What if Lotus resurrected the Elise?

On September 16, Lotus will present a new concept car. Much mystery and the hope for a lightweight electric sports car.

For a few days now, Lotus has been teasing on its social media a concept called Theory that will be unveiled next week. While there are many speculations, a return to the philosophy dear to Colin Chapman, the founder of the brand, is a hypothesis we would love to believe in! Chapman only believed in “Light is right,” meaning the lighter it is, the better it is. The absolute certainty that the race for power was not the best way to achieve performance, unlike lightness, which guarantees agility. One only had to see his fragile creations stand up to the monstrous and overpowered Porsches and Ferraris to understand how right he was.

The essence of the Lotus brand did not survive its creator, but since its acquisition by the Chinese group Geely in 2017, the manufacturer has been offered a second electric life. Forget about lightness; the latest creations are 100% electric power monsters, inevitably heavy due to their batteries. However, Lotus has never abandoned the idea of a return to its roots with the Type 135 project. By betting on advancements in battery technology, it was supposed to allow for the production of a small lightweight electric sports car by 2027, a worthy heir to the Elise. In this rapidly changing mobility world, Lotus might just give us a sneak peek next week!

The teasers for Theory reveal part of the rear with ultra-thin LED lights and an active-sounding wing. The steering wheel is heavily inspired by motorsport with integrated controls. A futuristic vision focused on the driver that suggests a car meant to be more playful than luxurious. One can also spot the silhouette of a Lotus 72 from F1, which gave Lotus three Constructors’ World Championships in 1970, 1972, and 1973. Finally, there are elements in carbon fiber, a symbol of lightness. So please, surprise us!

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