In buying a real roadster with premium performance, you tend to end up going in one of two directions. You either get an everyday sportscar like a Porsche Boxster or a Honda S2000. Or you opt for something rawer. Something that, though tiresome on the morning commute, will, on the right road on the right day, reward in a way you’ll remember.
On this basis, a car capable of satisfying both buyers ought to clean up. Well, the Lotus Elise R featured here isn’t that car. But its as close as you’re likely to get. This 189bhp Toyota-powered Elise derivative began a whole new era for Group Lotus, with new money, new marketing and a new engine.
