Lotus was the first to release an 'interesting' news story this year with an embargo for publication of April the first... The Photoshop modification of a Lotus Elise depicts the so called Elise 'Load Lugga', thought to be the first ever commercial vehicle Lotus.

Take a closer look at the image and you'll see a lawnmower-like pull-start, chunky all-terrain tyres, carbon fibre roof rails, a tow bar and a flat bed area above the engine bay. Lotus boasts of a 'massive' 5kg payload and the Load Lugga uses an "active payload management system, linked to the engine's oil pressure control module" to optimise handling...

Other fantastic claims include a 0-60mph sprint time of less than three seconds thanks to the car's, sorry van's, Briggs & Stratton diesel engine. Don't laugh; it has been supercharged in house. Surprisingly, no pricing or on sale date accompanied the press release.

Shane O' Donoghue - 1 Apr 2006