We compare Lotus's brave new world with its illustrious past
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We probably should have brought you an example of Lotus's bold new future as POTW before now, being as it was unveiled a good couple of weeks ago.
But Hethel's unveiling of five new models was a bit too much for our delicate constitutions to take in and it's taken until now to digest all the info and pick the pic we want.
And here it is - the Lotus Elan. To be frank, we struggled to choose between the five new models (not least because they all look remarkably similar to one another), but in the end we plumped for the Elan for the rather girly reason that the yellow makes it a more striking wallpaper than the silver-grey of the other new Lotuses.
The big question is, how does the 444bhp, 194mph(!) new Elan measure up to Lotus's previous products of the same name? We hear the argument for it bettering the Front-wheel drive 1989 attempt, but is it going to be sweeter than the 1960s original? We seriously doubt that...
Nice, I had 3 of those 2 130/4's and a 130/5, one of the 4's and the 5 had the classic drum kit roof - can't recall seeing one with a webasto as shown. I Remember a specialist made a few convertibles - didn't look right though.
Beautiful cars though and a great to drive, I learn't about how to fix things when I had those, you had to be an 'enthusiast' or walk!
Looks too much like a Gallardo - a car that's just about to be replaced. Hardly box-fresh and will look more dated still when the Elan finally reaches production.
I agree with most the posts, Elan by name but nothing else.
Much more Esprit successor in looks and performance, but then Lotus already have a new one of those in the pipeline. The true spirit of Elan lives in the Elise, but even that is growing into a miniature Esprit.
So in 4 years time Lotus will have a range of 5 different Esprits, with slightly different seating configurations, similar performance and idential looks.
Sounds good to me, unless you really want an Elan / Elise.....
I have to admit, in terms of preference, The original is still tops (just) followed by the M100 and then the new pretender.
I don't doubt the new car is blisteringly quick (especially compared to the original) but it just seems too clinical and doesn't bring anything unique to the party.
It strikes me that you can have this or a Gallardo and then split hairs over which is better at what.
I think I'd choose this over a similarly priced 911 - that's academic though, as I do not have (and likely never will have) £75,000 to splurge on a car.
If it's going up against the 911 though, doesn't it need 2+2 seating? That bench in the back doesn't really look like a place for passengers.
A week late but I'll let you off 
