[Number 3]

It depends on what makes a car "exotic".

Exotic - from dictionary.com


1. of foreign origin or character; not native; introduced from abroad, but not fully naturalized or acclimatized: exotic foods; exotic plants.

2. strikingly unusual or strange in effect or appearance: an exotic hairstyle.

3. of a uniquely new or experimental nature: exotic weapons.

4. of, pertaining to, or involving stripteasing: the exotic clubs where strippers are featured.

So if you want low, sleek and sporty, those are not high volume cars. High volume cars need trunks and back seats and good visibility (try to see out the back of any "exotic") and be easy to drive and park and get in and out of. There is a reason why the Camry and Accord sell in bucket loads and the 2 seat sports cars sell in the 10s of thousands.

Also, another thing that makes a car "exotic" is the high end materials and craftsmanship used. To make a car affordable you are giving up almost all of those bits and pieces as well.

So the car you want, a low cost exotic, has been tried and generally failed over the years. MR2, Solstice/Sky, Honda 2000.

I remember whe the Solstice first came out it was $19,995. A virtual steal. Problem was to get a good one like my Sky Redline, you were up to the mid 30s.

In the end it's business case. Sales of $20,000 cars with low slung looks and poor occupant packaging wont sell in high volumes thus destroying any chance of profitability.