Spy photographers recently caught a Lotus Exige prototype that had widened wheel arches, increased cooling and an engine that sounded like that of the Evora. According to sources the prototype was being powered by the same Toyota 3.6L V6 that also powers the Evora.

A V6 in the Exige would add a lot of bulk, but it would also bring more power than the current four-cylinder. But is it the right move, since the 3.5L in the Evora produces 276-hp compared to the four-cylinder engine in the Exige S that puts out 257-hp? not a huge difference considering the added weight gain of the V6.

Thanks to a new smaller 1.6L engine and improved aerodynamics, Lotus has announced that the 2011 Lotus Elise has been rated at 46.7 mpg (US) on the European cycle. In addition to getting over 46 mpg, the 2011 Elise has just been certified with an outstandingly low emissions figure of 149g of CO2 / km which represents a reduction of 16% over the previous Lotus Elise S.

This means that the 2011 Elise has the lowest CO2 for its performance level for any gasoline sportscar in the world.

Even though the 2011 Elise gets great gas mileage and puts out very little emissions it still manages to reach 0-60 mph in six seconds.

It looks like the US is not going to get the 1.6L Elise, instead we will have to make due with the 190-hp 1.8L.

Lotus has announced the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid concept which puts out over 400 horsepower via two electric motors and one small gas engine. Like the Chevy Volt, the Evora 414E Hybrid concept features a small engine that actually doesn't send power directly to the wheels. Instead the small 1.2L three cylinder engine recharged the lithium polymer battery pack that is responsible for powering the two electric motors. Each rear wheel has its own electric motor and puts out 204-hp and 295 lb-ft. of torque. The Evora 414E Hybrid also showcases a brand new technology from Lotus Engineering, a sports mode that simulates a 7 speed, paddle shift transmission that combines exceptional driver involvement for a hybrid sports car and optimized energy recuperation.

Dr Robert Hentschel, Director of Lotus Engineering said: "Innovation has always been at the heart of Lotus and is needed now more than ever. The Evora 414E Hybrid is the perfect demonstration of Lotus Engineering's core competencies: lightweight architectures, efficient performance, electrical and electronics integration and driving dynamics. The technology demonstrator represents an encapsulation of the advanced technologies that Lotus Engineering continues to develop to overcome the current environmental challenges facing the automotive industry and showcases the future direction that the sector is taking and why Lotus Engineering is perfectly placed to lead the technological development in this area."

Lotus has only released one teaser image of the concept. Expect more details next week...

Lotus has released official photos and stats for the restyled 2011 Elise and Elise SC models.

For 2011 the Elise gets a new front end that is reportedly more aerodynamic, which helps the car achieve a four percent reduction in Coefficient of Drag (Cd). Outback the engine gets a new "twin-spine" engine cover and there is a new a more aggressive diffuser in addition to the re-sculpted rear bumper.

The Elise is powered by Toyota's 1.8L four-cylinder with 189 horsepower and 133 lb-ft. of torque. The Elise SC is more powerful with 218-hp and 156 lb-ft. of torque.

The 2011 Elise and Elise SC will be available this summer.

Lotus has announced the pricing for the 2010 Lotus Evora that will arrive in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2010. The 2010 Evora will start at $73,500.

The Evora features a 2+2 setup with a mid engine. The 3.5L V6 puts out 276 horsepower and 256 lb-ft. of torque. Thanks to its light weight It reaches 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds and has a top speed over 162 mph. It also manages to get over 30 mpg on the highway.

Lotus has announced a 44 dealer Open House Tour of the US of the Evora for people that haven't seen the car in person.

Hertz Italiana has just announced that the Lotus Elise SC is joining the Italian rental fleet.

"I am delighted that Lotus Cars has entered into this agreement with Hertz, giving us the opportunity to make our stunning world class sportscars available to the rental market," Mr. Michael J. Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus said. "The iconic and multi award winning Lotus Elise and the stunning Lotus Exige are the perfect fun rental cars for those who desire exclusive and high performance motoring."

This summer Hertz Italiana will be offering the Lotus Elise SC at select rental locations throughout the country, which probably won't be cheap.

To celebrate its 60th birthday, Lotus has produced the diamond anniversary Lotus Europa.

Lotus has unveiled the Eco Elise before its official unveiling at the London Motor Show this month.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary of producing cars at its production plant in Hethel, Lotus has released the Elise S 40th Anniversary Limited Edition just for the European market.

Edmunds.com has posted a list of the most wanted cars in 2007 based on reader feedback. Out of the 32 categories you may be surprised which automaker took home the most awards....

April's auto sales numbers have just been posted and almost every major automaker had a sales decrease last month. Even the Asian automakers that have been making headlines for their sales gains, took a hit.