I don't really get it. The latest Rodent Track clains 26/38 city/highway, which seems about right to me, given the total frontal area of the car and its weight. Not sure why the window sticker is (drastically) different.
My current M3 with a 6-speed transmission, a 3.15 rear end, and an engine with 11.3:1 compression just averaged 32.5 mpg on the highway going ~85 mph over a 500 mile trip. (3000 rpms at 85 mph). For comparison's sake, the Elise supposedly hits 3000 rpm at 60 mph in top gear, again according to R/T. I think this comparison may be meaningless, but thought I would throw it out there anyway.
It will really be quite strange if the Elise cannot at least match the fuel economy of my M3, which looks like a checker cab sitting next to an Elise.
Best,
John