Lotus slashes, continues to burn

Lotus has slashed as much as $18,500 off the prices of its Australian model range, reflecting lower import duties, currency exchange rates -- and a desire to hit the exclusive end of the sports car market more aggressively.

The big winner is the supercharged 1.8-litre 2-Eleven specialist open-top sports/race car, which drops from a manufacturer's recommended retail price of $127,500 to $109,000.

But the rest of the range -- apart from the entry-level Elise -- does pretty well too.

All road-going models except the Elise are shaved by exactly $10,000, meaning the priciest Lotus -- the 2+2 Evora -- is now $146,990, while the rorty 162kW Exige S is reduced to $104,900.

For 2010, the Elise range gets a mild styling refurbish, including the 100kW entry level version -- now simply badged Elise, rather than Elise S -- which remains at $69,990.

Both Elise R (141kW) and Elise SC (162kW) drop prices by $10,000.

The limited edition Elise Club Racer remains unchanged at $72,990, while the also limited edition Exige Scura is reduced by $10,000 to $129,990. The new Exige S Type 72 is tagged at $109,990.

Reduced model pricing is also accompanied by lowered option prices -- ranging from a $300 drop for "Lifestyle" paint on the Evora (to $3,200) to a $3000 decrease for the Exige S Performance Pack (now $8,000).

Prices are the only things to have dropped, according to Lotus Cars Australia managing director John Startari. "We are still maintaining equipment levels and introducing model year updates. We are now even more competitive as a brand," he said.

The first of the re-positioned Lotus range will arrive in Australia in mid-year and the books are open to take orders now.

Key to pics: Elise (orange), Exige S (white), Evora (red)

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