New Lotus Sports Car Signals End Of Evora, Exige And Elise

• The new car will be based on the Lotus Type 131.

• It will be built at the facility in Hethel, Norfolk.

Last week, it was confirmed that Lotus was indeed going to launch an all-new sports car in 2021. Now, we learn that Lotus will cease production of the Evora, Exige, and Elise in the process. 2021 is shaping up to be a new chapter in Lotus’ history.

The Lotus Type 131 prototype, as seen in the above picture, will serve as the basis for the new sports car that will be revealed this summer. On top of this important introduction, Lotus will also celebrate the passing of its three current cars.

The Elise is by far the elder of the bunch as it was launched back in 1995. In 2000, the Exige was introduced as a street-legal race car. Finally, the Evora saw the light of day in 2008 as a high-performance lightweight luxury sports car.

Phil Popham, CEO, Lotus Cars, said: “This year will be hugely significant for Lotus with new facilities coming on stream, a new sports car entering production and new levels of efficiency and quality that only a new car design and factory can deliver. Despite the continuing global challenges, Lotus has emerged from 2020 strong and on track in the delivery of our Vision80 business plan.”

He added: “As our Vision80 strategy illustrates, Lotus is all about looking forward, and our future is full of continuous innovation. In 2021, however, we will be reflecting on the legacy of our current range, starting with the Elise, a sports car that genuinely revolutionised the automotive industry, not only because it is a legend-in-its-own-lifetime but also for its impact on car design and technology.”