2011 Lotus Evora

What does Lotus know about handling that eludes the rest of the world? It's a question we asked ourselves after an exhilarating mountain-road romp in the new Evora. While this Lotus makes several concessions to practicality, such as a small rear seat and even cruise control, essentially it's a driver's car. And for 2011, there's nothing better on the road. Those with the means will enjoy a connection between the car and the road that borders on telepathic. The steering effort linearly increases as the cornering forces build, and the suspension impeccably keeps the tires squarely planted on the road. The result is a car with high but accessible cornering limits, a sports car that makes even novice drivers feel like heroes. Even better, the Evora smashes the notion that good handling and a supple ride are mutually exclusive—it's cushy enough to drive to work, yet incredibly entertaining on curvy roads and racetracks.

Lotus Exige Cup 260 (2008)

The Lutus Exige Cup 260, once again represents Lotus' most radical version of the Exige, with the track environment being its home and for 2008.A direct development of the 2007 Exige Cup Car, this year's car has a revised engine management system to take the maximum power output to 257 hp (260 PS), up by nearly 5 hp (5 PS) over last year.The Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 is one of the quickest cars around a circuit. Key to this incredible performance is the aerodynamic package, which produces over 40 kg of downforce at 160 kmh increasing grip and stability at higher speeds. With a top speed of 247 kmh (147 mph) and a zero to 160 kmh (100 mph) in circa 9.9 seconds, 0 to 100 kmh in circa 4.1 seconds (0 to 60 mph in circa 4 seconds), the MY2008 Exige Cup 260 is the perfect partner for the serious racer. Combined Fuel Consumption is 9.1 l/100km and the CO2 emissions 216 g/km.

Lotus Exige Scura

This is the limited edition Lotus Exige Scura, also known as the “Stealth Edition” in Japan , that will soon go on sale in the UK . Shown at the Tokyo Motor Show, the Scura is a modified Exige S, with 260bhp squeezed from its supercharged engine due to a revised ECU.

The Exige S in standard form has 220bhp while the performance pack offers 240bhp. Listed as standard on the track day special are the following: launch control, Ohlins 2-way adjustable dampers, and variable slip traction control. You may be wondering about the “Stealth” name. Special matt “Phantom Black” paint gives the Stealth its name. The weight is reduced by 10kg because carbonfiber was used on some components including sports seats, centre consol, oil cooler inlet valves and front splitter. High gloss “Phantom Black” triple stripes run the length of the car. The Scura will reach 60mph in 4sec, 100mph in 9.9sec and a top speed of 152mph. If buyers order books immediately after this week’s Tokyo motor show, the car will be priced £45,000 in the UK .