2007 Elise S3 ' The Next Chapter '

[Ridgeman580]

Re: Fall 2004 Edition - Speed Magazine
Page 20 "Scoop Zone":
Spied on a test track in Britain, this secret Lotus prototype sportscar is believed to be the third-generation Elise,
which we may see in late 2006 or 2007.
The current second-generation Elise has been making such a splash here and everywhere else in the world, that Lotus has already begun building a prototype of its successor.
The Elise 'Series 3' should fully comply with U.S. federal crash standards. It will probably continue with the current 1.8-liter inline-4, but power may be upped to 200 bhp to offset any weight gain. Should be a rocket, though with performance that'll be on par with the current Elise.

[pkrehbiel]

I believe that the current Elise had to get an exemption for the headlight position, which only lasts 2 years. To address this the S3 Elise is a repackaged Vaxhaul front end, which is compliant with the US DOT/DMV requirements.

[ChrisH]

Unfortunately, the current Elise has a far more exotic, cool looking front-end. The spy photos of the S3 looks like many other cars, and, in my personal opinion, doesn't look nearly as good or attractive.

[pkrehbiel]

I completely agree!