What's New for the 2005 Lotus Elise?
For 2005, Lotus brings supercar speed and handling to America, at a price that's easier to swallow than its competition. Power comes from a Toyota-sourced, 1.8-liter inline-four and six-speed manual transmission. Weighing in at a scant 1,975 lbs., the Lotus Elise promises an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, spirited handling capabilities, and an interior that's all business.

Advantages of the 2005 Lotus Elise:

• Race car handling for the streets
• Featherweight chassis
• Razor-sharp steering
• Excellent weight distribution
• High-revving four-cylinder
• Affordable, compared to the competition

Objections to the 2005 Lotus Elise:

• Buzzy Toyota engine
• Taut ride quality
• Meager interior trimmings and amenities
• Packaged options quickly add up
• Limited availability
• Small dealer service network

Editor's Advice:
Sports car fans, rejoice. Your affordable canyon carver is here. Fitted with the same powerplant as Toyota's Celica GT-S, the 2005 Lotus Elise is a lightweight buzz-bomb on wheels. We don't doubt the Elise's ability to keep up with Ducatis on twisty roads, given its race-bred suspension and near equal weight distribution. Sparsely trimmed in base form, several option packages transform the Elise from bare-bones hot rod to leather-lined super car. True, adding option packages quickly inflates the under-$40,000 base price, but who else makes such a refined and nimble sports car for around $46,500, fully loaded? Less than 2,500 examples are due to arrive in the U.S. this year, which means supply will surely fall short of demand. However, we suggest getting your name on a dealer's list, because the Lotus Elise is surely worth the wait.