Reports in the US press suggest Lotus has applied for exemptions from US safety standards for the Elise - relating to the bumpers and headlamps - even though it has spent m on re-engineering. However, the company told evo that this wasn't without precedent (a similar situation arose with the Esprit) and that it's confident there will be no problems. It seems that the all-new Elise, designed for global markets, will be launched in 2006.

Meanwhile, Proton, owner of Lotus, has recently signed a letter of intent with MV Agusta, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer that has been described by its chairman as the 'Ferrari of the motorcycle world'. Lotus describes the fledgling tie-up as, 'a potentially exciting venture for all concerned'.