The Lotus Elite is the new Lotus gentleman's car, offering a trick retractable hardtop with up to 600 hp thanks to a KERS-inspired hybrid boost system and, probably, the new "Lotus" V8. They say it's full of wonderful contradictions.

This is the the Lotus Elite, the new "compact" convertible GT sports car we been told to expect from the close-to-our-bossom blossom-named-brand. What we weren't expecting? A folding hardtop, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and an unheard-of-for-Lotus weight. Beefcake!

Welcome to Project Car Hell, where you choose your eternity by selecting the project that's the coolest... and the most hellish! Doesn't everyone want to own a Lotus at some point? Hell yes!

Welcome to Project Car Hell, where you choose your eternity by selecting the project that's the coolest... and the most hellish! Want an oddball European project, but you're living in a hobo jungle? Problem solved!

Well over a year has passed since a British engine received Engine Of The Day honors, so let's visit the legendary "Torqueless Wonder" Lotus.