Lotus Turns Up the Volume on Elise and Exige

Lotus simply doesn't quit when it comes to fine-tuning its two lightweight cars,

the Elise and the Exige. Since they landed here in North America, we've seen constant tinkering and adjustments to make them better performing machines, not to mention the various special editions that have resulted. For the upcoming year, the barrage of improvements continues with the introduction of a new trim level for the Elise as well as a handful of updates for the Exige.

Between the Elise and the Exige, it's the Elise that's been more or less tuned for the road. We've seen various offerings of the Elise, but most of them are naturally aspirated in various states of tune. However, the Elise is now receiving an extra dose of performance, thanks to the launch of the new SC model. Attached to the Toyota-sourced engine is a new supercharger that's quite small in size. Although it does not feature an intercooler, it still produces plenty of increased output with a maximum rating of 220 horsepower. This is good enough to rocket the SC to 60 mph from standstill in 4.4 seconds, and to

catapult the car to 100 mph in 10.7 seconds, numbers good enough to scare some high-end performance machines like the Corvette or 911. Top speed isn't quite as good, but impressive nonetheless at 150 mph. The SC model can be distinguished from other Elises by its wheels and its unique rear spoiler.

For the real track day enthusiast not afraid to shed a few creature comforts, there's the Exige. The fixed-roof Exige S model can be turned into a true closed circuit weapon with the new Performance Pack that includes a power upgrade to 240 horsepower, plus stronger brakes, and a clutch that's up to the task of relaying the engine's newfound power. Because putting the power to the ground is important in racing, the Performance Pack

also includes a traction control system that was designed for the 2-Eleven race car. It might be hard to believe that a car as small as the Exige could be as fast as it is – it'll hit 60 mph from naught in four seconds flat, and shaves a whole second off the Elise SC's 0-100 mph time.

Other changes were made to the Elise and the Exige that encompass the entire product lineup. They're simple little things which will mostly go unnoticed, but to those with a trained eye for Lotus details. For instance, the new cars feature different key fobs that integrate an engine immobilizer, ensuring that your Lotus Elise remains your Lotus Elise. The cars also sport new gauges with different readouts, not to mention simpler options packages; important for cars that don't include air conditioning, floor mats or even a stereo as standard equipment (remember that saving weight is the number one priority at Lotus). Finally, giving in to safety despite excess poundage, all models of the Elise and Exige feature dual front airbags.