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...

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

Welcome - there's a cracking article in this month's CAR magazine, comparing the Exige Sport 380 with many of the significant Lotii from the beginnings of time (starting with Guy Munday's S3 Seven). Amy (one of the featured owners) has provided her S1 Exige (with HPD K-Series engine) that she's owned for 12 years. There's a chuck away line that says she'd ask 35 grand for it to sell. It is original and bloody immaculate, so might be worth investigating?