Lotus Prices ’07s

Lotus Cars USA Inc. says its new 220-hp Exige S will start at $56,990.

The importer also says base prices for the 190-hp Elise roadster will rise to $43,990 for ’07, up $1,000 from ’06 (not including a $995 delivery charge).

Lotus says the hike is a result of the change in the pound-dollar exchange rate and an upgrade to new headlamps needed to comply with U.S. regulations.

The lightweight Exige S – it checks in at just 2,077 lbs. (942 kg) – can hit 60 mph (97 km/h) from a standstill in just 4.1 seconds and breaks the 100-mph (162-km/h) barrier in 11 seconds, Lotus says.

Top speed is 148 mph (238 km/h), while fuel economy averages 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) city/highway.

The Exige S is derived from the same chassis and mechanicals as the base Exige and the Elise, although in addition to the extra horsepower the car’s 1.8L engine also gets a 24% boost in torque to 165 lb.-ft. (224 Nm).