This timeless roadster makes a spectacular return digitally in a set of exclusive HotCars renders by Rostislav Prokop.

The Lotus Elise was a two-seater sports car that first appeared in 1996, and was markedly lightweight which afforded it outstanding performance even with a smaller 4-cylinder engine. Lotus pulled the plug on its entry-level model, along with several other models, in 2021, but many fans of the Elise want its return.

With that in mind, HotCars digital artist Rostislav Prokop has answered the call and produced a collection of images of a new Elise that could shake up the sports car market.

Reviving The Best Designs From Lotus

Often the best way of designing a new car is to take the best elements of the previous iteration and blend them with aspects from other models of the same manufacturer. This approach is expertly executed in these images of the new Lotus Elise. Clearly, the Series 3 Elise has been the foundation, but there are some features that nod to the recent Evora and Exige models.

At the front, this has the classic Elise identity, but there’s a hint of the more aggressive contouring from the later Exige designs. The overall shape of the headlights remains from the previous iteration, but spotlights have gotten placed into the fascia, and a larger wedge grille blinkered by V-shaped vents.

The arching hood scoops are deeper than the previous model which complements the flowing panel arrangement. Everything is low to the ground, hinting that this roadster should handle like it’s on rails.

While appraising the profile of this fantasy car, it’s clear that Prokop has used the classic Lotus Elise styling. The flowing lines that surround the rear side vents remain, but this is cleverly mixed with sharper panel work that streamlines to the rear.

The overhanging greenhouse is organically blended into the rear wings. These soft design features contrast with the aggressive components at the back of this car. The twin circular tail lights and “Lotus” lettering remain, but there are more modern elements that link to the Exige Sport – most notably the prominent rear wing spoiler.

The interior also receives a tasteful upgrade. It is color-coded to the exterior copper paint job and features polished aluminum areas to break any possibility of monotony.

What Power Does The New Lotus Elise Have?

If this roadster had a newer version of the Cup 260’s 1.8-liter supercharged engine, it could pull off a 0-60 mph in the mid-three second ballpark. But more tantalizing is the prospect that Lotus could cram the 3.5-liter supercharged V6 from the new Emira into the rear of this car.

With around 400 hp and weighing just under 2,000 lbs, it would have a better power-to-weight ratio than the mighty C8 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. And unlike the Corvette, this new Lotus Elise would be manual transmission only.