Da Autoexpress..

Loads Of Trouble, Usually Serious? That won't be the case with the next Lotus Elise - it will be powered by a paragon of reliability. Thanks to our network of top spies, Auto Express can exclusively reveal that the Norfolk firm is trialling a fleet of Elises fitted with 2.5-litre V6 Toyota Camry engines

Cars using the experimental powerplant have been spotted near Lotus's Hethel HQ, while further development vehicles are disguised behind Vauxhall VX220 bodywork - the two models are built side-by-side on the same production line. If the V6 gets the go-ahead, it could spell the end of plans to introduce a turbocharged Elise, as the performance will satisfy driving enthusiasts.

Lotus has also hinted that the car's bodywork could be restyled by the end of next year in a bid to move the range upmarket and rival the likes of the Porsche Boxster and TVR Tamora. The V6 is set to cost from £30,000 and could be on sale by the end of 2003.