2008 Lotus Elise SC Road Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published September 25, 2009

2:53 min

There�s very little we would change about the Lotus Elise. It is -- and always has been -- an excellent handling car that feels more at home on the track than on suburban streets. Sure, the razor-sharp chassis is ready for the track, but the rev- happy 1.8-liter Toyota four cylinder isn't really happy anywhere else. This all changes with the introduction of the 2008 Lotus Elise SC. Of course SC stands for supercharged and that means more power. The Lotus� blown Toyota motor is now good for 218 hp, not to mention an extra 20 lb ft of peak torque that comes on 1300 rpm sooner. More power is always a good thing but in this case, it not so much about the raw numbers as it is about everyday drivability � by far the most meaningful difference in the supercharged engine comes in the midrange, where there�s roughly 40 lb-ft more of torque. The combination of this deeper, more usable powerband and the Elise�s targa style roof makes this Lotus a much friendlier weekend toy than the fixed-roof Exige S, which always feels out of place on the street. And if nothing else, the Elise SC is easier to get in and out of � this alone makes it more fun. But the Elise SC still delivers all that you�d expect from a Lotus � a 72.4 mile per hour slalom speed backed up by a 0.96g skidpad performance. The Elise SC also comes to a full stop from 60 in just 110 feet. Remarkable, just as we expected. Even with all its dominance on the track and Burnt Orange paint that will make you of a double take, the Elise SC is surprisingly livable everyday driver thanks to its optional touring package. For an extra $1600 the package adds interior features like iPod-enabled stereo, leather upholstery, carpeting, extra insulation and � believe it or not � a cupholder. We can barely believe we used the words convenience features and Lotus in the same sentence, but there it is. The overriding good news here is the Elise SC is the car that finally has the motor to keep up with its incredible chassis. Unless frequent track days are part of your everyday life, the 2008 Lotus Elise SC is the one to get. It is the perfect weapon for storming your favorite back road on weekends and sick days.