Mid-Engine Sportscar Throwdown: Lotus Eagle Vs. 2010 Porsche Cayman
After its M250 concept went down in flames, many thought Lotus wouldn't try to build a "real-world" sportscar again. Though the Europa brought a little more livability (and a lot more ugly) to the hardworking Elise platform, it hasn't done much for Colin Chapman's progeny. Car reports that Lotus is having another go, reviving the M250 concept back with a new set of clothes and a new 'tude. With a 276hp Toyota V6, the Eagle (not its real name) does zero to 60 in five seconds, hits 160mph and laps the Nurburgring considerably faster than its Elise stablemate. Unlike the spartan Elise, the new 2+2 offers traction control, cup holders, AC, Alpine ICE and antilock brakes. At about $90k, the 2009 Eagle is a little short of the "911 for Cayman money" goal. Speaking of which, the new, 2010 Porsche Cayman jumps from 245hp to 265hp. The Cayman S will offer 320 directly-injected horses. And here's news: the S gets an optional PDK dual-clutch gearbox (all versions will be more fuel-efficient). So it's Lotus prestige and limited production versus Porsche performance and cost advantages. I call dibs on the comparo.
More by Edward Niedermeyer
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Cute pre-assembled kit car for $90K vs. a Porsche.... let me think...
i saw an elise the other day, wow what a beautiful car. I wish it were 50% larger, so i would not have to be lifted into and out of it. I like Lotus, i like the cars, i would love to own one. A little bigger tho. THis one might be just the ticket.
jerseydevil: After renting an Elise in Australia a few years ago, I realized that you do not sit in the Elise, but wear it. Although it is a sweet ride, the connected-ness did not feel far superior to a Miata. If only they'd put the MazdaSpeed 3 motor in the Miata...