McLaren 570S (after selling a kidney, or two!).

Better start saving up then, especially if the enitire company is going "up market"...... https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-lotus-esprit-supercar-hit-roads-2020

Just a tiny bit of additional advice. I'd also drive a recent Elise 220 (any variant), back to back with an Exige 350. I think you'll find that the Elise feels very quick indeed, is beautifully light and balanced, has immense turn-in bite (especially with a little lift), and enough mid range grunt to bullet out of corners with that gorgeous low mass feel. And, after driving an Exige 350 on the Silverstone open day (and a car that I really wanted to like), I have to say that came away a tad underwhelmed. Compared to the Elise on a typical tight B-road, it just felt a tad unwieldy with that big, heavy V6 lump hanging out at the back, especially over mid-corner bumps (oooh, errr, mrs). And, of course, inside, it's exactly the same as the Elise. Having said that, I'd have a 430 tomorrow, or on the 25th (whichever is most convenient for Santa really ).

Blimey, calm down - keep your hair on mate. This is a bit fun, all done in his spare time!! Come on then, lets see YOUR contribution to a 2020 Elise thread. Are you up for that challenge?

I knew someone would spot that - doh!

Tis my son Richard - genius CAD bod - not a student but fully qualified designer. Created from scratch as a possible new direction for the 2020 Elise. That really will need to be special.

Wow, hot off the press, these early renders could be showing the 2020 Elise...

Yep, I'd be up for this, having missed out on the LiTP run this year (for reasons that are too traumatic to go into here). Do you have any more info on possible dates? Cheers, Eric

Brilliant day last Saturday at the Lotus Festival - yay! Highlights included: - that gorgeous September Evora (mine - ) - lots of Lotii - a stunning Evora GTE - my old Exige S240PP (sporting its original number plate - FJ11 EVF) - yet another stunning Evora GTE in JPS colours - a totally pornographic Exige 380 Cup (plus a signature low level shot) - lots of carbon on an Exige 380 Sport - some very special two wheeled Lotiii (and riders with sore bums - not entirely surprising with those razor sharp saddles!) - even more Lotii - tons of variety in a single shot :-) - and a couple of action shots - that guy in the 211 was on fire (not literally, obviously!

Wow, September in the MLOC Calendar (at last) .

Love my N/A Evora! Did well over 300 miles over the weekend - up to Lincoln for Pistons in the Park on Saturday, and then in and around Silverstone on Sunday. Every mile feels special though, even when doing battle with Sunday drivers (there were loads out there on Sunday - grrrr). I've said it before (and I'll say it again - ha) - the sound and grunt of that V6 produces goose bumps like nothing else. It is also a genuine head turner and didn't feel the slightest bit out-classed in the supercar parking area down at this year's Goodwood FOS!!! Brilliant - thank you Lotus (and special thanks to Russell Carr for his great design work). PS Evora GT430 - wow - bloody superb - the best yet (imho). PPS Erm, I also love my Elise S - supercharged 2ZR - slightly unhinged but completely and utterly addictive. Longer geared than the 2ZZ screamers but with a fair bit more mid-range torque, so can do the motorway thing (if absolutely necessary) but is also damn quick and loves to play!

Blimey, do you guys have grape vines growing on the car sales grape vine ?