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2007 Lotus Elise Road Test

When the majority of car companies announce new model year improvements it's a good thing. These usually include a number of additional luxury items thrown into the package,

Upgrades to the Elise? No problem, just don't mess with the driving dynamics. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

upgrades to infotainment systems and, lest we not forget, improvements in performance and fuel economy simultaneously. Such enhancements are always appreciated by prospective buyers and the media alike, but when news of a better Elise hit my inbox last year, I almost started to worry. I mean, after spending a few glorious days in a number of 2006 models, I couldn't fathom how they'd make the 2007 car any better. And truth be told, they didn't.

Well at least they didn't do anything noticeable to the way it drives, which is the best news of all. What Lotus did is redesign the headlight clusters to fully comply with North American regulations, and while they were at it they modified the front end to accommodate the new lights. I can live with that. Oh, and at the rear the previous raised letter “LOTUS” script has been replaced with flush-mounted decals, saving a few ounces of curb weight in the process.

We came specifically for the Exige S (right), but couldn't help but spend half of a sunny day in the Elise. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Also lighter, new LED taillights react to braking inputs quicker, which, considering how ruddy quick this thing can stop is critically important to those behind, and in case their brakes aren't up to snuff, possibly critically important to you and your passenger.

Inside, the audio system in base cars has been boosted to a four-speaker 180-watt Alpine AM/FM/CD head unit connecting through to four speakers ... not much more is needed in a cockpit this small. What's more, Touring and Premier Pack equipped cars get an even sweeter high definition and satellite radio ready Alpine CDA-9856 with an iPod adapter, and four slightly better speakers; or at least they sound better. For me, the iPod adaptor (and it isn't just an auxiliary jack but a connection only suitable for Apple's little marketing marvel) is worth the entire cost of upgrading,

This little iPod plug is worth the entire upgrade price by itself. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

although there are other niceties that make either of these two packages advantageous.

Lotus told us about all the 2007 Elise upgrades at an event in Las Vegas designed to debut the Exige S, and for the most part the less expensive roadster was overshadowed by the much more powerful, racier and meaner looking coupe. Still, for the majority of sports car buyers the Elise roadster will be the obvious choice from a pricing standpoint, as well as its open-air advantage. For this reason I spent almost as much time in the new Elise as I did the Exige S, and fortunately was able to take the drop-top on the same circuitous route as the hardtop.

On

The audio system is much better. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

the road it felt much like the old car did, which was spectacular. If you haven't guessed already, I love this car, and not just on wide-open two-lane highways with nary a police cruiser in sight, but also for puttering around any downtown core. I've had opportunity to do this on a number of occasions in my hometown, as I did previously in Atlanta and on this launch program in and around Las Vegas, and during each drive enjoyed its nimble agility mid traffic and wonderful ability to sprint away from slower vehicles parked at stoplights. It's so low to the ground that people in big trucks and SUVs get a good vantage of its all-aluminum interior, its squat stance making me feel as if I could scoot under the belly of a highway truck unscathed if such an avoidance maneuver from one of those trucks or SUVs was needed. Yes, its tiny dimensions put me constantly on guard, which isn't a bad thing to be truthful.

Cockpit is minimalist, but lightweight seats are fantastic. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

After all, any small car won't fair well against an F-450 or Armada, but at least the Lotus gives me the chance to escape if I've got my wits about me.

Fortunately, large SUVs and trucks have been on a sales slide since the Elise was introduced into the market in 2005, so there are less of them to worry about. As a bit of a backgrounder, the little Lotus went on sale in Europe in 1996 and continues today as the best-selling model the Hethel, Norfolk company has ever produced. It remains true to the company's founder Colin Chapman's vision of innovative, lightweight, top-performing cars, thanks to a chassis that weighs just 150 pounds due to aluminum alloy extrusions and aerospace bonding techniques. Body panels are made of a lightweight composite material, helping the Elise to accelerate from zero to sixty

Oh how I love this little car. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

miles per hour in less than five seconds and topping out at just over 150 mph.

I didn't get it to this speed, mind you, but due to its stability at “slightly higher” than the posted limit I can't see why it wouldn't feel anything but rock steady with added downforce. Pushing it forward is the same Toyota-sourced 1.8-liter four-cylinder as last year's car, complete with Lotus' own engine management system that boosts output to a respectable 190 horsepower. Yes, it doesn't sound like much, and its 138 lb-ft of torque is no doubt even less intimidating to Porsche 911 or Ferrari F430 owners, but a slick shifting six-speed manual and its aforementioned ultra light weight – 1,984 pounds in base trim – turns it into a supercar off the line, and when it comes to tackling the corners it often leaves larger, more powerful sports cars far behind.

It's no secret that few cars come close to matching the Elise's balance on the road or track. It can get a little unwieldy if you're caught napping or simply don't know what you're doing, as its tail loves to wag when pushed beyond its limit of adherence and countersteering measures need to be added quickly. When a little opposite lock is dialed in, mind you, it reacts so perfectly that you'll probably find yourself looking for that point of least resistance more often than not.

Each time I drive it I find my point of least resistance is my pocketbook, because its surprisingly affordable base price of $43,990 is just about within reach. If you're feeling the same inclination, contact your local dealer, found at www.lotuscars.com.

Something tells me that you'll enjoy this little supercar, and while you're having the time of your life you can feel good about driving the greenest sports car in existence.

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