At LOG 22 in the USA last weekend, Arnie Johnson of Lotus Cars USA announced that the Elise would arrive in America in 2004 as a 2005 model year car. The statement was apparently authorised by Lotus Group/Proton but is still disappointing for those hoping for an imminent arrival.
Also announced was the demise of the Esprit with the last cars being delivered at the end of next year.
Promises aren't going to be enough to keep some Lotus enthusiasts hooked and the Elise could be looking dated by 2004. Lotus continue to hang on in the US by a thread.