April 1, 2003 - The Chapman Report has learned that Lotus has DUMPED the US Elise. Dealers are being told to return deposits to customers.
So, what is Lotus doing? Are they pulling out of the US market?
Inside Lotus the word is that they've been studying a new model. Of note is the success of the
MBZ M-series and the BMW X-series. The C/R has learned from secret sources inside Lotus Cars and
Lotus Engineering that Lotus will introduce the "euFOURia" in September at the Frankfurt show.
The "euFOURia" is planned exclusively for export to the US; the SUV market is considered too small in
other markets.
The euFOURia will use Elise chassis technology and extend the lightweight concept to off-roading.
The euFOURia will likely be called an SUV, but Lotus will insist that it is not an SUV, but a high
performance life-style vehicle suitable for both on and off-road use.
The C/R was unable to get information on the power plant, but expect the power to be in the 300 hp
range. AWD will be standard with a target weight of less than 1800 pounds. A composite body of glass
and carbon fiber will be used. Lotus is said to be looking into the cost of using the seemingly
abandoned active suspension technology of the early 90's.
The C/R was able to snag this undisguised rendering. Note the family resemblance to the Elise II.
Expected delivery to the US is in late 2004 as a 2005 model.
