Lotus Exige S

A true drivers car, the 2007 Lotus Exige is a precision instrument that is powered by a Toyota-built, 1.8-liter 4-cylinder with Variable Valve Timing and Lift-Intelligence. The small but potent engine pumps-out 220 horses and 165 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a 5-speed manual tranny, the 2,077-pound Exige S launches from 0-to-60 miles per hour in 4.1-seconds, and can reach a top speed of 150 miles per hour. Other racing-influenced components include the Lotus sport suspension, ABS, cross-drilled disc brakes and Brembo calipers. The 2-seat Exige rides on lightweight forged aluminum wheels (16-inch front – 17-inch rear) that are finished in matte black. Exterior panels are hand-laid composite fiberglass, and available Aero Package includes a hardtop, front splitter, rear wing and underbody diffuser. Starting price is $60, 815.

Lotus Elise

Hand-crafted in small numbers, the 2007 Lotus Elise features an epoxy-bonded aluminum chassis, finely tuned independent suspension, RTM composite fiberglass body and a 1.8-liter engine that produces 190 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. The Toyota supplied 4-cylinder engine has Variable Valve Timing (VVT), and comes mated to a 6-speed close ratio manual gearbox. Weighing in at a mere 1,984-pounds, the Elise can sprint from 0-to-60 mph in under 5-seconds. Top speed is a governed 150 mph. The 2-seat sports car rides on silver finished 8-spoke cast alloy 18-inch wheels, wrapped in Yokohama sport tires. Available in 20 different colors, Elise features a rear diffuser with central twin exhaust pipes.