HETHEL, England — Making its public debut at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, the 2011 Lotus Elise gets a modest face-lift and some hardware tweaks and will begin reaching European showrooms in April. Prices in the U.K. will start under $42,000. Look for the sports car to arrive at U.S. Lotus dealers in August or September.
In Europe, the 2011 Elise gets a new base 134-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, sourced from Toyota. For the U.S. market, however, only a 189-hp normally aspirated 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine (Elise R) and a 217-hp supercharged 1.8 will be offered (Elise SC).
Lotus has redesigned the front end, rear bumper and diffuser, engine cover and headlamps, including new LED turn signals and daytime running lights. The 2011 Elise also offers a choice of new cast and forged alloy wheels.
Inside Line says: No need to tamper much with a popular car. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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mrbacon says:
10:59 PM, 03/21/2010
That front end looks like utter crap compared to the current one.
sniperruff says:
11:36 AM, 02/17/2010
The "side gill thingy" is not for aerodynamic purposes either. It is NEEDED to cool the engine in the middle.
icecubefosho says:
11:12 AM, 02/17/2010
Too bad its for aerodynamic purposes. Losing it would be stupid.
jmaroun says:
09:27 AM, 02/17/2010
bet they'd increase sales ten fold if only they could loose that Cayman/Boxter'esque side gill thingy