2006 Lotus Exige Specs, Price, Photos, Engine, Transmission, & Fuel Economy

The same 1.8-liter, 190-horse Toyota engine spins to 8000 rpm (8500 for 1.5 seconds), but is now actuated by a throttle-by-wire controller that allows for the $495 option of Lotus traction control. The fully defeatable system can be paired with a new torque-sensing mechanical limited-slip differential that's offered as a response to autocrossers clamoring for better slow-turn exits. The downside of the $1790 LSD is some loss of steering feel, but the benefit is a greater ability to steer with the throttle.

Lotus's bumper and headlamp compliance waiver is due to expire at the end of 2007, so get the unmolested Exige while you still can. Only 300 are slated to be built (by hand) this year, so it'll be rarer still than the some 2200 Elises already on the road.