| Major Range Revisions | Tokyo Motor Show | Lotus Elise SC |

The enthusiasts that make up the Lotus community have been hoping for some time that the Norfolk-based company would make official that the still sublime S2 Elise will get a blower like its sibling, the Exige S and Lotus has finally obliged.

There's news for Exige fans too; we're pleased to say that the hardtop derivative will now be available to order from Lotus with either 218bhp (as standard on the Exige S) or a whopping 240bhp - if you choose the Performance Package - just like the tremendous limited run 240R we tested back in 2005.

Lotus has been busy, also disclosing that fact that airbags will now be standard across its range, it'll introduce a new instrument pack and alarm system; and has simplified option packs on the way.

Not to be out-done by after-market tuners, Lotus has taken the decision to append a supercharger to the 1.8-litre VVTL-i Toyota engine that powers the Elise 111R so admirably. However, unlike the Exige S the new Elise SC will achieve the same 218bhp without an intercooler (saving 8kg), therefore expect slightly altered performance characteristics; perhaps giving a little less low-end torque, but pleasingly rev-happy, we'd guess. Zero to 60mph will be gone in a flash, just 4.4 seconds Lotus claims.

With an intercooler and tuned to 240bhp, the Exige S in Performance Pack spec will be a pretty stunning performer. The 240R had a superbly flexible power-band and a very very good chassis; let's hope that two years on it's even better. The Performance Pack, which is only available on the Exige, also includes larger drilled and vented discs with AP Racing four piston callipers, uprated pads, variable slip traction control, an uprated clutch plate and cover and launch control. The sprint to 60mph from rest is dispatched 0.4 seconds faster than in the Elise SC.

We'd imagine it's no chore selecting which options to plum for but Lotus has simplified things anyway; the number of trim options for both cars has been cut from four down to two. Now you'll be able to choose from either Touring or Sport packs, or both of course. The Touring pack includes the following: leather or micro-fibre interior, leather trimmed centre console, leather handbrake gaiter, iPod connection, full carpets and sound insulation. The Elise and Exige Sport packs differ slightly but both include: traction control, twin oil coolers and Probax sports seats. Other items such as air conditioning, adjustable dampers and a hardtop are available as stand-alone extras.

A new instrument pack has been introduced too, which will utilise an LCD message panel with trip computer and warning symbols, incorporating revised gear change 'shift' lights. To round off the 2008 revisions, a new alarm/immobiliser system and fresh key fob will be incorporated.

The Elise SC costs £32,550, while the Exige S costs £34,550 and another £3,000 for the Performance Pack. We hope to get our mitts on both cars in the near future, so keep an eye on the Lotus Road Tests page.

Richard Tanner - 30 Oct 2007