.....because Toyota has stopped making the 2ZZ-GE four-cylinder engines that power them.


http://blog.caranddriver.com/lotus-e...ements-arrive/

 

I'd say they are just going to go out of business. No one wants to put $ up for them to continue, and how many of their little barebones nymph cars have they really sold outside of their niche buyers? Not many by all accounts...and that's why... anyone with 60-100+K to spend is going to buy something far nicer to drive around even if they head to the track on weekends.

 

damnit

 

The old SR20 Nissan motor pumped up would've been terrific in the Elise, torquier than the Celica mill but still revs. And already has a VLSD!

 

They'll be back if the economy improves in a few years

 

Lotus needs to find maybe two companies (one for drivetrain, like maybe Yamaha; and one for interior) and expand to maybe two or three models to run concurrently. i know it's easier said than done.

although i agree with them being true to their roots and build ethics, i think they need to put themselves in survival mode and adapt. they should be some **** to be popular - perhaps not as extreme as building SUV's, but maybe a sports sedan or something. i've seen both Ferrari and Porsche build cars that weren't "popular" with their marque purists or true to their roots, but they sell and they keep the company alive and moving forward.

i've always had a thing for Lotuses. i think the second generation Espirit is one of the sexiest cars ever built. i also grew to love the Elise/Exige. i actually thought about getting one a few years ago. i hate to see it go. i'd hate to see the company go under, but considering they're back in Formula 1, i doubt we're anywhere near that day anytime soon. by the way, does Proton still own them?


EDIT:
yes, Proton still owns them. i also read that they plan to bring the Espirit back in a couple years. i also read they plan on making a 2+2.