Lotus Theory 1: Is this the new electric Elise or a comeback of the Esprit?

Number four

Lotus is rapidly reinventing itself under the wings of Geely.
Lightweight and minimalist sports cars have given way to heavy, powerful SUVs powered by electric power.
After the Emira, Emeya and Eletre , it is now time for a fourth new Lotus.
Marketing director Qiao Xinyu set the rumor mill in motion on Chinese social media with a mysterious snapshot of the rear of a car, complete with an impressive spoiler and the inscription “Lotus THEORY 1.”

Elise 2.0: lightweight, but electric

Is this the long-awaited electric successor to the Elise, or perhaps a nod to the Esprit?
There are whispers that the Theory 1 is a preview of the new electric Elise.
The big question then is its weight, as the old Elise weighed about 1,000 pounds, which is almost unachievable for an electric version.
We will know more on Sept. 17, when the Theory 1 is unveiled.