Lotus Elise news - Happy Birthday to us - 2008

News of a new Lotus! That hasn't happened in, ooh, about two weeks now. So here it is, the latest in a (very) long line of individual Elises.

See, in case you'd forgotten, Lotus is celebrating 60 years of lightweight existence this year.

This Elise, modded up by Bradford-based tuner Kahn Design, is yet another subtle reminder that they really, really want a proper card and a cake.

On the outside, the Kahn Elise gets beefed-up bodywork, Aston DBS-style 19-inch wheels and a long, sweeping spoiler.

Inside you'll find much splashing around of the Kahn logo, while all that sparse, weight-saving work that went into the Elise has been shunned in favour of some plush leather seats.

Performance wise, changes are subtle. There's a Kahn sports exhaust to enhance the air flow system and boost the numbers a bit - an extra 10-15bhp, perhaps - and lowered suspension thanks to some trick new dampers.

No firm figures or prices yet, but all should be revealed at a special event to unveil the Kahn Design Elise at the Lotus plant in Hethel next month. An event to celebrate Lotus' 60th birthday.

Because, in case it'd slipped your mind, Lotus is 60. Sixty. Is it time to open the presents yet?