This 2014 Lotus Elan won't just have a 450 HP V8, but its design was inspired by Mario Andretti's 1978 Formula One car. We didn't realize F1 used to have roofs, but who cares when there's a lotus this hot.
The Elan is going to be sort of the 911 of the Lotus family, a practical, 2+2 supercar that can still hoon with the best of ‘em. It ditches the 5.0-liter V8 of its larger siblings for a 4.0-liter forced-induction V6 making 444 HP and 343 Lb-Ft of torque. Sadly, the V6 doesn't mimic the V8's sky high rev limit, only reaching a still-respectable 7,800 RPM. Also like its big brothers, regen brakes will be optional.
The best part about the Elan? It weighs just 2,800 Lbs, very impressive for a four-seat supercar. That light weight helps it reach a top speed of 193 MPH and hit 62 MPH in just 3.5 seconds. Sadly, the only available transmission will be a 7-speed dual-clutch, enthusiasts of using the brake and the gas at the same time need not apply.
Expected to go on sale Autumn, 2013, the Elan will retail for around $118,000, at least at current exchange rates. And no, we don't have any idea how it's supposedly based on that F1 car.