I hear what the OP is saying. Yes, the Elise at 2400 still keeps it as the lightest sports car available (I think the miata is 2600?). But it's still a 20% increase between generations. I understand they had to do that since they added more power - but the old lotus way of thinking was to not add power if you had to add the weight.

The elise really is an engineering marvel - or at least it was at its inception. Aluminum, fiberglass, and glue. I haven't read much on the new Elise, but I doubt they made any big engineering strides.

I would have preferred the Elise/Exige to stay the niche car, while the Elan, evora, elite, eurpoa and whatever else can make the Malaysians their money.

 

They looks sweet I think!!

That esprit concept looks just like a Gallardo though it seems.