I agree with Thomasio with the NSX look in the rear.
When this car was being developed the Elise was more focused and further "down market" than it is today. The Elise S1 was out and there was no A/C, carpets, power windows etc. The M250 would have competed with the Boxster in that it (I am assuming) include all the creature comforts that a Boxster has like A/C, power windows etc. The Elise was introduced at about $30,000 US and the Esprit is at $90K so a car in between would seem logical.