Lotus is embarking on a product push, and one of the resulting projects could be an all-new Elan.
Citing company insiders, Autocar is reporting the model could be launched in the “next few years” as a two-seat roadster that would rival the Porsche 718 Boxster.
Little is known about the car, but it would reportedly be positioned above the Elise. Given its mission of battling Porsche, the Elan would likely be more comfortable, spacious and refined than its smaller sibling.
Also Read: New Lotus To Arrive In 2020 Prior To Next-Gen Elise, Exige And Evora
Despite being easier to live with than the spartan Elise, the Elan would still be quite hardcore. Lotus is, reportedly, targeting the lowest weight as well as the best driving dynamics in its class.
Unfortunately, the model is still several years off – assuming it arrives at all. Like many of Lotus’ future vehicles, the Elan is slated to ride on an all-new platform that is still under development. The architecture is reportedly two years away from completion, but it’s rumored to be lightweight, highly flexible and quicker to build.
Besides the rumored Elan, the platform could underpin an assortment of other vehicles including an all-new Evora and Esprit, while a crossover and a new Elite or Europa are also on the table.
Those models are still some way into the future, though, so the British automaker will reportedly use the Evora’s platform for its next sports car. The model is slated to be introduced late next year and be a “driver-focused” car that features improved ergonomics as well as better entry and egress.
A lot of questions remain about Lotus’ future lineup, but the company has already hinted they’ll be dropping the Toyota-sourced engines they’re currently using. Last month, Volvo and Geely announced plans to merge their engine operations and this new business unit will eventually supply engines to Lotus as well as Geely, Proton, LEVC and Lynk & Co.
Note: 2010 Lotus Elan concept pictured
