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<generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: Melkus RS2000 provides thrills with history for big money]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-melkus-rs2000-provides-thrills-with-history-for/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-melkus-rs2000-provides-thrills-with-history-for/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-melkus-rs2000-provides-thrills-with-history-for/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/frankfurt-auto-show/" rel="tag">Frankfurt Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a></p><div style="text-align: left;"><em><strong><small><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/frankfurt-2009-melkus-rs2000/"><img hspace="4" vspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/melkus_rs200f.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
</small></strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small> Melkus RS2000 -- Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
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Three years ago Melkus, the historic, East German race car builder, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/09/melkus-marque-lives-again/">released renderings of a gullwing sports car</a> they wanted to have ready in 2009. It always makes us happy to see the passionate guy make big plans and then get them achieved - on time even - and the Melkus RS2000 is the culmination of that achievement. Based on an Elise, it rides on a Melkus-designed aluminum double-wishbone suspension and wears a glass-fiber reinforced polyester body.<br />
<br />
Power comes from the 1.8-liter, 16-valve, 4-cylinder Elise tuned up to 270 hp that shifts through a short-throw 6-speed transmission. With a curb weight of 950 kg (2,090 pounds) you can get to 60 in 4.9 seconds. Interiors can be customized as you wish, but the car comes standard with more creature comforts than you'll find in most of its competition, including the Elise. The Melkus' creation did come with a price: the original estimates were for it to cost &euro;75,000; the actual price is &euro;107,500. But what's a little inflation between friends.<br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/frankfurt-2009-melkus-rs2000/low/">Frankfurt 2009: Melkus RS2000</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/frankfurt-2009-melkus-rs2000/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/01-melkus-rs2000_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/frankfurt-2009-melkus-rs2000/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/02-melkus-rs2000_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/frankfurt-2009-melkus-rs2000/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/03-melkus-rs2000_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/frankfurt-2009-melkus-rs2000/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/04-melkus-rs2000_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/frankfurt-2009-melkus-rs2000/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/05-melkus-rs2000_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
<br /><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-melkus-rs2000-provides-thrills-with-history-for/">Frankfurt 2009: Melkus RS2000 provides thrills with history for big money</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:59:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-melkus-rs2000-provides-thrills-with-history-for/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19163593/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-melkus-rs2000-provides-thrills-with-history-for/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>coupe</category><category>elise</category><category>frankfurt</category><category>frankfurt 2009</category><category>frankfurt motor show</category><category>frankfurt2009</category><category>FrankfurtMotorShow</category><category>lotus elise</category><category>LotusElise</category><category>melkus</category><category>melkus rs2000</category><category>MelkusRs2000</category><category>performance</category><category>rs2000</category><category>sports</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jonathon Ramsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:59:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: Lotus Elise Club Racer and Exige Cup 260 give us that special feeling]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-lotus-elise-club-racer-and-exige-cup-260-give-us/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-lotus-elise-club-racer-and-exige-cup-260-give-us/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-lotus-elise-club-racer-and-exige-cup-260-give-us/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/frankfurt-auto-show/" rel="tag">Frankfurt Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/convertibles/" rel="tag">Convertible</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lotus/" rel="tag">Lotus</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/frankfurt-2009-lotus-elise-club-racer-and-exige-cup-260/#18"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/01-lotus-frankfurt-620.jpg" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>Lotus Elise Club Racer and Exige Cup 260 - Click above for a high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
<br />
Another show, another pair of special editions from Lotus. This time around it's the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/fur-elise-new-lotus-club-racer-model-a-lyrical-composition-of-t/">Elise Club Racer</a> and the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/harder-core-2010-lotus-exige-cup-260/">Exige Cup 260</a>, two lightweight specials based on the company's core product range.<br />
<br />
We brought you details and photos of both a few weeks ago in the ramp-up to the show, but stopped by to have a closer look at the pair while we were there checking out the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-lotus-evora-type-124-endurance-racer/">race-spec Evora</a>. Check 'em both out in the high-res image gallery below.<br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/frankfurt-2009-lotus-elise-club-racer-and-exige-cup-260/low/">Frankfurt 2009: Lotus Elise Club Racer and Exige Cup 260</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/frankfurt-2009-lotus-elise-club-racer-and-exige-cup-260/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/01-lotus-elise-exige-frankfurt_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/frankfurt-2009-lotus-elise-club-racer-and-exige-cup-260/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/02-lotus-elise-exige-frankfurt_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/frankfurt-2009-lotus-elise-club-racer-and-exige-cup-260/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/03-lotus-elise-exige-frankfurt_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/frankfurt-2009-lotus-elise-club-racer-and-exige-cup-260/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/04-lotus-elise-exige-frankfurt_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/frankfurt-2009-lotus-elise-club-racer-and-exige-cup-260/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/05-lotus-elise-exige-frankfurt_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-lotus-elise-club-racer-and-exige-cup-260-give-us/">Frankfurt 2009: Lotus Elise Club Racer and Exige Cup 260 give us that special feeling</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:59:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-lotus-elise-club-racer-and-exige-cup-260-give-us/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19161932/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-lotus-elise-club-racer-and-exige-cup-260-give-us/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2009 frankfurt</category><category>2009 frankfurt auto show</category><category>2009 frankfurt motor show</category><category>2009Frankfurt</category><category>2009FrankfurtAutoShow</category><category>2009FrankfurtMotorShow</category><category>elise</category><category>elise club racer</category><category>EliseClubRacer</category><category>exige</category><category>exige cup</category><category>exige cup 260</category><category>ExigeCup</category><category>ExigeCup260</category><category>false</category><category>frankfurt</category><category>frankfurt 2009</category><category>frankfurt auto show</category><category>frankfurt motor show</category><category>Frankfurt2009</category><category>FrankfurtAutoShow</category><category>FrankfurtMotorShow</category><category>lotus</category><category>lotus elise</category><category>lotus elise club racer</category><category>lotus exige</category><category>lotus exige cup 260</category><category>LotusElise</category><category>LotusEliseClubRacer</category><category>LotusExige</category><category>LotusExigeCup260</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Noah Joseph]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:59:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Für Elise: New Lotus Club Racer model a lyrical composition of thrift with swift]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/fur-elise-new-lotus-club-racer-model-a-lyrical-composition-of-t/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/fur-elise-new-lotus-club-racer-model-a-lyrical-composition-of-t/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/fur-elise-new-lotus-club-racer-model-a-lyrical-composition-of-t/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/frankfurt-auto-show/" rel="tag">Frankfurt Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/convertibles/" rel="tag">Convertible</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lotus/" rel="tag">Lotus</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-elise-club-racer/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/lotus_elise_club_racer.jpg" alt="" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>Lotus Elise Club Racer - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
<br /> Guess what? Yet another special edition of the Lotus Elise is scheduled to make a grand entrance at the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/frankfurt-auto-show/">Frankfurt Motor Show</a> later this month. This one, called the Elise Club Racer, is based on the 134-horsepower Elise S, and we don't think it's headed to America at this time. Pity, since the unique color schemes - Elite Yellow, Carbon Grey, Sky Blue and Old English White -offered on the Club Racer look pretty good and are fitting representations of classic Lotus cars from the past like the Elite and Elan.<br /> <br /> Inside, Club Racer buyers will be greeted with seats finished with "microfiber comfort pads" that Lotus claims are "perfectly positioned to give the right amount of support with the minimal amount of weight." Sounds, well... perfect. Whichever body color is chosen will be repeated on the transmission tunnel and the footwells and gear knob are formed in anodized aluminum. Outside, an attractive set of lightweight six-spoke aluminum wheels shod with sticky Yokohama AD07 LTS tires are done up in matching anthracite anodizing. <br /><br />The Lotus Elise Club Racer goes on sale in select markets starting on September 15, but whether you are in the position to buy one or not, you can check out the high-res pics in our gallery below and the press release after the jump.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-elise-club-racer/low/">Lotus Elise Club Racer</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-elise-club-racer/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/lotus_elise_club_racer_side_grey_1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="lotus_elise_club_racer_side_grey_1" title="lotus_elise_club_racer_side_grey_1" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-elise-club-racer/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/lotus_elise_club_racer_front_grey_thumbnail.jpg" alt="lotus_elise_club_racer_front_grey" title="lotus_elise_club_racer_front_grey" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-elise-club-racer/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/lotus_elise_club_racer_side_yellow_thumbnail.jpg" alt="lotus_elise_club_racer_side_yellow" title="lotus_elise_club_racer_side_yellow" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-elise-club-racer/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/lotus_elise_club_racer_front_yellow_thumbnail.jpg" alt="lotus_elise_club_racer_front_yellow" title="lotus_elise_club_racer_front_yellow" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-elise-club-racer/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/lotus_elise_club_racer_side_white_thumbnail.jpg" alt="lotus_elise_club_racer_side_white" title="lotus_elise_club_racer_side_white" /></a></div><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/fur-elise-new-lotus-club-racer-model-a-lyrical-composition-of-t/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Für Elise: New Lotus Club Racer model a lyrical composition of thrift with swift</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/fur-elise-new-lotus-club-racer-model-a-lyrical-composition-of-t/">Für Elise: New Lotus Club Racer model a lyrical composition of thrift with swift</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:59:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/fur-elise-new-lotus-club-racer-model-a-lyrical-composition-of-t/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19149995/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/fur-elise-new-lotus-club-racer-model-a-lyrical-composition-of-t/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>elise</category><category>frankfurt</category><category>frankfurt 2009</category><category>frankfurt motor show</category><category>Frankfurt2009</category><category>FrankfurtMotorShow</category><category>lotus</category><category>lotus elise</category><category>lotus elise club racer</category><category>LotusElise</category><category>LotusEliseClubRacer</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeremy Korzeniewski]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:59:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hertz So Good: Lotus Elise SC joins Italian rent-a-car fleet]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/hertz-so-good-lotus-elise-sc-joins-italian-rent-a-car-fleet/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/hertz-so-good-lotus-elise-sc-joins-italian-rent-a-car-fleet/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/hertz-so-good-lotus-elise-sc-joins-italian-rent-a-car-fleet/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lotus/" rel="tag">Lotus</a></p><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><small><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-elise-at-hertz-italiana/2133268/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/lotus_hertz_web.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />Lotus Elise SC fleet at Hertz Italiana - Click above for high-res image gallery </small><br /></div>
<br />Ever fantasize about driving an exotic sportscar around Italy? Well who hasn't. And there are plenty of companies on the peninsula that'll be glad to help you out. Count among them now car rental giant Hertz. But while you may have images in your head of wafting around the countryside in a Maserati or Lamborghini, Hertz has something entirely different on offer: the Lotus Elise.<br /><br />Starting this summer, Hertz Italiana will be offering the Lotus Elise SC at select locations throughout the country. It's part of the company's Fun Collection and is sure to cost a hefty premium, but then nobody said realizing your dreams would come cheap. Details in the press release <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/hertz-so-good-lotus-elise-sc-joins-italian-rent-a-car-fleet/">after the jump</a>.<br /><br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-elise-at-hertz-italiana/low/">Lotus Elise at Hertz Italiana</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-elise-at-hertz-italiana/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/lotus_elise_seat_with_hertz_branding_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-elise-at-hertz-italiana/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/lotus_hertz_elise_fleet_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: Lotus]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/hertz-so-good-lotus-elise-sc-joins-italian-rent-a-car-fleet/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Hertz So Good: Lotus Elise SC joins Italian rent-a-car fleet</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/hertz-so-good-lotus-elise-sc-joins-italian-rent-a-car-fleet/">Hertz So Good: Lotus Elise SC joins Italian rent-a-car fleet</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:56:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/hertz-so-good-lotus-elise-sc-joins-italian-rent-a-car-fleet/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19091400/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/hertz-so-good-lotus-elise-sc-joins-italian-rent-a-car-fleet/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>elise</category><category>elise sc</category><category>EliseSc</category><category>exotic rental</category><category>ExoticRental</category><category>hertz</category><category>hertz italiana</category><category>hertz lotus</category><category>HertzItaliana</category><category>HertzLotus</category><category>lotus</category><category>lotus elise</category><category>lotus elise sc</category><category>LotusElise</category><category>LotusEliseSc</category><category>rent a car</category><category>RentACar</category><category>rental</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Noah Joseph]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:56:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lotus releasing Elise Purist Edition for $43,995]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/01/lotus-releasing-elise-purist-edition-for-43-995/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/01/lotus-releasing-elise-purist-edition-for-43-995/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/01/lotus-releasing-elise-purist-edition-for-43-995/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/convertibles/" rel="tag">Convertible</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lotus/" rel="tag">Lotus</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-elise/1530169/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/01-elise-random-580op.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><em><strong><small>Lotus Elise - Click above for a high-res image gallery</small></strong></em><br /></div>
<br />Rumors have been circulating for almost a week that Lotus was planning to release a stripped-down, low-cost version of the Elise in the States. Today, we finally received confirmation from Lotus' U.S. PR-man, Kevin Smith, that indeed, the Elise "Purist" edition is on the way, and unlike the dozens of other limited-edition Elises coming out of Hethel, this is one we can actually get behind.<br /><br />According to Smith, the "Purist" edition is an attempt to get the Elise closer to the MSRP it carried when introduced to the U.S. market in 2005. So Lotus has set the price at a slightly more achievable $43,995, or around $3,500 less than a base Elise.<br /><br />However, the "Purist" is hardly a stripper model. Only available in Ardent Red, Monaco White and Saffron Yellow, the entry-level Lotus is still packing the 190-hp, Toyota-source 2ZZ 1.8-liter four and six-speed manual transmission, along with Bilstein dampers, Eibach springs, AP-developed calipers with ventilated and cross-drilled discs, silver wheels sized 16x5.5 in front and 17x7.5 in the rear, each shod in Yokohama Neova high-performance rubber (175/55 front, 225/45 rear). Black leather seats join a Momo steering wheel, power doors locks, air-conditioning, a four-speaker stereo with in-dash CD player, tire-pressure monitoring system and an alarm with engine immobilizer. The only option available is the Starshield coating for $995. Neither the Sport or Touring pack will be offered and we're okay with that - it's near perfection already.<br /><br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-elise/low/">Lotus Elise</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-elise/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/01-elise-random_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-elise/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/02-elise-random_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-elise/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/03-elise-random_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-elise/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/04-elise-random_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-elise/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/05-elise-random_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: Lotus, <a href="http://www.lotusenthusiast.net/2009/04/2009-lotus-elise-purist-edition.html">LotusEnthusiast</a>]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/01/lotus-releasing-elise-purist-edition-for-43-995/">Lotus releasing Elise Purist Edition for $43,995</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 01 May 2009 16:01:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/01/lotus-releasing-elise-purist-edition-for-43-995/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1534242/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/01/lotus-releasing-elise-purist-edition-for-43-995/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>elise</category><category>lotus</category><category>lotus elise purist edition</category><category>LotusElisePuristEdition</category><category>purist</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Damon Lavrinc]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2009 16:01:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lotus broadens production, market for Jim Clark Elise]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/01/lotus-broadens-production-market-for-jim-clark-elise/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/01/lotus-broadens-production-market-for-jim-clark-elise/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/01/lotus-broadens-production-market-for-jim-clark-elise/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lotus/" rel="tag">Lotus</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/uk/" rel="tag">UK</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/special-limited-editions/" rel="tag">Specialty</a></p><p><em><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-clark-type-25-elise-sc-special-edition/1010114/"><img hspace="4" vspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/elise_sc_type25_web.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />Click for updated gallery of the Lotus Clark Type-25 Elise SC</em></p>
<p>Lotus has a dedicated following around the world, and many of them were undoubtedly disappointed that the first special edition of the new supercharged Elise was limited to just 25 examples, all of which were sold within the UK and Ireland. Although Lotus enthusiasts in the U.S. will surely remain disappointed, a handful of those in Europe will get another lucky chance at limited edition Elise ownership with Lotus' announcement that it will produce an additional run of 25 examples of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/05/lotus-clark-type-25-elise-sc-special-edition/">Clark Type-25 Elise SC</a> for sale on the continent.</p>
<p>The special edition is named for legendary Scottish racing driver Jim Clark and features an array of special retro touches, including a British racing green paint job with a broad yellow stripe and white circle on the door. It's based on the 218 hp blown Elise SC, which remains mechanically unchanged. An additional 25 examples of the special Lotus are available now in Europe for &euro;44,100 before local taxes, which translates to about &euro;54k in Germany, France and Italy. </p>
<p>Follow the jump for the full press release, and click on the thumbnails to view our updated gallery of images of the special edition Elise.</p>
<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-clark-type-25-elise-sc-special-edition/low/">Lotus Clark Type-25 Elise SC Special Edition</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-clark-type-25-elise-sc-special-edition/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/elise_sc_type25_profile_highr_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-clark-type-25-elise-sc-special-edition/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/elise_sc_type25_interior_highr_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-clark-type-25-elise-sc-special-edition/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/elise_sc_type25_sig_detail_highr_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-clark-type-25-elise-sc-special-edition/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/clark_type_25_elise_sc_front_3qtr_1280_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div>
<p>[Source: Lotus]</p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/01/lotus-broadens-production-market-for-jim-clark-elise/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Lotus broadens production, market for Jim Clark Elise</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/01/lotus-broadens-production-market-for-jim-clark-elise/">Lotus broadens production, market for Jim Clark Elise</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:03:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/01/lotus-broadens-production-market-for-jim-clark-elise/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1300404/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/01/lotus-broadens-production-market-for-jim-clark-elise/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>clark</category><category>elise</category><category>elise supercharged</category><category>EliseSupercharged</category><category>jim clark</category><category>jim clark lotus</category><category>JimClark</category><category>JimClarkLotus</category><category>lotus</category><category>lotus clark type-25 elise sc</category><category>lotus elise</category><category>lotus elise sc</category><category>LotusClarkType-25EliseSc</category><category>LotusElise</category><category>LotusEliseSc</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Noah Joseph]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:03:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Project Kahn and Lotus team up on 60th anniversary Elise]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/project-kahn-and-lotus-team-up-on-60th-anniversary-elise/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/project-kahn-and-lotus-team-up-on-60th-anniversary-elise/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/project-kahn-and-lotus-team-up-on-60th-anniversary-elise/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aftermarket/" rel="tag">Aftermarket</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/tunertuesdays/" rel="tag">Tuners</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lotus/" rel="tag">Lotus</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/uk/" rel="tag">UK</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/special-limited-editions/" rel="tag">Specialty</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/kahn-lotus-elise/993556/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/lotus-elise-project-kahn-4_450op.jpg"  alt="" /></a><br /><em>Click above for a gallery of the Lotus Elise by Kahn.</em><br /><br />Special edition Elises are becoming a dime-a-dozen, but Lotus decided Kahn Design should be tasked with creating its own bespoke version of the Elise to celebrate the automaker's 60th anniversary.<br /><br />Kahn, primarily known for its body-kit-equipped <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/23/project-kahn-aston-martin-db9s/">Astons</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/25/project-kahn-slr/">Benzes</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/08/first-hopefully-last-images-cosworth-kahn-range-rover-sport/">Landies</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/05/project-kahn-phantom-for-when-the-standard-rolls-royce-just-w/">Rollers</a>, has taken the standard Elise and given it an aesthetic once-over in an attempt to justify it's yet-to-be-disclosed price tag. The enhancements include a new front splitter, side skirts and rear wing, along with silver mesh fitted to the side air intakes and rear clam. The seats have replaced with thicker, leather thones and the Kahn logo has been embossed on the headrests, center console and steering wheel. In keeping with Kahn tradition, performance modifications are limited to 19-inch wheels, a new suspension and a sports exhaust.<br /><br />The Kahn Elise will officially debut next month, with sales beginning later this year through the UK's Dream Machines Lotus dealership.<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/kahn-lotus-elise/low/">Kahn Lotus Elise</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/kahn-lotus-elise/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/lotus-elise-project-kahn-1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/kahn-lotus-elise/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/lotus-elise-project-kahn-2_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/kahn-lotus-elise/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/lotus-elise-project-kahn-3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/kahn-lotus-elise/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/lotus-elise-project-kahn-4_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.autoblog.nl/archive/2008/08/22/lotus-elise-project-kahn">Autoblog.nl</a>]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/project-kahn-and-lotus-team-up-on-60th-anniversary-elise/">Project Kahn and Lotus team up on 60th anniversary Elise</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.autoblog.nl/archive/2008/08/22/lotus-elise-project-kahn>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/project-kahn-and-lotus-team-up-on-60th-anniversary-elise/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1292434/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/project-kahn-and-lotus-team-up-on-60th-anniversary-elise/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>elise</category><category>kahn</category><category>lotus</category><category>lotus kahn</category><category>lotus kahn elise</category><category>LotusKahn</category><category>LotusKahnElise</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Damon Lavrinc]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Next generation Lotus Elise to underpin Abarth sports car]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/next-generation-lotus-elise-to-underpin-abarth-sports-car/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/next-generation-lotus-elise-to-underpin-abarth-sports-car/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/next-generation-lotus-elise-to-underpin-abarth-sports-car/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lotus/" rel="tag">Lotus</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/fiat/" rel="tag">Fiat</a></p><a href="http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/Lotus-Elise/234244/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/iedabarthss1_450op.jpg"  alt="" /></a><br /><br />Rumors of a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/23/fiat-group-preparing-new-sports-cars-for-abarth-lancia-alfa/">new sports car from Abarth</a> have been circulating for months, and although details are still sketchy, one thing's for sure: a mid-mounted engine is part of the package. <em>Autocar</em> is confirming previous rumors that Fiat's sport division has struck a deal with Lotus to use the next Elise as the basis for the new sports car.<br /><br />The third generation Elise will debut in 2010, with an all-new aluminum architecture that will be slightly wider and longer than the current model. The Abarth version will feature different composite body panels, and will make use of new 240 hp, turbocharged and direct-inject four-cylinder currently being developed by Fiat. The Abarth roadster will debut in Europe a year after the Elise, and if Fiat's plans of coming to the U.S. are realized, we might even get our own version in the States.<br /><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/Lotus-Elise/234244/">Autocar</a>]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/next-generation-lotus-elise-to-underpin-abarth-sports-car/">Next generation Lotus Elise to underpin Abarth sports car</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:28:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/Lotus-Elise/234244/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/next-generation-lotus-elise-to-underpin-abarth-sports-car/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1269951/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/next-generation-lotus-elise-to-underpin-abarth-sports-car/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>abarth</category><category>elise</category><category>fiat</category><category>lotus</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Damon Lavrinc]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:28:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lotus Clark Type-25 Elise SC Special Edition]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/05/lotus-clark-type-25-elise-sc-special-edition/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/05/lotus-clark-type-25-elise-sc-special-edition/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/05/lotus-clark-type-25-elise-sc-special-edition/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/convertibles/" rel="tag">Convertible</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lotus/" rel="tag">Lotus</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/uk/" rel="tag">UK</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-clark-type-25-elise-sc-special-edition/843888/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/clark_type_25_elise_sc_front_3qtr_450op.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Click above for a high-res pic of the Lotus Clark Type-25 Elise SC</span><br /><br />Lotus is releasing its first special edition supercharged Elise, the Clark Type 25 Elise SC, to honor legendary F1 driver Jim Clark who died four decades ago at the Hockenheim circuit. The British Racing Green and yellow color combo was inspired by Clark's Type 25 F1 car in which he won the world championship in 1963, and aside from the standard hardtop, black and silver Lotus racing wheels, black leather seats, red trim and wooden shift knob, this is the same Elise SC available abroad. No mechanical changes have been made, so it's still putting out 218 hp and 156 lb.-ft. of torque from its supercharged 1.8-liter mounted amidships. In tribute to Clark's racing number, Lotus is limiting production of the special edition Elise SC to 25 units and will only make the &pound;35,995 coupe available in the UK and Ireland. Hit the jump for Lotus' press release.<br /><br />[Source: Lotus]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/05/lotus-clark-type-25-elise-sc-special-edition/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Lotus Clark Type-25 Elise SC Special Edition</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/05/lotus-clark-type-25-elise-sc-special-edition/">Lotus Clark Type-25 Elise SC Special Edition</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:32:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/05/lotus-clark-type-25-elise-sc-special-edition/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1216779/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/05/lotus-clark-type-25-elise-sc-special-edition/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>elise</category><category>lotus</category><category>Lotus Clark Type-25 Elise SC</category><category>lotus elise sc</category><category>LotusClarkType-25EliseSc</category><category>LotusEliseSc</category><category>sc</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Damon Lavrinc]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:32:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Seat Time: Getting intimate with the 2008 Lotus Challenge Series]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/29/seat-time-getting-intimate-with-the-2008-lotus-challenge-series/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/29/seat-time-getting-intimate-with-the-2008-lotus-challenge-series/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/29/seat-time-getting-intimate-with-the-2008-lotus-challenge-series/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/" rel="tag">Motorsports</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lotus/" rel="tag">Lotus</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/01_lotus_challenge_but_april_thumbnail.jpg"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/01_lotus_challenge_but_april_450-op.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Click above for a high-res gallery from the Lotus Challenge Series.</span><br /><br />Jack Fried is barely audible under the stentorian sound of the supercharged four behind our heads. With two helmets worth of plastic and padding between his strained, soft-spoken voice and my assaulted ears, I'm only able to make out a few words of every other sentence. When we finally line up in the starting grid, Jack shuts off the engine on his Lotus Cup 255 and turns in my direction. "I've sold most of my track cars," he says, "This is all I need."<br /><br />I hear that.<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-challenge-buttonwillow-april-2008/low/">Lotus Challenge - Buttonwillow - April 2008</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-challenge-buttonwillow-april-2008/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/01_lotus_challenge_but_april_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-challenge-buttonwillow-april-2008/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/02_lotus_challenge_but_april_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-challenge-buttonwillow-april-2008/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/03_lotus_challenge_but_april_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-challenge-buttonwillow-april-2008/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/04_lotus_challenge_but_april_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-challenge-buttonwillow-april-2008/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/05_lotus_challenge_but_april_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /><strong>Photos Copyright (C)2008 <a href="http://bradthephotog.com">Brad Wood</a> / Weblogs, Inc.</strong><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/29/seat-time-getting-intimate-with-the-2008-lotus-challenge-series/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Seat Time: Getting intimate with the 2008 Lotus Challenge Series</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/29/seat-time-getting-intimate-with-the-2008-lotus-challenge-series/">Seat Time: Getting intimate with the 2008 Lotus Challenge Series</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 29 May 2008 12:01:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.lotuschallengeseries.com/home.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/29/seat-time-getting-intimate-with-the-2008-lotus-challenge-series/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1208921/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/29/seat-time-getting-intimate-with-the-2008-lotus-challenge-series/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>elise</category><category>exige</category><category>featured</category><category>forced fed</category><category>forced fed 380</category><category>forced fed lotus elise 380</category><category>ForcedFed</category><category>ForcedFed380</category><category>ForcedFedLotusElise380</category><category>lotus</category><category>lotus challenge series</category><category>LotusChallengeSeries</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Damon Lavrinc]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 29 May 2008 12:01:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lotus wants to be on the cutting edge of green]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/24/lotus-wants-to-be-on-the-cutting-edge-of-green/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/24/lotus-wants-to-be-on-the-cutting-edge-of-green/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/24/lotus-wants-to-be-on-the-cutting-edge-of-green/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lotus/" rel="tag">Lotus</a></p><a href="http://business.edp24.co.uk/content/news/story.aspx?brand=BIZOnline&amp;category=Business&amp;tBrand=BIZOnline&amp;tCategory=Business&amp;itemid=NOED22%20Jan%202008%2019%3A10%3A20%3A083"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/lotus_logo.jpg" /></a>Lotus may already have one of the greenest line of vehicles, with both the Elise and Exige easily reaching into the 30-mpg range when driven with restraint, but Mike Kimberley wants Lotus to be pioneers of green engineering.<br /><br />Lotus' CEO made comments alluding to the automaker's goal of providing environmentally friendly automotive technology after signing a deal to produce a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/16/strange-bedfellows-lotus-helps-develop-saudi-arabian-green-car/">research and testing facility in Saudi Arabia</a> that would focus on green motoring. The center is part of Lotus' strategy to branch out both technologically and production-wise, with a manufacturing center based in the Middle East. Much of this shift will come with the advancement of hybrid development, although Kimberley didn't go into detail about how the hybrid drivetrains would be implemented in this new venture.<br /><br />The CEO also went on to report that development of Project Eagle is well underway, saying that the Eagle team is doing a great job and that after driving a prototype late last year he was "very impressed".<br /><br />[Source: BIZOnline]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/24/lotus-wants-to-be-on-the-cutting-edge-of-green/">Lotus wants to be on the cutting edge of green</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 24 Jan 2008 09:02:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://business.edp24.co.uk/content/news/story.aspx?brand=BIZOnline&amp;category=Business&amp;tBrand=BIZOnline&amp;tCategory=Business&amp;itemid=NOED22%20Jan%202008%2019%3A10%3A20%3A083>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/24/lotus-wants-to-be-on-the-cutting-edge-of-green/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1094546/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/24/lotus-wants-to-be-on-the-cutting-edge-of-green/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>elise</category><category>exige</category><category>lotus</category><category>lotus elise</category><category>lotus exige</category><category>LotusElise</category><category>LotusExige</category><category>mike kimberley</category><category>MikeKimberley</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Damon Lavrinc]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 24 Jan 2008 09:02:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lotus planning entrance into India]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/11/lotus-planning-entrance-into-india/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/11/lotus-planning-entrance-into-india/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/11/lotus-planning-entrance-into-india/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/supercars/" rel="tag">Supercars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lotus/" rel="tag">Lotus</a></p><a href="http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=123907"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/12/elise_s_450-op.jpg"  alt="" /></a><br /><br />Like any automaker looking to solidify its future in the next <strike>five</strike> <strike>ten</strike> fifty years, Lotus is beginning a plan to enter the Indian market. The producer of our favorite minimalist motoring experience is beginning to scout out potential dealers throughout the country, and is expected to bring a version of the Elise to market first.<br /><br />Anything that brings the sublime steering and point-and-shoot nature of Lotus to the masses is a good thing, and with a successful run of cars in Thailand and Mexico, India might prove to be yet another financial boom that can allow Lotus to continue building supremely engaging cars.<br /><br />[Source: InsideLine]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/11/lotus-planning-entrance-into-india/">Lotus planning entrance into India</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 18:57:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=123907>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/11/lotus-planning-entrance-into-india/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1059963/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/11/lotus-planning-entrance-into-india/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>elise</category><category>india</category><category>lotus</category><category>lotus india</category><category>LotusIndia</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Damon Lavrinc]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 11 Dec 2007 18:57:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Celebrating four decades of Hethel-built Loti: Limited-edition Lotus Elise S]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/24/celebrating-four-decades-of-hethel-built-loti-limited-edition-l/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/24/celebrating-four-decades-of-hethel-built-loti-limited-edition-l/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/24/celebrating-four-decades-of-hethel-built-loti-limited-edition-l/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/convertibles/" rel="tag">Convertible</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lotus/" rel="tag">Lotus</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-elise-s-40th-anniversary/503918/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/elise_s_40th_1280_01_450_op.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /><em>Click the image above for more shots of the 40th Anniversary Lotus Elise.</em><br /><br />To commemorate 40 years of dutiful production at the Lotus plant in Hethel, our favorite purveyors of minimalist motoring will be offering 50 lucky customers the chance to pick up a celebratory Elise in a limited edition hue. The 40th Anniversary Elise S comes bathed in Burnt Orange paint, with a color-matched hardtop, rear diffuser, center console, air intakes and brake calipers. The matte-black wheels get some similar highlights, while the leather seats have orange contrasting stitching. Of the 50 vehicles built, 15 will go to Germany, ten are off to Switzerland, France and Belgium each get five, while Italy gets six and a few other countries get to fight over the remaining nine. The regional breakdown deserved note, as each country gets its own flag stuck on the front fender, but Lotus seems to be leaving out the one country in which its attempting to celebrate: the UK.<br /><em><br />All the details are in the press release after the jump.</em><br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-elise-s-40th-anniversary/low/">Lotus Elise S 40th Anniversary</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-elise-s-40th-anniversary/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/elise_s_40th_1280_01_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-elise-s-40th-anniversary/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/elise_s_40th_1280_02_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-elise-s-40th-anniversary/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/elise_s_40th_1280_05_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-elise-s-40th-anniversary/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/elise_s_40th_1280_06_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-elise-s-40th-anniversary/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/elise_s_40th_1280_07_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/24/celebrating-four-decades-of-hethel-built-loti-limited-edition-l/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Celebrating four decades of Hethel-built Loti: Limited-edition Lotus Elise S</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/24/celebrating-four-decades-of-hethel-built-loti-limited-edition-l/">Celebrating four decades of Hethel-built Loti: Limited-edition Lotus Elise S</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Sat, 24 Nov 2007 08:02:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/24/celebrating-four-decades-of-hethel-built-loti-limited-edition-l/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1046782/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/24/celebrating-four-decades-of-hethel-built-loti-limited-edition-l/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>40th anniversary lotus elise s</category><category>40thAnniversaryLotusEliseS</category><category>elise</category><category>elise s</category><category>EliseS</category><category>hethel</category><category>lotus</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Damon Lavrinc]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 24 Nov 2007 08:02:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[For shame! Cupholder option in new Lotus Exige S]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/17/for-shame-cupholder-option-in-new-lotus-exige-s/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/17/for-shame-cupholder-option-in-new-lotus-exige-s/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/17/for-shame-cupholder-option-in-new-lotus-exige-s/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lotus/" rel="tag">Lotus</a></p><a href="http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle.aspx?AR=229258#"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/lotus_cupholder_450-op.jpg" /></a><br /><br />We were as taken-aback as the blokes over at <em>Autocar</em> when they discovered that the new, Performance Pack-equipped, Lotus Exige S came with an optional cup-holder. "It can't be true!" we screamed to the God of Oversteer, but it is, and although it's as minimal as it can get, it still seems like a dilution of a car (and a brand) that's made a name for itself producing focused, lightweight weapons for the track. Mr. Chapman is doing donuts in his grave and we're left shaking our heads.<br /><br />[Source: Autocar]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/17/for-shame-cupholder-option-in-new-lotus-exige-s/">For shame! Cupholder option in new Lotus Exige S</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:57:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle.aspx?AR=229258#>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/17/for-shame-cupholder-option-in-new-lotus-exige-s/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1042339/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/17/for-shame-cupholder-option-in-new-lotus-exige-s/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>cupholder</category><category>elise</category><category>exige</category><category>lotus</category><category>lotus cupholder</category><category>lotus exige s</category><category>LotusCupholder</category><category>LotusExigeS</category><category>s</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Damon Lavrinc]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:57:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[LA 2007: Lotus blossoms from Elise/Exige to Eagle to Esprit]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/16/la-2007-lotus-blossoms-from-elise-exige-to-eagle-to-esprit/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/16/la-2007-lotus-blossoms-from-elise-exige-to-eagle-to-esprit/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/16/la-2007-lotus-blossoms-from-elise-exige-to-eagle-to-esprit/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/la-auto-show/" rel="tag">LA Auto Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lotus/" rel="tag">Lotus</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-lotus-elise-and-exige/493005/full/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/lotus08---02_450.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Large high-res gallery of all of the Lotus models available by clicking above</span><br /><br />This week in LA, veteran Lotus development engineer Roger Becker told the assembled press about the changes we'll see in the Elise and Exige for 2008. He also talked a bit about some of the changes happening at the factory and even gave us some info about new models in the company's future.<br /><br />The biggest recent news for Lotus was that the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/23/lotus-powers-up-elise-exige-for-2008/">Elise SC and Exige S</a> were given an optional power boost via a Magnuson-developed supercharger that raises horsepower from 190 to 218 or 240 depending on the application. Other changes were made to all 2008 model year cars in the lineup. <br /><br />Aside from upgraded brakes and a few other tweaks, the biggest changes came inside, where a new security system has been installed that for the first time ever allows a single key for Lotus owners. As a nod to American driving habits, TPMS and a new information display were also added, because as Becker put it, we aren't too aware of when a tire is going down and need to have it pointed out. That line was delivered without missing a beat and expertly showed a typically dry British sense of humor. Funny guy. Follow the jump for individual model news and to hear more about the upcoming <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/09/spy-shots-lotus-eagle/">Eagle</a> and Esprit replacement too!<br /><br />[Source: Lotus]<br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-lotus-elise-and-exige/low/">2008 Lotus Elise and Exige</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-lotus-elise-and-exige/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/lotus08---01_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-lotus-elise-and-exige/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/lotus08---02_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-lotus-elise-and-exige/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/lotus08---03_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-lotus-elise-and-exige/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/lotus08---04_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-lotus-elise-and-exige/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/lotus08---05_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/16/la-2007-lotus-blossoms-from-elise-exige-to-eagle-to-esprit/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>LA 2007: Lotus blossoms from Elise/Exige to Eagle to Esprit</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/16/la-2007-lotus-blossoms-from-elise-exige-to-eagle-to-esprit/">LA 2007: Lotus blossoms from Elise/Exige to Eagle to Esprit</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:55:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/16/la-2007-lotus-blossoms-from-elise-exige-to-eagle-to-esprit/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1041378/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/16/la-2007-lotus-blossoms-from-elise-exige-to-eagle-to-esprit/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>Eagle</category><category>Elise</category><category>Esprit</category><category>Exige</category><category>LA Auto Show</category><category>LA Show</category><category>LaAutoShow</category><category>LaShow</category><category>Lotus Eagle</category><category>Lotus Elise</category><category>Lotus Esprit</category><category>Lotus Exige</category><category>LotusEagle</category><category>LotusElise</category><category>LotusEsprit</category><category>LotusExige</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Frank Filipponio]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:55:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lotus "Eagle" coming in 2008]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/lotus-eagle-coming-in-2008/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/lotus-eagle-coming-in-2008/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/lotus-eagle-coming-in-2008/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/convertibles/" rel="tag">Convertible</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lotus/" rel="tag">Lotus</a></p><p><a href="http://www.channel4.com/4car/news/news-story.jsp?news_id=16636&amp;intcmp=rss_4car_news"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/lotus_eagle_esprit.jpg" alt="" /></a>Lotus has plans: the Elise is going to get a detuned Exige engine (220 BHP without an intercooler), a new Exige SR model will feature launch and traction control systems, California series Elise and Exige models are in the pipeline for the boulevard cruising crowd, and Lotus is also going to inject some luxury into the Europa.</p>
<p>But the big news -- which isn't the Esprit -- is the Lotus Eagle, which will be "a mid-engined four-seater" made of aluminum for the luxury lifestyle set. Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley said there will be seven (count 'em, seven) versions of the car, and in a crow-eating first for Lotus, the car will have paddle shifters. Lotus had previously sworn never to include them on a car, citing purity of the driving experience. But what does the market care for driving purity? (Insert maniacal laugh here.) The Eagle arrives at the end of 2008.</p>
<p>The much anticipated, exceedingly long-awaited Lotus Esprit was sent back for reworking by Kimberley, who said it didn't have enough Lotus heritage in it. In Lotus fashion, the car isn't trying to break any records by being a sub-200 MPH conveyance, but it will be powered by "a very high brand-image engine" and performance will be "exceptional" and "very usable." Lotus: stop dallying -- let's have it.</p>
<p>[Source: Channel 4]</p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/lotus-eagle-coming-in-2008/">Lotus "Eagle" coming in 2008</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 12:43:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.channel4.com/4car/news/news-story.jsp?news_id=16636&amp;intcmp=rss_4car_news>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/lotus-eagle-coming-in-2008/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1026217/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/lotus-eagle-coming-in-2008/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>elise</category><category>elise california</category><category>EliseCalifornia</category><category>esprit</category><category>exige california</category><category>ExigeCalifornia</category><category>lotus</category><category>lotus eagle</category><category>lotus elise</category><category>lotus elise california</category><category>lotus esprit</category><category>lotus exige</category><category>lotus exige california</category><category>lotus exige sr</category><category>LotusEagle</category><category>LotusElise</category><category>LotusEliseCalifornia</category><category>LotusEsprit</category><category>LotusExige</category><category>LotusExigeCalifornia</category><category>LotusExigeSr</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jonathon Ramsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 31 Oct 2007 12:43:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lotus powers up Elise, Exige for 2008]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/23/lotus-powers-up-elise-exige-for-2008/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/23/lotus-powers-up-elise-exige-for-2008/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/23/lotus-powers-up-elise-exige-for-2008/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lotus/" rel="tag">Lotus</a></p><em><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/2008lotuselisesc001-lo.jpg" /><br />Click image for photo gallery</em><br /><br />For 2008, Lotus has turned up the heat on its Elise and Exige sports cars. The Lotus Elise SC is a 220-horsepower variant powered by a new, compact, non-intercooled supercharger mated to the standard 1.8L engine. Identifiable by its model-exclusive wheels and a new rear spoiler, the SC boasts a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds, 10.7 seconds to 100 mph, and a 150 mph top end. <br /><br />The Exige is not ignored either, as the Exige S can now be fitted with a Performance Pack boosting output to 240 horses. Also includded are upgraded brakes, an upgraded clutch, traction control, driver-adjustable launch control, and a new roof scoop. The traction/launch control combo is the same one found in the Lotus 2-Eleven track car. Performance, as you'd expect, is impressive: 4 seconds to sixty, 9.7 seconds to 100 mph, and a 153 mph ceiling. <br /><br />Additionally, all 2008 Elise and Exige models get new instrumentation, standard driver and passenger airbags, a new keyfob design with an immobilizer system, a simplified option pack range, and new paint colors. You can read the Lotus press release in full below (it was only available as a PDF, so it's been gallerized). For all the updates, the two most important traits of the Elise and Exige remain the same: they're still light, and they're still fast. <br /><br />[Source: Lotus]<br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-lotus-elise-supercharged/low/">2008 Lotus Elise Supercharged</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-lotus-elise-supercharged/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/2008lotuselisesc001_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-lotus-elise-supercharged/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/2008lotuselisesc002_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-lotus-elise-supercharged/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/2008lotuselisesc003_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-lotus-elise-supercharged/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/2008lotuselisesc0004_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-lotus-exige-s/low/">2008 Lotus Exige S</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-lotus-exige-s/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/2008lotusexiges001_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-lotus-exige-s/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/2008lotusexiges002_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-lotus-exige-s/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/2008lotusexiges003_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-lotus-exige-s/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/2008lotusexiges004_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-lotus-exige-s/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/2008lotusexiges005_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-2008-model-year-updates-pr/low/">Lotus 2008 Model Year Updates - PR</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-2008-model-year-updates-pr/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/lotus-08-my-elise-and-exige1-copy_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-2008-model-year-updates-pr/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/lotus-08-my-elise-and-exige2-copy_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-2008-model-year-updates-pr/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/lotus-08-my-elise-and-exige3-copy_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-2008-model-year-updates-pr/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/lotus-08-my-elise-and-exige4-copy_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-2008-model-year-updates-pr/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/lotus-08-my-elise-and-exige5-copy_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/23/lotus-powers-up-elise-exige-for-2008/">Lotus powers up Elise, Exige for 2008</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 23 Oct 2007 20:28:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/23/lotus-powers-up-elise-exige-for-2008/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1020144/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/23/lotus-powers-up-elise-exige-for-2008/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2008 lotus</category><category>2008 Lotus Elise SC</category><category>2008 Lotus Exige S</category><category>2008 Lotus Exige S 240</category><category>2008Lotus</category><category>2008LotusEliseSc</category><category>2008LotusExigeS</category><category>2008LotusExigeS240</category><category>breaking</category><category>elise</category><category>exige</category><category>lotus</category><category>lotus elise</category><category>lotus exige</category><category>LotusElise</category><category>LotusExige</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Alex Nunez]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 23 Oct 2007 20:28:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chameleon A8 - an Audi that drives like an Elise, GTI, Getz and E-Class!]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/02/chameleon-a8-an-audi-that-drives-like-an-elise-gti-getz-and/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/02/chameleon-a8-an-audi-that-drives-like-an-elise-gti-getz-and/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/02/chameleon-a8-an-audi-that-drives-like-an-elise-gti-getz-and/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/tech/" rel="tag">Technology</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/audi/" rel="tag">Audi</a></p><a href="http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/209190/we_drive_copycat_a8.html"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="o" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/07/audi_emulator.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Audi has seen the future, and the future is exciting; at least in Ingolstadt. Engineers at Audi have cooked up the automotive equivalent of the <a href="http://www.focusrite.com/product/liquid_mix/">Focusrite Liquid Mix</a>. An <a href="http://autos.aol.com/audi-a8-2007:8619-overview">A8L</a> has been pressed into service as the basis for Audi's emulator, having been modified with extra hydraulics, an active steering system and hardware to steer the rear wheels, as well. Dubbed HORST, for Handling Online Research Simulation Tool, the car was initially developed to ape the dynamic responses of an <a href="http://autos.aol.com/mercedes-benz-e-class-2007:8636-overview">E-Class Benz</a>. More cars have been added as "presets," and engineers can switch from a range of vehicles, including a <a href="http://autos.aol.com/volkswagen-gti-2008:9405-overview">VW GTI</a>, a <a href="http://autos.aol.com/lotus-elise-2006:8114-overview">Lotus Elise</a>, even a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyundai_Getz">Hyundai Getz,</a> all at the behest of a laptop. <br /><br />[Source: Auto Express]<br /><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/02/chameleon-a8-an-audi-that-drives-like-an-elise-gti-getz-and/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Chameleon A8 - an Audi that drives like an Elise, GTI, Getz and E-Class!</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/02/chameleon-a8-an-audi-that-drives-like-an-elise-gti-getz-and/">Chameleon A8 - an Audi that drives like an Elise, GTI, Getz and E-Class!</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 02 Jul 2007 20:02:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/209190/we_drive_copycat_a8.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/02/chameleon-a8-an-audi-that-drives-like-an-elise-gti-getz-and/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/931043/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/02/chameleon-a8-an-audi-that-drives-like-an-elise-gti-getz-and/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>audi</category><category>copycat</category><category>elise</category><category>emulation</category><category>engineering</category><category>getz</category><category>golf</category><category>hyundai</category><category>imitate</category><category>lotus</category><category>mercedes</category><category>mimic</category><category>simulator</category><category>tech</category><category>vw</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dan Roth]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 02 Jul 2007 20:02:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lotus Elise confused for bass boat in horrible painting accident]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/30/lotus-elise-confused-for-bass-boat-in-horrible-painting-accident/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/30/lotus-elise-confused-for-bass-boat-in-horrible-painting-accident/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/30/lotus-elise-confused-for-bass-boat-in-horrible-painting-accident/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/" rel="tag">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lotus/" rel="tag">Lotus</a></p><a href="http://www.dieselstation.com/news/automotive/the-worst-color-ever-for-an-elise.html"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/04/eww-002.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Surfing around these great interwebs, we've learned far too many times that there is no accounting for taste. Case in point: someone with 50 large to spend on the most pure form of driving bliss - the Lotus Elise - decided the car's factory paint scheme wasn't eye-catching enough. The result? The abomination you see above.<br /><br />Not only did the owner decide to go for the Hot Import Nights-approved color shifting hue, he or she decided that 12 different light-dependent colors wasn't enough, hence the liberal application of glitter to make this Elise an <a href="http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;rls=en&amp;q=eyesore+from+the+Liberace+House+of+Crap&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8">eyesore from the Liberace House of Crap</a>.<br /><br />We're disgusted and disturbed by such a careless disregard for something as perfect as the Elise, so much so that we're considering the establishment of a Hague-like tribunal to prosecute such offenses.<br /><br />[Source: DieselStation]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/30/lotus-elise-confused-for-bass-boat-in-horrible-painting-accident/">Lotus Elise confused for bass boat in horrible painting accident</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 30 Apr 2007 18:05:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.dieselstation.com/news/automotive/the-worst-color-ever-for-an-elise.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/30/lotus-elise-confused-for-bass-boat-in-horrible-painting-accident/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/885175/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/30/lotus-elise-confused-for-bass-boat-in-horrible-painting-accident/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>elise</category><category>exige</category><category>lotus</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Damon Lavrinc]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 30 Apr 2007 18:05:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lotus introduces collector's edition Elise Type 72D]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/07/lotus-introduces-collectors-edition-elise-type-72d/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/07/lotus-introduces-collectors-edition-elise-type-72d/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/07/lotus-introduces-collectors-edition-elise-type-72d/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/" rel="tag">Motorsports</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lotus/" rel="tag">Lotus</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/04/lotus_elise_72d.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br /><img width="251" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="161" border="1" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/04/emmo-72.jpg" alt="" />The 35th anniversary of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_72">Lotus Type 72D</a>'s Formula 1 championship is approaching and to commemorate <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerson_Fittipaldi">Emerson Fittipaldi</a>'s 16-point spanking of Sir Jackie Stewart, Lotus is creating a limited edition Elise to celebrate.<br /><br />The Type 72D Collectible Edition will be limited to 50 cars world wide, with only 20 said to be slated for US delivery. In addition to the prerequisite badging, the L.E. Elise will come with gold wheels and gold pinstriping, along with numbered documentation and a decorative helmet (i.e. not Snell/DOT approved).<br /><br />Lotus claims that the 72D Edition Elise will come in under $60-large, but no information was available about how to order your own. Best to consult your local Lotus dealer for details.<br /><br /><em>Press release after the jump.</em><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/07/lotus-introduces-collectors-edition-elise-type-72d/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Lotus introduces collector's edition Elise Type 72D</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/07/lotus-introduces-collectors-edition-elise-type-72d/">Lotus introduces collector's edition Elise Type 72D</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Sat, 07 Apr 2007 09:40:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/07/lotus-introduces-collectors-edition-elise-type-72d/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/869229/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/07/lotus-introduces-collectors-edition-elise-type-72d/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>elise</category><category>lotus</category><category>type 72d</category><category>Type72d</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Damon Lavrinc]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 07 Apr 2007 09:40:00 EST</pubDate></item></channel></rss>