2009 Lotus Elise Review (continued)
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Summary

The Lotus Elise is an ideal weekend sports car for spirited driving or track events. It is among the most agile, best driving sportscars in the world. On a winding, curving road, no other production car is likely to be faster or more rewarding getting from Point A to Point B. Outside its intended role, the Elise is compromised by its small size.

Rex Parker filed this NewCarTestDrive.com report.

(Source: New Cars Test Drive)

Model Line Overview

Model Lineup:	Lotus Elise ($47,250); Elise SC ($54,990)
Engines:	1.8-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4
Transmissions:	6-speed manual
Saftey Equipment (standard):	driver/passenger front airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, integral steel seatbelt support structure, tire pressure monitoring system, epoxy-bonded aluminum extrusion chassis structure, RTM composite fiberglass body, daytime running lights, ABS
Saftey Equipment (optional):	electronic traction control
Basic Warranty:	3 years/36,000 miles
Assembled In:	Hethel, Norwich, County Norfolk, United Kingdom

Specifications As Tested

Model Tested (MSRP):	Lotus Elise ($47,250)
Standard Equipment:	black cloth seats, air conditioning, power windows, remote power door locks, anti-theft alarm, engine immobilizer, carpeted floor mats, leather-trimmed Momo steering wheel, Alpine 1-DIN AM/FM/CD with 4 speakers; removable black soft top with stowage bag, alloy fuel filler door, projector-beam headlights, daytime running lights, tinted glass
Options As Tested (MSRP):	Touring Pack ($1,600) including padded and insulated black removable soft top, full leather seats and door trim, upgraded stereo system with iPod connector, interior stowage net behind passenger seat and full black carpet set; body-color hardtop ($1,475); metallic paint ($590); Starshield ($995)
Destination Charge:	925
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):	52835
Layout:	rear-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	189 @ 7800
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):	133 @ 6800
Transmission:	6-speed manual
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:	21/27
Wheelbase:	90.5
Length/width/height:	149.0/72.8/44.0
Track, f/r:	57.4/59.3
Turning circle:	32.8
Seating capacity:	2
Head/hip/leg room, f:	37.0/na/43.5
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r:
Cargo volume:	4.0
Payload:
Towing capacity:	not recommended
Suspension, f:	independent, upper-lower unequal-length wishbones, Bilstein Mono-Tube telescopic gas shock absorbers, Eibach coaxial coil springs, anti-sway bar
Suspension, r:	independent, upper-lower unequal-length wishbones, Bilstein Mono-Tube telescopic gas shock absorbers, Eibach coaxial coil springs
Ground clearance:	5.3
Curb weight:	1984
Tires:	175/55R16 front, 225/45R17 rear
Brakes, f/r:	vented disc/vented disc with ABS, two-piston aluminum front calipers, Brembo one-piston rear calipers
Fuel capacity:	10.6