The M100
Launched in 1989, this was to be the first new Lotus since 1975, and was hoped to revieve the firm’s flagging fortunes.
It was also the first time Lotus had tried front wheel drive, it gave failsafe handling that pleased everyone except the motoring press, saying it lacked the ‘tail out’ handling of traditional sportscars.
One of the problems with front wheel drive has always been ‘torque steer’ at the wheel, in its usual innovative fashion Lotus cured this by adopting interactive wishbone front suspension.
General Motors owned Lotus at the time of production, and the lack of enthusiasm caused them to loose money on each M100 built, they finally called a halt in 1992.
There were still some Isuzu engines left, and these went in the last 800, series 2 models in 1994.
All of these were instantly sold !