In today's automotive world, huge horsepower numbers, insane torque figures, and quad turbochargers, it is almost funny to hear a horsepower figure like 270.  Let's be honest, most minivans and SUVs have more horsepower than that.  However, the beauty of power to weight ratio is that it doesn't take much horsepower to achieve amazing acceleration figures, our favorite case being the Aerial Atom.  Lotus seems to have mastered the game of affordable power-to-weight monsters, however, with its Elise/Exige lineup.  They've raised the bar with the new 270E, making it eco-friendly and able to run off of either methanol, ethanol, or even regular gasoline.

The Exige platform has proven itself many times over as a phenomenal track performer.  It is one of the most popular choices for weekend racers and autocross junkies.  The new 270E is sure to be even more popular with its improved power and acceleration figures.  Sixty miles per hour comes in a blistering 3.88 seconds, with a similar top speed of 158 mph.  Remember folks, this is on merely 270 eco-friendly horsepower.  The engine is the same tried-and-true 1.8 liter supercharged and intercooled 2JZ-GE Toyota engine. 

No plans to market the car have been announced yet, but with the tightening clean air regulations, as well as rising fuel prices, more eco-friendly and alternative fuel sports cars are sure to surface.  Stay tuned to RPM Planets and Planet Euro for more information on the 270E and other great cars. 

Images courtesy of Autoblog.com