Lotus updates Elise and Exige

Already on sale in the UK, the '06 Elise and Exige gain faster-acting LED taillights, central locking and a retuned brake pedal and electronic throttle operated by a new steel pedal box in lieu of the former extruded aluminium pedal box. These revisions alone are said to bring weight savings of 0.6kg.

The exterior styling is unchanged, but there are now 21 paint colours to choose from, with metallic paint offered in the UK as a £595 ($1415 in our currency) option and new 'lifestyle' finishes for £1010 ($2400). Inside there is an easier-to-read tachometer and new Probax seats that are said to save weight and offer greater comfort.

The Toyota-sourced 141kW four-cylinder engine is carried over unchanged, but there are now four option packs offered (at least in its home market; Oz spec levels are yet to be announced).

The £1495 ($3550) Touring pack includes leather trim, a CD player, carpet set and electric windows, while for an extra £500 ($1187) the Super Touring pack adds driver and passenger airbags -- a first for an Elise -- as well as a starter button and extra trim and storage areas.

Lotus owners who like to have a fang at track days can opt for the $3550 Sport pack, which adds twin oil coolers, switchable traction control, uprated springs and dampers and lightweight forged alloys.

Even more hard-core types can plump for the £2495 ($5926) Super Sports pack, which brings ultra-lightweight alloys and more focused suspension with adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars and a double shear track control arm. Super Sports Elises also score Exige-spec Yokohama Advan tyres and a roll hoop.

Air-conditioning remains a £1295 ($3075) option in the UK, while traction control is available for £395 ($938) and a limited-slip differential for £995 ($2363).