New Car: 2011 Lotus Elise


It's hard to believe, but Lotus' pint-sized sports car has soldiered on with only minor changes for the last 10 years. For 2011, small changes are on the way to give the Elise a fresher look for the new decade.

For the most part, styling revisions are limited to the car's front fascia. Designers sought to visually tie the Elise with the company's all-new Evora, replacing the quad headlamps with two angled lamp assemblies. The lower fascia receives a grille and side splitters that ape the Evora, while the upper air intake is also restyled for a resemblance. Side air intakes are simplified on the new model, and the engine cover has also been restyled.