The Lotus Elise was a return to form for the British automaker when the model launched at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show – on this very day, 30 years ago. It replaced the odd 1990s version of the Elan roadster, which was front-wheel drive. Plus, by this time, the Esprit had evolved into more of a grand touring car, rather than a hardcore sports coupe. Meanwhile, the Elise went back to basics by weighing 1,598 pounds and packing a mid-mounted four-cylinder engine driving the rear wheels.
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