Although an Elan, it moved towards releasing a second generation in 1989. With the release of the Euro Roadster met with looks of disapproval, it seems the release was an embarrassment of sorts with it’s FF (Front Engine / Front Wheel drive) drive and many of the interior elements seemingly appropriated from other cars.

While engine and parts were procured from other companies, development costs piled, with the price on the US market at that time being 40,00 USD (6.2 million JPY), so I wonder if the 4-cylinder power train setup called the FF layout was not strong enough to be considered a good match? Commercially, it was a failure. If you think about it now, the market is not as biased against the 4-cylinder engine as it once was, making the 4-cylinder Turbo a trend of the times.

The biggest feature is said to be an overall length of 3.803m makes it shorter than the first generation Roadster, and uniquely 6cm wider at 1.734m. Considerably short for this width, with an individual profile that’s now apparent.

The engine was an Isuzu-made, inline 4-cylinder 1600cc Turbo, with the tail lights that may be borrowed from the Renault Alpine V6 Turbo.

Looking back, a lot of cars settled upon that were produced at that time were a failure in terms of business. Surely fewer of these cars have gone on to appear around the world.

But I think it could be said that they were interesting times, because a car such as this could become more interesting later on.