Editing Elan Models (section)

=Lotus M100 Elan - 1989-1985=

Launched in 1989, the M100 Elan broke away from the traditional Lotus formula in many respects.

Gone was the Lotus 900-series engines used by Lotus since their introduction in the second generation Elite in 1974. In its place was an Isuzu sourced, but extensively modified, engine driving, somewhat controversially, the front wheels - a feature that makes the M100 Elan unique amongst Lotus's even to this day.

It also marked the first convertible Lotus since the demise of the original Elan in 1973 (baring some converted Esprit and rumoured factory prototypes<sup>[[#ref1|1]]</sup>)

Critical reception for the Elan was mixed, with some praising its solid, predictable handling and cross country pace, while others bemoaning its lack of driver involvement. Despite this the Elan was still featured in Evo's "The Greatest" article, where they attempted to find "the best front-driver of all time"<sup>[[#ref2|2]]</sup>.

Common weak points include the wishbones, brakes and leaks from the roof.