New Lotus Models

The Elise is a compact, lightweight sports car meant for track driving. As such, its competitors, such as the BMW Z4 and Porsche Boxster, generally boast more comfort but fewer at-the-limits performance attributes. The Elise comes in two trims: the entry-level Elise with a non-supercharged four-cylinder, and the Elise SC, which adds a supercharger for 29 more horsepower. 

The Lotus Exige is a high-performance version of the Elise that's only available as a hardtop. For 2009, the Exige lineup has two models: The S 240 and a higher-performance S 260. Exige models are marketed toward high-performance enthusiasts and intended mainly for operation on a racetrack. The Exige competes with coupes like the Porsche Cayman S and Audi TTS, but with much more track prowess and less daily-driver friendliness.