2019 Lotus Elise to become more practical; Lotus Evora 400 roadster to be unveiled this year – report

Lotus Elise Sport Duo-02

It appears plans are afoot to add some compromise to the no-compromise Lotus Elise, as Auto Express reports that the next generation of the lightweight sports car, due out in 2019, will be designed to be a more practical proposition.

Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales told the publication that the next Elise will stick to the current car’s aluminium construction, thanks to its versatility. “We’ve not yet completely defined the car, but one thing is almost certain – I want to stick with an aluminium-bonded chassis,” he said. “Look at the variations you can do; Elise, Exige and roadster versions. It is our intention to go that route with the next Elise.”

One of the key targets Gales has in mind for the car is to greatly improve day-to-day usability, a well-known weak point of the current car. “There are maybe five or six points that define usability, and that’s what we’ll improve,” he said.

Among the changes said to be coming to the new Elise include narrower sills for improved entry and egress – plus a lighter aluminium tub than the current car’s 68 kg unit. There could be some aluminium panels to replace the fibreglass items, too, according to Gales, to further cut weight.

Lotus-Evora-400-Geneva-2

That doesn’t mean that the Elise will stray far from its roots as a pure driving machine, however, as it will reportedly remain a “very lightweight car,” and Gales promises “benchmark handling” among its peers. It will also receive a modest redesign that, while “modernised,” is “still recognisable as a Lotus.”

In the meantime, Lotus will introduce the roadster variant of the Evora 400 as early as end-2016, featuring a two-part carbon fibre roof panel that can be removed and stowed behind the seats – it will feature revised rear panels, but will otherwise be mechanically identical to the coupé.

When asked whether there will be a lightweight Sport variant of the Evora 400, Gales replied, “after the Elise Sport and the Exige Sport, you can imagine what’s to follow.”

GALLERY: Lotus Elise Sport and Lotus Elise Sport 220


GALLERY: Lotus Evora 400

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Lotus is a success now because our Malaysian government is great.It is because of UMNO and BN that made Lotus great again. Thank you BN, you really care for the rakyat.

    It is because of BN, UMNO and Proton that Lotus has become great again

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 15
    • RBA john is back! Must have been cuz DAP now have set quota on number of postings their cybertrooper must do otherwise no money in pocket.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 1
      • same l0rrr on Jan 11, 2016 at 11:51 pm

        For a lot of Proton drivers, they are already driving the lotus. Proton, the power of day dreaming on the road.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
        • A lot of toyota drivers think they are driving lexus but when come to accident they will find their moving coffins crumpled like lexus biscuit.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • thepolygonal on Jan 11, 2016 at 4:16 pm

    “narrower sills for improved entry and egress” – yes
    and more comfortable seats and a bit softer on the suspension side.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • Lee Jones on Jan 11, 2016 at 6:13 pm

    All the best lotus. Work hard Brits.dont be too arrogant.you are still alive because of proton/msian govt.work hard and be in Black

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 0
  • hazamiey on Jan 11, 2016 at 9:02 pm

    Auto with paddleshift please.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Macromedia on Jan 11, 2016 at 9:43 pm

    Lol. It took them what a decade to figure that the darn sills is too wide and the depth of going into it takes the skills of a master yoga guru? Wow I am impress at their grasp on basic human needs,

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
 

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