2007 Lotus Exige S

Horsepower loves the absence of weight. Ever notice how those nags in the rental stables shy away from the heavier riders? An attractive power-to-weight ratio is one of the reasons we adore the new Lotus Exige S. With only 2077 pounds of car to push around, the S's supercharged engine puts out 220 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque, giving the two-seater a ratio bested by a small crop of ultra-high-priced sports cars. Factor in a sticker of only $57,985, and the winner of the performance-per-dollar competition is clearly this newest Lotus to reach our shores.

The supercharged coupe is virtually identical to the normally aspirated Exige it replaces. Changes include a revised headlamp cluster for better lighting and easier aiming, a single oval exhaust pipe in place of twin pipes, body-color treatment to the rear wing, front splitter, and side air-intakes, a new front clamshell to accommodate the headlamps, a functional roof-mounted scoop to channel air to the supercharger's intercooler, and a proper three-dimensional Lotus badge on the car's tail.

Though it's about 65 pounds heavier than the outgoing Exige, the car's downforce remains nearly 100 pounds, which helps the Exige cling to the road like a gecko sticks to the ceiling. It's quite a phenomenon to feel the car get sucked into the pavement at high speeds, but the downforce also is effective at keeping it stable under heavy braking.

Good stuff: The revised Lotus engine-management software gives the S a smoother, more linear power curve, eliminating a nasty burp around 5200 rpm that plagued the normally aspirated engine. A short and crisp shift pattern presents easy access to the six speeds of the manual gearbox, which has overdriven fifth and sixth gears for excellent fuel economy. And though the cockpit is small and climbing in and out is a test of a supple spine, it's also surprisingly comfortable once you've crawled inside, and the anatomically padded sports seats are excellent at keeping the g-loaded driver and passenger snugly in place.

Not-as-good stuff: Brakes. Amazing on the street, a bit overwhelmed at the track. And that's it. Well, maybe more power-and a bit less weight. We hear Lotus is working on it.