Published: March 01. 2010 2:00AM

By Dan Byers
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The change of seasons is a perfect time to bring new color and excitement to your driving experience. If you crave more speed, better handling and a more elemental driving experience, the solution is easier than you may think.

Today’s cars are more complex than ever. The quest for safer, more luxurious cars has created a challenge for designers of high performance models — how do you equip a vehicle with the comforts and conveniences today’s consumer expects without sacrificing performance and driving experience by packing on the extra pounds?

The designers at Lotus understand this better than anyone. Too much weight kills performance. As these two models demonstrate, the Lotus philosophy of high performance through light weight answers this question with style.

2010 Lotus Exige S240

Since its inception over 60 years ago, the Lotus philosophy always has been high performance through light weight. The Exige embraces this concept and pushes the envelope of design to maximize performance while minimizing weight. The result is a car that’s as exciting to look at as it is to drive.

The aluminum chassis is constructed with aerospace epoxy bonding techniques and weighs only 150 pounds, enabling the Exige to weigh in at an unbelievable 2,077 pounds without sacrificing amenities such as standard air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, power windows, dual airbags, and high performance audio systems. Despite its extremely light weight, the Exige’s structure is tough enough to meet all U.S. government crash standards.

Light weight is the secret to the Exige’s incredible performance. A roof integrated air intake scoop feeds air to a 240hp, 1.8 liter supercharged engine mated to an aluminum six-speed manual gearbox. Available launch and traction control launch the Exige from 0 to 60 mph in a scorching 4.1 seconds, blowing through the 100 mph barrier in approximately 10 seconds on its way to a top speed of 150 mph. Light weight benefits efficiency as well as performance, helping the trim little Lotus to achieve 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

Like all Lotus cars, the functional components are beautifully integrated into a remarkable design. The race-inspired rear wing, angular air intakes and sleek body give the car a decidedly aggressive stance without sacrificing balance and agility. But like all true sports car, the car’s beauty is best experienced behind the wheel. Lotus is known for its racing heritage, and nowhere is this more apparent than in its handling. Steering response is quick and precise, and the fully independent suspension provide exceptional grip without sacrificing ride comfort.

All-New 2010 Lotus Evora

The first all-new Lotus in 14 years is a further testament to the Lotus tradition. As the only mid-engine 2+2 sports car in production, the Evora blends high performance, dramatic design, and the exclusivity of today’s best exotics with the ability to take two more friends along for the ride. Lotus is famous for its head-turning design, and the new Evora design language solidifies this reputation. The car is nimble and quick and looks smaller than it actually is. The 2+2 configuration and ample room for luggage showcase a practical side to an award winning design.

Handling characteristics and performance are quintessentially Lotus, with a 3.5-litre V-6 producing 276 hp at 6,400 rpm and 258 lb./ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. The Evora uses the same innovative lightweight chassis technology as the Elise and Exige, yielding exceptional handling, performance, and fuel economy. The Evora rips from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds on its way to a top speed over 160 mph, all while delivering 30+ miles per gallon on the highway.

The interior of the Evora is just as breathtaking as its exterior. Sophisticated yet simple, the hand-stitched leather trim, aluminum instrument and center console surfaces and Recaro seating create a true driver’s environment, and aluminum pedals and leather-wrapped steering wheel allow the driver to feel, not just drive, the road. An Alpine audio system with available touch-screen navigation, iPod (and other MP3 player) connectivity, keep the driver and passengers entertained and make the Evora a joy to drive every day.