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I’ve posted some pictures form the 2/20 track day at Laguna Seca. There are two albums…the first has pictures from LarryB’s camera, the second is from mine. There will hopefully be more pictures soon, as well as a short video, so check back here for updates in a week or so!

Lotus has released more information and pictures of the Elise’s cousin, the new Europa. The Europa shares much with the Elise, the differences being a different body and a more refined approach (larger trunk, fixed roof). The turbocharged powertrain is not US legal, though there’s nothing stopping Lotus from giving the Europa the same 190hp Toyota motor that the US Elise has and bringing this car to the US. Click through for more pictures (source).
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Duke Hale, the CEO of Lotus Cars US, the independent entity responsible for managing all aspects of Lotus sales and service in the US, has resigned. There was an odd quote from him, saying that there’s really no further need for him there. It’s strange, and implies a possible change in direction for Lotus…it’ll be interesting to see if there are any larger developments within the company in the coming weeks. Read the full story here, or see the rest of this entry.
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Lotus is set to announce a mildly supercharged version of the Exige producing 218hp (compared to 190hp in the base model). While initially for the European market, its almost certain to end up in US showrooms, it’s just a matter of time. Read on for the full story (via EliseTalk).
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Silicon Valley Auto Group opened their service department to all local Lotus owners today, offering free tech inspections for those doing the upcoming GGLC track day at Laguna Seca. While there, a vehicle transporter pulled up and delivered a brand new Elise and an Exige! Seeing the Exige was a treat, it was the first one most of us had seen. At 1:00, a group of use headed up into the hills for a short drive; the roads were wet in places so speeds were kept reasonable. At one turnout where we had stopped for a break, a police truck pulled in behind us and we noticed the officer had his ticket book out. We took that as a sign it was time to leave and most of us got in our cars and left, I’m not sure if anyone got a ticket (I sure hope not!). I’ve posted pictures from the event here.

We all know that Lotus has designed a great bolt-on supercharger for the Elise and is selling it in just about every country except the US. When asked about the possibility of bringing that to the US, a Lotus rep I talked to talked about how difficult it is for a manufacturer to do this, but at the same time, he didn’t rule out the possibility of it. So, there’s hope perhaps…

Lotus will be importing a handful of its supercharged version of the Exige, known as the 240R, to the US this year. This limited edition rocket will be sold for track use only, it will not be street legal. If interested, contact your dealer ASAP as they are beginning to get commitments in place for the limited run (50?).