Techno World Mania

In short, the Elan is Lotus, and Lotus the Elan, and we can therefore assume that the resurrection of the name was not taken lightly. The ingredients for success—if not an accurate recreation—are present: The car that will be shown in Paris is a 2900-pound, rear-wheel-drive coupe due for production in the fall of 2013. Power comes from a mid-mounted, 4.0-liter Toyota-sourced V-6 that spins to 7800 rpm and uses forced induction—no word on what type—to produce 444 hp and 343 lb-ft of torque.

Top speed is claimed to be 193 mph, and Lotus says that 62 mph comes up in 3.5 seconds. Two seats are standard, but as with the first Elan, a 2+2 configuration also will be offered. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is the only available gearbox (boo!), and a “push to pass” F1-inspired hybrid system will be optional. Price is said to be around £75,000, which we hear will also be the approximate price in dollars.