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Lotus applies for exemption extension for Esprit. First mention made of 'M260' project.
Lotus has made an application to extend its temporary exemption on the Esprit as sold in the US. It previously held an exemption for the occupant protection in interior impact relating to the close proximity of the A pillar and windscreen surround to the driver's head. That exemption ran out on the 1st of September 2002, and the current application seeks to extend that until 31st December 2003.
This will be the final extension however, since at this point the V8 engine will no longer be legal for sale in the US since it cannot comply with the 2004 emissions standards. The application even mentions a successor to the Esprit, the 'M260', but tantalizingly no details are given.