ELISE
The name Lotus is synonymous with sublime handling and poised vehicle dynamics around the world. The Elise leads the way with its lightweight, state-of-the-art, extruded and bonded aluminium chassis, allied to motorsport derived double wishbone suspension with body panels made from lightweight composite. Its unique design ensures an extremely rigid chassis, and the perfect foundation for an agile sports car.
Since its launch, the Elise has been hailed as one of the best sports cars that money can buy, creating perfect harmony between driver and machine. The latest generation to carry the evocative name retains the supple road holding, fluid dynamics and tactile feedback of the original and combines this with efficient performance and economy.
Its compelling agility is a given. The incredibly lightweight, stiff chassis and finely tuned wishbones and dampers, allied to Lotus DPM and sticky Yokohama tyres provide absolute handling precision. No other sports car tackles the open road with the verve of an Elise, where every driver input has such a clear and measurable effect on the car’s behaviour.
ELISE SPORT
How many compact sportscars can blast from 0-60mph in just 6.0 seconds (0-100kph in 6.5secs)? The super-light Elise Sport can at just 1,909lbs (866kgs). It is the timelessly stylish, lightweight composite body, attached to an equally light aluminium alloy chassis-tub that forms the basis for several other Lotus models. That’s what does it. Yet, it is strong, which allows its suspension to work impressively, resisting body roll but remaining taut enough for the ultimate sportscar thrills, while retaining damping compliance that affords the Elise Sport an astonishingly good ride quality. It is Lotus years of experience and irrepressible talent that allow a car like Elise Sport to be created.
Small capacity is not a hindrance to the entry-level Elise. Its multi-valve 1.6-litre engine delivers a sparkling 134bhp (136PS). Select the first of its six close-ratio gears and the forwards delivery is electric. Its 155bhp/tonne (157PS/1000kgs) enables a V-max of 127mph (204kph), yet its Combined fuel economy is given as 44.8 mpg (6.3l/100km) and CO2 emissions are just 149g/km. This is affordable sportscar ownership by any judgement.
Underpinning every Elise is the most efficient, strongest and low weight extruded and bonded chassis-tub. Based on more than 60 years of racing car developments, its torsional rigidity is outstanding. It allows the suspension to work most effectively, to provide unparalleled grip, a comfortable ride and a dynamic balance that is exceptional. An electronic differential lock (EDL) helps to tame any over-exuberance (for which you can be forgiven).
However inelegant some safety features can be, Lotus incorporates them within its cars as elements of the design package. The lightweight chassis is protected by safety zones. LED supplementary lighting makes your Elise easier to see. Its advanced braking system works with the driver to avoid unfortunate incidents. Twin airbags are part of the safety equipment.
ELISE SPORT 220
Responding to a demand for more power and torque, Lotus took its super-lightweight Elise Sport, added 200cc to the engine, along with an Eaton supercharger to turn ‘bristling’ into ‘blistering’ performance. Of course, a vibrant performance envelope is helped immeasurably by the weight conscious nature of the Elise. The Elise Sport 220 is the result. Despite a dramatic power increase, the overall kerbweight of the Elise Sport 220 increases by only 105lbs (48kgs) over the stock Elise Sport. As a result, its power to weight ratio is a significant 237bhp/tonne (241PS/1,000kg). The result is soul-stirring performance to keep you ahead of the crowd. Driving purity in reality.
A modest increase in engine capacity to 1.8-litres, its induction supplemented by an Eaton supercharger, means that the power takes an upwards hike to an outstanding 217bhp (220PS). Select the first of the Elise Sport 220, six, close-ratio gears and the forwards delivery is guaranteed to startle. Its 237bhp/tonne (241PS/1000kgs) enables a V-max of 145mph (234kph), yet its Combined fuel economy is given as 37.7mpg (7.5l/100km) and CO2 emissions are only 173g/km. Lotus proves that sportscar ownership can remain affordable.
Underpinning every Elise Sport 220 is the most efficient, strongest and low weight extruded and bonded chassis-tub. Based on more than 60 years of racing car developments, its torsional rigidity remains outstanding, even with a substantial power increase. It allows the suspension to work most efficiently, to provide unparalleled grip, a comfortable ride and a dynamic balance that is unquestionably excellent. An electronic differential lock (EDL) helps to tame any over-exuberance (for which you ought to be forgiven).
However inelegant some safety features can be, Lotus incorporates them within its cars as elements of the design package. The lightweight chassis is protected by safety zones at the front, rear and on both sides. LED supplementary lighting makes your Elise Sport 220 easier to see both day and night. Its advanced braking system works with the driver to avoid unfortunate incidents. Twin airbags are part of the safety equipment.
ELISE CUP 250
Proving that less is more, Lotus’ high performance Cup version of the famous Elise has shed 21 kg and gained 26 hp. Weighing in at 931 kg, and capable of 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, the Elise Cup 250 is the fastest road-going Lotus Elise ever.
Powered by a new higher-output version of the supercharged, 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine, the Elise Cup 250 boasts 243 hp (246 PS) at 7200 rpm and 250 Nm of torque between 3500 rpm and 5500 rpm. A new supercharger pulley and high-flow fuel pump contribute to the car’s 261 hp/tonne headline figure.
Designed to suit all sports car fans, the Lotus Elise Cup 250 is available for the first time as a roadster as standard with a hard top available as an option. For those wanting to cut the car’s weight still further, and so boost performance, a Carbon Aero Pack is available, which cuts an extra 10 kg which reduces the mass to just 921 kg.
The aerodynamically optimised body kit provides 66 kg of downforce at 100 mph and an impressive 155 kg at maximum velocity of 154 mph. Shaping and working airflow over and around the bodywork has been key to delivering the car’s extremely focused handling. The optional Carbon Aero Pack replaces the standard front splitter, rear wing, rear diffuser and side floor-extensions with lightweight carbon components.
ELISE 250 SPECIAL EDITION
In a celebration of style and lightweight performance, and helping mark the 50th anniversary of the company’s famous Hethel site, Lotus has revealed the latest addition to its collection: the Elise 250 Special Edition.
Based on the critically acclaimed Elise Cup 250, but featuring a raft of exclusive components as standard, the Lotus Elise 250 Special Edition offers an outstanding combination of performance and panache. With a supercharged 243 hp engine, a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds, and a unique, hand-finished interior, it perfectly defines the quintessential British sportscar in this celebration year.
As an antidote to sterilised and staid modern cars, Lotus’ approach continues to deliver the purest, undiluted driving experience. Tipping the scales at just 899 kg, through the utilisation of advanced materials including carbon fibre and aluminium, the Elise 250 Special Edition remains true to the company’s philosophy of ‘Light is Right’ and is capable of humbling far more common, yet expensive, rivals.
Draped in a composite body and finished in one of four of the firm’s favourite colours, the Elise 50th Anniversary Special Edition is limited to just 50 examples. With a high specification as standard, and benchmark engineering, it combines traditional British craftsmanship with the best of contemporary design. From the hand-made carbon components, to the hand-finished leather seats, it sets the standard for exclusive sports cars.
ELISE RACE 250 (TRACK ONLY)
The new Elise Race 250 benefits from the continuous design philosophy of Lotus and its perpetual quest to evolve all constituent parts, lightening and optimising them. At the core of the new car lies the company’s famous Lotus’ aluminium vehicle chassis technology. Employing strong and stiff lightweight extrusions joined by epoxy adhesive, it’s both immensely strong and torsionally stiff yet, the chassis for the Elise Race 250 tips the scales at just 68 kgs.
Eligible for many race series around the world, this sensational new Elise has been developed to meet the high demands of the track, with a raft of performance-orientated features as standard. Packing a supercharged, 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine with a 6 speed manual gearbox, the Elise Race 250 boasts 243 hp (246 PS) at 7200 rpm and an impressive 250 Nm of torque between 3500 rpm and 5500 rpm.
Delivering a level of ability you’d expect from one of the world’s most famous racing marques, every aspect of the Lotus Elise Race 250 has been optimised to help slash lap times. This covers track-oriented features including Nitron adjustable dampers, uprated brake pads, FIA approved carbon fibre race seat with six-point racing harness, a removable steering wheel and a polycarbonate rear windscreen.
The Lotus Elise Race 250 also features a full aero package, including front splitter, rear diffuser, floor extensions and a rear wing. As a result, the car’s design generates substantial downforce, equal to 66 kg at 100 mph and 155 kg at maximum speed of 154 mph (248 km/h).