Series 1
The design of Lotus is "Performance through light weight", first adopted by the founder of Lotus, Colin Chapman. The motto drives Lotus to obtain very high performance with lightweight cars in spite of their relatively modest power outputs, with a strong emphasis on driving purity and dynamics.
Although high-tech, it represented affordable cost of ownership for sports car lovers on a budget who still wanted performance and looks.
Besides the "standard" higher-performance variants listed below, Lotus also released some limited edition models such as Sport 135 (1998/9) with approx 145 bhp (108 kW), Sport 160 (2000) with 150–160 bhp (112–119 kW) and Sport 190 (allegedly 190bhp / 142 kW). These were more competent on track with sports suspension, wheels and tyres, seats according to model. There were other special editions which were basically cosmetic treatments such as the 50th Anniversary Edition (green/gold) celebrating 50 years of Lotus cars, the Type 49 ("Gold Leaf" red and white two-tone), and Type 72 ("JPS" black/gold) to recall their successful Grand Prix car type numbers.
111SThe original Elise, called the Series 1 faster edition called the 111S, named after the Lotus type-number of the Elise — M111. The 111S was introduced in early 1999 and contained the VVC engine, a Rover K-Series engine with a modified head and VVT type technology rather than the standard Rover 1.8 L K-series unit. It also had more padding in the seats to the horror of purists and the relief of those with nerve endings in their bottoms.
340RIn 2000, the 340R limited edition model, based on a Series 1 Elise was introduced. This roofless car was a special edition, limited to only 340 cars being built. The name 340 refers to the 340 bhp/tonne (254 kW/tonne) power-to-weight ratio of the original prototype which had 177 bhp (131 kW) while weighing just 500 kg. The final production versions however weighed 568 kg in race trim.
ExigeAlso in 2000, Lotus introduced the Exige — a hardtop version of the Elise with the 177 bhp (131 kW) engine from the 340R — as well as different front and rear clams, larger wheels, and a rear wing. Many models received an upgrade to 190 bhp (142 kW) with better driveability due to changes to ECU and cam timing.
Series 2
Announced on October 9 2000, the Series 2 Elise was a redesigned Series 1 using a slightly modified version of the Series 1 chassis and the same K-series engine with a brand new Lotus-developed ECU.
The design of the body paid homage to the still-born M250 project and was the first Lotus to be designed on computer. The Series 2 Elise is built on the same production line also created for the Vauxhall VX220/Opel Speedster in a newer facility at Hethel. Both cars shared many parts, including the chassis, although they have totally different drivetrains and powerplants. The Vauxhall / Opel version ceased production in 2004.
The series 2 was also available as a 111S model, with the VVT engine technology. Also released was the Lotus Sport 160, which is a Lotus 111S Series 2 with the additional track handling package. The 111S models were discontinued in 2005.
111RThis Series 2 Elise model comes in European 111R version or a version sold in North America, called the Federal Elise. It is powered by the all-aluminium 189 hp (141 kW) Yamaha-designed, Toyota-produced 2ZZ-GE engine, has a Toyota gearbox and is acclaimed as the best version of the Elise to date, with tremendous performance numbers, with many tests resulting in 0–60 mph (0–100 km/h) in approximately 4.9 seconds or 4.7 seconds with the Sport Package.
The 2005 Lotus Elise was the first to be sold commercially in the United States, in the summer of 2004. Approval for the Elise, however, required intervention by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) who provided a three-year exemption for the car, as it had failed to meet US bumper regulations. The next-generation Elise, due in 2007, will be required to comply with the rules unless Lotus gets an exemption extension, like it did on multiple occasions with its previous USA distributed car, the Esprit.
This model has been followed up by the 2006 Model Year Elise 111R and SportRacer models. Lotus made a limited edition (50 in the US) version of the Lotus Elise as well, called the Lotus Elise Sport.
2006 models also differ from the 2005 models in a few aspects. 2006 models sport LED tail lights, drive-by-wire, an updated ECU, improved gas mileage, as well as more comfortable seats.
PowerTrainRate Price around $42,990.00
Engine 1.8L I-4 190 HP
Transmission 6-spd man w/OD
Axle Ratio 4.53
Fuel Type premium unleaded
Fuel Tank 10.6 gal.
Exhaust stainless steel with chrome tailpipe finish
Drive Type rear-wheel
Limited Slip Differential Available:
limited slip differential
Traction Control Available:
driveline
SafetyAnti-Lock Brakes (ABS) 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS)
Daytime Running Lights daytime running lights
Center High Mounted Stop Light center high mounted stop light
Front Impact Airbags driver and passenger
Side Impact Bars side impact bars
Seatbelt Pretensioners front
Ignition Disable ignition disable
Security System security system
Dimensions and CapacitiesDoor Count 2 doors
Maximum Cargo Volume 4.1 cu.ft.
Exterior Length 149.0 "
Exterior Width 67.7 "
Exterior Height 45.0 "
Wheelbase 91 "
Front Tread 57 "
Rear Tread 59 "
Turning Radius 16.4 '
Curb Weight 1,984 lbs.
Front Legroom 43.5 "
Front Headroom 36.5 "
Interior Cargo Volume 4.1 cu.ft.
