Lotus USA has announced that it is offering a factory 50-state legal Surpercharger Kit for naturally aspirated Elise and Exige models. The kit uses the same supercharger fitted into the production Elise SC and can be installed on any naturally aspirated Elise or Exige powered by Toyota’s 2ZZ-GE engine.

The kit, which also consists a integrated intake manifold, high-flow fuel injectors and a re-programmed engine management control unit, increases output to 218-hp from 189-hp. Torque is increased from 133 lb-ft to 155 lb-ft. Maximum torque is available at 5,000 rpm instead of the naturally aspirated 6,800 rpm.

“Lotus Elise and Exige owners are genuine driving enthusiasts and that’s what has attracted them to Lotus cars in the first place,” said Lotus Cars USA, Inc. Director of Operations Arnie Johnson. “They will fully appreciate the dramatically enhanced driving character these Lotus Supercharger Kits will bring their vehicles and the peace of mind from a fully warranted, factory engineered kit.”

Lotus Cars Limited announced today that it has teamed up with Hertz Italiana and to supply Lotus cars for its rental business in Italy. Hertz Italiana SpA will be renting out a Lotus Elise to driving enthusiasts, fans of Lotus or those who want to drive one of the finest sportscar on their next vacation.

“I am delighted that Lotus Cars has entered into this agreement with Hertz, giving us the opportunity to make our stunning world class sportscars available to the rental market,” Mr. Michael J. Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus said. ”The iconic and multi award winning Lotus Elise and the stunning Lotus Exige are the perfect fun rental cars for those who desire exclusive and high performance motoring.”

Lotus Elise SC sportscars will also be available to rent from key Hertz centers throughout Italy from middle of July.

- By: Stephen Calogera

According to the folks over at AutoCar, work is progressing on the next-generation Lotus Elise and Esprit with scheduled production dates of 2011 and 2012. 

Sources say that the Elise will likely be a development of today’s model and won’t be a variant of the Evora which is built on a different chassis that is heavier. You can expect to see the next Elise in 2010 with sales to begin in 2011.

As for the Esprit, production of the model is dependent on the money that is coming in from the Evora. However, engineers and designers continue to work for a 2012 launch date. The next Esprit is expected to get a mid-mounted V8 and is said to be larger than the Evora.

Insiders said that collaboration with Abarth on new sports car has stalled. No word on when and if the sports car will make it back into Lotus’ future plans.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

It is reported that Lotus Cars USA will immediately begin selling the Lotus Elise Purist Edition with pricing to start at $43,995. The Elise Purist Edition comes with Sport Pack along with options found on the Touring Pack (without the leather door inserts and iPod interface). Separately, the Touring Pack costs an extra $1,600 and bring the base price of the Elise up to $48,850.

The Lotus Elise Purist Edition will continue to employ Lotus lightweight theme with a fiberglass body structure and an aluminum chassis. It also features an independent suspension system and Brembo brake calipers.

Power comes from a mid-mounted 1.8L 4-cylinder with multipoint fuel-injection making 190-hp. It is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

- By The Daily Auto Editor

Source: WCF

Project Kahn is known for not going too far when offering modification for some of the world’s most premium cars. However, when it came to the 60th Anniversary project for Lotus, Kahn decided to offer a full aerodynamic body styling package, some interior upgrades, and a minor upgrade to performance for the Lotus Elise.

The Project Kahn Lotus Elise package gives the exterior aerodynamic upgrades including a new front spoiler, vented front wings, side sills, rear intake ducts and a rear spoiler. The interior received full leather seats and door trims. Kahn added their own RS-V 17-inch wheels in front and 18-inches in the back.

Performance upgrades include Kahn’s Quad Machined Billet Sports Exhaust System (Super Sound). Suspension has also been lowered with 28 stage dampeners for superior handling.

Click through for the high-res image gallery.

Project Kahn Lotus Elise: