1993: Lotus, Saturn-style
In the early 1990’s, General Motors was studying whether it was feasible to produce the discontinued Lotus Elan at Saturn’s Spring Hill, Tennessee plant.
At that point, the Americanized Elan’s main enemy was a surprising roadster project of Saturn’s own, an interesting rear-wheel-driven two-seater with a body of plastic and aluminum. The roadster was rumored to have a 175-bhp, 2.7-liter straight-six engine, derived from Saturn’s own 1.9-liter four, together with drive line and suspension from the Corvette.
Insiders said that if (since) the Saturn project did not get approved, we were to expect a mildly re-engineered Elan built by Saturn. That Isuzu engine wouldn’t be available forever.
Ronald Reagan Tours GM Project Saturn in Warren, Michigan on July 5, 1984
Related Posts
1995: Bold New Bavarian →
1986: Buick gets Wild →
1986: A Celebrity With Crabs →
What Junkies are Saying