Like many other small sports car manufacturers, Lotus has seen financial difficulties in recent years. The Emeya is one bold step towards a more mainstream and potentially profitable segment. But it’s a shift that could also alienate longtime Lotus enthusiasts who appreciate the brand’s emphasis on lightweight, driver focused sports cars. But the question raises broader questions about the challenges facing niche automakers in an industry that is changing, the tension between the financial necessity of the moment and brand identity, and the long term ramifications of a dramatic pivot in product strategy.