Talk in the Lotus community recently has centred around the new Exige and the new Elise, both fitted with the more powerful Toyota engine.
The prospect of an Elise with a 190PS (~186bhp) engine is an exciting one. Whilst others have stretched the K Series to extremes, the Toyota engine produces its power in a more leisurely manner which then leaves even more scope for tuning. 200+bhp Elises could finally take on the Vauxhall VX220 Turbo - also built by Lotus - which currently represents a performance bargain.
The launch of the Elise was on Monday and with strict embargos to be observed they all remained tight lipped, despite some being in the fortunate position of having demonstrator cars ready to go on the big day.
So, what spec is the car? As expected it comes with a 190PS Toyota VVTL-I (Toyota's Variable Valve Timing and Lift with intelligence) engine and a six speed manual gearbox. The dash to sixty is billed at 4.7 seconds. Slowing the car will be cross drilled brakes, complete with ABS.
Other features include 8 spoke alloy wheels, central locking, front mud flaps, a half leather interior, sunvisors and a Blaupunkt CD system. Options now include air-con too.
Prices start at £27,995 rising to around £32,500 for a fully specced car including air con and hard top. If you're interested then contact your local dealer as you should now be able to beat the rush!