Lotus first showed the updated styling of the 2011 Elise model at the Geneva Auto Show earlier this year, but now the company has released some big powertrain changes and impressive new fuel economy numbers. Gone is the old 1.8-liter 4-cylinder in favor of a 1ZR-FAE 1.6-liter Toyota engine with Valvematic and Dual VVT-I. It makes 134-hp and 118 ft-lbs of torque and when paired to a six-speed manual transmission can hit 62-mph in 6.5 seconds – due mostly to the car’s incredibly low curb weight of just 1,930 lbs..

Thanks to the new engine, light weight and some aerodynamic tweaks for 2011, Lotus claims the new Elise can get 56.1 mpg (46.7 mpg U.S.). That number, however, is on the European test cycle, which is far more generous than the EPA numbers here in the U.S. And with just 149 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer, Lotus claims the new Elise is the least polluting gasoline sports car in the world.

We’ve contacted Lotus Cars USA to see if the North American Elise will also be getting the new, smaller 1.6-liter engine and will report back as soon as we know.

[*UPDATE*] According to Lotus Cars USA PR Head Kevin Smith the North American-spec Elise will continue to use the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder in the 2010 model [*UPDATE*]

GALLERY: 2011 Lotus Elise

On display for the first time at the Geneva Auto Show is the 2011 Elise, which has been given a mild work-over to help keep it looking fresh. Upgrades for both the standard Elise and Elise SC include revised body work with a new rear bumper, engine cover and a more aggressive front clamshell. The new design certainly looks like the work of Lotus design boss and former Ferrari designer Donato Coco. The 2011 models will also stand out thanks to the use of LED lighting for the headlights and signal indicators.

The new aerodynamic body has resulted in a four percent reduction in drag on the car, resulting in slightly improved fuel economy. In addition, a new standard cast wheel appears for 2011 while Lotus also has a new optional forged aluminum wheel, which saves a total of 4.7 lbs over the standard cast units.

Apart from those changes the Elise and Elise SC stay pretty much unchanged, which isn’t a bad thing as they’re so fabulous to begin with. The Elise continues to be powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder making 189-hp, while the supercharged Elise SC puts out 15 percent more power for a total of 218-hp.

Be sure to browse through the gallery below and let us know what you think of the mild redesign.

GALLERY: 2011 Lotus Elise

For 2011 Lotus has decided to give its hallmark sports car, the Elise, a mild update. Upgrades for both the standard Elise and Elise SC include revised body work with a new rear bumper, engine cover and a more aggressive front clamshell. The new design certainly looks like the work of Lotus design boss and former Ferrari designer Donato Coco. The 2011 models will also stand out thanks to the use of LED lighting for the headlights and signal indicators.

The new aerodynamic body has resulted in a four percent reduction in drag on the car, resulting in slightly improved fuel economy. In addition, a new standard cast wheel appears for 2011 while Lotus also has a new optional forged aluminum wheel, which saves a total of 4.7 lbs over the standard cast units.

Apart from those changes the Elise and Elise SC stay pretty much unchanged, which isn’t a bad thing as they’re so fabulous to begin with. The Elise continues to be powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder making 189-hp, while the supercharged Elise SC puts out 15 percent more power for a total of 218-hp.

Be sure to browse through the gallery below and let us know what you think of the mild redesign. Is there too much Ferrari influence in this car?

Click here for AutoGuide’s live 2010 Geneva Auto Show coverage starting Monday, March 1st.

GALLERY: 2011 Lotus Elise

Official release after the jump:

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