Norwich, England  - The British sports car manufacturer, Lotus, has pepped-up the predecessor S with the new Lotus Europa SE model and improved performance, modified the chassis and the AP four-piston, racing-brake system.

The turbocharged, two-litre engine has increased performance by 12 per cent at 225 hp. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h is listed at 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 235 km/h. But it is a bit of a petrol-guzzler at 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres.

Improving the ride is a chassis which has been lowered by 10 millimetres and tighter set-up. The interior comes standard with a wooden gear knob and leather upholstery, but does without the Blaupunkt navigation system in the predecessor.

The SE comes with driver and passenger airbags and a standard start button. But the Electronic Stability Programme is not standard and is not optionally available.

The SE sells for 50,000 euros (64,560 dollars) in Europe. (dpa)