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The iconic sports car is set to be indirectly replaced at Lotus by the upcoming Emira coupe.
British sports car brand Lotus is open to selling the rights to its Elise sports car to a third-party manufacturer when the iconic model goes out of production by the end of this year, according to a new report from Automotive News Europe.
Speaking to the outlet late last week, company managing director Matt Windle said: “If the right project and the right partner came along, I do not see why [we wouldn’t sell off the tooling for the Elise] – It’s a wonderful car.”
The Elise nameplate was launched in 1996, and has been renewed for three ‘Series’ generations. The current model – which weighs just 866kg – derives power from a 1.6-litre Toyota-derived four-cylinder petrol engine, sending drive to the rear wheels through six-speed manual transmission.
Earlier this year, Lotus confirmed the Elise – along with its more potent Exige and Evora range-mates – would be succeeded by the all-new Emira coupe, set to the brand’s last internal combustion model.
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