ENHANCED ELISE; Lotus adjusts its roadster to expand market.(News)

Byline: Kevin A. Wilson

Owners of the 2006 Elise might be tempted to use the little Lotus for daily driving. At less than 2000 pounds, it's pretty efficient with a tank of fuel, and it's so small it's darned easy to park just about anywhere. Compared to last year, the '06 is a little more driver-friendly, with improvements for drivability, value and even comfort.

Now don't worry. Lotus didn't put a navigation system or heated seats in the Elise-mostly, it just responded to its opinionated, hard-core owner body. For instance, a Torsen limited-slip differential is optional, by request of the autocrossing contingent. Similarly, forged wheels that cut 20 pounds of unsprung weight are a stand-alone option with the standard Yokohama AD07 tires. Previously, these lighter wheels were only available in the Sport Package, with stiffer springs and shocks and Yokohama AD048 LTS ultra-high-performance tires (all standard on Exige, but $2,450 extra on Elise). Competition drivers now may opt for the $2,495 Track Package: 10-way adjustable Bilstein shock absorbers, five-point adjustable front antiroll bar, a rear track link reinforcing the suspension pickup points, and a roll hoop with fittings for a racing harness.

All '06 Loti have a new electronic drive-by-wire throttle-necessary to stay atop emissions regulations. It also enabled an optional traction control system ($495). Like the ABS, it's set up to intervene in only extreme circumstances. It can be shut off completely and is not to be mistaken for stability control.

The by-wire throttle feels different-the mechanical sensation of stretching a cable connected to the engine is gone-but also provides superior responsiveness and better modulation. It required reengineering the pedal set, so the original iconic extruded alloy trio was supplanted with aluminum footpads attached to stronger forged-steel arms. It's lighter (though less pretty) than the original pedal set, and the engineers made other improvements. Reducing free play in the brake pedal improved feel and eases heel/toe operation. And with a little more room between pedals, driving mocs are still a good idea but you can get by with sneakers.

The shifter has been strengthened-vehicle development manager Nick Adams says America saw a spike in warranty claims to over 4 percent, or about 10 cars with broken shifters, so now it's ...