Lotus Cars

Lotus' unconventional philosophy has always centered around lightweight cars with innovative construction. The original Lotus Seven was barely there, a cycle-fendered thing that inspired 60 years' worth of clones. But it was the delicate fiberglass-monocoque Elite that anchored the road-car spirit. Lotus innovated in motorsports as well, with the Lotus 25's stressed monocoque chassis and mid-engine design in the hands of Jim Clark winning a couple of F1 championships. In more recent years, the Elise and Evora have been the core products, of which the Evora and the track-only 3-Eleven are the only products sold in the U.S.