- New Get Lost: Project Safari revealed
- It’s the Lotus Elise reimagined
- Rally attitude, road trip capability
- From a Surrey-based UK start-up
What happens if you take a Lotus Elise from the 1990s and turn it into a roofless, rally-inspired road trip companion?
Well, you get something like this, the Project Safari, which has been unveiled by new Surrey start-up Get Lost.
It’s the brainchild of automotive photographer George Williams, who is something of a Lotus aficionado.
The starting point was a first generation ‘S1’ (ie,Series 1) Lotus Elise, which was originally powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine developing 118 bhp.
Get Lost says that every bit of the original Elise has been reimagined while the Project Safari ‘blends rally-inspired capability, road trip practicality, and design-led innovation into a single, uncompromising package’.
Williams explains: “The idea of taking an Elise off-road might sound ridiculous, and that’s exactly why we leaned into it. That one silly idea gave us real creative freedom. Every element was considered from the ground up, not just to look good in isolation, but to enhance the character and capability of the entire car.”
There’s a custom roof scoop, bespoke rectangular headlights, and a completely redesigned interior.
It runs on all-terrain tyres, there’s a bespoke suspension system that raises the ride height, and Williams also says there’s a new powertrain - though we don’t quite know what that is just yet.
Customers can also expect a limited-slip differential, hydraulic handbrake… and a relaxed approach to protection from the rain.
Williams adds: “This is not a modified Elise, it’s our interpretation of what the platform had to offer. Everything has been considered - from the design to the drive - all in the pursuit of creating something that’s fun. If you get it, you get us. If not? Get Lost.”
Customer builds due to start later this year with prices to be confirmed.
If you’re looking for two-seat, convertible, road-trip thrills from your next lease vehicles, have a look at cars like the iconic Mazda MX-5, or even the fully-electric MG Cyberster.
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